The Toyota Tacoma catchphrase may be “Don’t mess with success.” Despite being the oldest model in its class and having the smallest crew cab, the Toyota Tacoma is the best-selling midsize truck in the United States, selling almost three times as many as the Chevy Colorado in 2022 (237,323 Tacomas to Chevy’s 89,197). Furthermore, it outsells Toyota’s full-size Tundra by more than two to one. The truck’s advanced off-road capabilities, excellent resale values, and plenty of equipment and customizations make up for its advanced age.
Sales demonstrate that this formula is effective, but times change, and new midsize trucks from General Motors and Ford are anticipated this year. In response, Toyota plans to completely redesign the Tacoma for 2024, using inspiration from the Tundra, which will debut in 2022. However, the 2023 model, besides a few extra basic features, remains substantially identical. There are a mind-boggling amount of variants, including rear- or four-wheel drive (4WD), two beds, two cabins, two engines, and seven trims (SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, Trail Special Edition, and TRD Pro).
While most rival trucks don’t provide nearly so much choice, they often feature bigger, contemporary cabins. The Nissan Frontier, which will be updated in 2022, is the most comparable model (and we’ve compared them side by side). Still, the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Canyon are all typical body-on-frame midsize trucks. None of these vehicles has a big rear seat, but all have off-road versions, and each has a roomier crew cab. The unibody Honda Ridgeline is significantly more luxurious and roomy but lacks the Tacoma’s toughness. Jeep’s Gladiator is more extensive and more expensive but even better off-road.
Toyota provides two engines for the Tacoma, but the 3.5-litre V6 is the only one most purchasers can choose from. The Tacoma’s weight completely outclasses the basic model four-cylinder, so work truck purchasers would be better suited with the Ranger XL. The V6 provides the Tacoma with the necessary amount of horsepower and torque, and it can be selected with either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. Although rear-wheel drive is the norm, the “Taco” is renowned for its 4WD capabilities. Although it can successfully cross the Rubicon Trail, driving on pavement is not enjoyable.
The Tacoma’s cabin is functional rather than fashionable, yet it seems well-made despite being small. Less so for passengers in the back seats. The Legroom in the backseat of the double cab, which Toyota refers to as a crew cab, is just 32.6 inches, 1.8 inches smaller than in a BMW 2 Series sports coupe. Adults won’t want to stay there long, and even older children may have trouble. Although the front seats are roomier, the sitting posture is uncomfortable. There aren’t many small item cubbies and other places to store goods, which makes interior storage troublesome.
The infotainment systems in Toyota’s more current models have just been upgraded and much enhanced, while the Tacoma is still with the company’s outdated system on 7- or 8-inch displays. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are offered. However, they are cumbersome, confusing, and often annoying to use. Although the Toyota Safety Sense system, which includes adaptive cruise control, is generously equipped despite the vehicle’s age, the crash test results aren’t fantastic. Some versions come with off-road Crawl Control as well. Overall, it’s a reliable product that you know will function indefinitely, but that involves accepting its drawbacks.
What’s New?
- There are new aesthetic options for the SR5 trim, such as the SX (blackout trim) and Chrome (more elaborate brightwork).
- Updated features for SR5 cars with V6 engines, including surround-view monitoring, dual-zone temperature control, and Toyota Smart Key access
- For Platinum and TRD Pro versions, more standard features
- While TRD Sport models may now purchase last year’s Pro colour, Electric Lime, TRD Pro models come in a new, unique shade called Solar Octane.
Performance: Toyota Tacoma
A 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine with 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque and a 3.5-litre V6 with 278 hp and 265 lb-ft are the two powertrains Toyota provides for the Tacoma. Depending on the model, a manual or automatic six-speed gearbox is offered. While 4WD is an option ($1,695), rear-wheel drive is the default and is only available on specific variants, such as the TRD Pro.
On all counts, the standard four-cylinder engine falls short. Driving the vehicle to highway speeds takes tremendous work and struggles with in-town journeys. The four-cylinder truck’s maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds, but cars with a V6 engine can tow up to 6,800 pounds. The V6 gives more significant acceleration in all circumstances, making it a far superior option for the truck.
The six-speed automatic gearbox, which falters and seems perplexed at lower speeds, betrays both engines. Instead of waiting for the mechanic to decide what gear to be in, the vehicle seems more accurate, and the driver has greater control with the six-speed manual.
The Tacoma seems much older than it is since it drives like a truck, wanders, and jounces on the pavement (incredibly when empty). However, the Tacoma shines off-road with its renowned toughness and rock-crawling prowess. The gears and suspension are well suited for exploring since most trails are not handled at high speeds. Check out our 2022 TRD Pro first drive to learn more about how the Tacoma, especially the TRD Pro, performs off-road.
