The Tacoma is powered by either a 2.7L 4-cylinder that makes 159 horsepower, or by a 3.5L V6 that makes 278 horsepower.
The Tacoma is offered with a wealth of customizable options, but it comes in six trims: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro and Limited.
The base SR version can be ordered with either the Access Cab, or with the 4-door 4X2 Double Cab. The Access Cab comes with a standard-length 6-foot bed, while the Double Cab is available with a 5-foot short bed as well. Standard equipment includes 16-inch wheels, power windows and door locks, a backup camera, an AM/FM/SiriusXM Satellite audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto and a deck rail system that helps secure loose objects in the bed.
The Double Cab models allow buyers to choose between a 5-foot or 6-foot bed. SR5s include keyless entry, a 4.2-inch multi-information display in the instrument cluster, fog lamps and a bit more chrome on the grille of the truck.
The TRD Off-Road version adds both style and off-road utility to the Tacoma. Special 16-inch wheels look mean and stylish while functional additions include an electro-mechanical locking differential, hill-descent control and a multi-terrain select driving aid. Options on the TRD Off-Road include dual-zone climate control and a sunroof. The bigger V6 engine is standard on the model.
Where the TRD Off-Road is rugged, the TRD Sport is slick and stylish. Like the TRD Off-Road, the TRD Sport is only available with the V6 engine. Wheels are 17-inch alloys, while the interior gets a wireless smartphone charger. The bed features a 120V outlet while the daytime running lights use ultra-bright LEDs. A smart key is also standard on the TRD Sport.
The Limited comes only with the larger cabin and a V6. It adds color-keyed bumpers and chrome door handles and mirrors, polished 18-inch wheels, automatic climate control, a powered moonroof and leather-trimmed seats.
The TRD Pro offers LED headlights, 16-inch TRD Pro Black alloy wheels, unique exterior grille, badging, and hood scoop, leather-trimmed seats with a special headrest logo, a power sliding rear window with privacy glass, dual-zone automatic climate control, and blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. Standard off-road technologies include an electronically locking rear differential, front skid plate, a multi-terrain monitor, FOX internal bypass shocks, a cat-back exhaust, multi-terrain selection and crawl control.
The Toyota Tacoma returns for 2021 with a couple minor changes including dual-zone climate control and upgraded audio features.
The Tacoma competes with other compact pickup trucks such as the Chevrolet Colorado and the Nissan Frontier. However, neither of these competitors has the reputation of Toyota. Unlike full-sized trucks, the Tacoma's size is more adept in both urban and suburban environments. The Tacoma can maneuver nimbly in tight parking lots, and its turning radius is kept reasonable. At the same time, the Toyota offers the kind of utility that compact SUVs can only dream of. With a broad range of customization options, the Tacoma offers a surprisingly amount of comfort, and even gives owners the kind of interior space normally found in sedans. The Tacoma is truly a "do-everything" vehicle.
