Help us choose... Tacoma vs. Tundra

[bigfoot]

We've pretty much decided that it's time to get another truck in the not-so-distant future. (Previous ride was an '06 Silverado 4x4, 4.8L V8, reg cab, short bed). With all the Toyota experts here, I thought this would be the best place to float the question... if you had to choose one, which would it be -- Tacoma or Tundra?

As far as the Tacoma goes, the V6 4.0L AT 4x4 Double Cab is in one corner, while the Tundra V8 4.6L AT 4x4 Double Cab is in the other.

We will be using this as a daily driver, in addition to hauling around a 90lb. German Shepherd, the usual road trips, fishing, camping, and exploring USFS and BLM lands. Planning to put a camper shell on it as well. As far as trailers go, nothing at this time, although maybe something lightweight in the future (small travel trailer, TAB, etc.). Needs to have expansion room for future kids/car seats, too.

After comparing them at the dealership, the prices between the Tacoma and Tundra are practically the same (~$30K). Yet the Tacoma seems to hold its value better over time and has longevity going for it. But the Tundra is roomier and more HP. The Tacoma has the edge on MPG, but not by much.

So fire away, let us know what you think!

 

[Overland Hadley]

Do you need the extra space in the bed that comes with the Tundra?

 

[bigfoot]

I think we could do fine with the smaller bed of the Tacoma, but it might be tight coming from the 6' bed of the Silverado once we put the dog in there.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

Just my opinion..but if you add bigger tires, gear, and all the other stuff we love to carry with us... the Tacoma will run out of room first, then power. The Tundra is bigger, "stronger" and will have plenty of power on tap no matter how much stuff you cram in it... once again.. just mu opinion...and why I own a Tundra...lol

 

[bigfoot]

Good point -- nice to have more and not need it, than less wanting more.

Aside from bed size, is there anything that favors one over the other? I'm assuming reliability and repair costs run roughly the same, as they are both Toyotas. One thought is that the Tacomas have been around for years, relatively unchanged, while the Tundras seem to still be evolving.

Some online reviews have folks squawking about everything from the thinness of the paint to the transmissions "hunting" for the right gear. And this is in both the Tacoma and Tundra camps. I have no idea how credible these reports are.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

Good point -- nice to have more and not need it, than less wanting more.

Aside from bed size, is there anything that favors one over the other? I'm assuming reliability and repair costs run roughly the same, as they are both Toyotas. One thought is that the Tacomas have been around for years, relatively unchanged, while the Tundras seem to still be evolving.

Some online reviews have folks squawking about everything from the thinness of the paint to the transmissions "hunting" for the right gear. And this is in both the Tacoma and Tundra camps. I have no idea how credible these reports are.

Well the new Tundras have suspension components on par with a ford super duty... the Tacoma... not so beefy..although plenty strong for 90% of the people that use them.



If you look at it in the sense of guns..the Tacoma is a 9mm the Tundra is a .45... both will kill ya.. but what one woudl you want your wife to use on an intruder...lol

 

[ywen]

really? a new tundra for 30K? it must be a base model?

 

[bigfoot]

If you look at it in the sense of guns..the Tacoma is a 9mm the Tundra is a .45... both will kill ya.. but what one woudl you want your wife to use on an intruder...lol

Good one! :xxrotflma

 

[bigfoot]

really? a new tundra for 30K? it must be a base model?

Nope! 2011 Tundra Double Cab w/4.6L V8 4WD for $31,750 here in Oregon.

 

[just eric]

I'd consider where you live and the types of "trails" you'll be driving in relation to width and wheelbase. If you wont be venturing that far into the land of trees, roots, and rocks then it may not be of concern but I just spent the weekend offroad and the vehicle with the longest wheelbase (nissan rontier double cab) sustained a good deal of damage on the narrow trails of the PNW. Just a thought...

 

[jh504]

I'd consider where you live and the types of "trails" you'll be driving in relation to width and wheelbase. If you wont be venturing that far into the land of trees, roots, and rocks then it may not be of concern but I just spent the weekend offroad and the vehicle with the longest wheelbase (nissan rontier double cab) sustained a good deal of damage on the narrow trails of the PNW. Just a thought...

X2

If I were weighing the two vehicles that would be a main factor. I would love to have the room and load capacity of a Tundra. However, here in the southeast, the Tundra would be a VERY tight fit on most of the trails we frequent. It could make it, but it would get very banged up in the process.

 

[MotoDave]

I couldn't see doing much technical off-roading in anything bigger than my T100, which happens to be the same size as the new tacomas. I've got a buddy with a new double cab tacoma who has a dog and a kid,m and it seems to fit them OK. He's get 2 on the way and debated stepping up to a Tundra, but decided to put a camper shell on the back and let the dog ride there instead.

If your off road excursions are on the milder side, or if the trails around you arent tight, I'd definitely think about the Tundra for the added space. Have you considered the previous generation double cab tundra? They are a more manageable size IMO.Plus then you're not off roading a $40k truck.

 

[RU55ELL]

Have you considered the previous generation double cab tundra? They are a more manageable size IMO.Plus then you're not off roading a $40k truck.

Exactly what I was thinking. It's a good compromise between the latest Tacoma and Tundra models.

 

[AlwaysExplr87]

I tend to think smaller is better when it comes to a vehicle. Do you have kids or often carry people on trips? I have an access cab taco and I think you are planning to use your truck alot like I do (not hardcore wheeling but getting out and exploring) Yea size isnt as big of an issue if your not doing technical trails but just driving a big truck around all the time sucks. I've driven my share of superduties and loathe driving anything bigger than my taco anywhere, period. A truck as big as the new tundra will be a bear to drive around the city, take up a ton of room on fireroads and forget it if you want to explore an offshoot. I typically carry my boxer/bulldog mix and one or two people, with enough gear and food to last 4-7 days and surfboards, skis, bikes etc... There have been a few times I wish I had a little more room but usually if I put any effort into packing that would be resolved. Know if your towing along kids that might be a whole new ballgame. I would also look at the previous gen tundra, but honestly I dont see where that has much of an advantage over a tacoma except cost. Plus the new tundys are ugly.

 

[zidaro]

when i went shopping in March my plan was to buy a DC Taco, once i realized the MPG and PRICE were nearly equivalent, well..... i ended up with a Crewmax. Boy, do i love it and am so thankful i did not get a taco, my LITTLE family would have fit fine but i sure like having extra comfort, space in the cab, and the power of a V8 . The 3 of us have filled it many times.
Personally, this is not my hardcore wheeler and i dont want to play on the Rubicon with it. It does great exploring all over the desert and forests of NE Cali and Nevada, we have been very happy with it. Now i am starting to mod it a bit to better the travels with a slide-in camper(weight) and make it a stronger, more independent vehicle. Good times. BTW- i seem to average in the mountains 16-18mpg with the 5.7L

Whichever you end up with, you will be fine and fit your stuff in, on, or behind- I just really enjoy having a bigger truck to do it with.

Oh, and i dont think my Tundra is ugly, but to each his own. Must be a complex of some sort? LOL