2020 Toyota Tacoma vs 2020 Toyota Tundra

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma, while not the most visually striking pickup, maintained a clean and straightforward design. It had some drawbacks, such as the tinny sound of the back doors and a non-functional hood scoop. The Tacoma's body, available in extended Access or four-door Double Cab forms, balanced a rounded feel with upright lines, making it appear robust without being overly bulky. The TRD Pro model featured redesigned LED headlights, a new grille, and Army Green paint, enhancing its rugged look. The interior was straightforward, with a modest touchscreen and mostly durable but inexpensive materials.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota Tundra offered a range of trims from SR to the luxurious 1794 Edition. The TRD Pro CrewMax, the most expensive version, sported an exclusive Army Green color and black 18-inch forged aluminum wheels, giving it a military-grade appearance. Inside, the TRD Pro featured black leather with red stitching and embroidery. Despite its aged design, the Tundra's interior was spacious, especially in the CrewMax configuration, though it was criticized for its industrial-grade plastic materials.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's base 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, was underwhelming. The 3.5-liter V6, with 278 hp and 265 lb-ft, was a better option, standard on most trims. The TRD Pro came with 4-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual option, featuring Clutch Start Cancel for off-road situations. The Tacoma's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, though these were not essential. On-road, the Tacoma's steering was slow, and the V6 engine struggled with its 6-speed transmission. Fuel economy was poor, with the V6 achieving 18 mpg city, 22 highway, and 20 combined. However, the Tacoma's ride was comfortable, and it could tow up to 6,800 pounds.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra, powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, offered robust performance. The TRD Pro model included 4-wheel drive, BBS forged aluminum wheels, Fox off-road shocks, and a TRD-tuned dual exhaust system. The V8 engine provided strong power, and the 6-speed automatic transmission was smooth. The Tundra's steering and brakes were satisfactory, and its turning radius was tight for a truck of its size. Fuel economy was poor, with the 4WD model achieving 13 mpg city, 17 highway, and 14 combined. The Tundra could tow up to 10,200 pounds and carry a 1,730-pound payload.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's smaller size made it more maneuverable in urban environments compared to full-size trucks. It was easier to park, fit in standard garages, and navigate wooded trails. The bed, available in 5- or 6-foot lengths, featured a rail system with movable cleats, an optional power outlet, and LED lighting. The Double Cab's rear seats were cramped for long trips, and the lack of a rear defroster and driver-side grab handle were noted drawbacks.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra, built in Texas, had a spacious interior, especially in the CrewMax configuration. The rear seating area was large, though the bench was low and flat. The front seats were comfortable for long drives. Storage was ample, except for the small glove compartment and limited backseat storage. The bed was basic, with optional spray-in bedliner and tie-down hooks, but lacked advanced features found in competitors. The Tundra emphasized simplicity over frills.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma featured a simple and intuitive interior with a 7-inch touchscreen standard and an 8-inch version with navigation available. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a new USB-C port were standard. Wireless phone charging and onboard Wi-Fi were optional. The Tacoma included 360-degree cameras and a suite of driver assists, including adaptive cruise control. The infotainment system was functional and easy to use.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra's infotainment system, despite its dated appearance, was up-to-date with a 7-inch display standard and an 8-inch screen in higher trims. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, USB ports, and connected services. The TRD Pro model featured dynamic navigation, voice recognition, and a 12-speaker JBL sound system. However, the system's virtual buttons were challenging to use in a moving truck. The Tundra lacked advanced towing technology, offering only a reversing camera.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma came with standard safety features, including forward-emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. The Tacoma scored 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA crash tests and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with top ratings in most crash tests.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra included Toyota Safety Sense and optional blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. It also offered Safety Connect services for a year. However, the Tundra's crash-test performance was poor, with Marginal and Poor ratings in IIHS small-overlap tests. NHTSA ratings were better, with 5 stars for side-impact protection and 4 stars for frontal-impact protection. The 4WD model had a 4-star rollover resistance rating, while the RWD model had a 3-star rating.