The Benefits of a Used Toyota Pickup
The pickup truck is the preferred vehicle of the working world and is heavily favored by adventurers and off-roaders. Many associate the vehicle class with domestic brands such as Ford, Chevy, Ram, and GMC. However, Toyota has proven time and time again that it’s more than capable of competing with the domestic brands.
Toyota is the brand to consider if you’re looking at used trucks for sale and want a sustainable, capable, and fuel-efficient alternative. Two models, the midsize Tacoma and full-sized Tundra, spearhead the Toyota truck fleet. Truck drivers look for many different aspects when choosing the perfect pickup, which is why we’re here today.
We’ve examined truck drivers' various needs and made recommendations based on them. We’ll examine specific years of the Tundra and Tacoma and how they can give truck drivers the competitive edge they need. Whether you’re looking for a workhorse, a daily driver, or a means to adventure, this guide will help you choose what’s best.
Power and Performance
Any truck driver who has spent much time poring over specifications looks at the powertrain first when choosing the ideal pickup. An engine and transmission that can produce power are always important. The Tacoma and Tundra both offer engines that excite drivers.
The Toyota Tacoma has long been praised for its ability to navigate the city streets and offer agile performance. Drivers who enjoy a kick in their commute will enjoy what certain model years offer. A 2022 Tacoma has an available 3.5L V6 engine that pairs with a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. With the ability to produce 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, a 2022 Tacoma gives you the edge you need.
A full-sized truck needs a larger engine to facilitate larger tasks. The Tundra has always been paired with engines that help put the word “power” in the powertrain. Since 2022, the Tundra has come with two engines, pushing performance to the limit. The base powertrain for a 2022 Tundra is a 3.5L i-FORCE turbocharged V6 that produces up to 389 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. 2022 was the first year the Tundra’s engines were paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. The Tundra introduced its hybrid powertrain the same year to take performance even further. Producing 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque, the Tundra's hybrid setup helped revolutionize its class.
Towing and Payload
The engine of any pickup truck is the cornerstone of its capability. For tradespeople, having the ability to tow and transport material is of the utmost importance. Both the Tacoma and Tundra are highly capable in terms of towing and payload capacity. Depending on how much you have to transport, either truck is ideal.
While a midsize truck, the Toyota Tacoma can still provide plenty of pulling and payload power. A 2023 Tacoma with a four-cylinder engine can pull 3,500 lbs and hold 1,685 lbs in the bed. Drivers who opt for a Tacoma with the V6 get increased capability. A V6 Tacoma from the same year can pull 6,800 lbs and provides a payload capacity of 1,525 lbs.
Like all full-sized trucks, the Tundra is designed for heavier applications. A 2023 Tundra with the standard V6 pulls 12,000 lbs and offers a payload capacity of 1,940 lbs. The Tundra’s hybrid powertrain can tackle occupational tasks with a max tow rating of 11,450 lbs. It can also facilitate a payload of 1,665 lbs.
Fuel Economy
Many commuters enjoy having a pickup truck as their daily driver and as a means to go off-roading and facilitate occupational tasks. Depending on which powertrain you choose, a used Tacoma or Tundra can assist you in going farther between fill-ups. Let’s take a look and see how both trucks fare regarding fuel consumption.
Both engines in a 2023 Toyota Tacoma do fairly well in providing the fuel economy needed for getting around town. Rear-wheel drive 2023 Tacoma models with a 2.7L I-4 achieve 20 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway for a combined 21 MPG. Tacoma models with the V6 still offer conservative fuel consumption to go with their increased performance. The V6 with rear-wheel drive achieves 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway for a combined 21 MPG.
Despite being a full-sized pickup, both Tundra engines offer favorable fuel economy. For 2023 models, the base V6 engine achieves 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway for a combined 20 MPG in RWD models. Drivers who enjoy the winning combination of performance and fuel economy will enjoy the hybrid's capabilities. The hybrid engine achieves 20 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway for a combined 22 MPG.
Safety and Driving Assistance Features
The Tacoma and Tundra have the capabilities that commuters, tradespeople, and adventurers look for in a pickup. We wanted to conclude our look at these trucks with the most important factor in any vehicle: safety. Toyota has a long-standing reputation for building safe and sustainable vehicles. Regardless of what you use either truck for, both can offer protection and oversight when you’re on the road.
Since 2023, both trucks have been equipped with Toyoa Safety Sense 3.0, a comprehensive suite of features that covers all the bases of driver assistance and safety. Whether at the job site, hitting the trails, or heading to the grocery store, you’ll have the most advanced features to keep you safe.
Having a substantial amount of reaction time is crucial for avoiding a collision. Toyota’s pre-collision system can detect and alert you when a collision is imminent. The truck's brakes will engage if you do not perform the necessary maneuvers in time. Dynamic radar cruise control further ensures reaction time. It monitors traffic patterns during highway travel and adjusts your speed accordingly, ensuring you travel at a safe distance from the other vehicles on the road.
Every driver is responsible for maintaining a correct position on the road. Toyota’s lane-keep assist and departure alert notify you when you begin to leave your correct position. Corrective steering will also be applied to avoid a potential collision. Distractions can happen to anyone. Along with road sign assist, these features ensure that you’re fully aware of your surroundings and don't miss any road signs alerting you about road conditions or speed limits.
Two Used Trucks That Check All the Boxes
Pickup trucks are immensely popular among many types of drivers. Whether you’re an off-roader who needs a powerful engine, a tradesperson who relies on pulling power, or you need fuel economy and safety features for your daily commute, Toyota delivers. A used version of the Tacoma or Tundra will give you exactly what you need.
Both trucks have engines that offer exceptional performance on par with their domestic counterparts. Whether you need a little bit of performance or a lot, both trucks have engines to facilitate your needs. The towing and payload capabilities make either truck a remarkable workhorse for the working world.
The pulling power and performance of both trucks don't hinder fuel economy. Toyota makes trucks that are built to go farther between fill-ups. The standard safety features on the Tacoma and Tundra allow you to drive confidently, knowing you’re well protected on the unpredictable road ahead. A used Tacoma and Tundra have a lot to offer. You can test drive both at San Marcos Toyota.
