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Hyundai Elantra vs Mazda32019 Toyota Tacoma Review
With the 2019 Toyota Tacoma, buyers won’t find many updates. What they will find is a solid, medium sized pickup that handles truck duties very well.
What’s New for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma?
A midsize pickup stalwart, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma soldiers on with minimal changes for the model year. TRD Pro models, which offer the highest level of off-road readiness, now have an optional Desert Air intake snorkel sprouting from the fender to suck in clean air and avoid the dust down low. The new SX Package offers a simple blackout treatment to lower trim levels. Additionally, Toyota Safety Sense, the automaker’s suite of driver-assistance aids is now standard across the Tacoma lineup.
2019 Toyota Tacoma – toyota.com | Shop 2019 Toyota Tacoma on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Utility Package makes it a workday truck
Entune touchscreen display is standard
Manual transmission is still available
Voodoo Blue paint on TRD Pro looks killer
No power adjustable seats available
All the basics, with plenty of options, are covered
2019 Tacoma Specs
- 159 horsepower from base engine
- 180 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 6 available trims
- 60.5″ to 73.7″ length truck beds
- Towing capacity of 6800 lbs
- Available Qi wireless charging pad
- Backup camera is standard equipment
- Comes with 2 years of complimentary maintenance
- All V6 models equipped with Towing Package
2019 Toyota Tacoma Powertrain
The base engine on 2019 Toyota Tacomas is a 2.7-liter four-cylinder making 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Only available with the 6-speed automatic, it can be paired with four-wheel drive though rear-wheel drive is standard. Stepping up the optional 3.5-liter V6 brings 278 hp and 265 torques that works with the automatic or an available, 6-speed manual transmission.
A traditional body-on-frame pickup, the Tacoma won’t win any cushy ride awards with its leaf-sprung rear suspension. However, it is ready for off-road maneuvering with the 4WD system available on all trims that includes a two-speed transfer case. When selected, an automatic limited-slip differential is included while the TRD Pro model receives locking rear-diff abilities.
Towing & Payload
While a four-cylinder Tacoma can pull up to 3,500 pounds, select the V6 engine if you need more capability as it can handle up to 6,800 pounds. Much of that is due to the Class IV receiver, coolers on the transmission fluid, engine oil and power steering fluid, 130-amp alternator and trailer sway control that comes with the Towing Package on all six-cylinder models.
Payload tops out around 1,500 pounds regardless of drivetrain and is easier to manage with the two-tier loading setup in the bed. Made from Sheet-Molded Composite, that bed also has an integrated deck-rail utility system with adjustable tie-down cleats to help organize your cargo.
2019 Toyota Tacoma Fuel Economy & MPG
Regardless of which of the 32 available trim configurations you choose, the 2019 Tacoma has similar fuel efficiency across the board. Two-wheel drive, four-cylinder equipped Tacomas achieve 19 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway. Adding the 4×4 drivetrain drops that highway figure by one. The V6 in RWD trim hits 19/24 mpg in city/highway driving; subtract one from each for 4WD versions. The most interesting trim – TRD Pro with a manual – unfortunately has the worst fuel economy at 17 mpg around town and only 20 on the highway.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
While Double Cab configuration offers 32.6” of rear legroom, Access Cabs only have 24.6” of said space. Neither is tremendous but features like a multi-layer acoustic windshield and floor silencer pad, on certain trims, promise a quieter cabin. All Tacomas come with adjustable lumbar support on the front seats but you’ll need to move up the trim ladder for a moonroof. Rear seats fold up in the Access Cab or split-fold down on Double Cabs to reveal under seat storage bins.
Entertainment & Technology
All 2019 Toyota Tacoma’s are outfitted with a touchscreen infotainment display ranging in size from 6 to 7 inches. Entune handles software duties for navigation, vehicle apps, Bluetooth and Siri, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities are notably absent. A wireless charging pad and upgraded JBL audio system are options and higher trims include predictive traffic and Doppler weather overlays as part of Entune.
Safety Features
Toyota Safety Sense bundles pre-collision warning, lane departure alert, automatic high beams and dynamic radar cruise control into the lineup standard suite of driver assistance features. Airbags are situated for frontal, side and knee impacts in the front row while both rows of seating benefit from curtain airbags. Additional standard safety measures include vehicle stability control, traction control and smart-stop technology.
2019 Toyota Tacoma Trims & Pricing
SR – $26,970
As the base model, SR trim features low-cost equipment like 16” steelies, two-speed windshield wipers and cloth upholstery. However, the 6” Entune Audio touchscreen interface is included here with Bluetooth and Siri connectivity. Windows and locks are power operated while the exterior has color-keyed power mirrors and door handles. If you need a stripped out work truck, tick the Utility Package box, that deletes the rear seats for more, well, utility.
SR5 – $28,745
Fog lamps, variable-speed wipers and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls move the Tacoma SR5 out of entry-level status. Remote entry is included, as is SiriusXM radio and an automatically dimming rearview mirror when fitted with the V6 motor. Alloy wheels replace the steel variety under the SR5 Appearance Package while the Parking Sonar and Navigation Package adds exactly what the name spells out, on V6 models.
TRD Sport – $33,665
Targeted at pavement driving, the TRD Sport model comes with 17” wheels, a power sliding rear window, wireless charging pad and upgraded, embossed fabric seating. Entune steps up to a 7” screen and brings navigation plus an app suite. The available Premium Package nets dual-zone climate control, a moonroof, heated seats and other upmarket amenities.
TRD Off-Road – $34,920
As tier one of the Tacoma off-road models, this TRD trim has beefier tires on 16” rims, a suspension tuned for rough roads and a Multi-Terrain Selector system that adjusts vehicle settings for loose rock, mud and sand conditions. Crawl Control is a feature that offers five low-speed drive settings and the gauge cluster picks up inclinometer and roll/pitch displays.
Limited – $38,910
As the fanciest 2019 Tacoma, Limited models have heated leather seats, 18” alloy wheels and a special, charcoal grille with polished finish. Leather extends to the shift knob, a moonroof is included and the rear glass is power operated. On the tech front, a 120V power outlet and JBL audio system – with subwoofer and amplifier – round things out.
TRD Pro – $44,080
The top tier off road Tacoma, TRD Pros feature an electronically locking rear differential, internal bypass Fox shocks and a factory, 1” suspension lift. TRD-branded bits abound including the front skid plate, shifter, floor mats and hood scoop. Unique features to the TRD Pro include black leather upholstery, a front grille with TOYOTA in all caps and an available Voodoo Blue paint job.
Warranties
The most notable Tacoma warranty feature is the complimentary maintenance coverage good for the first 2 years or 25,000 miles. Roadside assistance falls under the same period and comprehensive vehicle coverage runs for three years or 36,000 miles. The powertrain components are warrantied for 5 years/60,000 miles and corrosion perforations are covered for five years with unlimited mileage.
What we think
2019 Toyota Tacoma – toyota.com | Shop 2019 Toyota Tacoma on Carsforsale.com
The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size pickup bellwether for good reason, it blends all the utility you need with a dash of upmarket amenities and highly rated reliability. The 2019 model may not bring a host of changes but it certainly continues the trend of a well-rounded truck.
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