Toyota has been building pickup trucks since the 60s, but the Tacoma name didn't appear on its trucks until 1995. The Tacoma originally launched as a compact pickup but has since grown up to be a mid-size truck. It is currently in its fourth generation that debuted in 2015 and received a mid-cycle refresh in 2020 with updates that included a new grille, new wheel designs, upgraded multimedia, and electronic power adjustable driver seats. For 2023, a new chrome package adds sophistication with 18" chrome alloys, an SX package is added to the SR5 grade with a blackout look, and Solar Octane is the new exclusive color offered on TRD Pro models.
The Tacoma continues as a body on frame truck that's offered in extended cab and crew cab form. The extended cab known as Access Cab comes with a 6 ft bed and the crew cab called Double Cab comes with either a 5ft bed or 6ft bed. Access cabs seat four with two in the back that have access via a half-door. Double cabs are more traditional with four doors, twin front bucket seats and a 3-seat rear bench. The Tacoma is offered in 7 trim levels known as SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off Road, Limited, Trail Special Edition, and TRD Pro. In total, there are 34 model configurations based on two cab types, the extended Access Cab and four-door Double Cab. Each is available in 4×2 or 4×4 configurations in a wide array of model grades.
The SR and SR5 come standard with a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 159 horsepower with 180 lb.-ft. of torque. All other models come standard with a 3.5 liter V6 making 278 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque. The 4 cylinder is available only with a 6-speed automatic while the V6 is offered with either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual. Tacomas are offered with either rear or part time 4WD. Prices start at $27,750 for a 4x2 SR Access Cab and climb up into the $47,000+ range for an automatic TRD Pro Double Cab. While Tacoma sales have generally been rising annually since 2010, competition in the segment has increased as the truck craze carries on. Competition includes the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, Jeep Gladiator, and Nissan Frontier. I spent a week in the Tacoma TRD Pro and here's what stands out...
Powertrain (+/-)
Under the hood of the TRD Pro is a 3.5L V6 mated to a 6-speed automatic. The powertrain delivers 278 horsepower and 265-pound feet of torque. I found that it delivered ample power and acceleration. The overall ride felt somewhat sporty. The V6 also provides greater capability in the form of towing capacity (6,400 lbs.) and payload (1,155 lbs.). Tires and suspension will greatly influence the ride and my TRD Pro model provided a bouncier and noisier ride on the highway than a Limited model would. The ride is very much as expected from a body-on-frame truck with an off-road suspension and tires. Despite being a bit bouncier, the ride remained controlled and stable, but with loose steering at higher speeds. The TRD Pro also sounds good with its TRD-tuned cat-back exhaust that adds a nice throaty growl.
Capability (+)
One of Tacoma's strengths is in its off-road capability. Three of its seven models focus heavily on getting off the pavement and onto the trails. The TRD Off Road, Trail Edition, and TRD Pro all provide various levels of off-road capabilities with the TRD Pro being capable of just about anything without modifications. Standard on all these trims is an electronic locking rear differential which will deliver engine power evenly to both rear wheels to keep them moving at the same speed on uneven terrain. Also available is crawl control which takes the guesswork out of managing the throttle off-road and lets the truck manage the brakes and power on five low-speed settings. Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) is another advanced feature that offers five modes including mud & sand, loose rock, mogul, rock & dirt, and bigger rock. The system is intuitive for anyone into off-roading. To operate, the truck should be shifted into neutral to select low-4WD which will also turn off stability control and pre-collision braking system. The MTS dial is above the rear-view mirror on the roof for selecting the modes and graphics will change on the digital cluster display to alert the driver of which mode is active.
The off-road features continue with hill start assist control and a multi-terrain monitoring system. Hill-start assist will minimize slippage when releasing the brake on a hill and the monitoring system provides visuals of the immediate surrounding such as rocks or debris that may not otherwise be seen. Bilstein shocks come on the TRD Off Road while the TRD Pro models will get FOX 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks tuned by TRD engineers. Standard ground clearance is a respectable 9.4 inches. The increased suspension lift provides real-world improvements for trail and obstacle clearance thanks to a 36.4-degree approach angle, 24.7-degree departure angle and its 26.6-degree breakover angle. Additional TRD Pro gear includes an aluminum front skid plate with red TRD lettering.
Fuel Economy (-)
When the Tacoma arrived with a full 21.1-gallon tank it offered a range of around 320 miles. Fuel economy is estimated at 18/22/20 MPG city/highway/combined. These ratings are below-average for the class. After a week of suburban driving, I averaged 16 MPG. Regular grade fuel is sufficient.
