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• Toyota Tacoma Vs. Toyota Tundra

When viewed side by side, the first difference between the Toyota Tacoma vs. Toyota Tundra becomes all too clear: The Tundra is bigger than the Tacoma. What else sets these two trucks apart?

As you will see in the chart below, the Tundra is the more muscular hauler and has longer bed lengths. The Tacoma offers a better balance between size and performance and boasts perks like an available six-speed manual transmission, which is not found in the Tundra, and better fuel efficiency. Find out more in our McGee Toyota of Hanover comparison guide.

Toyota Tacoma vs. Toyota Tundra Specs Chart

Whether it is the contrast between the Toyota Tacoma vs. Toyota Tundra towing capacity or bed options, plenty of distinctions are present. Learn more below.

Toyota Tacoma vs. Toyota Tundra Size

The Tacoma is a midsize truck, and its segment shows up in its agile build. Two cab sizes, a two- and five-seater, can be mixed and matched with two bed sizes, either 5 or 6 feet long. The interior dimensions are well-balanced and more spacious than you might expect. However, you should aim for the Tundra if you want a more expansive cabin.

The Tundra is a full-size pickup. It can only be configured as a five-seat truck (with interior dimensions surpassing the Tacoma in many cases) and with either a 5.5-, 6.5- or 8.1-foot bed. Because there is no trunk in a pickup truck, the Toyota Tacoma vs. Toyota Tundra cargo space discussion becomes more of a decision on how large a truck bed you need to accommodate your hauling expectations.

In terms of payload, the 2025 Tacoma offers a maximum 1,705-pound capacity. The 2025 Tundra boasts up to 1,940 pounds of payload capacity.

Toyota Tacoma vs. Toyota Tundra Safety

Whatever you choose between the Toyota Tundra vs. Toyota Tacoma, you will drive away with an exceptionally safe and reliable truck. Both receive high honors from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety; the Tacoma is a Top Safety Pick,³ and the Tundra a Top Safety Pick+.³

A variation of the Toyota Safety Sense package comes standard in each model; the Tacoma gets the more advanced 3.0 version. Still, the suite comprises some of the same features for both, like the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Automatic High Beams.

Land on a Pickup Truck at McGee Toyota of Hanover

In a nutshell, the new Toyota Tacoma suits light off-roaders who love to weave through heavily forested areas and city streets.

Meanwhile, the new Toyota Tundra does well with truckers who need to tackle heavy towing jobs and carry more items. If you're interested in learning how the smaller model compares for hauling, check out our Toyota Tacoma towing capacity guide.

At McGee Toyota of Hanover, we have a deep appreciation for our entire Toyota inventory. Well-equipped, efficient, and built to last, Toyotas are an excellent option for any driver. Whether you're eyeing a Toyota Tundra or Tacoma truck, you're in good hands with our sales team, who will leave no stone unturned in the comparison. We can show you different customizations and upgrades or take you on a journey across the Toyota Tacoma vs. Toyota Tundra trims. The best decision comes down to which truck best fits the shape of your lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most efficient, the Toyota Tacoma or the Toyota Tundra?

Defining the "most efficient" as the model with the highest MPG rating available, the Tacoma wins with its i-FORCE MAX powertrain, which gets up to an EPA-estimated 23/24/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).¹ For comparison, the most efficient Tundra earns an EPA-estimated 20/24/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)¹ with its i-FORCE MAX engine.

Which truck is more suitable for daily commuting?

Between the 2025 Toyota Tacoma vs. Toyota Tundra, the Tacoma is narrowly considered the more practical choice for commuting. Its smaller size allows for more maneuverability and gives you a wider range of options in packed parking lots; it's also more fuel-efficient. If your commute consists of highways and open skies more than narrow urban streets, however, the Tundra will also do just fine as a daily driver.

How does the interior space compare between the Toyota Tacoma vs. Toyota Tundra?

The Toyota Tundra offers two five-passenger cabs, Double and CrewMax, and is known to have larger interior dimensions than the Tacoma in most cases. The Tacoma has the XtraCab and Double Cab; the former seats two, and the latter seats five. Although slight in some areas, the Tundra cabs are typically roomier for passengers than the Tacoma cabs. We recommend visiting to see which feels more comfortable for you.

¹Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.

²Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.

³Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit www.iihs.org.