Whether you’re looking for a work truck or a truck to haul your toys to the weekend getaway destination, Toyota has two great trucks to choose from in the 2021 lineup. If you’re looking to add a truck to your garage, definitely check out these options from Toyota. You may want to consider your primary use for your future truck as you compare towing capacity, interior space, and power. Panama City Toyota invites you to take a look at the 2021 Toyota Tacoma vs. the 2021 Toyota Tundra.
Available Trims
Image via Flickr under CC BY 2.0 by Jacob Frey 4A
Both the Tacoma and the Tundra have a boxy, beefy exterior that screams “truck” and appeals to drivers everywhere. While the Tacoma tends to give off a rugged and sporty feel, the Tundra emits a high-end, luxurious feel. The Tacoma rolls in on either 16-inch, 17-inch, or 18-inch wheels, depending on the trim level. Tundra starts off with 18-inch wheels with 20-inch wheels available on several trims.
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma is available in six different trim levels, the SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro. Standard rear-wheel drive is found on most trims, with an available option of part-time four-wheel drive on some trims. You can get the Tacoma in a regular cab, Access Cab (extended cab), or Double Cab (crew cab) and in either a 5-foot or 6.1-foot bed option.
You can get the 2021 Toyota Tundra in six trim levels as well. These trims are the SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, and TRD Pro. Optional four-wheel drive is available over the standard rear-wheel drive on all trims. The Tundra is also available as a regular cab, Access Cab, or Double Cab, but with three bed sizes available, depending on trim. Options for bed length include 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot, and 8.1-foot.
Interior Features
Tacoma’s base model has a 7-inch touch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to keep your passengers entertained along the way. It also offers three USB ports and a Wi-Fi hot spot as standard features. You can upgrade to an 8-inch touch screen and add a leather-wrapped steering wheel, wireless charging pad, a sunroof, leather upholstery, and a JBL audio system complete with navigation as you move up in trim levels. You can also add several packages to the Tacoma starting with the SR5, including a Technology package and a Dynamic Navigation package.
You get the same 7-inch touch screen infotainment system connected to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the base model of the Tundra. Move up to the Limited and beyond in order to add dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, the upgraded JBL audio system with navigation, and black leather seating. You can add packages starting with the SR5 again, such as the Premium Audio with Navigation that adds a USB media port and two USB charging ports.
Fuel-Efficiency And Performance
If you’re looking for a vehicle that gives you more time on the road, then the 2021 Tacoma would be your pick. The Tacoma has two engine options, depending on trim level, each paired with a six-speed transmission. The automatic transmission is standard with a six-speed manual transmission available on several trims. The standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine provides you with 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. When you upgrade to the available 3.5-liter V-6 option, it delivers 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque.
In comparison, the only engine option is a 5.7-liter V-8 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission on the Tundra gets you 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. If you’re looking for a little more power, then the Tundra is the right choice for you.
Towing Capacity
When it comes to hauling a work trailer, camper, boat, or even heavy-duty machinery to a job site, you need to have enough power to make it happen. Here’s where the 2021 Tundra stands out. The Tundra can tow up to 10,200 pounds when properly equipped, thanks to the integrated tow hitch and TripleTech frame. The standard Tacoma can tow up to 3,500 pounds in comparison. If you add the Towing Package to the Tacoma, the towing capacity moves up to 6,800 pounds.
Safety Features
Toyota knows how important it is to get you to your destination safely, and they offer safety and driver-assistance features to help make that happen. Standard on both trucks and all trims are safety features such as vehicle stability control, anti-lock brake system, electronic brake-force distribution, smart stop technology, and brake assist. The Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) includes forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, all standard. These along with the strong frame and advanced air bag system help keep you better protected on the road.
The Dynamic Navigation package on the Tacoma adds rear parking sensors and the Technology package adds a blind-spot monitor. Starting with the Tacoma TRD Sport, you can add the Advanced Technology package that offers a 360-degree camera system. You can get front- and side-view cameras added to the TRD Off-Road. The Limited includes blind-spot monitor, rear parking sensors, and the 360-degree camera as standard features. With the TRD Pro, you get the Multi-Terrain monitor that includes both front-and side-view cameras and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert as standard features.
Tundra starts with the same basic standard safety features as the Tacoma, but at the base model it adds automatic high beams. Adding the Convenience package to the Tundra will get you a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.
In the end, both of these trucks are a great choice for your next vehicle. The decision to make is whether you want more fuel efficiency or power and towing capacity. If you’d like to see either of these two in person, contact us at Panama City Toyota to talk to one of our friendly, knowledgeable team members. They’d be happy to answer any questions you may have, give you a tour of our showroom, and even get you set up for a test drive.
Panama City Toyota
