2020 Toyota Tacoma Review

　　

2020 Toyota Tacoma Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　The midsize pickup truck market has been growing, but it's fair to say that the Toyota Tacoma is still the odds-on favorite for a lot of shoppers. From its basic work-truck configuration to luxury-oriented or off-road variants, the Tacoma is simply one of the most well-rounded pickups on sale today. Improvements for the 2020 model, combined with historically strong resale prices, make this year's Tacoma a better value proposition than ever.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Toyota Tacoma SR 4dr Access Cab 6.1 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$178/mo  for Tacoma SR

　　Tacoma SR

　　SR 4dr Access Cab 6.1 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl 6A) - $26,050 MSRPSR 4dr Double Cab 5.0 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl 6A) - $26,880 MSRPSR 4dr Access Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $28,310 MSRPSR 4dr Access Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl 6A) - $29,125 MSRPSR 4dr Access Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $31,775 MSRPSR 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $32,315 MSRPSR5 4dr Access Cab 6.1 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl 6A) - $27,825 MSRPSR5 4dr Double Cab 5.0 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl 6A) - $28,715 MSRPSR5 4dr Access Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl 6A) - $30,900 MSRPSR5 4dr Access Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $30,970 MSRPSR5 4dr Double Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $32,115 MSRPSR5 4dr Double Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $32,615 MSRPSR5 4dr Access Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $34,310 MSRPSR5 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $35,190 MSRPSR5 4dr Double Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $35,690 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr Access Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $32,745 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr Double Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $34,000 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr Double Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $34,500 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr Access Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6M) - $34,720 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6M) - $35,335 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr Access Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $36,030 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $36,965 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr Double Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $37,575 MSRPTRD Off Road 4dr Double Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $34,000 MSRPTRD Off Road 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6M) - $35,335 MSRPTRD Off Road 4dr Access Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $36,030 MSRPTRD Off Road 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $36,965 MSRPTRD Off Road 4dr Double Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $37,575 MSRPLimited 4dr Double Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $38,790 MSRPLimited 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $41,865 MSRPTRD PRO 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6M) - $43,960 MSRPTRD PRO 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $46,665 MSRP

　　vs

　　$218/mo

　　Avg. Compact Truck

　　It starts on the inside where it gets a larger touchscreen and a new infotainment system that finally features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. These additions make it a lot easier to avoid using Toyota's proprietary Entune software, which isn't particularly intuitive. Other modifications include a recalibrated automatic transmission — which helps reduce the sluggish feel that plagued last year's Tacoma — and a power driver's seat that offers greater adjustability for improved comfort.

　　As before, a relatively tall ride height may inhibit entry into the cabin, but it also means every Tacoma is ready to head off the beaten path at a moment's notice. The same is especially true of the two off-road trims that feature a superior approach angle, beefy shock absorbers and a lockable center differential to increase its adventuring potential. New downward-facing cameras further help you avoid any frame-bending obstacles you may come across.

　　These adjustments fix the most significant complaints we've had about past Tacomas. The Tacoma has a slightly rougher ride than rivals such as the Chevrolet Colorado and the Honda Ridgeline. And if you want the ultimate rock-crawling pickup, the new Jeep Gladiator ekes out a slight edge. But the Toyota Tacoma represents a nice balance between on- and off-road adventuring, and its solid resale value only sweetens the pot.

　　

What's it like to live with the Tacoma?

When the Tacoma was redesigned in 2016, we wanted to know what it was like to live with, so we bought one. Specifically, we purchased the 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road and lived with it in our long-term fleet for nearly two years, putting over 40,000 miles on the odometer. The Tacoma has received some updates since its redesign in 2016, including additional standard safety features and smartphone integration capability, but it's the same generation truck so most of our observations still apply. To learn more about the Toyota Tacoma, check out all the details in our long-term test, where we cover everything from seat comfort to real-world fuel economy.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.7

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Tacoma drive? The Tacoma steers and handles smoothly and is generally easy to drive. The main exception is the brakes, which feel grabby and can induce nosedive in hard stops. We do wish the 3.5-liter V6 felt a bit more willing, but there is enough power for daily use. The transmission shifts predictably and is able to get the most out of the engine.