Exterior Style (+)
Styling on the Tacoma hasn't changed much since the third generation debuted in 2015, however it did get a mild facelift in 2020 with new grille and wheel designs. The styling remains relevant with a rugged design well-suited for personal modification. TRD Pro models can be distinguished by the Toyota heritage inspired grille with Toyota spelled out across the center. It's flanked by LED headlights with sequential turn signals. The rest of the front fascia sits high for maximum ground clearance and includes both front corners angled up to aid with off-roading clearance. Embedded in the fascia are Rigid Industries LED fog lights. TRD Pro models also get a blacked-out hood scoop and graphic, color-keyed power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, color-keyed door handles, black overfenders and a color-keyed rear bumper. The side profile features flared fenders with plenty of room to increase the tire size for more extreme off-roading. Around back TACOMA is stamped into an indented portion of the tailgate. The truck really pops in the all-new Solar Octane color that is exclusive to the TRD Pro models across Toyota's lineup. Other available colors for the TRD Pro include white, magnetic gray metallic, and black.
Wheels (+)
Tacomas are available with wheels ranging in size from 16" up to 18" in a variety of styles and finishes. Wheel designs were updated in 2020 and the designs generally match up to the trim level well. The TRD Pro models include 16-inch TRD high-strength, lightweight black alloy wheels that provide a 1-inch wider track width than the TRD Off-Road model, along with Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain tires.
Interior Layout (+)
The Tacoma is a truck for someone that doesn't need glitz and glamor. The interior is simple but looks tough and ready to get dirty. The overall build quality is top notch with durable materials and tight gaps. Drivers will face a traditional cluster set-up with an available 4.2" information screen in the middle. A seven- or eight-inch touchscreen is in the middle of the dashboard with navigation buttons/knobs surrounding it. Dual zone automatic climate control is standard on V6 models, and an available power sliding rear window adds some fresh air. All of the controls are well placed and straightforward. The overall design focuses on function. Off-road multi-terrain controls are placed within the headliner which is atypical but also easily within reach. The center stack features a traditional gear shifter, multiple cup holders, wireless mobile device charging and a center console storage.
Infotainment Technology (-)
Despite being updated to integrate with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa the system falls short. There was a significant lag every time I started the Tacoma before the system was fully functioning. Even then, there seemed to be a delay for most of the controls. Standard is a 7-inch screen on SR models while all others have an 8-inch screen. The buttons and on-screen graphics feel dated and overdue for an update. The system is an improvement for the Tacoma overall, but it still feels like it's a generation behind as technology advances so quickly.
Passenger Space (+/-)
Getting in the truck will take some efforts for shorter individuals as the truck rides higher than some other mid-size trucks and the door opening is relatively small. Opting for the double cab will provide seating for five with a bench seat in the back. Toyota updated the Tacoma in 2020 to finally give it power adjustable seats on most grades. The TRD Pro comes with black TRD Pro leather-trimmed heated front seats. This improvement helps with driver positioning significantly as the seats are mounted low to the floor. Both cloth and leather upholstery are available as are heated seats. The seats are comfortable and there is sufficient head and leg room up front. Rear passenger space is tighter, but not terrible. Three adults would feel cramped, but three kids were reasonably comfortable in the back.
Cargo (+)
Tucked under the rear seats are some small, but usable storage compartments. Additionally, the seats fold forward to provide a flat surface. Double cab models come with either a 6-foot-1-inch or a 5-foot bed. Access cabs come exclusively with the larger bed. It also comes standard with a removable tailgate and bed rail system with adjustable tie-downs. Trail editions will add even more utility with insulated storage in the truck bed that can be used as a cooler.
Standard Safety (+)
Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) is standard on all Tacoma trucks and includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, high-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams. Also standard is the Star Safety System which includes vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop brake override technology. The Tacoma rates well in both IIHS and NHTSA safety ratings. Additional features such as rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert are also available.
Final Statement:
The Tacoma has become a benchmark in the mid-size truck segment that is proving to stand the test of time. The TRD Pro model is a true truck with plenty of capability off-road and all the basic modern technology needed on road. It still looks good and really stands out in the new Solar Octane color. There are a few areas that would benefit from updates to make it even better, but it remains a solid, reliable choice that holds its value.
First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
Exterior Color: Solar Octane
Interior Color: Black Leather
Notable Options: Premium Paint ($425), 5" oval tube step ($589), Bed Step ($300), Tailgate Emblem ($129)
Price as tested: $52,558.00 (with destination charge)