Review and specifications

2023 Toyota Tacoma

Although Toyota billed the 2016 Tacoma as a redesign, this was by no means a clean-sheet, start-from-scratch effort. The Tacoma remains as rough and tumble as it has always been. Toyota's compact pickup features a 3.5-liter V6 hooked up to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. A 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, which can be mated to a five-speed manual, is also available. Both two- and four-wheel-drive models are offered. Our four-wheel-drive V6 Tacoma delivered a good 19 mpg overall. Though the truck is tough as nails and delivers impressive off-road prowess, it's primitive. The ride is stiff, handling is ponderous, the cabin is very loud, and the driving position is awkwardly low. The modern connectivity features are welcome. 2018 models got the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) as standard equipment, which includes forward collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Safety features such as blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are available. For 2020, the Tacoma got a mild freshening that brought thicker glass to suppress noise, the availability of a power driver's seat and, finally, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Market value

$33,725

Fuel

Conventional

Transmission

Automatic

Seats

5