The Toyota Tacoma and Tundra Are Going in Opposite Directions
For the first time in years, Toyota trucks have massive updates to consider. The new Toyota Tundra has been out since 2022, and the 2024 Toyota Tacoma is rocking significant changes. But will it follow the Tundra’s tracks and take a number or remain king of its class?
Toyota Tundra vs. Toyota Tacoma: Different class positions
The Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra could have some sibling drama as their sales and success accelerate in different directions. The Tundra sits near the bottom of its class, while the Tacoma is a class leader.
However, the good news is that both trucks have increasing sales year over year. However, the Tacoma can’t be caught while the Tundra attempts to catch up with rivals.
The 2023 Tacoma sold 197,137 models during the first three quarters of 2023, compared to 175,453 models during the same time period in 2022. This is a 12.36% increase.
The Honda Ridgeline has moved 4043,701 models, and the Ford Ranger has sold 31,956 units, so the Tacoma is an uncatchable segment leader.
Meanwhile, the 2023 Tundra sold 103,018 models during the first three quarters of the year compared to 83,986 models during the same time last year. It has a 22.66% increase.
But the 2023 Ford F-150 has moved 561,110 models, and the Chevy Silverado has sold 403,385 units, so it seems like the Tundra is struggling behind the pack.
While the Tacoma is selling between 17,000 and 22,000 models per month, the Tundra is getting between 6,000 to over 11,000 sales.
Rivals like the Nissan Frontier are moving between 3,000 to 6,000 trucks, and the Ford F-150 is moving between 50,000 to 70,000 models a month. So why is the Tacoma doing so much better in its class than the Tundra?
Is the Tundra more reliable than the Tacoma?
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma has a reliability score of 83 out of 100 from J.D.Power. This puts it in the above-average category. Scores between 81 and 90 are above average, and anything between 70 and 80 is average.
The 2023 Toyota Tundra earned a score of 78 out of 100. This may feel concerning, but the Tundra is improving. The 2022 model is rated at 70. The Tacoma has increased from a score of 81 in 2021.
You can expect the average Tundra model to reach between 200,000 to 300,000 miles. It’s not uncommon for properly maintained Tundra models to surpass 300,000 miles.
The average Tacoma truck is expected to make it past 300,000 models. It’s not uncommon for well-cared-for models to surpass 400,000 miles. So, the Tacoma is more reliable than the Tundra.
Does the Tacoma or Tundra have a better resale value?
Both the 2023 Toyota Tacoma and the 2023 Toyota Tundra have the best resale values in their classes. The Tacoma is expected to depreciate by about 20.4% after five years of ownership. The Tundra has a five-year depreciation rate of about 25.3%.
This is one area where the Tundra actually leads its class. The popular Ford F-150 has a five-year depreciation rate of 36.0%, and the Chevy Colorado trails the Tacoma at 30.2%.
Also, the 2023 Tacoma starts at $28,600, and the 2023 Tundra starts at $38,965. This means the Tacoma is more accessible to obtain. Due to its smaller size, it’s arguably easier to drive and park.
But stay tuned because the 2024 Toyota Tacoma is brand new. It could plummet like the refreshed Tundra did. We will continue tracking trends. Until then, do you think the Tacoma is more successful because it’s more reliable with better value retention?
