The 2018 Toyota Tacoma and Tundra are here, and they’re two of the best trucks on the market. Packed with all-new features and functions, these trucks are clear standouts. Here’s why Toyota’s new trucks are better than ever.
After taking into consideration the performance specs, fuel efficiency, and pros and cons, you’ll likely have a better understanding of which truck is right for you.
2018 Toyota Tacoma
The 2018 Toyota Tacoma is a compact pickup truck engineered for convenience and durability. Its trims provide a range of options:
- SR – Starting at $25,200, standard features include an 8.1-foot truck bed, multi reflector halogen headlights, and Toyota Entune System which offers Bluetooth capabilities and a 6.1-inch touchscreen.
- SR5 – Starting at $26,975, builds on the SR through the addition of chrome grille options, fog lights, and a larger touchscreen.
- TRD Sport – Starting at $31,895, it adds 17-inch alloy wheels, fender flares for body color, a hood scoop, and multiple new software features.
- TRD Off-Road – Starting at $33,150, added features include off-road suspension with Bilstein shocks, Multi-terrain Select, and Crawl Control.
- Limited – Starting at $37,140, added features include a sensor that monitors the blind spot and Rear-Cross Traffic Alert.
- Pro – Starting at $41,520, it includes Active Traction Control, Smart Key Sense on the driver’s side door with push-to-start technology, and off-road suspension with 2.5-inch FOX Internal Bypass shocks.
The automobile comes equipped with a variety of new features. A special Craw Control features comes with the TRD to enhance off-roading abilities. This feature influences the throttle and brakes to simplify the process of driving through difficult terrain.
All models of the 2018 Toyota Tacoma achieve an impressive combination of efficiency and power with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that utilizes direct injection. In conjunction with its engine, the exterior of each 2018 Tacoma is constructed using light yet durable steel. This allows the driver to feel a sense of safety behind the wheel without the nuisance of heavy supplies weighing down the truck’s fuel efficiency rating of 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The vehicle’s official crash safety rating is four stars.
You may be curious as to how the Toyota Tacoma holds up when pitted against the competition. It is cheaper than the Nissan Frontier by a small portion in terms of standard models, however more expensive than the Chevrolet Colorado by about $2000. Also, its fuel efficiency is nearly identical to the market opposition.
Pros and cons can be very beneficial when purchasing a car. The 2018 Tacoma shows numerous benefits such as advanced safety, compactness in a durable automobile, and a powerful engine. Many are also fond of the fact that its price is lower than the Tundra due to its smaller size. On the other hand, a drawback is its relative expensiveness in comparison to market competitors such as the Chevrolet Colorado.
2018 Toyota Tundra
The 2018 Toyota Tundra is a pickup truck built for heavy duty and reliability. Like the Tacoma, the Tundra offers different models and prices:
- SR – Starting at $31,120, standard features include an 8.1-foot truck bed, multi-reflector halogen headlights, and the Toyota Entune interface.
- SR5 – Starting at $32,830, this model adds fog lights, available accents for the chrome grille, and the upgraded Toyota Entune Audio Plus system which showcases navigation capabilities.
- Limited -Starting at $40,385, it comes standard with a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, 20-inch wheels, an advances climate moderation system, heated seats, leather interior, and the Toyota Entune Premium Audio system.
- Platinum – Starting at $47,080, it includes heating and cooling front seats, Toyota Entune 12-speaker JBL Sound System, standard LED lighting, and an available silver billet design on the grille with chrome accents.
- 1794 Edition – Starting at $47,080, functional amenities of the Platinum model accompanied by the flare of a Western theme; this model is defined by the feel of its plush interior with saddle-brown premium leather.
Manufactured in the United States, the new Toyota Tundra presents an array of new specs, safety features, and other components. Toyota Safety Sense, for instance, is a comprehensive driver security package that keeps the driver conscious of his vehicle’s surroundings, making way for well-calculated decisions on the road. This system helped earn a crash safety rating of four stars.
The ability to power through has always been a key feature of the Tundra. Accordingly, the 2018 model of the pick-up strives for more durability than ever before. It has a towing capacity of 10,200 pounds, which you may utilize alongside the available deck rail system and lower-and-life tailgate.
In comparison to market competition, the 2018 Toyota Tundra can hold its weight. Both the MSRP and the price of equipped pick-up trucks are higher among competitors, namely the 2018 Ford F-150 and the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado. The Tundra is less fuel efficient than these two competing products, burning 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. Fortunately, it has higher horsepower and torque (401 pound-feet), compensating for a certain portion of the fuel-efficiency deficit.
Before making the rather significant decision to purchase a car, you should weigh the pros against the cons. A major upside is the toughness and reliability of the Tundra’s structure. The light yet durable steel which makes up the exterior gives a clear advantage by killing two birds with one stone: driver safety and fuel efficiency. On the contrary, its most noticeable downside is its lower fuel-efficiency rating. While its raw power makes up for this to an extent, fuel efficiency is an essential element that stands out.