2020 Toyota Tacoma Review
While the 2020 Toyota Tacoma might be just a mid-cycle refresh for the segment-leading mid-sized pickup truck, it feels all new.
2020 Toyota Tacoma – pressroom.toyota.com | Shop 2020 Toyota Tacoma on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2020 Toyota Tacoma
There’s a reason that the Toyota Tacoma has been such a popular choice for so long. It’s rugged, dependable, and well-priced. We’ve found it to be one of the best choices for a family too. That’s because through the years it’s always maintained its place as an incredibly good value for money compared to its rivals. For 2020, Toyota has worked hard to continue setting the bar higher than the rest.
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma is an incredibly versatile platform that has gotten even better. This is the first year that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make it to all trim levels as standard. In addition, Toyota has refined the shift patterns for its automatic six-speed, introduced larger infotainment screens, and added both surround view and underbody view cameras.
The Breakdown
TRD Pro trim is seriously capable
Standard safety features are great
We love the available manual transmission
Hood scoop isn’t functional on the Sport
Alloy wheel options are sparse
Less economical than it could be
2020 Toyota Tacoma Specs
- 159 horsepower from base engine
- 180 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 6 available trims
- 1,620 lb payload capacity
- Max towing capacity of 6,800 lbs is great
- Standard Adroid and Apple connectivity
- Outstanding standard adaptive cruise control
- Excellent complementary maintenance
2020 Toyota Tacoma Powertrain
Perhaps one of the most impressive things about the 2020 Toyota Tacoma is how it can transform its behavior based on the trim level. The TRD Pro and the Limited trims are perfect examples. While the Limited is highly refined for on-road performance, the TRD Pro can tackle just about any trail you throw at it. Buyers who know where and how they’ll use the truck most often will benefit from choosing the one that suits their needs best.
The Limited trim is extremely confident on-road. Body roll is kept to a minimum and while we’d love a bit more power than the V6 is willing to provide, it’s a capable cruiser with excellent road manners. The TRD Pro is far less happy on a highway. It’s by no means a bad truck, but its off-road-focused bits make for a bumpier ride and less deft handling around corners. It’s also considerably louder in the cabin than its less athletic counterparts, but for buyers who need the rugged capability it provides, we’re sure it’s a tradeoff they’ll be happy to make.
Both transmissions are good, but we feel the manual is far more engaging and enjoyable. The improved shift logic in the automatic is a notable step forward and makes daily driving this truck around the city just that much easier.
Towing & Payload
With a payload rating of 1,620 pounds, and a towing capacity of 6,800 pounds, the Tacoma is a decent performer. Again, it highlights what a great all-around performer this truck is in the fact that it can do so many different things pretty skillfully.
2020 Toyota Tacoma Fuel Economy & MPG
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma is largely average when it comes to economy. At 21 mpg combined it’s decent enough that it won’t scare away most customers. Still, we think that Toyota might be better served using more gears to get better mileage or even to follow the lead of others and offer a diesel option.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Overall the 2020 Toyota Tacoma is a fine place to be. The material quality throughout isn’t particularly bad, but it also isn’t impressive even in the Limited or TRD Pro trims. All buyers who opt for the V6 will get a 10-way adjustable driver’s seat which will be a big step up for those who will spend long hours in the truck. Aside from that, seating comfort inside the Tacoma isn’t particularly remarkable. Rear seats are a bit cramped and there’s no configuration that changes that. Ride comfort is improved thanks to the aforementioned transmission logic changes and some thicker glass used on the sides of the truck to limit road noise. Both heat and air conditioning are excellent and quick to respond without excessive fan noise. In terms of overall cargo space, the Tacoma is very utilitarian with space where you’d expect it and not much in the way of extra storage elsewhere.
2020 Toyota Tacoma Entertainment & Technology
Including bigger screens is always a good way to get customers on your side these days. So, the new 7 and 8-inch Entune infotainment systems in the 2020 Toyota Tacoma are a welcome addition. Both are easy to navigate, but we suggest going for the larger of the two as it provides just a bit more space between the buttons and looks far better than the small difference might suggest. The inclusion of Apple, Android, and even Alexa integration is really a great improvement over past Tacomas. All of the optional cameras are far more than just a gimmick. Trail cameras are becoming all the rage because they’re sincerely useful and it’s great to see them here
Safety Features
We have to applaud Toyota’s choice to sell every Tacoma with outstanding standard safety features. Adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, and automated forward braking all serve to make this truck and its occupants safer.
2020 Toyota Tacoma Trims & Pricing
SR – $26,638
The base 2020 Toyota Tacoma does stand out from its higher-tiered variants due to a 7-inch infotainment screen and generally fewer bells and whistles. Still, buyers get heated power mirrors, a WiFi hotspot, a six-speaker sound system, and a composite bed meant to be used without a bedliner.
SR5 – $32,145
Step up to the SR5 trim and the Tacoma gets a whole lot nicer inside. The 8-inch infotainment system is installed as is a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Outside, chrome trim accents, and optional alloy wheels improve the look of this truck. Buyers can opt for the more potent V6 at this level and if they do they’ll get a ten-way power-adjustable driver seat and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
TRD Sport – $33,920
Sport is the right language for this trim level that adds alloy wheels, body-colored fender flares, a hood scoop, and the V6 as standard. In addition, buyers will get a 120-volt power outlet in the bed as well as a wireless smartphone charger in the cabin.
TRD Off-Road – $35,120
The Off-Road version of the TRD truck removes the front air dam and hood scoop of the Sport, but adds a locking rear differential, smaller 16-inch wheels with beefier tires, Bilstein monotube shocks, and a multi-terrain controllable traction control system.
Limited – $39,965
The Limited trim is by far the most enjoyable daily driver version of the Tacoma. 18-inch wheels feature lower-profile tires that are much more responsive on road. It also adds features like dual-zone climate control, heated leather seating, and a sunroof.
TRD Pro – $45,143
Toyota has aptly named the TRD Pro as it’s the most focused performer of the bunch. It only comes as a four-wheel drive with the crew cab and the short bed. That means drivers can pick from the 6-speed manual or the automatic. Beyond those features it gets a tougher skid-plate, Fox internal bypass shocks, big all-terrain tires, LED headlights, an upgraded exhaust, and a 1-inch lift.
Warranties
While the 2020 Toyota Tacoma gets a pretty standard 3-year 36,000-mile limited warranty and a 5-year 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, Toyota smokes the rest of the competition when it comes to complimentary maintenance. For 2 years or 25,000 miles after the purchase, everything is covered.
What we think
2020 Toyota Tacoma – pressroom.toyota.com | Shop 2020 Toyota Tacoma on Carsforsale.com
The mid-sized pickup truck market is getting harder and harder to compete in each year, but the Toyota Tacoma will continue to lead the pack with its 2020 version. It’s versatile, it’s capable, and it’s priced very competitively. Add to that its outstanding standard features and complimentary maintenance and it’s an incredibly attractive option.
