Chicago 2019: 2020 Toyota Tacoma: Comments

[William Maley]

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With the new Ford Ranger beginning to arrive at dealers and the Jeep Gladiator just around the corner, Toyota decided it was time to give the Tacoma a bit of a refresh.

All Tacomas feature updated grille designs, new wheels, and redesigned taillights. TRD Pro models feature new 16-inch wheels that are lighter than last year's model and LED headlights. Toyota has upgraded the infotainment system that now gives the ability to use Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa. The base SR gets a seven-inch screen, while SR5 and higher use an eight-inch screen. A 10-way power adjustment driver's seat is standard on certain Tacoma trims.

Toyota equips all Tacomas with their Toyota Safety Sense P - includes adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, automatic high beams, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. TRD Pro models get a surround view camera system.

Not seeing any changes is the engine lineup. The base remains a 2.7L inline-four producing 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. Optional is a 3.5L V6 with 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Both engines come teamed with a six-speed automatic, while the V6 does have the option of a manual.

No word on pricing or launch window.

 

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2020 Toyota Tacoma Positioned to Continue Segment Leadership with Host of New Upgrades

• Electronically Power Adjustable Driver Seat Added to Most Grades
• Upgraded Multimedia with Android Auto, Apple Carplay, Amazon Alexa Compatibility, Available 8” Touchscreen
• New Grille and Wheel Designs on Most Grades
• TRD Pro Features Unique Sequential LED Headlight, New Wheel, Standard Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) and Multi Terrain Monitor (MTM)
• Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) Standard on Limited

CHICAGO, February 7, 2019 – With competition in the midsize pickup segment heating up, the Toyota Tacoma says, “Bring it.” The Tacoma has been America’s best-selling midsize pickup for 14 years running, and the 2020 models introduced at the Chicago Auto Show are the best-equipped ever.

A perennial award winner for segment-leading value, the Tacoma line boosts its appeal for 2020 with revised styling, expanded multimedia tech, added comfort and convenience features and, for the TRD Pro, additional off-road tech. 

The third-generation Tacoma pickup, with a design inspired by Toyota’s legendary desert race trucks, continues the model’s tradition of working hard and playing hard. With more than 30 configurations in six model grades available, there’s a Tacoma for every need: work-ready SR; high-style, high-value SR5; athletic TRD Sport; adventurous TRD Off-Road; ultimate off-road TRD Pro; and top-of-the-line Limited.

Nearly all 2020 Tacomas debut a new front grille design and new or updated wheel, each tailored to the specific grade. Inside, a new 10-way power adjustable driver seat with power lumbar support adds comfort on all grades SR5 and up. A new multimedia system now includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The SR will feature an upgraded 7-inch touchscreen, while SR5 grades and higher will feature a larger 8-inch touchscreen display. A new LED bed lamp is also available to brighten nighttime functionality while consuming less energy.

Changes Across the Board

While every Tacoma will receive the upgraded audio system and larger touchscreen display, specific changes unique to each grade are not to be overlooked. 

The Tacoma SR workhorse gets its share of updates in 2020, including a new grille design and intermittent wiper. Out back, the taillights are revised with a new dark housing. The LED bed lamp is an available option. SR will feature a larger 7-inch touchscreen with new multimedia system that features Android Auto, Apple Carplay, Amazon Alexa and SiriusXM capability, and more. 

Tacoma SR5 is fitted with a new grille design, a new 16-inch dark satin wheel color, darker taillight housings, and an updated fabric design on the seatback. SR5 will also offer an available LED bed lamp and DRL headlight option. 

For Tacoma TRD Sport, a new grille and 17-inch wheel highlight the changes. It also adds Passenger Smart Key entry, chrome taillamp inserts, and new LED fog lamps. A new LED DRL and LED headlight is available, as is the new LED bed lamp. The new Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) is available on Sport grades, and it provides views around the truck for easier, safer maneuvering in tight situations.

Tacoma TRD Off-Road will feature a new front grille design, LED foglamp, chrome insert taillamp and Passenger Smart Key entry. To provide a better view of the terrain under the vehicle, Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) is available. A new LED DRL and LED headlight is an available upgrade, as is a LED bed lamp. TRD Off-Road also comes standard with TRD-tuned Bilstein shocks, locking rear differential, Hill Assist Control (HAC), Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control. 

Tacoma Limited’s look is more premium than ever with a new grille design, 18-inch alloy wheels, standard LED DRL and LED headlamps, and chrome taillamp inserts. It also received the upgraded Smart Key operation on the passenger door. The new Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) is standard equipment on Limited-grade Tacomas.

Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), standard on every Tacoma grade, includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Sway Warning System, Automatic High Beams and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC).

