2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD PRO Double Cab: The Midsize Truck Segment Sales Leader

Highlight: It’s the only midsize truck on the market available with an autonomous crawl control feature. This feature is great for climbing and driving down steep off road hills.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $47,240 (Base Model SR Double Cab: $28,000)      

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; vehicle stability control; traction control; a hill start assist control; and a tire pressure monitoring system

TRD Pro Standard Equipment:  a 3.5-liter engine; a 6-speed manual transmission;16-inch tires; 4WD demand part time 4x4; a power sliding rear privacy glass; a black hood scoop/graphics; deck mounted AC power outlet; Daytime running lights; fog lights; cruise control; leather trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel; Bluetooth; a remote keyless entry system; a dual zone climate control system; a keyless ignition starter system; automatic dimming rearview mirror; leather trimmed heated front seats; TRD pro shift knob, floor mats, HD radio with SiriusXM; a blind spot monitor system with a rear traffic control cross alert system; a rear park assist sonar system; pre-collision system with pedestrian detection; dynamic radar cruise control; an automatic multi-terrain crawl control system; a class IV towing hitch receiver; a locking rear differential and A-Trac; 4/7 pin connector; and trailer sway control; and a wireless charging system

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: Graphics package; TRD air filter; paint protection film; emergency assistance kit; a bed extender; bed step; a bed mat; a door edge guard; a roof rack; a door rail camera mount; mudguards; a predator tube step; a mini tie down loop; a tailgate emblem; and D rings

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle:  a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD

Bluetooth Connectivity: Depending on trim

iPod connectivity/USB Port: Yes

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.7-liter, 4-cylinder/159-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 18-city/25-hwy

Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs

Other Trims:

Extended Access Cab
SR2
SR5
TRD Sport
TRD Off-Road
Limited

What’s New: A new blacked-out SX package and updated TRD pro are where significant changes can be found in the Tacomas for the 2019 model year.

Pros: The Tacoma is available in 32 configurations, ranging from an access cab, which is basically an extended cab with half rear doors, to a 4-door double cab to a Limited trim. Each truck can be configured as a 4x2 or a 4x4, with either a standard bed or an optional tailgate extender. As an added factor, the bed of the truck offers a two-tier loading system, with an integrated deck rail utility system and four adjustable tie downs.

The midsize truck segment most popular vehicle is available with two powertrains: a 2.7-liter, four-cylinder-engine and a 3.5-liter, six-cylinder engine. The four-cylinder produces 159-horsepower, while the larger six-cylinder spews out 278-horsepower.

For those enthusiasts seeking a midsize truck designed for off-road activities, the Tacoma has proven to be the perfect vehicle. The rugged-looking TRD Pro double cab we reviewed was outfitted with an easy-to-shift, 6-speed manual transmission. In addition to the bold muscular hood, with its bulging hood scoop, Toyota outfitted the popular truck with a double wishbone coil-spring front suspension and leaf spring rear suspension. The vehicle was also outfitted with outboard mounted gas shocks. In fact, the tuned suspension gives the vehicle a 1-inch lift, which is great for rock climbing and descending mountainous hills.

And depending upon the trim selected, one can outfit the vehicle with everything from an automatic transmission to a push button ignition starter system to leather trimmed heated front seats to an automatic crawl control feature. We also must note this is one of the last vehicles to include a CD player too. In a time period where CDs have become obsolete, that alone was a selling feature for us.

Lastly, most Tacomas can be outfitted with the latest safety driving aids too, ranging from an electronic blind spot to a radar-activated cruise control system.

Cons: While the Tacoma is the perfect vehicle for those seeking to go off-road, the rugged TRD Pro we reviewed was not designed for suiting-up in your after five attire. This vehicle is strictly designed for those seeking to maximize their off-roading. The metal side tube steps kept us from driving the vehicle when in a suit. Trims such as the Limited are better suited for those seeking a more compliant street drive.

And, like all Toyota models, the Tacoma is not compatible with all smartphones. We hear that is changing for the 2020 model year. The infotainment system will be compatible for both android and iphones.

Verdict: The Tacoma has so many winning attributes that makes this midsize truck a segment leader. Up until recently, Toyota and Nissan were the only automakers who played in this segment. This built a loyal fan base who needed or desired a truck, but preferred to shy away from the excess of all that comes with buying and driving a fullsize truck. In fact, Toyota’s larger sibling the Tundra, seems oversized, when compared to other trucks in its segment. That may be one of the reasons why Toyota has willed the same sales success in the large truck segment, as they have in the midsize segment.

As we noted earlier, the Tacoma has over 32 configurations. Despite all of the major automakers returning to this segment, the design and engineering team has managed to keep the well-built vehicle fresh and relevant.

TRD Competition: Chevrolet Colorado ZR2; Ford Ranger FX4; Jeep Gladiator Rubicon; and Nissan Frontier PRO-4X