Does Toyota Make a Three-Quarter Ton Pickup?

Pickup trucks come in different sizes and capacities. Some can haul and tow more than others. Automakers use terms like “half-ton” and “three-quarter ton” to describe their trucks’ abilities. But what do these terms really mean? And does Toyota make a three-quarter ton pickup?

What Does “Half-Ton” and “Three-Quarter Ton” Mean for Pickup Trucks?

The terms “half-ton” and “three-quarter ton” refer to old ways of rating a truck’s capacity. They do not actually mean the truck can haul those amounts.

In the past, pickups were rated by how much weight they could carry in their beds. A “half-ton” truck could haul 1,000 pounds (half a ton) in its bed. A “three-quarter ton” truck could haul 1,500 pounds (three-quarters of a ton).

Modern pickup trucks can haul much more weight. But the “half-ton” and “three-quarter ton” names stuck around. They are now used by automakers as marketing terms to separate their light-duty and heavier-duty trucks.

Does Toyota Make a Three-Quarter Ton Truck?

No, Toyota does not make a three-quarter ton pickup.

Toyota only makes one full-size pickup model – the Toyota Tundra. The Tundra competes with other light-duty, half-ton trucks like the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado 1500.

Toyota positions the Tundra as a “half-ton” truck. They do not market it as a “three-quarter ton” pickup.

Why Isn’t the Toyota Tundra Called a Three-Quarter Ton?

The Toyota Tundra meets the capacity of a traditional three-quarter ton truck. But Toyota chooses not to use the “three-quarter ton” label.

Here’s why:

The Tundra’s Capabilities Are Similar to Other Half-Tons

The newest 2023 Toyota Tundra has a maximum towing capacity of 12,000 pounds. That is about the same as competitors like the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500.

The Tundra’s payload – how much weight it can carry in its bed – is also similar to other light-duty pickups.

So even though it could be called a three-quarter ton by old definitions, its abilities match a modern half-ton truck.

“Half-Ton” vs. “Three-Quarter Ton” is Just Marketing

There are no regulations around using the terms “half-ton” or “three-quarter ton.” Automakers can choose whatever label they want.

Toyota positions the Tundra as a “half-ton” to match competitors like the F-150 and Silverado 1500. The “half-ton” label helps buyers know the Tundra is a light-duty truck.

Only One Pickup Seller Uses “Three-Quarter Ton”

The only modern pickup marketed as a three-quarter ton is the Nissan Titan XD. The Titan XD slots between regular light-duty and heavy-duty pickups.

But Nissan is the only brand using the “three-quarter ton” label. Other automakers avoid it in favor of “half-ton” and “heavy duty.”

Since no other major pickup uses “three-quarter ton,” Toyota also avoids it. The Tundra remains in the well-known “half-ton” category.

Does the Larger 2023 Tundra Change Anything?

The third-generation 2023 Toyota Tundra is all new. It has a more powerful engine, updated exterior, and larger size. But even with these changes, Toyota still considers it a half-ton.

The 2023 Tundra is Bigger and More Capable

The newest Tundra is larger and more capable than before:

It’s up to 225 lbs heavier than the previous generation
The maximum towing capacity increased by 1,000 lbs to 12,000 lbs
The bed is deeper and can carry more payload

By old definitions, these increased abilities get closer to a “three-quarter ton” rating. But Toyota still sticks with the half-ton label.

Toyota Says “Let the Truck do the Talking”

Toyota knows the new 2023 Tundra is more capable. But they still specifically market it as a “half-ton truck.”

For the 2023 Tundra, Toyota uses the slogan “Let the Truck do the Talking.” They want its abilities to speak for themselves.

The focus remains matching the Tundra against other popular half-tons. Toyota believes in letting the Tundra’s performance compete rather than relying on marketing terms.

What About the Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition?

Toyota makes a luxury version of the Tundra called the 1794 Edition. It has extra features and interior upgrades.

The 1794 Edition actually has a lower max towing capacity than the regular Tundra. It maxes out at 11,170 pounds compared to 12,000.

So even the fancier 1794 Edition is not as capable as a real three-quarter ton truck. Toyota still considers it a half-ton.

Can the Tundra Compete with Real Three-Quarter Ton Trucks?

While not called a three-quarter ton, how does the Tundra compare against “real” three-quarter ton trucks?

The short answer: not quite the same.

True three-quarter ton trucks like the Chevy Silverado 2500 and Ford F-250 are more heavy duty.

Here are some key differences:

Higher Towing and Payload Capacity

The max tow rating for a three-quarter ton pickup is around 15,000 – 20,000 lbs. That’s 3,000 – 8,000 more than the Tundra.

Payload is also higher. For example, the F-250 can carry up to 4,260 lbs in its bed vs. the Tundra’s max of 1,940 lbs.

Stronger Frame and Parts

Real three-quarter ton trucks have heavier duty frames, axles, brakes, and other parts. This allows them to confidently handle bigger loads.

The Tundra does not have the same “commercial grade” components. It is built more similarly to a half-ton.

More Powerful Engine Options

Three-quarter ton trucks come with more powerful V8 gasoline engines or diesel options.

For example, the base F-250 engine is a 6.2L V8 producing 385 horsepower and 430 lb-ft torque. The most potent Tundra engine is a hybrid twin-turbo 3.5L V6 with 437 hp and 583 lb-ft.

Designed for Work Use

Brands make three-quarter ton trucks specifically for commercial buyers. Construction, farming, and other industries rely on them for heavy work.

While capable, the Tundra is designed more for personal use by retail consumers. It does not have the same extreme workhorse duties as a true commercial three-quarter ton pickup.

Conclusion

While Toyota does not make a true three-quarter ton pickup, the Tundra still competes with the most popular light-duty trucks. It has similar capabilities to rivals like the F-150, Silverado 1500, and Ram 1500.

Toyota focuses on letting the new 2023 Tundra’s performance speak for itself. Even with its gains in size and power, Toyota sticks with categorizing it as a capable half-ton rather than relying on marketing labels.

So for Toyota, the question remains not whether the Tundra matches a three-quarter ton truck. It’s how the Tundra’s abilities compare against competitors in the hotly contested half-ton pickup segment

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