2022 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2021 Toyota Tundra presented a somewhat awkward aesthetic compared to its contemporaries, with its design rooted in the mid-2000s. The truck's massive grille contrasted with its small headlights, creating an oversized appearance that seemed out of proportion. Despite this, the "Cement" paint colour and blacked-out wheels lent a modern touch to the Tundra's otherwise dated exterior. Inside, the cabin echoed mid-2010s truck styling with hard plastics and monotone panels, yet it remained functional with easily accessible controls. The addition of a 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto kept the Tundra relevant in terms of technology, appealing to drivers loyal to their smartphones.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma maintained a contemporary exterior with an aggressive grille and headlights, though its cabin revealed signs of aging. The interior design mixed new elements like keyless entry with older switchgear, resulting in a somewhat dated feel. The Tacoma offered various configurations, including Access and Double Cab models, with standard features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Tacoma's cabin, while not luxurious, provided essential features and a familiar layout, making it user-friendly despite its age.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra was powered by a 5.7-litre V8 engine, producing 391 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offered strong acceleration and a towing capacity of 4,400 kilograms (9,700 pounds). While the Tundra's towing capacity was less than some competitors, its V8 engine provided confident performance in various driving scenarios. The truck's suspension absorbed road imperfections well, and it felt stable on highways, though the steering was vague at low speeds.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma, available in Canada with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission, allowed for a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms (6,500 pounds). While the V6 struggled with highway acceleration due to transmission gearing, it performed adequately in urban settings. The Tacoma's suspension was trail-oriented, providing a balance of smoothness and firmness, making it well-suited for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro variant excelled on rugged terrain, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra offered two cab sizes and three bed sizes, with the CrewMax configuration providing ample space for passengers and cargo. The CrewMax's rear seats offered exceptional legroom, and the front seats featured a spacious centre console with multiple storage options. The Tundra's interior was practical, though the door storage was smaller compared to other full-size pickups.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma came in Access Cab and Double Cab styles, with bed lengths of five feet and six feet one inch. The Access Cab's rear jump seats were tight on legroom, making them suitable for short trips or additional storage. The Double Cab offered slightly more rear-seat space but remained cramped for adults on longer journeys. The front seats provided good legroom, though the steering wheel's limited adjustment could be an issue for taller drivers. The Tacoma's cab included ample cupholders and storage, with the bed featuring in-bed lighting and a power outlet.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra featured an updated infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a sensible layout and redundant hard buttons. The Tundra also offered multiple USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity, with an available JBL premium audio system providing enhanced sound quality.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma's base infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen, with higher trims featuring an 8-inch screen and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system's older design made it familiar and easy to use, though the tuning and volume dials were small. The Tacoma included a wireless device charger, though it required manual activation. While the Tacoma lacked advanced tech features, its simplicity suited those with active lifestyles.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tundra also featured eight airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma offered standard driver assistance features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tacoma received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in side crash tests.