Forget about Toyota sedans like the Corolla or Camry. When you need to get some serious work done or want to go on an exciting adventure, you’re likely to look towards Toyota truck models for those needs.
What truck models does Toyota make?
- Tacoma: $26,150 – $44,075 (highly versatile mid-size pickup)
- Tundra: $33,675 – $48,775 (full-size with V8 power)
How much payload can Toyota trucks handle? Will I find a Toyota truck model that can tow my travel trailer with ease? What can I expect to find with a $30,000 budget? You have questions, and this article has the answers and data you’re looking for.
Toyota Tacoma: $26,150 – $44,075
Think of the mid-size Toyota Tacoma as the “Jack of All Trades” of the truck lineup, available in a dizzying array of configurations. You can choose between the Extended Cab and Crew Cab in your choice of six trim levels, from the barebones SR to the TRD Pro.
Speaking of the TRD Pro, it and the lesser TRD Off-Road trim offer trail-ready features, including a locking rear differential, Toyota’s Crawl Control system and, for the TRD Pro, a front skid plate and upgraded off-road shocks.
Here are a few of the Tacoma’s specs:
- Engine Options: 2.7L 4-cylinder (159 hp/180 lb.-ft.), 3.5L V6 (278 hp/265 lb.-ft.)
- Fuel Economy (city/highway): 20/23 (I4), 18/22 (V6)
- Max Towing Capacity: 6,800 lbs.
- Max Payload Capacity: 1,440 lbs.
The Tacoma also performs well under NHTSA and IIHS safety testing. You can also expect safety features like blind-spot monitoring, available trailer-sway control, vehicle stability control and an integrated backup camera.
- NHTSA: 4-star overall safety rating
- IIHS: “Good” rating, 2019 Top Safety Pick
Owner reviews for the Toyota Tacoma have been overwhelmingly positive, with most owners enjoying the comfort and relatively trouble-free motoring. It is a Toyota, after all. Older models lacked proper rust protection, which resulted in a recall to repair affected vehicles.
Toyota Tundra: $33,675 – $48,775
Priced around $33,675, the Tundra is the heavy hitter of the Toyota truck lineup. The Tundra’s imposing broad-shouldered looks belie a rather sophisticated machine. Six trims are on offer in your choice of Double Cab or Crew Cab with up to three cargo bed lengths to choose from.
The top-end TRD Pro stands out thanks to its off-road hardware, which includes a front skid plate and specialized shocks. The luxurious 1794 Edition gives you perforated leather-trimmed seats, wood grain accents and a power sliding rear window, among other features.
Current specs for the Toyota Tundra are as follows:
- Engine: 5.7L V8 (381 hp/401 lb.-ft.)
- Fuel Economy (city/highway): 13/17
- Max Towing Capacity: 10,200 lbs.
- Max Payload Capacity: 1,730 lbs.
While previous Tundras offered a smaller 310-hp 4.6L V8, the 5.7L version is the only game in town for 2020 onwards. The same can be said of the 276-hp 4.0L V6, which disappeared after the 2014 model year.
With the Tundra’s thirsty fuel habits, its 26.4-gallon fuel tank might seem a bit inadequate. Luckily, the optional 38-gallon tank will take care of any range anxiety you might have.
While the Tundra scores well under NHTSA testing, its IIHS results could be significantly better:
- NHTSA: 4-star overall safety rating
- IIHS: “Marginal” rating
Lane departure alert, pre-collision detection and adaptive cruise control are among the many safety features you’ll find on the Tundra.
The 2020 Toyota Tundra enjoys a good reputation among owners, scoring a 4.32-star Vehicle History owner review score and a 3.7 Expert Review.
