The Toyota Pickup was an iconic member of the compact pickup boom of the 1980s, often seen with outdoor enthusiasts or those who wanted to look that way. But they also became alternatives to larger, full-size trucks and their bulk and fuel costs.
The Toyota Tacoma arrived in America in 1995 as a significant update to its rougher predecessor, with more refinement for on-road use and genuine off-road ability. It's grown in size, comfort, and power in the last three decades. But it also covers a vast part of a market, basically dominating it at one point and becoming popular with those who can't see themselves in a cumbersome pickup.
Now, in only its fourth iteration, larger and more technologically advanced than ever, the Tacoma continues to cement its lead in the category despite more interest in more manageable and less expensive midsize pickups.
2024 - Present Toyota Tacoma (4th Generation)
For the 2024 model year, the Tacoma pickup truck has been completely refreshed for a fourth generation. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma now comes with eight different trim levels including the SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, Trailhunter, and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. These new Tacoma models feature all kinds of upgrades and configurations that are designed to take the Taco to the next level.
While every version of the all-new Tacoma comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, it is available in many different forms in this mid-size pickup truck and can be paired with either an 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. The base version of this engine is turbocharged and puts out 228 horsepower.
Check out our video review of the all-new 2024 Tacoma:
Once you get into higher trim levels, though, you get the iForce version of this powertrain, which puts out 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. If you want to opt for the hybrid version of this new Tacoma, you get the iForce Max engine, which puts out a massive 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This version is assisted by an electric motor between the transmission and the engine and is only available in automatic. All engines are available with either four- or rear-wheel drive.
If you get the lower trim levels like the SR, SR5, or TRD PreRunner, you get a standard leaf spring suspension. The rest of the models come with upgraded coil springs for better durability and handling in off-road situations.
While official towing ratings have not been introduced yet, it is rumored that the iForce Max powertrain will be capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds, which is good news for anyone who wants to tow their camper on a great American road trip.
You have a choice between two different cab configurations including the extended XtraCab and the crew cab, which is called the Double Cab. The extended cab version is only available with a six-foot bed but the Double Cab can either come with a five- or six-foot bed.
The interior of this new Tacoma has also been completely redesigned from the previous generation. This includes a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster on the lower trim levels and a massive 12.3-inch version on the higher ones. Every model also gets a higher seating position than the old Tacoma, which offers better visibility and a better feeling of control. The standard infotainment touchscreen is 8 inches but from the Limited model up, this is increased to 14 inches. It also comes with full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as well as an optional charging pad and JBL sound system.
There are a wide variety of safety features that come standard with this new Tacoma, including automatic high beams, forward collision warning, an array of airbags, traction control, and automated emergency braking. You can also add extras like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts if you want a little extra safety on the road.
2016 - 2023 Toyota Tacoma (3rd Generation)
A third-generation Tacoma went on sale in 2016, which was restyled with a facelift from the last one. However, it used a stronger frame, upgraded axle, differential, and other pieces to make it more rugged. The Access Cab and Double Cab were offered again, while the 2.7-liter four-cylinder with 159 horsepower returned, mated to a 5-speed manual. A 3.5-liter V6 was new, with 278 horsepower, and offered with a six-speed manual or a new six-speed automatic.
There were six trim levels for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma, from base SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and a new loaded Limited model. SR was typically only available with the Access Cab. But all models received new interiors and upgraded infotainment systems and backup cameras, while upscale models such as the Limited offered leather upholstery and dual-zone automatic climate control for the first time.
The TRD Pro boasted more off-road prowess than ever, with larger off-road tires, stiffer shocks, a tougher skid plate, and distinctive black trim and wheels with a revised grille. TRD Pro and Off-Road models also used a new crawl mode that would perform minor steering corrections while descending, and a set of cameras to see the corners of the truck when off-road.
The third-generation model was upgraded for 2020 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with better outdoor cameras and a power driver's seat on most models.
In 2021, a new Trail Edition was introduced, which included rugged amenities in the bed like a power outlet and lockable storage.
2005 - 2015 Toyota Tacoma (2nd Generation)
The second-generation Tacoma came along in 2005. It grew significantly over the original model, now considered a "midsize" truck. Regular, Access, and Double cab models all returned, while a new 2.7-liter four-cylinder with 159 horsepower came on base models, with a 4.0-liter V6 with 236 horsepower available, along with five and six-speed manual transmission and four and five-speed automatics. Two bed lengths were also available, as were two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. New options were a down-hill assist or a hill-start assist on four-wheel-drive models.
The X-Runner trim level was also new, with a four-wheel-drive, V6 engine, and six-speed manual. However, it was lower than other four-wheel-drive models and had 18-inch alloy wheels for a road-oriented look.
Off-road models were either the TRD Sport or TRD Off-Road and offered different cosmetic changes and four-wheel-drive, along with upgraded tires and wheels, shocks, and other enhancements depending on the trim.
There were few changes until 2009 when an electronic limited-slip differential replaced the mechanical locking rear differential on all four-wheel-drive models, and there were some cosmetic changes for all models. More cosmetic revisions came in 2012 with new bumpers and lights and satellite radio compatibility, with a new infotainment system coming in 2013. Finally, the Regular Cab was discontinued at the end of this generation's run, as most buyers were going for at least an Access Cab now.
1995 - 2004 Toyota Tacoma (1st Generation)
The first-generation Tacoma arrived in 1995 as a replacement for the venerable compact Toyota truck, which had already proven popular against compact pickups from Ford, GM, and Nissan. The Tacoma was more modern than the '80s design it replaced, with Toyota recognizing customers in the '90s were looking for more refinement in their trucks without sacrificing utility.
The 1st generation Tacoma was launched as a three-seat regular cab or a larger Xtra cab with a small rear seat. A 142-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder was standard, while a slightly more powerful 2.7-liter four offered more torque. A 3.4-liter, 185-horsepower V6 was quickly added to the lineup. All offered five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. Two and four-wheel-drive models were on offer in base and more upscale SR5 models, mostly differed by alloy wheels and slightly more features.
In 1998, the Tacoma received a few cosmetic revisions and a PreRunner model. The PreRunner received the raised suspension of the four-wheel-drive models, but could also be upgraded with four-wheel-drive and a TRD Off-Road package with larger tires and some other trim elements.
For 2001, the Tacoma received its most significant external revisions, all models receiving new grilles, wheels, and some other trim elements. The biggest news was the introduction of the Double Cab model. It boasted four full doors and a shorter, 5-and-a-half-foot bed, while most others used a 6-foot bed. Still, it also had a larger space in the rear that was at least habitable for kids or offered more secure, in-cab storage. Also new was the S-Runner, which had the V6, manual transmission, monochromatic paint, and 16-inch alloy wheels.