Does Toyota make good pickup trucks?

Yes. Toyota's pickup lineup—centered on the midsize Tacoma and the full-size Tundra—has a long-standing reputation for reliability, durability, and solid everyday usability, with strong resale value and proven off-road capability.

Lineup and what sets them apart

While Toyota has focused its U.S. pickup strategy on two core models, the Tacoma and the Tundra, both trucks emphasize simple, proven engineering, strong dealer support, and long-term ownership value. The Tacoma remains a benchmark in its class for durability and off-road capability, while the Tundra offers modern tech, bigger space, and enhanced towing capacity in a full-size package.

Tacoma: Mid-size staple with broad capability

The Toyota Tacoma has earned a reputation for rugged reliability and strong resale value. It remains a favorite for buyers who want a compact pickup that can handle rough trails, daily commuting, and practical payload duties without excessive complexity.

Key strengths of the Tacoma include reliability, off-road capability, and strong resale value. The following list highlights its notable advantages:

• Excellent reliability track record and relatively low maintenance costs for a truck in its class


• Strong off-road variants and TRD packages that balance capability with on-road manners


• High resale value that helps reduce total cost of ownership


• Durable, straightforward interior design with simple controls


• Robust aftermarket support and a wide service network

Conclusion: The Tacoma's strengths make it a practical choice for buyers who want proven capability and long-term affordability, though it may lag behind rivals in modern interior tech and luxury features.

The Tacoma does have trade-offs that matter to some buyers:

• Older interior feel in base trims compared with newer rivals


• Lower maximum payload and towing figures than some full‑size trucks


• Less refined highway ride on certain surfaces


• Limited cabin space in some configurations compared with larger pickups

Conclusion: For buyers prioritizing reliability and rugged capability, the Tacoma remains compelling; those needing maximum payload, advanced infotainment, or premium interiors may prefer other options.

Tundra: Full-size upgrade with modern powertrains

The Tundra marks Toyota's move into a contemporary, full-size pickup segment, offering a bigger footprint, improved interior materials, and more powerful and efficient powertrain options, including a modern hybrid setup on select trims. It aims to combine everyday usability with serious towing and work capability.

Below are the main strengths of the current Tundra:

• Powerful and efficient powertrain options, including a hybrid V6 that emphasizes both performance and efficiency


• Strong towing and payload figures appropriate for a full-size pickup


• Upgraded interior quality and modern technology, with Toyota Safety Sense and advanced infotainment


• Robust off-road capability with TRD Pro variants and sturdy chassis and suspension


• Improved ride quality and interior comfort for long days on the road

Conclusion: The Tundra offers compelling power, technology, and capability, making it a strong option in the full-size pickup segment. Buyers should weigh price and fuel economy against their needs and compare it with rivals in the class.

Trade-offs with the Tundra to consider:

• Higher initial price and potentially higher ownership costs than some competitors


• Fuel economy can vary and may not be class-leading, depending on configuration


• Rear seating and certain trims may feel less refined than some rivals


• Availability and pricing can be volatile in high-demand markets

Conclusion: The Tundra delivers strong capability and modern features, but buyers should assess whether the price premium aligns with their needs for space, efficiency, and running costs.

Reliability and ownership costs

Across both models, Toyota emphasizes long-term reliability and predictable maintenance costs, which contribute to favorable resale values. A broad dealer network and established service practices help reduce ownership stress, even as general maintenance costs rise with inflation and newer, more complex tech features.

For buyers weighing options, it’s wise to consider total cost of ownership over time—resale value, routine maintenance, and potential repair expenditures—alongside the stickers price of each model and trim level.

Summary

Toyota’s pickup lineup stands out for reliability, durability, and capable performance, especially in off-road contexts. The Tacoma remains a durable midsize option with strong resale value and rugged personality, while the Tundra offers modern powertrains, bigger space, and advanced tech in a full-size package. Both serve different buyer needs well, though interior refinement and upfront pricing in certain trims may lag some competitors. For shoppers prioritizing long-term ownership peace of mind and proven capability, Toyota pickups remain a compelling choice.

Which is better Honda or Toyota?

