2019 Toyota Tacoma Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byTravis LangnessReviews Editor

　　Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.

　　

What's new

Updated TRD Pro trim with more off-road-ready equipmentAvailable TRD Pro high-mounted "snorkel" air intakeAll trims now have two additional USB charge portsPart of the third Tacoma generation introduced for 2016

　　The 2019 Toyota Tacoma is the quintessential pickup truck. It offers strong towing capacity, excellent off-road ability, and all the utility you could ask for in a midsize truck. Sure, it also has modern amenities and safety features that keep it competitive in an ultra-modern class of pickups. But mostly, the Tacoma is a truck that's dedicated to getting you anywhere you want to go.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 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) - $25,850 MSRPSR 4dr Double Cab 5.0 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl 6A) - $26,680 MSRPSR 4dr Access Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $28,110 MSRPSR 4dr Access Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl 6A) - $28,925 MSRPSR 4dr Access Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $31,575 MSRPSR 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $32,115 MSRPSR5 4dr Access Cab 6.1 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl 6A) - $27,625 MSRPSR5 4dr Double Cab 5.0 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl 6A) - $28,515 MSRPSR5 4dr Access Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl 6A) - $30,700 MSRPSR5 4dr Access Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $30,770 MSRPSR5 4dr Double Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $31,915 MSRPSR5 4dr Double Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $32,415 MSRPSR5 4dr Access Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $34,110 MSRPSR5 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $34,990 MSRPSR5 4dr Double Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $35,490 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr Access Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $32,545 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr Double Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $33,800 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr Double Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $34,300 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr Access Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6M) - $34,520 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6M) - $35,135 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr Access Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $35,830 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $36,765 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr Double Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $37,375 MSRPTRD Off Road 4dr Double Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $33,800 MSRPTRD Off Road 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6M) - $35,135 MSRPTRD Off Road 4dr Access Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $35,830 MSRPTRD Off Road 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $36,765 MSRPTRD Off Road 4dr Double Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $37,375 MSRPLimited 4dr Double Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $37,790 MSRPLimited 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $40,865 MSRPTRD PRO 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6M) - $42,960 MSRPTRD PRO 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $45,665 MSRP

　　vs

　　$218/mo

　　Avg. Compact Truck

　　Under the hood, the Tacoma offers a relatively efficient four-cylinder engine or a more robust V6. It can be had with two- or four-wheel drive, and it's available as a crew-cab or extended-cab truck. So, it has all the basics covered. Then, when you move inside, there's a solid base of standard equipment such as a rearview camera, forward collision warning and a stereo with USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

　　Along with extra creature-comfort features such as heated seats and an upgraded stereo, the Tacoma also offers some of the most impressive off-road packages in the class — with items such as monotube or internal bypass shocks, skid plates, a hood-mounted snorkel intake, and advanced traction control systems.

　　As you might expect with such a utilitarian vehicle, especially one with so much off-road capability, the Tacoma suffers a bit in the comfort department. Competitors have it beat when it comes to ride comfort, seat comfort, interior space and infotainment interfaces. Despite those drawbacks, however, the Tacoma should be at the top of any truck shopper's short list.

　　Notably, we picked the 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD as one of zzdcar' Best Off-Road Trucks for this year.

　　

What's it like to live with?

We wanted to know what the newest Tacoma was like to live with, so the zzdcar' editorial team purchased a 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road to see for ourselves. We lived with it for nearly two years, putting 40,155 miles on the odometer. The Tacoma has received some updates since it's redesign in 2016, so the 2019 model is slightly different. There are some additional standard safety features such as lane departure alert and forward collision warning, a few extra USB ports, and a few more options to choose from, 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 Best Off-Road Trucks, where we cover everything from seat comfort to real-world fuel economy.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.4 / 10

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Double Cab  (3.5L V6 | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 5-foot bed).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.4 / 10
Driving	7.5
Comfort	7.5
Interior	7.0
Utility	7.5
Technology	7.0

　　

Driving

7.5

　　The Tacoma's powertrain is its weak point on the road due to an overly shifty transmission. But the truck makes the right moves for an outdoorsy 4x4 that does not care whether the road is paved or not. Brake modulation could be better on-road. In the unpaved realm, the Tacoma stands out.

　　

Acceleration

6.0

　　The Tacoma's 3.5-liter V6 puts up decent power and torque specs, but it's not at all responsive when driven casually. You'll need to rev it up to get it to respond. At our test track, our Tacoma did the 0-60 mph sprint in 8.1 seconds, which is notably slower than the Colorado, Ridgeline and Ranger.

　　

Braking

6.0

　　There's a lot of nosedive, and the brakes are difficult to modulate because of a too-jumpy initial bite and too-aggressive release characteristics. Hard stops are straight and true, but our 60-0 mph panic-stop test persisted for 140 feet. That's not as good as it could be, but it's about average for a 4WD pickup with off-road package tires.

