When choosing your next truck, two legendary Toyota models stand out: the Toyota Tundra and the Toyota Tacoma. Each truck offers a unique blend of performance, capability, and comfort—but which is better suited to your lifestyle?
At Gettel Stadium Toyota, we’re here to help Tampa drivers compare the full-size Tundra and the mid-size Tacoma so you can confidently choose the truck that fits your needs—whether you’re hauling heavy loads, heading off-road, or tackling your daily commute.
Power & Performance
2025 Toyota Tacoma:
The latest Tacoma brings a turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, delivering up to 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. What truly sets the Tacoma apart for 2025 is the introduction of the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, which outputs 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque—figures that make the Tacoma one of the most powerful midsize pickups in its class. This powertrain is standard on high-performance trims like the TRD Pro and Trailhunter, ensuring adventurers get the most muscle when they hit the trail.
2025 Toyota Tundra:
For those who need more strength for heavier jobs, the Tundra comes standard with an i-FORCE twin-turbo V6 engine, offering 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid version raises the bar even higher with 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, delivering best-in-class power for serious towing and hauling.
This is an important consideration for drivers planning to tow boats, trailers, or heavy construction equipment around Tampa and the Gulf Coast.
Winner for Power: Toyota Tundra
Towing Capacity & Payload
When it comes to moving heavy loads, these trucks deliver—but in very different ways.
Tacoma Towing & Payload:
- Max Towing: 6,500 lbs
- Max Payload: 1,709 lbs
Tundra Towing & Payload:
- Max Towing: 12,000 lbs
- Max Payload: 1,940 lbs
The Tundra clearly leads in both towing and payload categories. If you're frequently hauling a large trailer or heavy gear for work or recreation, the Tundra’s full-size strength gives it the edge.
Winner for Towing: Toyota Tundra
Off-Road Capability
2025 Tacoma Off-Road Strengths:
The Tacoma’s reputation as an off-road icon remains intact for 2025. Equipped with Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, Electronically Locking Rear Differential, and Bilstein or FOX off-road shocks (depending on trim), the Tacoma’s TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter trims are made to tackle Florida’s trails, beaches, and beyond. The new IsoDynamic seats in the TRD Pro model offer extra stability and comfort for extreme terrain.
2025 Tundra Off-Road Strengths:
The Tundra’s TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims provide similar off-road features, including Multi-Terrain Select, Downhill Assist Control, and skid plates. The TRD Pro trim adds FOX® internal bypass shocks and Crawl Control, giving it real capability for full-size truck off-roading. However, its larger size makes it slightly less agile on tight trails compared to the Tacoma.
Winner for Off-Roading: Toyota Tacoma
Interior & Technology
Tacoma Interior:
The redesigned 2025 Tacoma offers a refined cabin with modern amenities like an 8-inch touchscreen (standard) or available 14-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and an all-new Toyota Audio Multimedia System. Adventure-ready trims like the Trailhunter include all-weather floor mats, rugged upholstery, and built-in utility functions.
Tundra Interior:
Inside the Tundra, you’ll find a more upscale and spacious cabin. Higher trims like the Platinum and Capstone offer leather-trimmed seating, heated and ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, and 14-inch infotainment screens. The available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Head-Up Display, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 elevate the Tundra to near-luxury levels of refinement.
If you prioritize a tech-rich driving experience and extra space for passengers, the Tundra stands out.
Winner for Comfort & Tech: Toyota Tundra
Trim Levels & Customization
2025 Tacoma Trims: SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, TRD Pro, Trailhunter
2025 Tundra Trims: SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, TRD Pro, Capstone
Both lineups offer variety, but the Tundra’s trims move from practical utility to full luxury, while the Tacoma focuses more on adventure and utility. For overlanding and daily driving versatility, Tacoma offers more lifestyle-focused builds.
Winner for Custom Builds: Toyota Tacoma
Fuel Economy
Tacoma (i-FORCE MAX Hybrid): Estimated up to 26 MPG combined
Tundra (i-FORCE MAX Hybrid): Estimated up to 20–22 MPG combined
Thanks to its smaller size and hybrid availability, the Tacoma wins here—especially for daily commuters and road trippers concerned with gas prices.
Winner for Fuel Efficiency: Toyota Tacoma
Price Comparison
2025 Toyota Tacoma Starting MSRP: Around $31,500
2025 Toyota Tundra Starting MSRP: Around $39,965
Though both trucks offer excellent value for their segment, the Tacoma remains more affordable for those looking to enter the pickup market without sacrificing performance or tech. If you don’t need full-size towing capacity, the Tacoma offers a balanced package at a lower cost.
Winner for Budget-Friendly Buyers: Toyota Tacoma
Final Verdict: Which Truck Should You Choose?
|
Category |
Best Choice |
|
Towing & Payload |
Toyota Tundra |
|
Off-Roading |
Toyota Tacoma |
|
Comfort & Interior |
Toyota Tundra |
|
Fuel Efficiency |
Toyota Tacoma |
|
Pricing |
Toyota Tacoma |
|
Power & Performance |
Toyota Tundra |
If you’re looking for a full-size truck with power, luxury, and top-tier towing, the 2025 Toyota Tundra is your go-to. If you're an adventurer or want an efficient, off-road-ready midsize truck with tons of personality, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma is the better choice.
Test Drive the Tundra and Tacoma in Tampa, FL
Still deciding between the Tacoma and the Tundra? Visit Gettel Stadium Toyota today to test drive both and experience the difference firsthand. Our team can help you explore financing, accessory packages, and available lease specials—all from our conveniently located showroom at 5088 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33634. Call us at (866) 955-2294 or get started now by browsing our new Toyota Tundra and Tacoma inventory, scheduling service, or contacting our team.
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