The 2020 Toyota Tacoma is updated this year, but that may not be enough to fend off pickup truck competitors that have sprung up in recent years. For 2020, the Tacoma finally gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability along with Amazon Alexa integration on an updated audio and infotainment system. Other updates include a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat replacing the old manual seat on SR5 trims and higher, a surround-view camera system on top-tier models and under-vehicle camera for TRD Off-Road and Pro trucks, and styling tweaks like new wheels and LED daytime running lights on most models. The off-road ready TRD Pro model also gets revised suspension.
Available in SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited trims, there’s a Tacoma for nearly every buyer, from tradesfolks to trail-bashers. The Tacoma is also available in extended- or crew-cab configurations, either with a 6-foot bed on both models and a 5-foot bed on the crew cab. The Tacoma is still one of the best-looking midsize trucks to our eyes, especially in extreme TRD Pro form, and features a no-nonsense interior that emphasizes material durability over luxury. For 2020, a trailer package with a Class IV hitch and upgraded cooling comes standard, increasing towing capacity to 6,800 pounds for V-6 models. Stellar resale values and an active safety technology suite as standard that includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more make the Tacoma a compelling option, but the competition is stronger than ever.
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma checks all the right boxes in the tough truck styling department. There’s no mistaking a “Taco” for any other truck, and the 2020 Toyota Tacoma checks the right pickup styling boxes after a small visual update this year. It’s more evolutionary than revolutionary, however. With a big, upright grille, new LED daytime running lights on most models, flared fenders, and that signature upward kick in the rear window, the 2020 Tacoma is a handsome truck by almost any measure. TRD Pro models turn the toughness up to 11 with meaty tires, blacked-out trim, and an old school “TOYOTA” badge front-and-center. The rear end is conventionally-styled, but the stamped tailgate is a more modern touch, and the high ride height and short bed give this truck more classic pickup proportions than other competitors.
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma offers competitive powertrain without necessarily standing out. As standard, the 2.7-liter inline-4 makes 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, but almost every Tacoma on the road is built with a reasonably-strong 3.5-liter V-6, making 278 hp and 265 lb-ft. Rear-wheel-drive is standard and part-time four-wheel-drive is optional, and the V-6 model can be had with either a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission, though the four-cylinder is restricted to only the automatic.
Like most trucks in its class minus the Honda Ridgeline, the Tacoma rides on a ladder frame with a leaf-sprung solid rear axle and independent front suspension. This makes for a bouncy ride for most models, and with Fox shocks on the TRD Pro trim, the ride is fairly stiff meant for true boulder-crawling. This suspension has been updated for 2020 and we can definitely tell a difference. All Tacomas sit very high off the ground, and four-wheel-drive is operated via a simple knob, though there’s no full-time system for use on dry pavement. TRD Off-Road and Pro models get a push-button locking rear differential, a crawl control system, hill-descent control, and five unique off-road traction control settings. For 2020, all V-6-equipped trucks come standard with the previously optional towing package, increasing capacity to 6,800 pounds with a Class IV hitch and improved cooling hardware for the engine.
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma is middle of the road when it comes to its fuel economy. Naturally, the base, rear-wheel-drive, 4-cylinder 2020 Tacoma is the most efficient, managing 20 mpg city, 23 highway, and 21 combined with the 6-speed automatic transmission. Adding four-wheel-drive drops those numbers slightly to 19/22/20 mpg with the same transmission. Surprisingly, the two-wheel-drive V-6 model does better than the four-wheel-drive 4-cylinder at 19/24/21 mpg with the 6-speed automatic.
From then on up the range, the four-wheel-drive V-6 model, which is easily the most popular, manages average fuel economy, specifically 18/22/20 mpg for non-TRD automatic models, and 17/21/18 mpg for those with a 6-speed. Thanks to its beefed-up suspension and other off-road components, the TRD Off-Road model manages 17/20/18 mpg with the 6-speed manual. Finally TRD Pro models are the most extreme but don’t come with much of a fuel economy penalty, ringing in at 18/22/20 mpg for the automatic and 17/20/18 for the manual.
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma hasn’t been crash tested since its update. However, standard active safety technology is unique among midsize pickups. According to the federal government, last year’s Tacoma received four stars overall, with four stars in both frontal and rollover crash tests and five stars for side crash tests. These ratings are just for the Crew Cab model, as Extended Cab models weren’t fully tested. The 2019 model also received decent scores from the independent IIHS, which awarded “Good” ratings in every category except for “Acceptable” in the small overlap front passenger side test and a “Marginal” for headlights. Fortunately, the 2020 Tacoma is one of the few midsize pickups that includes a full suite of active safety technology as standard, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma is about average for its competitive set. Inside, the Tacoma is as upright as its exterior, with a new 7.0-inch touchscreen for infotainment front and center for easy access. The rest of the dashboard is all business, with large controls for climate and media functions and storage throughout the cabin. Front seats in the 2020 Tacoma are comfortable, and with new 10-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat on SR5 and higher trims, much-needed height adjustment has been added. Material quality is more rough-and-tumble than soft-and-smooth, but that’s just fine for a pickup truck. Head room could be better, especially with a power moonroof. In crew-cab form, the rear seats are upright and leg room is limited. Extended Cab models are much better at totting around two rear occupants. However, the Tacoma deserves credit for its pickup practicality, available either with a 5-foot bed on Crew Cab models or 6-foot bed on either Extended or Crew Cab.
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma gets some enticing technology and feature updates with the refresh this year. For 2020, the refreshed Tacoma adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as Amazon Alexa, to go along with a new standard 7.0-inch touchscreen for infotainment. That’s a welcome addition and may help win over some buyers in a very competitive segment. Throughout the rest of the range, the 2020 Tacoma gets credit for its many trim levels and configurations, ranging from work-ready SR to trail-tested TRD Pro.
SR models get some updates for 2020 including a new grille and taillight design, an optional LED bed lamp, and the 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The mid-tier SR5 represents the best value and gets a new 16-inch wheel design to go along with updated styling and interior fabric. LED daytime running lights and bed lights are optional. TRD Sport models get 17-inch wheels and available LED headlights as well as an optional panoramic camera system. The TRD Off Road trim offers all the off-road prowess most buyers will need with Bilstein shocks, a locking rear differential, hill-descent control, and several terrain traction control modes, and adds LED fog lights, keyless entry, and optional LED headlights for 2020.
The Tacoma TRD Off Road is the trim we’d buy for its balance between value and four-wheeling ability. Those looking for a more luxury-oriented Tacoma will want the Limited model, which features 18-inch wheels, standard LED headlamps, and a surround-view camera system. Finally, the TRD Pro is the most hardcore Tacoma, featuring special black 16-inch wheels and blacked-out trim pieces, a new Army Green color, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The TRD Pro also gets the new surround-view camera system with an additional camera underneath the truck to help avoid unseen obstacles on the trail.
The 2020 Tacoma has something for everyone; from basic contractor transportation to hard-core off road enthusiasts. Combine that with Toyota reliability and stellar resale values, and you have a clear winner in this newly competitive class. A winner that for 2020 has maintained it’s crown with leading yet practical improvements that will keep shoppers buying great Tacoma’s for years to come.
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