2020 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma was a straightforward and practical pickup, with a design that emphasized simplicity over extravagance. While it didn't boast the aesthetic appeal of some competitors, it maintained a clean and functional look. The Tacoma's body, available in both extended Access and four-door Double Cab forms, was rounded yet retained enough upright lines to distinguish it from more luxurious SUVs. The TRD Pro package added a touch of ruggedness with redesigned LED headlights, a new grille, and Army Green paint, enhancing its off-road persona. Inside, the Tacoma's interior mirrored its exterior's simplicity, with a straightforward dash and a modest touchscreen. However, the materials used were mostly basic, and the leather seats in the TRD Pro trim were not particularly impressive.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Tundra had a somewhat awkward appearance, with a massive grille and small headlights that gave it an oversized look. Despite its dated design, the Tundra's Cement paint colour and blacked-out wheels lent it a modern touch. The cabin, dominated by hard plastics and monotone panels, was reminiscent of mid-2010s truck styling. However, it was functional, with all controls easily accessible. The Tundra's interior was not luxurious, but Toyota kept it updated with a standard 7-inch infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Tundra offered various cab and bed configurations, with the CrewMax providing ample legroom and a spacious cargo area.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, with an optional six-speed manual transmission for certain trims. The Tacoma's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, although these were not available with the manual transmission. On-road performance was less impressive, with slow steering and a V6 engine that struggled through its gears. Fuel efficiency was poor, with ratings of 13.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 10.5 on the highway. However, the Tacoma excelled off-road, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,950 kilograms.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra featured a 5.7-litre V8 engine, delivering 391 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Tundra's towing capacity was 4,400 kilograms, which was lower than some competitors. The V8 provided strong acceleration, and the transmission was responsive, though it lacked the efficiency of newer multi-gear systems. The Tundra offered a comfortable ride over various surfaces, with stable handling on the highway. However, its steering was vague at low speeds.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's smaller size made it more manageable in urban environments compared to full-size trucks. It was easy to park and manoeuvre, with a reasonable turning circle. The bed featured a rail system with movable cleats, an optional power outlet, and LED lighting. The Double Cab's rear seats were cramped for long trips, and the lack of a rear defroster was a drawback. Storage bins under the rear seats provided some utility, but the Tacoma lacked a flat loading floor.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra offered two cab sizes and three bed sizes, with the CrewMax providing exceptional rear legroom and a lockable cargo area. The front seats were spacious, with a large centre console and ample storage. The Tundra's doors featured multiple cup holders, though they were smaller than those in other full-size pickups.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma featured a simple and intuitive infotainment system, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and an optional 8-inch version. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were standard, along with a new USB-C port. The Tacoma also offered wireless charging and a suite of driver assists, including adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra's infotainment system was updated in 2020, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was easy to operate, with redundant hard buttons for convenience. The Tundra came with multiple USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity, along with a standard seven-speaker stereo on Double Cab trims and a nine-speaker system on the CrewMax. An available JBL premium audio system offered 12 speakers.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma came with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward-emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring was optional. The Tacoma received a 4-star rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra included the Toyota Safety Sense P suite as standard, with features like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring. The Tundra came with eight airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system.