Consistently ranked as one of the top most reliable car brands out there, Toyota has made a name for itself producing a wide variety of vehicle options, from sleek crossovers and and SUVs to hybrids and sturdy pickup trucks.
And Toyota’s standard pickup truck, the Tacoma Pickup, is where we’ll be focusing our attention today. A hugely popular vehicle in its own right, the 2020 model made its first debut at the 2019 Chicago auto show, revealing some exciting new changes and updates.
So what can you expect from the 2020 Toyota Tacoma? Let’s find out.
Overview
Toyota itself brands the Tacoma Pickup as the truck of choice for “adrenaline junkies”, and with its signature off-roading capabilities, it’s easy to see why. Adventurous weekenders can expect to get plenty of bang for their buck, with off-roading features like advanced crawl control, electronically controlled locking rear differential, and multi-terrain select coming standard on the 2020 model.
In addition to being a stellar pick for off-roading, it’s definitely worth noting that the 2020 Toyota Tacoma boasts top safety scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Beating out others in its vehicle class, like the Chevy Colorado and the Ford Ranger, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma earned the second highest safety score, thanks to it’s crash-test performance and headlights.
Longtime Toyota fans can also count on the brand’s consistent reliability to roll over to the Tacoma Pickup too. However, like many in the truck category, the Tacoma Pickup isn’t going to wow any on fuel economy. Getting an average of 20 mpg, it’s a bit of a gas guzzler.
Specs
Let’s talk specifics. Here’s a few key specs and features buyers can expect from the standard 2020 Toyota Tacoma model:
- 18/22 MPG (city/highway)
- 5-ft short bed
- 6400 lbs towing capacity
- 3.5 liter V6 DOHC 16-valve 4 cylinder engine
- Hill start assist control
- Class-IV towing hitch receiver
- Toyota Safety Sense Pre-Collision system
Pricing
As far as available options, Toyota currently offers 6 distinct models for the 2020 Tacoma. Here’s a breakdown of pricing:
2020 Tacoma SR: $26,050
2020 Tacoma SR5: $27,825
2020 Tacoma TRD Sport: $32,745
2020 Tacoma TRD Off-Road: $34,000
2020 Tacoma Limited: $38,790
2020 Tacoma TRD Pro: $43,960
For casual drivers and those who off-road every now and then, we expect the more affordable Tacoma Pickup models will satisfy all your needs. However, those who are serious about off-roading, or who drive in tough terrain on the regular should consider the Pro model’s desert air intake, armored skid plate, and LED fog lights.
What others are saying
Now that we’ve taken a look at the more technical aspects of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma, here’s a quick overview of what the car experts are saying about this new pick.
Consumer Reports had plenty of good things to say about the 2020 model, calling it a “down and dirty example of function trumping form”. According to them, it’s the “perfect” truck for landscapers, contractors, and others who need something that can get down and dirty.
Car and Driver loved the 2020 model’s new tech, noting that overall, the new Tacoma would “better align [the truck] with contemporary rivals in its highly competitive segment”. According to them, the Tacoma Pro is where it’s at (think new LED headlights, infotainment upgrades, and multiple exterior revisions).
Final thoughts
The US truck market has finally seen major demand for the highly capable, small Tacoma pickup truck. Its small size lends itself to off-roading abilities. Higher trim packages still manage to be impressive for those individuals who will only use the Tacoma on-road as well. It has a high initial price for those premium trim packages. However, the resale value will remain high for years to come, making it a good investment.
So, is the 2020 Toyota Tacoma worth looking into? We think so. If you’re looking for a dependable pickup (especially for off-roading), then the Tacoma Pickup should be top on your list.