TOYOTA TACOMA
The Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck produced by Japanese automaker Toyota since 1995, earning a reputation for its versatility and tough performance. The Tacoma, a compact truck that smoothly integrates everyday usefulness with strong off-road capabilities, is a reliable partner for a variety of duties, from hauling parts and transporting families to tackling difficult trails. Its refined powertrains, spacious front seats, and diversified portfolio, which includes two cab and bed options, meet a wide range of needs. A new turbocharged four-cylinder engine with variable output levels powers the Tacoma, enabling it to handle tough terrain with ease. Autotrader selected the 2024 Toyota Tacoma a Best New Car, maintaining its reputation as a dependable and capable option for truck customers
TOYOTA TACOMA GENERATIONS
The Toyota Tacoma, named after the Coast Salish word for Mount Rainier in Washington State, has become a symbol of dependability and adaptability in the midsize truck sector.
Since its debut in 1995, the Tacoma has gone through four generations, with each iteration improving performance, technology, and capabilities.
FIRST GENERATION
Toyota unveiled the first-generation Tacoma in the United States in February 1995, with sales starting in March to replace the Toyota Hilux.Produced from January 1995 to August 2004, this generation marked Toyota’s transition to a midsize truck designed for the North American market.
Buyers could select from three gasoline engines: a 2.4L 2RZ-FE I4, a 2.7L 3RZ-FE I4, or a 3.4L 5VZ-FE V6, mated to either a 4-speed A340 automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission.The Tacoma underwent a slight modification in October 1996, with a shift from recessed sealed beam headlights to flush design on 2WD models, demonstrating Toyota’s dedication to improving both functionality and appearance.
SECOND GENERATION
The development of the second-generation Toyota Tacoma began in 2000, led by chief engineer Chikuo Kubota, and included considerable upgrades to the midsize truck.This version, which debuted in 2005, had a small facelift in 2009, including a redesigned grille on select models, new LED taillights, and smoked headlamp trim for the X-Runner, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Sport trims.
Interior enhancements included standard auxiliary audio input, ceiling-mounted speakers for Access and Double Cab versions, and an optional backup monitor.Toyota introduced four new exterior colors and improved safety measures, but removed the mechanical limited slip differential.
The TRD Off-Road versions kept their locking rear differentials for better off-road performance, while the new X-Runner trim replaced the slow-selling S-Runner, catering to performance fans.
THIRD GENERATION
Toyota debuted its third-generation Tacoma in 2016, offering Access Cab and Double Cab configurations with options for long or short bed sizes to suit various applications.It marked a shift toward increased comfort and technology, with Toyota adding a handlebar theme into the design, as well as a larger touchscreen display and a revised instrument panel.
Toyota improved sound insulation by using an acoustic windshield, better-insulated doors, and additional weather stripping to reduce road and wind noise.The 2020 facelift included cosmetic upgrades as well as new inside technologies such as wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility.
The SR5 model added a power-adjustable driver’s seat, while the Tacoma Limited Double Cab included a new Monitor that provided a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the truck’s surroundings.
FOURTH GENERATION
Toyota debuted the fourth-generation Tacoma on May 19, 2023. Built on Toyota’s TNGA-F global body-on-frame platform, which it shares with the larger Toyota Tundra, the Tacoma has an athletic, strong attitude with components inspired by Toyota’s Baja prize racing trucks, including a high lift, massive tires, and a narrow body.
The current generation of the Toyota Tacoma is available in eight trim levels, six of which carry over from the previous generation: SR, SR5, Limited, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro. New additions include the Trailhunter trim, designed for overlanding enthusiasts, and the TRD PreRunner, an off-road-oriented two-wheel-drive variant.
Toyota positions the TRD Pro and Trailhunter as the line’s showpiece products. Notably, the 2024 Tacoma Crew Cab variant received the “Top Safety Pick” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), highlighting its commitment to safety alongside performance and design.
TOYOTA TACOMA FEATURES
PERFORMANCE FEATURES
Engine Options
The Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a variety of engine options to meet a variety of needs.
- The standard engine is a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 that generates 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque.
- Other trims include a more powerful version of the 2.4-liter turbo, which produces 270-278 horsepower and 310-317 lb-ft of torque, depending on transmission.
- The i-Force Max Hybrid engine, which produces 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, is also available, as standard in the TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims and optional in others. The hybrid option delivers more low-end torque, making it suitable for off-roading.
TOYOTA TACOMA
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy varies depending on the configuration of the Tacoma.
- The SR5 grade with rear-wheel drive gets an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Adding four-wheel drive, larger wheels, or all-terrain tires may lower these statistics.
