2020 Toyota Tacoma Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

The 2020 Tacoma competes with other mid-size pickups on paper, but its Toyota roots and trail-ready capabilities provide enviable cachet. While the Tacoma—also lovingly called the Taco—has a cult following among off-roaders, its downsized dimensions and renowned reliability have made it a popular alternative to larger trucks such as the full-size Toyota Tundra. Still, its rubberized cabin feels claustrophobic and its aging powertrains are less sophisticated than contemporary rivals. The Taco does boast more standard driver assists than any other mid-sizer, and every model has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability for a simplified infotainment experience. As long as fuel efficiency and driving refinement aren't important, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma is a rugged and versatile pickup truck that targets adventurous buyers.

What's New for 2020?

Toyota bestows a host of updates on the 2020 Tacoma, which include some new styling and better technology. The exterior alterations are highlighted by refreshed grille designs, different wheel choices, revised taillights, and new LED headlights on specific trim levels. Inside, the Tacoma now offers a power-adjustable driver's seat, bigger touchscreens with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it introduced a set of useful camera systems. These optional monitors can provide a 360-degree view around the truck or even underneath it to detect obstacles. The 2020 Tacoma TRD Pro receives all the latest technology as well as re-tuned shocks, lighter wheels, and a new Army Green paint color.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

While the cheapest 2020 Tacoma starts around $27,000, we'd continue to recommend the TRD Off-Road model, which has standard four-wheel drive and other desirable features. While the crew cab (which Toyota calls Double Cab) has limited passenger space, it's better than the even smaller Access Cab. Likewise, those who want the longer six-foot bed will have to forfeit the standard manual transmission. We dislike the automatic transmission's clumsy behavior, so we'd stick with the five-foot bed and the manual transmission.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Tacoma's optional V-6 engine provides decent performance and towing muscle, but the base four-cylinder is underpowered and best avoided. We also advise steering clear of the persnickety six-speed automatic transmission with either engine—stick with the six-speed manual and the V-6. Anchored by the automatic, the V-6 struggles at times. The TRD Sport and the Limited models are oriented toward city driving, whereas the TRD Off-Road and the TRD Pro versions seek rougher paths. Still, none of these choices are particularly quick. Far from the first choice for ride quality and handling, the Tacoma can tackle the trails or rough back roads with ease. It can be outfitted to take advantage of dirt-treading opportunities or pavement cruising. The Limited delivers a satisfying ride that is smoother and quieter than the off-road versions. We've driven the updated 2020 Tacoma TRD Pro out west and found its lifted suspension, beefy shock absorbers, and gnarly tires made it one of the best trucks for off-roading but less enjoyable for everyday driving.

Towing and Payload Capacity

At its brawniest, the Tacoma can tow up to 6800 pounds with rear-wheel drive; four-wheel-drive versions can pull 6500 pounds.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The V-6 Tacoma's EPA-rated fuel economy ranks in the middle of the pack, but in our real-world highway testing, it falls short of more efficient competitors. Although the manual transmission with the V-6 has the worst fuel economy, it's way more fun to drive. In our real-world fuel-economy test, the Tacoma matched its EPA highway estimate of 23 mpg. Still, this was 5 mpg less than the Honda Ridgeline and the diesel GMC Canyon.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Sticking to your roots is commendable, but it doesn't work in the favor of the Tacoma's cabin. The utilitarian layout and materials are of a different era. The higher trim levels rely heavily on hard plastics and minimalistic materials. However, the 2020 Tacoma finally offers a power-adjustable driver's seat. Still, cramped quarters are a staple of the Tacoma. The crew cab's rear seat is where passengers in the Tacoma will have to squeeze, as legroom is abysmal. The Tacoma has more than enough volume in its five-foot or six-foot bed, but it disappoints with few storage cubbies and limited carry-on space inside. Storage capacity is restricted inside the Tacoma, and the crew cab we tested was only able to hold nine carry-ons in the back seat. Aside from the center-console bin, there aren't many usable storage bins or cubbies.

Infotainment and Connectivity

We'll give Toyota a nod for incorporating touchscreen infotainment in every Tacoma. The base model features a 7.0-inch display and all other trim levels have an 8.0-inch screen. The company also has finally added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, which should improve the user experience versus the previous infotainment system. While several USB ports and a wireless charging are available, the Tacoma still doesn't offer a mobile hotspot as do some of its rivals.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Tacoma might have average crash-test ratings, but it has the most standard driver-assistance technology in its class. While the Ridgeline maintains its class-leading status here (thanks to excellent crash-test scores), the mid-size Toyota has more impressive tech than its other rivals. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Tacoma's warranty coverage aligns with most rivals, and Toyota offers the best complimentary scheduled maintenance plan in its class.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for 2 years or 25,000 miles