　　

Steering

8.0

　　The steering is predictable but also slow and deliberate. The effort buildup is smooth and progressive as you guide the Tacoma through corners, and it's steady and connected when cruising straight. The chunky leather-wrapped steering wheel feels good in your hands. When off-roading, it's precise and reassuring.

　　

Handling

8.0

　　Handling comment: Body roll is gradual and restrained. The Tacoma imparts a good sense of overall competence and coordination on the sorts of winding roads you inevitably need to traverse on the way to the campground, ski lodge or trailhead. The grip from the off-road package tires is similar to others in the class. Only the Ridgeline handles more like a car .

　　

Drivability

6.0

　　The Tacoma's six-speed automatic shifts smoothly, but its calibration favors higher gears and hunts annoyingly due to wide gear spacing and the engine's relative lack of torque. The ECT Power mode alters shift points to help but not enough.

　　

Off-road

9.5

　　All versions do well, but the TRD Off-Road and the TRD Pro have the suspension, tires and abundant clearance to go places other pickups cannot. A locking differential and the Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control systems are real advantages, and the throttle and brake response feel excellent when crawling in low range.

　　

Comfort

7.5

　　This Tacoma rides smoother and has better noise isolation than the previous model, and it excels compared to the competition, too. The seats are comfortable, but the seating position is unusual in order to maximize ground clearance. It's more of an entry issue, though, than a comfort one.

　　

Seat comfort

8.0

　　The seats feel comfortable and supportive even though their adjustments are quite simple. The bigger issue is the seating position, which is more legs-out than expected in a truck.

　　

Ride comfort

7.0

　　The ride is decently smooth. The Bilstein shocks and the tall sidewalls of the 16-inch TRD Off-Road tires are adept at filtering out small road flaws — better, in fact, than the Limited's 18-inch tires. Still, the ride is truckier compared to some others.

　　

Noise & vibration

7.0

　　The Tacoma's cabin is decently quiet from wind and road noise. The engine and exhaust moan unpleasantly when under load. Even so, it's not a bad place to pass the miles.

　　

Climate control

7.5

　　We like the chunky size and obvious operation of the Tacoma's climate controls, and the outlets are easy to aim and close. The system heats and cools the cabin effectively, too.

　　

Interior

7.0

　　The attractive interior is also nicely laid out, with easily understood and effective controls. There's plenty of space up front, though headroom isn't top-hat worthy. The most significant shortcomings are the relatively tall step-up to get into the cabin and the odd driving position.

　　

Ease of use

8.0

　　All the switchgear is exceptionally easy to reach and understand. That includes the automatic climate control and touchscreen audio system, which are operated via knobs.

　　

Getting in/getting out

6.0

　　A high floor results from the Tacoma's high-ground-clearance, off-road design philosophy. The Tacoma has a notably higher step-in than trucks such as the Colorado, and the odd legs-out seating position reduces step-out leverage. Compared to the Colorado ZR2, the TRD Pro has a lower, more accessible seat.

　　

Driving position

6.0

　　It's an odd driving position due to the proximity of the seat bottom to the floor — your legs largely stick straight out. Your position is less natural than in other trucks. The steering wheel's telescoping range is minimal.

　　

Roominess

7.0

　　There's plenty of personal space in the Tacoma. Front-seat headroom isn't expansive, but you've got to be at least 6 feet tall to notice. The crew cab's back seat is cozier than the Colorado's, but it has more toe space.

　　

Visibility

8.0

　　The view is clear out in all directions, and the high seating position makes it easy to spot the front corners. The rear windows are large, and the mirrors are a good size.

　　

Quality

7.5

　　The interior features panels look less like hard plastic than the competition's, even though they don't really impress. The build quality is solid, and our test truck didn't squeak or rattle, even when off-roading.

　　

Utility

7.5

　　The Tacoma's bed is a model of usefulness. Its relatively low and short sides make for an easier reach than the Colorado, and its numerous bed accessories are available across many trims. Cabin storage is decent in variety, though none of the nooks are particularly large.

　　

Small-item storage

7.5

　　There are a good-size console bin and glovebox, plus a couple of small cubbies. The door pockets are average, which isn't saying much among midsize pickups. Overall, cabin storage meets expectations, but it's nothing to write home about.

　　

Cargo space

8.0

　　The crew cab's folding rear seat is more cargo-friendly than the Colorado's despite its smaller backseat volume. It's also fussier to fold, but the payoff is a far lower load height and a totally flat load surface with a tough plastic facing. Plus you'll find storage cubbies beneath the seat bottom and seatback.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

6.5

　　LATCH points are provided, and they are easy enough to find and use. But the top tethers are hard to access because you've got to tip the rear seatback forward. The Tacoma's crew cab isn't roomy, so bulkier seats will not fit without front passengers scooting forward to make allowances.