- The hybrid powertrain, which is available on higher trim levels, provides competitive fuel efficiency in its class, providing the Tacoma with a good combination of power and economy.
Transmission Options
The Tacoma has two transmission options: a standard 8-speed automatic transmission, which is available on most trims, and a 6-speed manual transmission, which is available on certain trims such as the TRD Off Road.
The 8-speed automatic works with either the regular rear-wheel drive or the optional four-wheel drive setups.
Towing Capacity
The Tacoma can tow up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped. Trailer Back Up Guidance, Straight Path Assist, and a Class IV tow hitch receiver improve the towing experience.
The Tacoma SR5 and TRD PreRunner grades also include an integrated trailer brake controller, which improves towing performance.
Off-Road Capabilities
The TRD Offroad and TRD Pro versions are geared toward off-road enthusiasts. Toyota’s i-Force Max Hybrid drivetrain powers the TRD Pro through difficult terrains, including rocks, mud, and sand, producing outstanding torque.
Both the TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road trim levels have sophisticated off-road technologies such as a front anti-rollbar disconnect, standard four-wheel drive, and a low-speed crawl mode. The Tacoma was designed to handle everything from trails to rocks with ease.
Payload Capacity
The Tacoma also excels in payload capability, with hybrid models capable of towing up to 1,710 pounds.This allows for considerable storage of tools, gear, or camping goods, making the Tacoma a flexible truck for both business and enjoyment.
INTERIOR FEATURES
Seating and Comfort: The Tacoma’s front seats are spacious and comfy, with wide, relatively flat cushions that may accommodate passengers of different sizes. While typical cloth upholstery is gritty, it is sturdy, and synthetic leather upholstery is available for a more refined appearance.
Interior Design and Layout: The Tacoma’s revised interior uses high-quality materials that give it a luxury feel. Rugged style dominates the cabin, and the layout feels more spacious than before. Real buttons and switches are often used, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the synthetic controls used in current vehicles. Storage solutions include convenient compartments throughout the cabin; however, some are smaller than in the previous generation Tacoma.
TECHNOLOGICAL FEATURES
Entertainment and connectivity: The standard entertainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, Bluetooth, a four-speaker radio (upgraded to six speakers in Double Cab variants), and two USB connections. Optional features include a 14-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, navigation, wireless device charging, a 10-speaker JBL audio system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Despite its higher resolution and improved software, the larger touchscreen does not have a home screen, which may be a disadvantage for some users.
Convenience and Technology: Convenience features include proximity keyless entry, push-button start, automatic climate control, dual-zone climate control, a sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a universal garage door opener. A digital key, a power outlet similar to those found in homes, and a power-sliding rear window are additional features. The Tacoma’s rear outboard seats have two sets of LATCH connectors for fitting kid safety seats.
TOYOTA TACOMA SAFETY
The Toyota Tacoma prioritizes safety with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, a set of innovative technology designed to protect both drivers and passengers. The key features include:
- Forward Collision Warning with Pedestrian Detection: Alerts drivers to impending crashes and applies emergency braking as needed.
- Automatic Emergency Braking: Improves collision prevention in critical conditions.
- Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keeping Assist: Assists the driver in keeping the car in its lane and informs them if they accidently wander out.
- Traffic Sign Recognition: Recognizes and shows important traffic signs like speed limits.
- Adaptive Cruise Control maintains a safe following distance from the car ahead.
- Automatic High-Beam Headlights: Improves visibility by switching between high and low beams.
TOYOTA TACOMA
TOYOTA TACOMA RELIABILITY
The Toyota Tacoma is known for its remarkable dependability and durability.
With regular maintenance, the Tacoma can easily achieve 200,000 miles and even reach 300,000 miles, making it a reliable long-term vehicle. This durability reinforces its image as a dependable car for both business and recreational purposes.
In terms of industry ratings, the Tacoma receives a Quality & Reliability score of 79 from J.D. Power, demonstrating its strong construction and dependability.
TOYOTA TACOMA MAINTENANCE
Toyota’s recommended maintenance schedule maintains the Tacoma’s long-term reliability and performance.
Routine maintenance is recommended every 5,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. However, the frequency can vary depending on usage.
- If you frequently go off-road, tow, or drive in heavy traffic, you should service your vehicle every 5,000 miles.
- Light commuting and urban use: Service intervals can be increased to 10,000 miles in some instances.
TOYOTA TACOMA
TOYOTA TACOMA PRICE
Toyota Tacoma prices range from $32,995 to $53,595, depending on trim level and options.
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