Which TRD Pro truck is the one to buy — the Toyota Tacoma or Tundra?
It’s an age-old question, or at least one that’s been kicking around for a few years now: Which Toyota TRD Pro truck is the one to buy? Should you just spring for the midsize Tacoma TRD Pro, or is it worth looking at the larger, full-size Tundra TRD Pro? In this video, Roman and Andre take a closer look at both trucks, including on an off-road course just north of Dallas, Texas.
Even on the surface, each truck brings its own strengths to the table. The Tundra is larger, more powerful and can tow more weight, while the Tacoma TRD Pro comes with a larger off-road kit, thanks to features like a lockable rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, which is a form of off-road cruise control. The midsize truck also packs a more efficient, if less powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine putting out 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. Unlike the Tundra, you can also get the Tacoma TRD Pro with a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission.
On the heavyweight truck’s side, the Tundra TRD Pro’s 5.7-liter V8 puts out 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. It also brings a 6-speed automatic to the fight, at least for now. That allows a towing capacity up to 9,200 pounds, nearly 3,000 pounds higher than the Tacoma can manage. You do get Michelin LTX A/T2 tires with the Tundra, as well as Fox-tuned 2.5-inch front and rear shocks. However, you’ll miss the locking rear differential, MTS and Crawl Control over the smaller Tacoma TRD Pro.
So which truck is really best?
Spec both trucks out, and there’s not a huge gulf in pricing between the two trucks. The 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro sits in the mid-$40,000 range before options (varying by region). The Tundra, on the other hand, starts right around $50,000. Which truck is really best depends on your own needs, naturally, but it’s worth noting there is a new Tundra right around the corner. That means you may be able to find a solid deal on the outgoing truck, or you may want to hold off until the new truck arrives, as it will be a dramatic overhaul from a platform that’s been with us for well over a decade.
Check out more in the video below:
