Help us choose... Tacoma vs. Tundra

[oxi]

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!

Tundra will be too big for trails and the extra weight will not help either...

 

[Spenser]

same issue, different result

I just was going through the same decisions. Previously had full size GMC/Chevy/ and then Jeep Commander. Traded 2 wd Tacoma and Commander in on 2010 DC Tacoma sport. Looked at Tundra at same time, couldnt live with the gas mileage issues, especially as a daily driver. Just took 5 people out for the night, no issues, will end up with cap for the dog/box and junk, but am getting 20 MPG around town, right out of the box.

 

[dutchoven]

I had the same questions about a year ago...I live in the southeast(tight trails) yet I haul my atv or bike(dual sport) along with gear for 3-4 days to various locations thru out the region. After some research I found that the gen 1 Tundra is around the same size as the Tacoma. I like Toyota reliability and available expo gear so I started looking and found a 1 owner '01 Tundra access cab TRD 4x4 with 60K that fit my budget. I really like the extra power of the V8 and I get about the same mpg as my running partner gets in his '01 double cab Tacoma 4x4, however, I can fit my atv or bike in the bed of the truck and he needs a trailer. Hauling a trailer up the trail to a secluded camp spot is not ideal. Long story short...both my buddies tacoma and my Tundra end up at the same camp spot, I just don't have to worry about a trailer and all that trailer maintenance(ie: broken lights ,flat tires etc...) and I can tow my Ski Nautique at 60mph up a hill!

 

[Flagster]

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

x2
I hate my DC short bed bed...be careful if considering the short bed...it is tiny...even with a camper shell I can fit more behind the seat of my girlfriends outback...

 

[RU55ELL]

If you end up getting the Tacoma, I would spring for a DC with a long bed. I wish every day that I had the long bed.

Yes, I know you can't get the E-locker with the long bed, but the e-locker isn't the end-all, be-all either. If it were me, I would get a base model long bed and put an ARB locker in it.

 

[Overland Hadley]

A friend has a couple Tundras that he runs for his business, he said he gets 14 MPG with them.

 

[bigfoot]

Great feedback, thanks guys & gals, keep it coming! After weighing everything, the Tacoma seems like the better choice for an urban commuter rig / weekend wilderness toy. Too bad the long bed Tacos in 4WD are kinda hard to find -- our local dealer has none.

Can anyone comment about cab comfort after a long road trip in the Tacoma and/or Tundra? Climbing out of the Silverado was like getting up off your couch to turn the TV off. :sombrero:

 

[Overland Hadley]

I really like the upgraded TRD seats.

 

[Spenser]

mine has the sport seats, would highly recommend them over the standard SR5 versions. My 2 wd had basic seats, marked improvement on longer trip. I will say that my GMC and Chevy trucks were great road trucks, and the Tacoma is different, not better, not worse, just different if that makes any sense.

 

[RU55ELL]

Can anyone comment about cab comfort after a long road trip in the Tacoma and/or Tundra?

I took my family of 4 all the way from Houston to Angel Fire in 16hrs. The wife and kids slept in the truck while I drove the whole trip. The only time we ever got out was when we stopped for gas or to eat a meal. The last couple hours make you get restless, but I don't think it was because we were too cramped, just tired of being on the road. For reference, I am 6'4", my wife is 6', and the kids are 6 and 2; one in a booster, the other in a carseat.

 

[sandjunkie]

Just sold a ford F-350 crew cab long bed and a jeep wrangler unlimited to buy a 2011 Tacoma double cab. I love the truck. 20 mpg out of the box. Fits in the garage. Has enough space for the basics. I added a snug lid toneau cover. I can park it with ease and I can run the trails as well.

 

[AlwaysExplr87]

I will say that the seats in my SR5 are not the best. Anything up to 3 or 4 hours is cool but after that pressure points start to plague me. Of the 2500 silverados and f250/350s Ive driven they were a little better to sit in for extended periods of time. The TRD seats might be better but I dont have any extended sitting experience in them to comment.

Having said this I am pretty skinny and have problems sitting still for extended periods of time anyways.

Sandjunkie's post got me thinking. If you decide you want the room of a tundra and dont mind driving a land yacht, I would take a serious look at an f250 with a powerstroke. You get the room and reliability of the latest gen tundy but get improved aftermarket support, more power, and more consistent (probably better) MPG.

 

[timmer2008]

the tundra is longer wheel base and wider. which equates getting high centered much more often untill you lift it and can't squeeze through as many places.

the tacoma has a 6' bed (basically) 73.5"

much more aftermarket stuff for the taco

the v6 taco has a pretty high HP/LB ratio not sure about the tundra.

I wheeled my taco all around moab (c3-c4) this year and I had my wife and over 500# of provisions water fuel and gear in the back I didnt feel that I ever had any power issues.

 

[atavuss]

We considered the Tacoma vs. Tundra also. We ended up with a 09 double cab TRD 4x4 with auto and v-6 and later also bought a 2010 regular cab 4x4 with 4 cyl. and 5 spd. Tacoma.
the Tundra in our area was at least 10k more, the Tundra will not fit in our garage, the Tundra's fuel mileage was not as good as the Tacoma's were the main reasons for selecting the Tacomas. We also felt the Tacomas had higher resale value, especially the 4 door.

 

[fifthcircle]

I love my 06 ACC cab Tacoma. I think it's a great size, fits my needs well, and so far has been a great truck!

That being said....I like the Tundra a lot. It's just way too big for me. I like small to mid sized trucks. Just easier to get around in almost 100% of the time.

Tacoma:
Pros -
Ease of maneuverability,
Proven off road,
TONS of aftermarket,
Gas mileage in the low 20's (driving accordingly),
Plenty of power

Cons -
Smaller inside,
Smaller bed space (although the 6' bed is plenty for stuff and a dog!),
Purchase price is somewhat high,
Not the power of a V8.

Tundra:
Pros -
TONS of room all around,
Big stable vehicle,
Tough as anything else out there,
Power is on par with any other full size,
Purchase price the OP posted seems like a killer deal.

Cons -
It's big...really big,
The bigness and power will cost you at the gas pump,
The same bigness is going to be harder to park, and will get you into tough spots on tighter trails,
Even with a good deal, will still be more expensive than the Taco.

Personally, I think you will love either one. I would think that a Double Cab Tacoma TRD Sport with a Long Bed would be perfect for you.... If you can find that, it will have the limited slip rear end, and will do just fine off road. I have been in my TRD taco for over 1000mi in a day, and I didn't feel the seats were uncomfortable at any point.

Good luck with your decision :smiley_drive:
Post pics when you get it!!!