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The New 2022 Toyota Tacoma is better than ever, but is it a better value than a cheaper used model from 2019? We found out!
Toyota’s Popular Mid-Size Pickup
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The Toyota Tacoma is a historic pickup truck that can trace its roots back to the 1960s. New for 2022, it’s more capable than ever before and features a higher ride height for some models, new paint colors, and new wheels. Back in 2019, the Tacoma was just getting some added features like USB ports, privacy glass, and a potent JBL sound system. To find out if the new technology packed into the Tacoma since 2019 is worth the added price of a new model, we’ve tested them side by side and extracted a clear answer.
New vs Used Toyota Tacoma Specs
At their core, these two Toyota Tacomas are identical. Size, shape, powertrains, and even trim levels are no different. Two engines are available, a 4-cylinder making 159 horsepower or a V6 that makes 278. Due to that, buyers of either truck can expect nearly identical efficiency ratings of 18-21 mpg depending on the configuration. They also both offer a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds. And both manage to provide just a bit more than 1,600 pounds of payload capacity. Both offer a great suite of standard advanced safety equipment like adaptive cruise control and forward collision mitigation.
The used Toyota Tacoma model will set most buyers back around $25,000 at the low end and as much as $55,000 or more at the top end depending on trim, mileage, and options. For 2022, we expect the Tacoma to be priced between $29,000 and $47,000 before options. That’s a great demonstration of just how well the Tacoma holds its value thanks to its incredible record of reliability and capability.
Driving Characteristics
The Tacoma is a no-nonsense kind of truck. Unlike so many around the automotive world today, it’s not compromised itself to try and be all things to all buyers. This is a pickup that drives like a pickup. It’s not as refined and comfortable down the highway as it could be, but that allows it to be excellent when the road runs out, something very few similarly sized vehicles can claim.
It also makes it an easy choice for buyers who need a vehicle that can do just about anything objectively well. Need to tow something relatively large? How about shuttling the family to and from events or places? Need to carry large or cumbersome cargo in the bed? What if you want to go car camping in a remote location? The Tacoma can do it all at the same time.
On the road though, it’s a calm and confident driver. Neither engine or transmission for the Tacoma will provide sporty levels of thrust, but they can both get the job done day in and day out without reliability issues. The V6 is the one to pick up if possible though, as it opens up more utility and a bit more enjoyment in everyday driving. The automatic transmission is to be avoided wherever possible as it’s a bit less refined than we’d like even after a software update in 2020 that made it a bit smoother.
It’s also just cool to have a manual transmission in this day and age, and the Tacomas make driving just that much more engaging. Steering and handling are nearly identical with small bits of body roll creeping in on harder turns. Braking feedback is good and linear with moderate pressure needed to bring the truck to a stop quickly. The new truck is ever so slightly more skillful in both respects, so that’s a slight edge over the used Toyota Tacoma.
Interior Comfort
While these Tacomas have been similar to this point, once inside the cabin, their paths fork. The used Toyota Tacoma from 2019 is about as spartan as it gets. Even the Limited model uses cheaper feeling plastics and clunky seats that aren’t very adjustable. While we like the Entune infotainment system and really appreciate the excellent voice control feature, there’s no Android Auto, no Apple CarPlay, and no Wifi hotspot. These issues make for a cabin that’s comfortable enough to get around town, but not one that we’d love to take a road trip or a camping trip in.
The new 2022 Toyota Tacoma model handles all of these concerns with aplomb. It also adds power seats to the mix as well as thicker windows to reduce road noise. There’s an optional set of exterior cameras to both aid in parking and lane changes but also another package that will include off-roading specific views to keep drivers from taking the wrong path up or down a trail. Creature comforts might seem like a bit of overkill in a traditionally practical truck, but they’re required to keep up with the competition in 2022. One area where they both lack a bit of refinement is overall rear-seat comfort and interior storage. Of course, a pickup truck of this size can’t be both compact and spacious inside.
New vs Used Toyota Tacoma Trims and Features
Each Toyota Tacoma is available in six main trims. SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro. In base SR trim, the Tacoma is much more of a fleet vehicle in terms of features than any of the others. Buyers of the used Toyota Tacoma model get a 4.2-inch infotainment screen, a sliding rear window, and not much else. For 2022, we expect a 7-inch screen, dual-zone automatic climate control, and six speakers. The SR5 in 2019 added keyless entry, a larger infotainment system, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. In 2022, a larger 8-inch infotainment system will likely be standard as well as a power driver’s seat and alloy wheels for those who opt for the V6.
Moving to the TRD Sport, the used Toyota Tacoma came with 17-inch wheels, a 7-inch infotainment system, and a push-button start. By 2022, we expect it to come with a sport-tuned suspension, a hood scoop, and all of the V6 options from the SR5 since the engine itself is standard. The TRD Off-Road added a chrome bumper, Bilstein shocks, black fenders, and an advanced off-road traction control system. The 2022 edition doesn’t add much, but does get a front air dam and a rear locking differential.
Above that, we get into the premium Limited edition that came with body-colored fenders, most every optional feature on lower trims, and low-profile tires wrapped around 18-inch wheels for 2019. For 2022, it’ll also add a sunroof, LED headlights, and a 360-degree camera system. The used Toyota Tacoma in the range-topping TRD Pro trim came with all of the features of the TRD Off-Road, but also got Fox Internal bypass shocks, a skid-plate, and all-terrain tires. For 2022, the only major upgrade is a trail-camera system for safer off-roading adventures.
Should You Buy a New or Used Toyota Tacoma?
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We love the Toyota Tacoma no matter what year it is, but the 2022 is just such a good value. That’s in part due to how well the used Toyota Tacoma from 2019 is holding its value, but also because Toyota offers a full two years or 25,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. Once we considered the additional technology like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, this became an easy win for the new Toyota Tacoma over its older precursor.
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