Are Toyota Tacomas half-ton trucks?
Yes, the Toyota Tacoma is considered a half-ton truck. The Tacoma falls into the mid-size pickup truck category, which is a step below the full-size, one-ton pickup trucks like the Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado.
What is a Half-Ton Truck?
The term "half-ton" refers to the truck's payload capacity, which is the maximum weight the vehicle can safely carry in the bed and cabin. A half-ton truck can typically carry up to 1,000 pounds of payload. This is in contrast to one-ton trucks, which have a payload capacity of around 2,000 pounds.
The Tacoma's payload capacity varies by model, but most configurations can carry between 1,100 and 1,600 pounds, making it a true half-ton truck. This payload capacity is suitable for most light-duty hauling and towing tasks that a typical truck owner would need.
Why is the Tacoma Considered a Mid-Size Truck?
While the Tacoma is a half-ton truck, it is classified as a mid-size pickup rather than a full-size model. This is because the Tacoma is smaller in overall dimensions compared to trucks like the Ford F-150 or Ram 1500. The Tacoma has a shorter wheelbase, narrower body, and lower towing and hauling capacities than full-size pickups.
- The Tacoma has a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds, while full-size trucks can tow up to 13,000 pounds.
- The Tacoma's maximum payload is around 1,600 pounds, while full-size trucks can carry over 3,000 pounds.
- The Tacoma's overall length is around 212 inches, compared to 250 inches or more for full-size trucks.
So while the Tacoma is considered a half-ton truck in terms of its payload capacity, its smaller size and reduced capabilities compared to full-size pickups place it firmly in the mid-size truck category.