Toyota is often considered better for overall reliability and vehicle selection, while Honda is often favored for its strong standard features and slightly better safety ratings. Toyota has a larger inventory of models and generally a reputation for superior long-term dependability, whereas Honda vehicles often feature more standard technology and a slight edge in safety averages. Choosing between them depends on your priorities, such as reliability and price (Toyota) versus features and safety (Honda). 
Toyota advantages

• Reliability: Toyota holds the top spot for brand reliability in recent years according to sources like Consumer Reports. 
• Vehicle selection: Toyota offers a larger variety of models to choose from across different vehicle types. 
• Pricing: Toyota vehicles are often found to have better prices. 

Honda advantages

• Safety: Honda has an average safety rating advantage among its vehicles. 
• Standard features: Honda is often considered better for its standard features. 

How to decide

• Prioritize reliability and a wide selection: Choose Toyota if your main concern is long-term dependability and having a broader range of models to pick from. 
• Prioritize features and safety: Choose Honda if you prefer vehicles that tend to come with more standard technology and a slight edge in overall safety ratings. 

What is the most common issue with Toyotas?

What Are Common Toyota Vehicle Issues?

• Common Toyota Vehicle Issues. Some Toyota owners report excessive oil consumption over time.
• Electrical System Concerns.
• Brake and Suspension Problems.
• Air Conditioning and HVAC Issues.
• Why Professional Help Matters.

How reliable are Toyota pickup trucks?

Yes, Toyota trucks are generally considered reliable, with a strong reputation for longevity and durability, consistently ranking highly in reliability studies from organizations like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. However, some recent models have faced new issues, particularly with their transmissions, and a recent engine recall affected certain Tundra and Lexus models.
 
Why Toyota trucks are known for reliability

• Long lifespan: With proper maintenance, Toyota trucks can last for hundreds of thousands of miles, with many owners reporting their vehicles reaching 300,000 miles or more. 
• High rankings: Toyota has a history of high performance in dependability studies, with models like the Tacoma and Tundra frequently receiving top marks for reliability. 
• Strong reputation: The brand has built a long-standing reputation for producing durable vehicles that hold their value well. 

Recent reliability concerns

• Transmission issues: Some newer models, including the latest generation Tacoma, have reported problems with the 8-speed automatic transmission, such as rough shifting and even failure.
• Engine recalls: A recall in May 2024 addressed engine debris in certain Tundra and Lexus LX models, which could cause stalling or rough performance.
• Other issues: There have been some concerns about the new turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain in some models, and a certification scandal has raised questions about the company's priorities. 

What's more reliable, Chevy or Toyota?

Toyota is generally considered more reliable than Chevrolet, holding a long-standing reputation for dependability and higher rankings in reliability studies from organizations like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. While Chevrolet has improved and some models are rated well, Toyota consistently shows better overall performance in terms of quality, fewer problems per vehicle, and higher resale value.
 
This video compares the reliability of Toyota and Chevrolet: 59sCUBGarageYouTube · Sep 14, 2024
Toyota

• Consistent top performer: Toyota frequently ranks among the top brands in reliability studies, with some sources placing it above Chevrolet in overall dependability ratings. 
• Strong model performance: Many individual Toyota models consistently earn high marks for reliability and are often recommended by Consumer Reports, as reported over multiple years. 
• Higher resale value: Toyota vehicles tend to have higher resale values due to their reputation for reliability. 

Chevrolet

• Improving but inconsistent: Chevrolet has made improvements, with some recent studies showing it ranks well among mainstream brands, but it has not consistently reached Toyota's top-tier status in brand-wide reliability rankings. 
• Model-specific ratings: Reliability can be more model-dependent, with some Chevy models performing better than others. For example, some recent data indicates specific models like the Chevy TrailBlazer are predicted to be "more reliable than average". 
• Average ownership costs: Chevrolet models have an average annual repair cost that is considered above average. 

This video explains why Toyota is more reliable than Chevrolet: 51sScotty KilmerYouTube · Jun 13, 2020
Which one should you choose?

• Choose Toyota if: You prioritize long-term dependability and are willing to pay potentially more for a brand that has consistently held a leading reputation for reliability. 
• Choose Chevrolet if: You are looking for a wider range of options, especially in certain segments like large SUVs or trucks, and are comfortable with the brand's improving but historically less consistent reliability ratings. 

You can watch this video to learn which Chevrolet models are most reliable: 0:09JB ReviewsYouTube · Feb 16, 2023