The Toyota Tacoma has been a mainstay in the midsize pickup truck segment for many years. Known for its durability and off-road capability, the Tacoma also caters to drivers who need a reliable daily commuter and a versatile family vehicle. In this review, we take a closer look at the Tacoma’s design, interior, engine, mileage, features, safety, ride quality, price, rivals, and who it’s best suited for.
Design
The Toyota Tacoma maintains a rugged and functional look. Its exterior combines a bold front grille, angular headlights, and muscular wheel arches. The design leans toward utility rather than luxury, making it instantly recognizable on the road.
The truck is available in several trims, including SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited. Higher trims add features such as LED headlights, chrome accents, and alloy wheels. The Tacoma is offered in both Access Cab and Double Cab configurations, giving buyers flexibility depending on passenger and cargo needs.
Overall, the Tacoma’s design prioritizes durability and practicality. It may not have the sleek styling of some competitors, but it signals toughness and reliability, which many pickup buyers appreciate.
Interior
Inside, the Tacoma focuses on functionality over luxury. Materials are durable, with soft-touch surfaces in higher trims. The cabin layout is simple and user-friendly, with controls placed within easy reach of the driver.
The Double Cab offers comfortable seating for up to five passengers, though rear legroom can feel tight for taller adults. The Access Cab is better suited for occasional passengers or additional cargo space. Storage compartments are plentiful, including under-seat storage in the Double Cab.
Infotainment features include a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Higher trims offer an 8-inch touchscreen, integrated navigation, and premium audio. While it doesn’t have the plush feel of luxury pickups, the interior is practical and easy to maintain, making it suitable for families and daily commuting.
Engine Options
The Toyota Tacoma comes with two engine options in the U.S.:
- 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine: This engine produces 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission and is aimed at buyers looking for a basic, fuel-efficient option.
- 3.5-liter V6 engine: Available in higher trims, the V6 generates 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission and optional four-wheel drive. This engine provides better acceleration, towing, and off-road capability.
Both engines are reliable and known for longevity. However, the V6 is better suited for buyers who regularly carry heavy loads or go off-road, while the four-cylinder works well for city driving and light hauling.
Mileage
Fuel efficiency varies depending on the engine and drivetrain:
- 2.7L four-cylinder: Around 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway.
- 3.5L V6: Around 18 mpg city / 22 mpg highway.
While these numbers are not class-leading, they are reasonable for a midsize truck built for durability and occasional off-road use. Tacoma owners should expect slightly lower mileage if frequently towing or driving off-road.
Features
The Tacoma comes with a practical set of features. Standard equipment includes:
- Touchscreen infotainment with smartphone integration
- Rearview camera
- Keyless entry
- Automatic climate control (on higher trims)
Higher trims add:
- Leather seats
- Power-adjustable driver seat
- Premium audio system
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
The truck also offers optional towing packages, skid plates, and off-road suspension enhancements for buyers seeking more adventure-ready capabilities.
Overall, the Tacoma’s feature list focuses on essentials and functionality, with select comfort and tech upgrades in the higher trims.
Safety
Safety is an important consideration for daily commuters and families. The Tacoma comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) as standard. This includes:
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- Lane departure alert
- Automatic high beams
- Dynamic radar cruise control
Other safety features include multiple airbags, stability control, traction control, and a reinforced body structure.
Crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show the Tacoma performs well in frontal and side-impact tests, though its rollover rating is average compared to competitors. Overall, it offers a solid safety package suitable for family use.
Ride Quality
The Tacoma has a firm ride, which is typical of pickup trucks. On highways, it handles reasonably well, though the ride can feel stiff over rough surfaces. The suspension is tuned more for durability and off-road performance than luxury comfort.
Steering is precise, and the Tacoma feels stable at moderate speeds. However, long highway drives may be less comfortable compared to softer-riding midsize trucks. The truck’s off-road trims, such as the TRD Off-Road, come with enhanced suspension and skid plates, which improve capability but slightly reduce on-road comfort.
Price
The Toyota Tacoma starts at approximately $29,000 for the base SR trim with a four-cylinder engine. Higher trims with the V6 engine and additional features can exceed $45,000.
While not the cheapest in its class, the Tacoma is known for strong resale value and reliability, which can offset the higher upfront cost over time. Buyers should consider the total cost of ownership, including maintenance, fuel, and insurance.
Rivals
In the midsize pickup truck segment, the Toyota Tacoma faces competition from:
- Ford Ranger: Known for modern tech and strong towing capacity.
- Chevrolet Colorado: Offers multiple engine options and smooth ride quality.
- Honda Ridgeline: Focuses on comfort and family-friendly features.
- Nissan Frontier: Offers a rugged design and recent upgrades.
Compared to rivals, the Tacoma is often chosen for its durability and off-road reputation. However, it may lag in interior space, fuel efficiency, and highway comfort compared to some competitors.
Who Should Buy the Tacoma?
The Toyota Tacoma is ideal for:
- Daily commuters who need a reliable vehicle that handles traffic and city roads.
- Small families who occasionally need a truck for school runs, groceries, and weekend trips.
- Outdoor enthusiasts who value off-road capability, towing, and cargo versatility.
- Buyers prioritizing reliability and resale value over luxury features.
It may be less suitable for those seeking a smooth, luxury-like ride, high fuel efficiency, or maximum rear-seat space.
Final Verdict
The Toyota Tacoma continues to be a dependable midsize pickup that balances utility and everyday usability. Its rugged design, reliable engines, practical interior, and strong safety features make it a solid choice for commuters, families, and adventure seekers alike.
While the ride may feel firm and fuel economy modest, the Tacoma’s durability and off-road capability remain strong selling points. Buyers who value long-term reliability and versatility over luxury will find the Tacoma to be a sensible investment.
In summary, the Tacoma is not the flashiest or most fuel-efficient truck on the market, but it is dependable, practical, and well-suited to a variety of driving needs in the USA.
