Being the first major JDM vehicle producer, Toyota very soon started to make pickup trucks to support logistics. Pickup truck production is no new thing for Toyota but this company never felt the urge not until it saw the major need of pickup trucks in North America as perfect opportunity to come into play.
Tacoma was Toyota’s Hilux alike compact pickup truck on production since 1995, not that suitable to face any American competition. The second generation grew in size into a midsized pickup truck to better suit American daily uses along with other midsized rivals.
The third generation Toyota Tacoma known by the codename N300 is currently in production lines in USA and Mexico.
Third generation Toyota Tacoma is an upper scale Hilux but is way under Toyota Tundra. Filling the midsize segment pickup trucks, there are six different trim levels for Toyota Tacoma offered in USA including three TRD versions.
There are only two gasoline powered engines available for all six trim levels. One 2.7L Inline-4 with 159 hp and 180 lb.ft, another 3.5L direct injection Atkinson Cycle V6 rated at 278 hp and 265 lb.ft. All models come with two transmission option one 6 speed automatic and one 6 speed manual that is only offered for some specific trim levels just like 4x2 or 4x4 driving system options. It is said that Toyota Tacoma 3.5L V6 when armed with the towing package can two up to 6800 lbs and carry payloads up to 1440 lbs. yet based on trim level engine or drivetrain configurations, Toyota Takoma can reach fuel consumption rating about 18 to 24 mpg based on EPA’s road tests.
Toyota Tacoma Received a face lift for 2020 version which included lots of exterior and interior cosmetic changes along some additional options like the 360 degree view Bird Eye camera system, power-adjustable driver’s seat (SR5 trim and upper), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa.
Top of the trim level is Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, closely followed by lower level TRD Off-Road and TRD Sport trims. This trim level uses the same 278 hp/265 lb.ft 3.5L V6 with the 6 speed AT and/or MT and 4x4 driving system but comes with some serious off road upgrades. TRD Pro air intake snorkel, TRD Pro front under belly skid plate, TRD Pro catback exhaust, Rigid Industries LED fog lights, TRD-Tuned FOX Internal Bypass shock absorbers and 16 inch sport wheels with Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires to provide an off-road ready pickup truck which is necessary to be on trim level list when is sold in the USA.
Toyota Tacoma has been named the “Best-Selling Midsized Truck of USA” for the past 15 years. In 2019 Toyota Tacoma won Edmund’s “Best Retained Value” award. Tacoma also received a “5-Year Cost to Own” award, “Best Resale Value: Midsize Pickup Truck” and “Best Resale Value: Top 10” awards all from Kelley Blue Book in 2019.
Toyota Tacoma goes head on with Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado as its main rivals in USA. Toyota Tacoma made way to be Toyota’s fourth best-selling vehicle in USA in the first quarter of 2020 but to maintain position it most stay strong because Chevy and Ford never let go of the game. Retail pricing range for 2020 Toyota Tacoma starts at 26,050 USD for the base SR trim and goes up to reach 43,960 USD for TRD Pro trim and that is before any options are included.