Tacoma TRD Pro: More Trail-Capable Than Ever

For 2020, the Tacoma TRD Pro, one of a series of Toyota trucks and SUVs infused with ultimate capability by Toyota Racing Development, returns with a revised look and new

features. New sequential LED/DRL headlamps, 16-inch wheel design and black-insert taillamps headline the exterior changes. Rigid Industries LED fog lights come standard for improved visibility on and off the highway. Newly available Army Green is the TRD Pro exclusive color for 2020, which will be offered along with Super White, Midnight Black Metallic and Magnetic Gray Metallic. 

Inside TRD Pro, a new 10-way power seat adds comfort, and the multimedia system is upgraded with the new 8-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, among others. For added convenience, Smart Key functionality now extends to the front passenger door. 

High-tech trail assistance comes to the fore with the new Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) + Multi Terrain Monitor (MTM). The driver can select front, side, or rear views for improved visibility. When the going really gets rough, under vehicle terrain view can help the driver avoid potential unseen obstacles.

In other respects, the 2020 Tacoma TRD Pro continues with its roster of hardcore capability. A new 16-inch wheel is added to the mix, which is 4.188 lbs. lighter than the previous version. To complement the changes, TRD updated the tuning of the Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks and front and rear springs. Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Kevlar-reinforced tires stand up to rough terrain.

The Tacoma TRD Pro comes standard with 4WDemand part-time 4-wheel drive with an electronically controlled transfer case and an electronically controlled locking rear differential. Automatic transmission-equipped Tacomas also further off-road capability and driver confidence with Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), Multi-terrain Select, and Crawl Control.

With standard power moonroof and, on automatic transmission models, JBL Premium Audio, there’s no leaving luxury behind when the pavement ends.

Tacoma by the Numbers

Tacoma Access Cab models ride on a 127.4-inch wheelbase and have a 73.7-inch-long bed. The Tacoma Double Cab style is offered as a 127.4-inch wheelbase with a 60.5-inch bed or 140.6-inch wheelbase with the 73.7-inch bed. All models use an inner bed made from a sheet-molded composite (SMC) deck and tough, durable walls that are 10-percent lighter than steel.

The 2020 Tacoma offers a choice of two tough powertrains. The 2.7-liter DOHC 4-cylinder with 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, and an available 3.5-liter V6 with 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. Both are teamed to a 6-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i), and the V6 can also be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. 

V6-powered Tacomas come standard with the Tow Package – which includes Class IV receiver hitch, automatic transmission fluid cooler, engine oil cooler, power steering cooler, 130-amp alternator, 4 & 7-pin connector with converter, and Trailer-Sway Control. When properly equipped, the Tacoma can pull up to 6,800 lbs. (per the SAE J2807 tow standard).

The Tacoma is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX), in San Antonio and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Baja California (TMMBC), in Baja California, Mexico.

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[ccap41]

That's kind of a disappointing update for a company who released a teaser pic. 

[Drew Dowdell]

2 hours ago, ccap41 said:

That's kind of a disappointing update for a company who released a teaser pic. 

It looks mostly the same

[ccap41]

8 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

It looks mostly the same

Exactly.. I'm not sure why they needed a teaser pic for this but it is what it is.. I still like it and the small updates are welcome. 

Is this really just NOW getting CarPlay and AndroidAuto?

[Drew Dowdell]

2 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Exactly.. I'm not sure why they needed a teaser pic for this but it is what it is.. I still like it and the small updates are welcome. 

Is this really just NOW getting CarPlay and AndroidAuto?

yep.  I thought Toyota was going to skip Android Auto all together, but they seem to have reversed their position on that. 

[David]

3 hours ago, ccap41 said:

That's kind of a disappointing update for a company who released a teaser pic. 

I agree, almost as if they are just trying to mimic what GM has already done for their various off road tweaks and give an impression of new but not really new, just a polish job on the existing pig or as they say putting new lipstick on a pig.

3 hours ago, ccap41 said:

That's kind of a disappointing update for a company who released a teaser pic. 

I feel this is just a response to GM off road packages more than anything to do with the Ranger. Just a different shade of color / LipStick on a pig. 🤷‍♂️

[ccap41]

1 minute ago, dfelt said:

I agree, almost as if they are just trying to mimic what GM has already done for their various off road tweaks and give an impression of new but not really new, just a polish job on the existing pig or as they say putting new lipstick on a pig.

I don't think Toyota is mimicking anything GM does. 

[smk4565]

Those engines and transmission are ooooold.  How about an update Toyota, like using the 2 liter turbo from Lexus or the 310 hp V6 you already make.

[caddycruiser]

This is the worst driving and worst performing mid size truck, when it used to be one of the best. The fact it got a new radio, and not internal gut improvements is the odd part.

[Drew Dowdell]

On 2/24/2019 at 10:34 AM, caddycruiser said:

This is the worst driving and worst performing mid size truck, when it used to be one of the best. The fact it got a new radio, and not internal gut improvements is the odd part.

I've never had one for any distance. In fact, I've mostly had them off-road rather than on-road. 

The Colorado and Canyon ride and drive nice, I just can't seem to get comfortable in the seats. 