Overall, the powertrains offered by Tacoma’s rivals are more advanced and effective. The Chevy Colorado’s optional turbodiesel engine can tow up to 7,700 pounds, while the Ranger’s turbo-four can draw up to 7,500 pounds. However, this engine will be removed when the 2023 vehicle is introduced later this year. With the available EcoDiesel V6 (also featured in the full-size Ram 1500), Jeep delivers greater overall strength, equal off-road ability, higher towing capability, and much better fuel efficiency.
Fuel efficiency: Toyota Tacoma
Numerous Tacoma configurations result in a variety of fuel economy ratings. The standard four-cylinder and rear-wheel drive combination, which achieves 20 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined, is the most fuel-efficient in the town.
Adding four-wheel drive reduces those figures overall by one mpg. A combined 19 city, 24 highway, and 21 combined mpg are achieved with the V6 and RWD. The TRD Pro variant with a V6 and manual gearbox is the least efficient; it gets 17 mpg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg in the combined cycle.
The Honda Ridgeline is rated at 18 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg on the combined highway. At 21 city, 26 highway, and 23 mpg combined, the four-cylinder, turbocharged Ford Ranger achieves higher highway efficiency than the Tacoma. The Jeep Gladiator consumes gasoline at 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, but it also has a diesel engine that can get up to 24 mpg on the combined highway/city cycle.
Safety & Driver Support
The 2023 Tacoma has not yet received a rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), while its predecessor had a mediocre rating. The vehicle received “Good” ratings in most tests but only an “Acceptable” rating in the moderate overlap front passenger-side crash testing. Additionally, it received “Marginal” ratings for the new side crash test, certain headlamp combinations, seatbelt reminders, and the simplicity of the LATCH system. It has an overall rating of four out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Although average safety ratings are disconcerting, they are typical for Tacoma’s class. The Ford Ranger received a “Marginal” rating for all headlamp combinations and a “Poor” rating for its seatbelt reminders from IIHS. Although the 2019 Nissan Frontier hasn’t yet received a complete rating, its headlights have already been given a “Poor” rating.
However, Toyota excels in the area of active safety measures. Automated high beams, frontal collision warnings, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, lane departure alerts, adaptive cruise control, and other Toyota Safety Sense features are standard. The off-road Crawl Control, which aids in navigating challenging tracks consistently, is another helpful function, even if it is not precisely safety-related.
Comfort & Room: Toyota Tacoma
There is no avoiding it. No matter how it is set up, the Tacoma is confined. Although the front seats have enough room, most people find them uncomfortable since they are too low to the ground. Legroom is entirely restricted, which makes backseat passengers feel the squeeze even more acutely.
On the Limited and TRD trims, heated seats with temperature controls are an option. Still, the interiors of most Tacomas seem quite essential, with fabric upholstery and a ton of black plastic. Though everything is well-made and reassuringly comfortable, don’t anticipate luxury.
The Tacoma is suitable for off-the-grid adventures when a simple interior might be helpful. However, comfort may be impacted by off-road optimization in other ways. With a lot of suspension travel, TRD models’ suspensions are designed for rough terrain. Consequently, it exhibits loads of sloppy body lean, braking dive, and roll when driving. Although the sensation is equivalent to other pickups of a similar size, all of this can be felt within the cab. Rear passengers experience a minor reduction in jerkiness and road vibrations.
Small trucks aren’t renowned for having the most significant internal room, yet the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick are smaller and feature cozier back cabins. Although confined in the rear, the GM midsize trucks, Frontier and Ranger, are better than the Tacoma.
Infotainment: Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma has a 7-inch touchscreen as standard equipment. However, an 8-inch touchscreen is an option. Both devices support Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM (subscription needed), among other features. HD radio and navigation may be added to the 8-inch display. The infotainment system in Toyotas is cumbersome and may be annoying when driving. Although the built-in smartphone interfaces are helpful, the driver must use the base system to operate the radio and other functions.
Toyota is the caboose in a class of trucks that otherwise favors technology. Even the dated-looking Sync infotainment system in the Ford Ranger is vibrant and quick, and the Nissan interface has advanced since previous versions. The Chevrolet and GMC systems feature simple menus and straightforward navigation, with slight variations between them.
Storage & Cargo Space:
Due to Tacoma’s low internal storage, it is one of the most miniature practical vehicles in its class. Like many competitors, Toyota provides 5- or 6-foot beds, but the inside requires additional storage space. It becomes worse since the centre console, and glovebox are both too tiny. The two GM trucks have sizable door pockets, while the Nissan Frontier’s interior, which was renovated last year, has a sensible layout and a spacious center console and glovebox.
While the Access Cab comes standard with the 6-foot bed, choosing the Double Cab allows you to select a 6- or 5-foot bed. Regarding the space available, the 5-footer can contain around 27.5 cubic feet of goods, while the 6-foot bed can hold about 33.8 cubic feet. Although several rivals, such as the Ridgeline, Gladiator, and small pickups, don’t offer a 6-foot bed, their bed measurements are equal to those of the Ranger.
However, Tacoma provides excellent in-bed accessory storage choices that its rivals do not.