　　Off-road is where the Tacoma truly shines and stands above all others except the Gladiator. The Tacoma has the clearance, gearing and traction to tackle serious terrain, and the brakes and throttle prove to be brilliantly precise and controllable in low-range crawling situations.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Tacoma? The Tacoma was never a disagreeable truck to ride in, but changes introduced in 2020 have made it a little bit more pleasant. A fully adjustable 10-way driver's seat comes standard in V6 trucks, and this seat promotes long-range comfort for drivers of almost all shapes and sizes.

　　The thicker side-window glass cuts down the wind noise compared to prior years, though the Colorado and the Ridgeline still have an edge here. The same is true for ride quality since the Tacoma is still truckier than its smoothest-riding competitors. As for the climate system, it has effective heating and cooling and is easy to adjust.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The Tacoma's main drawback is its tallish step-in height. Get past that and everything else is solid once you're inside. The controls are logical and straightforward, including the new enlarged infotainment screen and the redesigned knobs and physical shortcut buttons.

　　The new 10-way power seat provides a greater range of adjustability than before, but we still wish the telescoping steering wheel pulled out more. The front seat roominess benefits from the seat's added downward adjustability, but other dimensions remain the same as before. Visibility is very good thanks to the profile of the hood, ample side windows, and a new forward and side-looking camera system.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? The latest Tacoma is now pretty well stocked with tech features. The new screen boasts a larger size, crisper map graphics and quicker responses. You also get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and even Amazon Alexa this year. Built-in navigation is an inexpensive upgrade option, and it's probably worth getting if you're planning on venturing out of cellphone range a lot.

　　Toyota's approach to standard active safety tech is admirable. Adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam control, and even a driver drowsiness warning system are all standard on all grades.

　　

Towing and Storage

7.5/10

　　How are the towing and storage? The Tacoma's truck bed is ideal. It's made of a composite material that needs no bedliner, and it has an enviable combination of fixed and movable tie-downs. Loading is easy because the tailgate opens low and its bedsides aren't comically tall. The Tacoma's 6,800-pound maximum tow rating does lag behind some others, but the deficit isn't large.

　　Interior storage for small items is adequate. Folding the rear seats down into their cargo-carrying position is a little fussy, but the result is better storage space than all but the Ridgeline and the Gladiator. Installing child safety seats is easy, but larger rear-facing and infant seats may eat into front passenger room.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? he 3.5-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic combo earns 20 mpg combined (18 city/22 highway) in 4WD trim and 21 mpg combined in rear-wheel-drive models. Our testing leads us to believe that these ratings are achievable and accurate.

　　We tested a 2016 TRD 4WD Off-Road for more than a year and averaged 18.6 mpg over 40,000 miles of use. We were able to exceed the highway rating on several road trips, and there are good reasons why our truck may have come up just over 1 mpg short. Our home-base location skews the mix toward city driving, and the TRD Off-Road has knobbier tires and lacks the front airdam that comes on most Tacomas.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the Tacoma a good value? You get a lot of well-built truck and a bed with many standard cargo handling and safety features for your money. The value equation is particularly good on the TRD models. Build quality is solid, and Toyota trucks are known for their mechanical durability. Although warranty coverage isn't generous, you do get two years of free scheduled maintenance.

　　

Wildcard

8.5/10

　　Toyota's Tacoma manages to deliver fun in a right-size pickup package. Its TRD off-road packages are the real deal, not sticker packages inflated by marketing hype. The buying public has responded with fierce loyalty, and this truck has also attracted the attention of the aftermarket, which supports it with many products that enable all sorts of customization. The Tacoma is great for those who want the look and feel of an off-roader even if they'll never get it dirty because it's also an easy-driving and dependable pickup truck.

　　

Which Tacoma does zzdcar recommend?

The TRD Off-Road model offers a nice blend of comfort and off-road performance at an agreeable price. The V6 and 4x4 powertrain are standard, as are several performance upgrades. You might not need the lockable rear differential on the road, and the removal of the airdam comes with a slight fuel economy penalty. But the Bilstein shocks and smaller wheels pay off in day-to-day driving as they soak up road imperfections and make the ride more agreeable.