[ccap41]

On 2/7/2019 at 2:17 PM, smk4565 said:

Those engines and transmission are ooooold.  How about an update Toyota, like using the 2 liter turbo from Lexus or the 310 hp V6 you already make.

The 3.5L and 6spd auto in the Taco came out in 2016. I'm sure they were used in other Toyotas prior. 

[Drew Dowdell]

On 2/7/2019 at 3:17 PM, smk4565 said:

Those engines and transmission are ooooold.  How about an update Toyota, like using the 2 liter turbo from Lexus or the 310 hp V6 you already make.

What's wrong with them? Do they suit the purpose of the truck?  Not everything needs to go to a 2.0T thanks.

[smk4565]

2 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

What's wrong with them? Do they suit the purpose of the truck?  Not everything needs to go to a 2.0T thanks.

A 159 hp 2.5 liter engine is better?

[Drew Dowdell]

4 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

A 159 hp 2.5 liter engine is better?

That's the base engine. 

[ccap41]

10 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

That's the base engine. 

The base engine in the S Class is 362hp/369tq though. 

[Drew Dowdell]

Just now, ccap41 said:

The base engine in the S Class is 362hp/369tq though. 

omg how silly of me... I was shopping for a $23k basic single cab small pickup.... I should have considered a $93k sedan instead.

[ccap41]

Fun Fact: Mercedes X-Class has a base engine with 161hp. 

Just now, Drew Dowdell said:

omg how silly of me... I was shopping for a $23k basic single cab small pickup.... I should have considered a $93k sedan instead.

Now you're getting it! 

[Robert Hall]

Base 4cyl power in midsize pickups seems to vary quite a bit...the Ranger seems to have the most base power in the US market...2.3 Turbo w/ 270hp.  The Colorado has a 2.5 w/ 200hp, and Nissan Frontier has a 2.5 w/ 152hp, so the Tacoma is consistent w/ the Frontier in base power. 

[Drew Dowdell]

2 minutes ago, Robert Hall said:

Base 4cyl power in midsize pickups seems to vary quite a bit...the Ranger seems to have the most base power in the US market...2.3 Turbo w/ 270hp.  The Colorado has a 2.5 w/ 200hp, and Nissan Frontier has a 2.5 w/ 152hp, so the Tacoma is consistent w/ the Frontier in base power. 

Yeah,  the Ranger is the anomaly now, but in a good way. 

[smk4565]

2 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

That's the base engine. 

Right, but why is the base engine so bad.  The Tacoma isn't a lightweight, they start at 4,000 lbs, if you have payload or towing, that is even more.  Toyota could put a turbo 4 as the base with 220 hp and a 310 hp V6 optional.   Or at least use the 2.5 liter four form the Camry that makes 200 hp, rather than some 159 hp unit from forever ago.

2 hours ago, ccap41 said:

The base engine in the S Class is 362hp/369tq though. 

Thats 120 hp per liter, vs the Tacoma that makes only 64 hp per liter.

[balthazar]

2 hours ago, ccap41 said:

Mercedes X-Class has a base engine with 161hp. 

Why IS that base engine so bad??

 

 

 

Edited February 26, 2019 by balthazar

[smk4565]

3 minutes ago, balthazar said:

Why IS that base engine so bad??

 

 

 

That is a diesel with 297 lb-ft of torque.  But also sold in non-American markets where that sort of power is common.  If they did an American X-class it would have more power.  And perhaps X-class generation 1 is a testing ground to then do generation 2 on their own without Nissan/Renault and expand to the USA.  The A-class started as  dopey hatchback in Europe, how it is a nice looking little sedan.

[Drew Dowdell]

Not really. It still looks like someone melted a 1999 Taurus in the microwave.

[balthazar]

Wait- is it all about HP? Or is it all about torque?

Where & when does HP/liter enter into it?

And how does one weigh those things against sales?

Gets confusing, doesn't it? That's why I like to blindly accept whatever slop a brand shovels forth, as long as it's the SAME, ONE brand. Keeps my head-lid from getting too sweaty.

[caddycruiser]

The poorly tuned dynamics of these have never even lived up to the previous gen's 4.0L & 5-speed. Not one review praises the current Tacoma, and it usually brings up the back of the pack. Strange for sure, "for a Toyota". All the smaller trucks are interesting. This one, most of anything, needed a reset to the engine/transmission calibration and features.

Steve Hammes reviewed it the best (as a previous gen owner):

https://testdrivenow.com/2019-toyota-tacoma-video-review/

Edited February 26, 2019 by caddycruiser

[riviera74]

Wow. A Tacoma that does not measure up.  What's next: a lame Tundra? A pitiful 4Runner?

[ccap41]

14 hours ago, smk4565 said:

Thats 120 hp per liter, vs the Tacoma that makes only 64 hp per liter.

14 hours ago, balthazar said:

Why IS that base engine so bad??

 

 

 

Probably because it is a Mercedes. Mercedes can't make a good vehicle/engine combo to save their life.