Design: Toyota Tacoma
Tacoma has changed and underwent a slight redesign in 2020, but its overall appearance has remained the same. New Tacoma models have a chiseled, muscular style emphasized by vibrant color choices. Although Toyota isn’t bashful with decorations and stickers signifying four-wheel drive and other options, the appearance isn’t as outrageous in standard color selections.
The Tacoma’s interior is outdated and plain, yet it seems nicely put together. Although there are several hard plastics and there isn’t much room, the structure is sturdy and has no creaks or rattles.
The Toyota Tacoma 2023: Is It Worth It?
Although several excellent choices are available for the same or less money than the Tacoma, it seems to contain the features that most midsize truck buyers want. It lacks in technology, interior size, and on-road performance. Still, it makes up for its exceptional off-road capabilities, some of the best-anticipated dependability ratings, and some of the highest resale values available. Because of this, purchasing one is a lower-risk decision than buying certain other cars, although the lineup does have a few highlights.
Given the TRD Pro’s high $48,520 asking price, it’s best suited to people who must have the most competent off-road vehicle out of the box or who desire a unique color. For thousands less, the Nissan Frontier Pro-4X delivers almost the same capabilities, superior on-road performance, and a very similar appearance, but the Toyota has the advantage off-road. Even still, a Gladiator Rubicon is just $4,000 more expensive.
The Limited ($41,840) prioritizes comfort and beauty above functionality. The bare-bones SR ($31,105 with the V6 and rear-wheel drive) works admirably for a no-frills, trustworthy work truck at a low price, but Ford’s turbocharged Ranger XL delivers more excellent mileage, power, and towing capability. With extra options, the SR5 ($34,080 with the V6) makes the vehicle much more livable.
If we had the money, we would choose the TRD Off-Road ($37,375), a TRD Pro-lite at a cheaper cost. Even though it forgoes some of the Pro’s best features, it still has excellent off-road performance and a lovely butch appearance. It is more manageable to drive on winding roads and is available with a manual gearbox. Not without reason, it also costs a massive $11,000 less. You could purchase an ATV and a trailer to pull behind it for that much.
How Much Will Insurance for a 2023 Toyota Tacoma Cost?
Tacoma’s insurance prices are comparable to those of most of its rivals. Although this figure covers all 50 states, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean record should anticipate an average yearly premium of $2,043. The Colorado costs $1,726, the Ranger $1,947, the Ridgeline $1950, and the Gladiator $2,093.
Toyota Tacoma Generations
Third Generation
2016 to Present
A brand-new 3.5-litre V6 and six-speed gearbox were installed for the third generation. The updated Tacoma’s hexagonal grille and visible skid plate give it a rugged, athletic appearance. The SR, SR5, Limited, TRD Sport, and new TRD Off-Road were all available. Later, the TRD Pro Tacoma debuted as a double cab with high-performance suspension and leather seats for the 2017 model year. In addition to updating the grilles on each model, Toyota made its whole lineup of active safety features standard in 2018. For the 2019 model year, the Nightshade and SX appearance debuted. For 2020, Nightshade was continuing. New look packages for the SR5 trim and the introduction of Solar Octane, a brand-new exclusive color for TRD Pro vehicles, are a few of the visual upgrades for 2023.
Second Generation
2005 to 2015
Tacoma’s body types were reduced to three for the 2005 model year: standard cab, access cab, and double cab. Along with a new 4.0-litre V6 and upgraded 2.7-litre four-cylinder engines, new TRD Off-Road and Sport packages were introduced. Tacoma received interior improvements, a redesigned exterior, and new audio and infotainment in 2012. In 2013, The Limited made its debut and featured upscale facilities. 2014, the X-Runner sport truck was dropped, and the SR appearance package was introduced.
First Generation
1995 to 2004
After six generations of earlier small truck models, including the HiLux, T100, and SR5, Toyota brought the American-made Tacoma to the United States. It had three brand-new, high-performance engines: a 2.4-litre V6 with 142 horsepower as standard on two-wheel-drive versions, a 2.7-litre four-cylinder with 150 horsepower as standard on four-wheel-drive models, and a 3.4-litre V6 with 190 horsepower available in both combinations. The truck was given a more fashionable and aerodynamic redesign for the 1997 model year. In 1998, the two-wheel-drive Tacoma Pre-Runner debuted; in 1999 a conventional cab followed. In 2001, the four-door double cab made its debut.
Verdict
Despite being a seasoned warrior, the Toyota Tacoma is still the most popular midsize truck. The Tacoma is tough and resilient, has a stellar reputation for dependability and resale value, and the four-wheel drive models make great off-road explorers. However, the outdated design includes a small interior, a poor basic engine, and clumsy pavement handling. In 2023, new competitors from Ford and GM will be released, and the Nissan Frontier will present an updated version of the same concept. Even so, many people find Tacoma’s combination of toughness, off-road prowess, and unpretentious style enticing.