　　

Towing

7.0

　　A rear-wheel-drive V6 Tacoma can tow as much as 6,800 pounds. Our TRD Off-Road can tow 6,400 pounds. Both are solid numbers for a midsize truck. The tow package includes hitch, wiring, extra cooling, a bigger alternator and trailer sway control.

　　

Hauling

8.0

　　The Tacoma's rated payload isn't stellar, but it's the top dog when it comes to the bed itself. The standard composite bed is its own bedliner, and it includes prominent notches to enable two-tier loading. The tailgate is damped, and the bedsides are low enough that it's easy to reach in and grab cargo. Inside, there are six tie-down eyes, four movable tie-down cleats and two molded-in storage compartments. An optional 120-volt, 400-watt power outlet is available.

　　

Technology

7.0

　　The Tacoma is a mixed bag when it comes to tech features. It's great when it comes to active safety gear because it's all standard. But audio-related tech is another ballgame — one that Toyota is losing. The Tacoma's approach to smartphones and smartphone integration is simply way out of touch.

　　

Audio & navigation

6.5

　　The touchscreen audio system uses a pleasing combination of fixed buttons, virtual touchscreen buttons, and fixed volume and tune knobs. The optional JBL audio system sounds great for a truck-based system. Built-in navigation is a necessary (and inexpensive) option because it's the main way to get a map on the screen.

　　

Smartphone integration

6.0

　　The Tacoma lacks Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, favoring Toyota's proprietary, and needlessly complicated, Entune system instead. Best to soldier on without that. Bluetooth phone and audio pairing is easy enough.

　　

Driver aids

9.0

　　Every Tacoma comes standard with a safety suite that includes automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, a drowsy driver warning system, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams. On competing models, aids such as these are optional, relegated to higher trim levels or simply not available.

　　

Voice control

7.0

　　Toyota's voice command system requires a bit of a learning curve to allow the system to adjust to your style of speech through a setup process. It works OK after that, but it still isn't too responsive to compound commands and natural speech. iPhone users have it easy because, even though there's no CarPlay, it does support Siri — just press and hold the voice button longer.

　　

Which Tacoma does zzdcar recommend?

　　The topped-out TRD Pro and Limited trim levels are the most appealing of the Tacoma offerings, but they're also the most expensive. So, if you're looking for great value alongside great capability, we recommend the TRD Off-Road trim level. It comes with the upgraded V6 powertrain and can be had in both extended-cab or crew-cab configurations. It is also available with an impressive suite of comfort features such as heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and an upgraded JBL stereo.

　　

2019 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, there is the street-oriented Limited, which has a long list of creature comforts, and the TRD Pro, which is 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 two-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 with privacy glass, heated power-adjustable side mirrors, a tough composite bed that needs no bedliner, a movable cleat tie-down system, and a backup camera fitted in the tailgate release handle. Inside, there are four-way-adjustable cloth seats (with driver-side lumbar adjustment), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 4.2-inch driver display screen, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and a basic Entune stereo, which supports Bluetooth and Siri Eyes Free voice control and has a USB interface.

　　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, foglights and 16-inch alloy wheels. Also included on the SR5 are remote keyless entry and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with control buttons for an enhanced Entune audio system, which supports satellite radio and comes with smartphone-enabled navigation via the Scout GPS app.

　　Next up is the TRD Sport. It is offered in the same cab and bed configurations as the SR5, but it replaces the four-cylinder engine with a 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 performance-oriented six-speed manual.

　　The TRD Sport comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, body-colored fender flares and rear bumper, turn signals in the mirror housings, a hood scoop, a 120-volt/400-watt power outlet in the bed, a power-sliding rear window (crew-cab only), push-button start (for automatic-transmission trucks), a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a 7-inch center touchscreen with navigation.

　　The TRD Off-Road offers nearly the same configuration and engine options as the TRD Sport, and its truck bed and interior and audio trimmings are identical. Visual differences include a chrome rear bumper, textured black fender flares and the absence of the Sport's hood scoop. Off-road performance changes include the deletion of the front airdam, extra skid plates, 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, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, leather upholstery, and a JBL speaker upgrade and a subwoofer. 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 a V6-powered crew cab with the short bed in either two- or four-wheel drive. It has a body-colored rear bumper and flares, and it rolls on 18-inch wheels with lower-profile tires. It 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 performance upgrades such as Fox internal bypass shocks, all-terrain tires, a thicker front skid plate, and a ride height that's an inch taller.

　　zzdcar Latest Toyota Tacoma News

　　zzdcar Top Rated 2024: These Cars, Trucks and SUVs Won Our Highest Honor

　　

2019 Tacoma Highlights

Type: Access CabDouble CabDouble Cab

　　Trim: SRSR5TRD Off RoadTRD SportLimitedTRD PROSR

　　

Base MSRP	$26,680
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