Highlight: Some Tacomas are available with the I-Force Max hybrid powertrain.
Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $56,609 (Base SR MSRP): $35,700
Seating Capacity: 4 or 5
Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; a rear camera; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a rear cross traffic alert system; electronically controlled locking rear differential; multi-terrain select system; a tire pressure monitoring system; crawl control with downhill ascent control; and a pre-collision system
Standard Equipment (on test vehicle): 4WD; an 8-speed automatic transmission;17-inch alloy wheels; off-road tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks; smart key system, cloth seats with driver’s lumbar support; a leather trimmed steering wheel; an 8-inch infotainment screen; and a 5-foot bed
Other Trim Levels:
Xtra Cab
Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM JBL audio system with SiriusXM
Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard
USB Connectivity: Standard
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
Towing Capacity: 6,400-lbs
Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged hybrid engine/278-hp
Standard Fuel Mileage: 19-city/23-hwy (test model)
What’s New: For the 2026 model year, the Tacoma is essentially a carryover vehicle. With the exception of a few new exterior colors and other subtle package (trim) tweaks, there are no significant announcements.
Stylish athletic design
A variety of powertrains
A manual transmission available
Double cab
Rear wheel drive or 4x4
Power moonroof
Leather-like seating
Ventilated/Heated front seats
Power rear horizontal back window
A power operated open/close tailgate
An automatic temperature control system
TRD off-road package
6,400-lbs towing capacity
High-level of safety driving aids
Towing-hitch receiver (standard)
Short or long bed available
Wireless camera system
But:
Too expensive, pricing competes with fullsize trucks (test model)
Limited rear seating room
Not only is the hot-selling vehicle, the number one selling truck in the midsize segment. It has the price tag to match it, too. In fact, our highly accessorized Tacoma, outfitted with the brand’s rugged off-road TRD package, approached an eye-popping $57,000. For $55,000 one could opt for a Lexus IS F-Sport sedan. Unlike the performance sedan, which is also offers limited leg room for rear occupants, Toyota’s truck is capable of towing and hauling with ease.
Depending upon ones desire, the athletic looking Tacoma is available in a double or extra cab. Both cabs lack the rear room desirable for a long road trip due to limited legroom.
Just like in the Lexus, our Tacoma was equipped with a radar activated cruise control system, the latest high-tech safety driving aids, a power moonroof, a high-end audio system with SiriusXM, heated and ventilated front seats, an automatic climate control system and wireless charging.
Moreover, the Tacoma was outfitted with a power operated tailgate, an automatic crawl features which is essentially the next step toward autonomous driving while off-road on steep hills and declines.
Furthermore, the Tacoma featured a power sliding rear window and a wireless camera, too.
While our ever peppy 2.4-liter engine, with its 278-horspower, seemed ready to take on every chore possible for a vehicle this size, the near $57,000 price tag definitely placed the vehicle in the same lane as fullsize trucks. Fullsize truck as we know offer more interior cargo space for both occupants (as well as rear passengers). Furthermore, fullsize trucks can tow and haul more, too.
Yet, unlike the fullsize trucks, the Tacoma is easier to navigate on city streets and in crowed parking lots. So, one will have to decide, is it worth it to step up to a fullsize truck or stay with a proven leader like the Tacoma while making some sacrifices?
Competition: Chevy Colorado; Ford Ranger; GMC Canyon; and Nissan Frontier
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