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If you’re shopping for a new pickup truck, Toyota is an excellent automaker to choose. Is the 2022 Toyota Tacoma or Tundra cheaper? The midsize truck seems like the obvious choice, but is the full-size Toyota truck really more expensive? Yes, almost every version of the 2022 Toyota Tundra is more expensive than the 2022 Toyota Tacoma.

Which Toyota truck is cheaper?

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma shows off its capability as a mid-size truck with an optional manual transmission. Is it cheaper than the Tundra?
2022 Toyota Tacoma | Toyota

First, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma is much cheaper than the 2022 Toyota Tundra. As a midsize truck, the Tacoma is much smaller than the Tundra. Furthermore, it comes with similar equipment, other than a few significant differences. According to Car and Driver, the Tacoma starts at $28,365 for the base model SR. However, buying a base model Tundra SR will cost you $37,645. Moreover, the cheapest Tundra is more expensive than four of the six Tacoma trim levels.

Not only is the Tundra more expensive, but there are also far more trim levels available. As a result, the range-topping models far exceed any version of the Tacoma. For example, the decked-out Capstone Hybrid exceeds $75,000. For reference, that’s roughly $34,000 more than the more expensive Tacoma model, Nightshade.

Why is the Tundra more expensive?

The 2022 Toyota Tundra, a pickup truck with one of the largest fuel tanks, is driving on a road.
2022 Toyota Tundra SR5 TRD Sport | Toyota

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma is cheaper than the Tundra for several reasons. Most obviously, it’s a midsize truck and the Tundra is a much larger, full-size model. However, the standard and available engines also play a role. For example, the Tacoma SR and SR5 come with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 159 horsepower. Other trims get a standard 3.5-liter V6 that produces 278 horsepower, which is also optional on the bottom two trim levels.

Alternatively, the first five Tundra trims come standard with a 3.5-liter V6 that’s good for 389 horsepower. However, the TRD Pro and Capstone models use the same engine paired with a battery-electric hybrid system. Moreover, the Limited, Platinum, and 1794 Edition are optionally available with the same setup. There isn’t a hybrid setup available for any Tacoma models, and the V6 is optional for more affordable trims, not standard until the $35,275 TRD Sport model.

Tacoma vs. Tundra: Trims and prices

What are the trim levels of the 2022 Toyota Tacoma and 2022 Toyota Tundra? Although much of the lineup is similar, the full-size truck has far more options. However, the Tacoma still has a wide range of models available spanning nearly $13,000. Furthermore, each offers some special edition versions and off-road-ready models for those looking to hit the trails or mountains. For example, the Tacoma TRD Off-Road comes with an electronic rear locking differential and optional four-wheel drive.

2022 Toyota Tacoma trimPrice2022 Toyota Tundra trimPrice
SR$28,365SR$37,645
SR5$30,155SR5$43,150
TRD Sport$35,275Limited$49,245
TRD Off-Road$36,555Limited Hybrid$54,695
Trail Edition$40,835Platinum$59,385
Limited$41,1201794 Edition$60,085
Nightshade$41,670Platinum Hybrid$62,785
1794 Edition Hybrid$63,815
TRD Pro Hybrid$69,200
Capstone Hybrid$75,925

Is the 2022 Toyota Tacoma or Tundra cheaper?

In conclusion, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma is cheaper than the 2022 Toyota Tundra. While one is a full-size truck and the other is a midsize model, that isn’t the only reason for the price difference. Standard and optional engines, luxurious range-topping models, and a hybrid powertrain make the Tundra more expensive. However, even without all the bells and whistles, the Tundra is far less affordable. Its SR base model costs more than four of the six Tacoma trim levels.

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