2020 Toyota Tacoma vs 2020 Toyota Tundra

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma was a vehicle that embraced simplicity and functionality over flashy aesthetics. Its design was clean and straightforward, with a body that was rounded enough to distinguish it from a Jeep, yet still rugged with upright lines and chiseled panels. The Tacoma's TRD Pro package added a touch of flair with redesigned LED headlights, a new grille, and a striking Army Green paint option. Despite these enhancements, the Tacoma maintained its utilitarian charm, offering a practical and efficient choice for those who valued substance over style. Inside, the Tacoma's interior mirrored its exterior's straightforwardness, featuring a modestly sized touchscreen and a mix of durable materials. While the fit and finish were commendable, the use of bargain plastics and rubbers was evident, and the leather seats in the TRD Pro trim left something to be desired. Nevertheless, the Tacoma's interior was functional and durable, appealing to buyers who prioritized reliability and practicality over luxury.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota Tundra exuded a more robust and commanding presence. Available in various trims, including the TRD Pro, the Tundra offered a military-grade appearance with its exclusive Army Green colour and black 18-inch forged aluminum wheels. The interior of the Tundra was spacious, with a Texas-sized rear seating area that impressed with its roominess. The front seats were large and supportive, providing comfort for long drives. However, the Tundra's interior was not without its drawbacks, as it featured an abundance of industrial-grade plastic that felt out of place in a higher-priced vehicle. Storage options were plentiful, but the glove compartment was surprisingly small. The Tundra's bed was basic, lacking the innovative features found in some competitors, but it emphasized simplicity and functionality. Overall, the Tundra's design and interior catered to those who valued a rugged and straightforward truck experience.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, provided a capable powertrain for off-road adventures. The Tacoma offered an optional six-speed manual transmission for those seeking more control, along with features like Clutch Start Cancel and hill start assist. While the Tacoma excelled off-road with its impressive ground clearance and off-road hardware, its on-road performance was less refined. The steering was slow, and the V6 engine struggled through its gears, resulting in a noisy and less fuel-efficient ride. The Tacoma's fuel efficiency was rated at 13.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 10.5 on the highway, and 11.9 combined, making it less economical than some full-size V6 trucks. However, its maximum towing capacity of 2,950 kilograms (6,500 pounds) and off-road capabilities made it a strong contender for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra, on the other hand, boasted a more powerful 5.7-litre V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. This robust powertrain, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission, offered a maximum towing capacity of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) and a payload capacity of up to 784 kilograms (1,730 lbs.). The Tundra's TRD Pro trim featured BBS forged aluminum wheels, heavy-duty Fox off-road shocks, and a TRD-tuned dual exhaust system, enhancing its off-road prowess. While the V8 engine delivered impressive power and a sensational exhaust note, it was also loud and less fuel-efficient, with ratings of 18.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 14.2 on the highway, and 16.3 combined. The Tundra's steering and brakes were commendable, and its turning radius was surprisingly tight for a truck of its size. However, its large dimensions could be a liability on narrow trails, and wind noise was excessive at highway speeds.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's compact size was one of its key advantages, making it easier to navigate city streets and fit into standard garages. Its bed, while shallow, featured a rail system with movable cleats for securing cargo, along with optional power outlets and LED lighting. The Tacoma offered a choice of 5- or 6-foot bed lengths, except for the TRD Pro and Limited trims, which came with the short bed. The Double Cab's rear seats were suitable for short trips but felt cramped on longer journeys. Despite some interior limitations, the Tacoma's practicality and ease of use made it a popular choice for urban and off-road adventures.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota Tundra offered a spacious interior, particularly in the CrewMax configuration, which provided ample rear seating space. The front seats were large and comfortable, ideal for long drives. However, the Tundra's interior featured an abundance of hard plastic, which felt out of place in a higher-priced vehicle. Storage options were plentiful, but the glove compartment was surprisingly small. The Tundra's bed was basic, lacking innovative features found in some competitors, but it emphasized simplicity and functionality. Overall, the Tundra's design and interior catered to those who valued a rugged and straightforward truck experience.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered an 8-inch version with navigation and cloud-based traffic routes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were standard, along with a new USB-C port. The Tacoma also offered wireless charging for smartphones and a suite of driver assists, including adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams. While the infotainment interface was functional and fast, it lacked some of the modern conveniences found in competitors.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra's infotainment system, though housed in a dated-looking interface, offered modern features such as Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports. Higher trims, like the TRD Pro, included dynamic navigation, voice recognition, and a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system. While the Tundra's infotainment system provided essential features, it lacked some of the advanced towing technology found in competitors. The system's reliance on virtual buttons for radio station presets could be frustrating in a truck setting.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which included forward-emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring was optional. The Tacoma received a 4-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with top ratings in most crash tests.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra also featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, along with optional blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, its crash-test performance was less impressive, with Marginal and Poor ratings in small-overlap, frontal-impact tests from the IIHS. The Tundra received more favourable ratings from the NHTSA, with 5 stars for side-impact protection and 4 stars for frontal-impact protection.