　　

2020 Toyota Tacoma models

The Tacoma is offered in six trim levels: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited and TRD Pro. The entry-level SR is the work truck of the bunch, with the value-oriented SR5 offering more equipment and more choices. Next up are the very popular and well-equipped TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road variants. The two are identical on the inside, but hardware differences make the TRD Off-Road more capable when the going gets rocky. Finally come the street-oriented Limited, which has a long list of creature comforts, and the TRD Pro, the most off-road-capable Tacoma in the lineup.

　　While the SR is the least expensive Tacoma, it isn't entirely bare-bones. It can be had with an extended cab (Access Cab) with a 6.1-foot bed or a crew cab (Double Cab) with a 5-foot bed, and you can choose between rear-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive with a low-range transfer case. Its 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine (159 horsepower, 180 lb-ft of torque) is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.

　　Other standard equipment for the SR includes 16-inch steel wheels, a sliding rear window, heated power-adjustable side mirrors, a tough composite bed that needs no bedliner, and a movable cleat tie-down system. Inside, there are manual front seats, cloth upholstery, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. As with other Toyotas, the Tacoma comes standard with many advanced driving aids, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.

　　For most buyers, the SR5 is the better deal. On top of the SR equipment, you can also get a long-wheelbase version that pairs the crew cab with the 6.1-foot bed. On the outside, you get some chrome exterior trim, remote keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an 8-inch touchscreen. Double Cab models also get alloy wheels.

　　If the standard four-cylinder doesn't have enough power, the SR5 offers an optional 3.5-liter V6 (278 hp, 265 lb-ft). All rear-wheel-drive versions use the six-speed automatic, but four-wheel-drive buyers can choose between the automatic and a six-speed manual. SR5 models driven by the V6 include a 10-way power driver's seat and an auto-dimming mirror, while Double Cabs with this engine also add a power-sliding window.

　　Next up is the TRD Sport. It is offered in the same cab and bed configurations as the SR5, but the V6 is standard. It also comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, body-colored fender flares and rear bumper, heated mirrors, a hood scoop, a 120-volt/400-watt power outlet in the bed, keyless entry and ignition (for automatic-transmission trucks), and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

　　The TRD Off-Road offers nearly the same configuration and engine options as the TRD Sport, and its truck bed, interior and audio trimmings are identical. Visual differences include a chrome rear bumper, textured black fender flares, 16-inch wheels, and the absence of the Sport's hood scoop. Off-road performance changes include the deletion of the front airdam, a lockable rear differential, Bilstein monotube shocks, and an advanced off-road traction control system with multiple terrain settings and crawl control.

　　Both the TRD Sport and the TRD Off-Road crew-cab models can be upgraded with a few option packages. Feature highlights include a sunroof, parking sensors, forward- and side-looking cameras, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, leather upholstery, a navigation system, and a seven-speaker JBL audio system. It's worth noting that the stereo upgrade is not available on models with the manual transmission.

　　The Limited is the most refined version of the Tacoma. It is only offered as either a two- or four-wheel-drive V6-powered crew cab with the short bed. It has a body-colored rear bumper and flares, and it rolls on 18-inch wheels with lower-profile tires. This trim lacks the TRD Off-Road's specialized off-road upgrades and is instead upgraded with just about all of the Off-Road's and Sport's optional features as standard equipment.

　　The TRD Pro is sold only as a crew cab with a short bed, and it comes only in four-wheel drive. The V6 engine is standard, but you can choose between the manual and the automatic transmission. It's equipped like a loaded-up TRD Off-Road. But it sets itself apart with special styling details, including a black grille and LED headlights, plus performance upgrades such as Fox internal bypass shocks, all-terrain tires, a thicker front skid plate, an upgraded exhaust, and a ride height that's an inch taller.

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2020 Tacoma Highlights

Type: Access CabDouble CabDouble Cab

　　Trim: SRSR5TRD Off RoadTRD SportLimitedTRD PROSR

　　

Base MSRP	$26,880
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$178/month
Seating	5 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	3,500 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles