Toyota’s Midsize Tacoma – STILL KING

Toyota’s Midsize Tacoma

STILL KING

In the 30 years since Toyota redesigned its small pickup – the Hilux – and brought it to North America, Tacoma has both defined and dominated the midsize pickup market.

The formula was deceptively simple: Offer durability, off-road capability, and reliability as a daily driver in a pickup that sells for less and provides better fuel economy than a full-sized pickup. It worked. Toyota sold 90,000 in 1995, its first year in the U.S., and doubled that within five years.

Ford had the Ranger in those days, and General Motors built S-series pickups in Shreveport. Tacoma drove them both out of the market; GM left in 2004 and Ranger in 2011. The demand for affordable, versatile, and capable trucks grew, and those two eventually reappeared. GM brought out the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon in 2015 and Ford the Ranger in 2019.

Within the past year, all three brands have brought clean-sheet redesigns to market, and reviewers (including this one) agree all are terrific. The Ford and GM offerings do not seem to be affecting Tacoma. In 2019, it held 42% of the midsize pickup market. Today, it holds 44.6%.

The new Tacoma rides on the same platform as the full-size Tundra, Sequoia, and Land Cruiser, so it is overbuilt for the job. High-strength steel with laser welds throughout the chassis increases rigidity. Aluminum in the upper body reduces weight. Strengthened frame cross-members increase durability and support accessories such as rooftop tents, high lift jacks, and camp fridges. 

Most notably, Toyota did away with bouncy rear leaf springs; instead, the company employs a multi-link rear suspension for a more car-like ride.

Utilitarian cabin

The Tacoma Limited boasts a well-appointed cabin with high-quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system featuring an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The layout is intuitive, with ample storage solutions. However, the Honda Ridgeline offers an even more spacious and refined interior, making it a strong contender for comfort-seeking buyers.

Safety first

The 2024 Tacoma has earned high safety ratings, bolstered by Toyota’s Safety Sense suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Ford Ranger and Honda Ridgeline also offer well-regarded advanced driver-assist technologies.

Engine options

Two powertrains are available based on a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides up to 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque. Upper-level models come with a light hybrid that modestly increases fuel economy but dramatically increases power to 326 hp and 465 lb.-ft. of torque, the force needed for acceleration and towing. 

An eight-speed automatic comes with both power plants. A six-speed manual on non-hybrid models pushes estimated fuel economy to 26 mpg.

What’s to like

All this makes Tacoma a compelling choice in a competitive segment that includes the Ranger, Colorado, Jeep Gladiator, Honda Ridgeline, and Nissan Frontier.

By the numbers

• Toyota Tacoma: $31,500 – $62,900; fuel economy (4×2): i-FORCE 21 mpg city / 26 mpg highway; i-FORCE MAX (hybrid) 23 city, 26 highway. Max Towing 6,600 lbs. Max Payload 1,705 lbs.
• Ford Ranger: $32,670 – $55,470; fuel economy: gas 21 mpg city / 26 mpg highway gas-only; gas-electric hybrid 25 mpg city, 30 mpg highway. Max Towing: 7,500 lbs. Max Payload: 1,860 lb
• Chevrolet Colorado: $29,500 – $46,800; GMC Canyon: $36,300 – $54,300; fuel economy ranges from 19 to 25 mpg, depending on configuration. Max Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs. Max Payload: 1,710 lbs.
• Jeep Gladiator: $38,100 – $61,100 (before $3,500 manufacturer’s discount); fuel economy around 16 mpg city / 23 mpg highway. Max Towing: 7,700 lbs. Max Payload: 1,725 lb 
• Honda Ridgeline: $40,150 – $46,750; fuel economy of 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway. Max Towing: 5,000 lbs. Max Payload: 1,530 lb 
• Nissan Frontier: $33,450 – $45,610 (cash back, dealer discounts, and finance incentives available); fuel economy of about 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway. Max Towing: 7,150 lbs. Max Payload: 1,620 lb

Strengths and weaknesses

Tacoma

• Strengths: Exceptional off-road capabilities, durable build quality, high resale value.
• Weaknesses: Higher starting price, less fuel-efficient than others. 

Ranger

• Strengths: Strong turbocharged engine, good towing capacity. Hybrid fuel economy makes it the best daily driver.
• Weaknesses: Interior quality is less refined than the Tacoma, and the ride is stiff on rough terrain.

Colorado/Canyon

• Strengths: Versatile engine options, including diesel, comfortable ride.
• Weaknesses: Active safety features standard on other brands are pricey options at GM. Some interior materials feel cheap. Lower reliability ratings.

Gladiator

• Strengths: Unique convertible design and impressive off-road performance. Manufacturer sales incentives.
• Weaknesses: Limited cargo space, poor fuel economy, unrefined ride, questionable reliability, fewer active safety features available.

Ridgeline

• Strengths: Car-like ride, spacious and versatile bed, refined interior, bullet-proof driveline, robust suite of active safety features
• Weaknesses: Less rugged, capable off-road, but others are better.

Frontier

• Strengths: Affordability, V6 engine, the best Nissan builds, and highly competent off-road. The manufacturer and dealers are motivated sellers. 
• Weaknesses: Outdated interior and safety technologies.

Reliable? It’s a Toyota

Toyota’s reputation for reliability is a significant selling point for the Tacoma. It should retain its value well over time. While some owners report minor issues, such as with infotainment systems, overall maintenance costs are manageable compared to competitors. The Tacoma also benefits from a standard three-year/36,000-mile warranty, with a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Bottom line

The Tacoma is a formidable entry, combining off-road prowess, a comfortable cabin, and robust reliability. 

As noted by Motor Trend, “The Tacoma is not just a truck; it’s a lifestyle.” This encapsulates the vehicle’s appeal, making it a worthy investment for those seeking adventure without sacrificing comfort.