Is 2016 Toyota Tundra More Efficient at Towing than 2016 Tacoma? [Video]

2016 toyota tundra trd pro towing mpg highway
2016 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro

Which truck is better suited to tow a 5,600 lbs box (horse) trailer down the highway? Is is the Toyota Tacoma V6 4×4 or the Toyota Tundra V8 4×4? Towing heavy trailers is not the focus of the Tacoma, but the Tundra could even tow the Space Shuttle. Nonetheless, what happens when you need to move a trailer from point A to point B? Should you choose a midsize or fullsize truck to do the job?

We ran both trucks on the same highway loop with the cruise set to 70 MPH. We used the same refueling station and method. The result was somewhat surprising. Most of us expected the Tundra to return a better MPG, but it did not.

2016 Toyota Tundra  2016 Toyota Tacoma
Model CrewCab TRD Pro 4×4 DoubleCab TRD Off-Road 4×4
Engine 5.7-liter V8 3.5-liter V6
Transmission 6-speed Auto 6-speed Auto
Power (hp / lb-ft) 381 / 401 278 / 265
Axle Ratio 4.30 3.91
EPA mpg 13/18/15 18/23/20
Trailer lbs 5,760 lbs * 5,600 lbs
GCWR lbs 12,140 lbs 10,740 lbs
Result MPG 8.15 8.4
  • Trailer weight was increased approximately 160 lbs to compensate for not having technical editor Brian in the Tundra.