VS
At a Glance
Power
278hp @ 6000
389hp @ 5200
Torque
317lb-ft @ 1700
479lb-ft @ 2400
Fuel
22 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Towing
6300lbs
11120lbs
Engine
2.4 L/146ci
3.4 L/210ci
Choosing between the Toyota Tacoma and the Toyota Tundra is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Toyota Tacoma delivers 278hp @ 6000 while the Toyota Tundra produces 389hp @ 5200. On fuel, the Tacoma returns 22 mpg est. while the Tundra uses 20 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $53,470 for the Tacoma and $54,860 for the Tundra. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Toyota TacomaLimited Double Cab 5' Bed AT (Natl) 2026 - From $53,470
Toyota TundraLimited CrewMax 5.5' Bed (Natl) 2026 - From $54,860
Performance
Power Output (hp)
278hp @ 6000
389hp @ 5200
Torque (lb-ft)
317lb-ft @ 1700
479lb-ft @ 2400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.4 L/146ci
3.4 L/210ci
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (2025)mpg
17 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
23 (2025)mpg
22 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.2gal
32.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
213in
233.6in
Width (in)
77.9in
80.2in
Height (in)
74.6in
78in
Wheelbase (in)
131.9in
145.7in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4715lbs
5490lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
6300lbs
11120lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tundra
Fuel Economy
Tacoma
Value
Tacoma
Practicality
Tundra
Pros & Cons
Toyota Tacoma
Better fuel economy (22 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($53,470)
Few notable weaknesses
Toyota Tundra
Higher towing capacity (11120lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (20 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tacoma or Tundra?
The Tacoma gets 22 mpg est. and the Tundra gets 20 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Tacoma is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Tacoma or Tundra?
The Tacoma produces 278hp @ 6000 and 317lb-ft @ 1700 of torque while the Tundra delivers 389hp @ 5200 and 479lb-ft @ 2400 of torque. The Tundra is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Tacoma and Tundra?
The Tacoma starts from $53,470 and the Tundra from $54,860. The Tacoma is cheaper by $1,390 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Tacoma or Tundra?
The Tacoma has a braked towing capacity of 6300lbs and the Tundra can tow 11120lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Tacoma or the Tundra?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.