Does Toyota Actually Build the Longest-Lasting Trucks?
If you are familiar with Toyota, you likely know that the brand has a reputation for building reliable trucks. Whether it be the Toyota Tundra or the midsize Tacoma, these vehicles are known for being able to go the distance. But, are Toyota’s actually the longest-lasting trucks?
How long do people keep a truck?
The average length of ownership for trucks is 8.7 years. That’s a longer time than people typically keep other types of vehicles, such as cars. With the average cost of a new truck climbing over $55,000 in 2023, it is possible we will see folks keep their trucks for a more extended period of time.
Because of that cost, truck owners place a high value on the longevity of their vehicles. It seems like the baseline that people expect is for a truck to be able to at least hit 200,000 miles with no major issues. And that is something that the Toyota Tundra and the Toyota Tacoma can do.
A recent post on Business Insider shows that both the Tacoma and the Tundra are in the top 10 vehicles in terms of longevity. The Toyota Tundra has a 47.9% chance of lasting 250,000+ miles, and the Toyota Tacoma has a 41.7% chance. Both of the numbers are above the average for other vehicles on the market today.
Why do Toyota trucks last so long?
While build quality certainly plays a part in Toyota’s perceived reliability, another factor might be at play. This automaker is famous for utilizing tried and true methods in a lot of its products. For trucks, that means sticking with last-generation technology. In 2023, the Tacoma does not offer a turbocharged engine, and you can still get it with a manual transmission.
Though, it is worth noting that the upcoming redesigned Toyota Tacoma will likely feature a hybrid powertrain. But to put things in perspective, you can still get a new Tacoma truck with rear disc brakes at this point.
On the other hand, the 2023 Toyota Tundra has entered the modern era of pickups. Each version comes with some variant of the 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged engine. For folks who want a truck with a V8 engine, that’s probably a disappoinment. But I did find the hybrid version of this engine to be extremely potent, with its 437 horsepower and 583 pound-foot of torque.
There have been some reported issues with the Tundra’s new engine. But at the same time, it hasn’t really been out long enough for any super high mileage to be put on these full-size trucks. Time will tell how it ages, but I think it’s fair to wonder if the new Tundra will be as long-lasting as the old one.
The same will go for the 2024 Toyota Tacoma as well. Although it’s one of the longest-lasting trucks you can get today, the new changes might impact reliability. Unless you need a new truck right this instant, it could be worth waiting a model year or two, just to see how things shake out.
