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A pickup truck is a vehicle that has an open-top rear cargo area, which is almost always separated from the cab. Pickup trucks have become very popular over the years because of its convenience especially when travelling or driving with heavy loads. Pickup trucks come in different designs and sizes. In North America specifically, they come in full-size (often with V8 or six-cylinder engines), mid-size, and compact (usually equipped with inline 4 engines).
Among the most popular pickup trucks in the modern generation are the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra.

The Tacoma is a compact type pickup truck that was named Motor Trend Magazine’s Truck of the Year in 2005. It is already on its second generation since its release in the market in 1995. Advantages of the vehicle include a variety of body styles to choose from, good off-road abilities, solid build, and durability. The cabin of the first generation Tacoma, however, is somewhat uncomfortable and the price is higher than other competing trucks. But still, despite these disadvantages, the Toyota Tacoma has continued to be popular in the market.

In addition to the base trim, the PreRunner and the X-Runner can also be incorporated into the vehicle. The PreRunner makes the truck look and feel like a 4WD truck, without the actual 4WD gears. The X-Runner, on the other hand, improves the truck’s performance on the road.

The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck that has been sold in the market since the year 2000. It is considered to be the first full-size truck built especially for Americans, with its American look and feel. Like the Tacoma, it has also been honored by Motor Trend Magazine as Truck of the Year in 2000 and 2008.  The first generation, in fact, had many similarities to the compact type Tacoma. However, the Toyota T100 is still the Tundra’s rightful predecessor.

An advantage and great feature of the Tundra is its V8 engine. And of course, coming from Toyota, it is reputed to be reliable and definitely durable. This is the choice vehicle for most recreational pickup truck buyers as it is very easy to drive. The second generation Toyota Tundra also features three cab sizes, three bed lengths, and three engine choices. These choices made the truck very popular for buyers who know exactly what they want and need. All versions of the truck are offered with rear-wheel drive or 4WD.

The Toyota Tacoma and Tundra are both high-quality and high-performance trucks. Which is why the choice of which truck is better usually comes down to the buyer himself, with each truck offering different “personalities” and each buyer having different needs as well.

Photos: Auto Broker Magic & The Torque Report