Initially labeled as a compact, the long-running Tacoma is the nation’s best-selling midsizer. How did it handle to beat Detroit’s Huge Three automakers and Japanese rivals such because the Nissan Frontier and unibody Honda Ridgeline?
Named after the Coast Salish Indian phrase for Washington-based Mount Rainier, the Tacoma is in style for its higher-than-average resale worth as effectively. However most significantly, folks purchase Tacos for his or her segment-leading reliability. For 2024, nevertheless, the mid-size truck’s reliability is anticipated to take a flip for the more severe as a result of TNGA-F platform of the Tundra. Add some hybridization to the combination, and also you’ll perceive why the fourth-gen Taco is a unique animal from its predecessors.
Earlier than going any additional with this in-depth have a look at the Tacoma’s journey from promising newcomer to phase chief, it must be talked about that greater than 190,000 models have been offered within the US on a yearly foundation since 2018. No fewer than 252,490 examples of the breed had been delivered in 2021 alone. By comparability, Toyota offered a grand complete of 89,967 models in calendar yr 1995, which additionally marks the primary yr of points for this extremely praised truck.
Toyota Tacoma Technology 1 (mannequin years 1995 to 2004)
Photograph: Toyota
What points? Firstly, in extra of 800,000 vans had been recalled in 2008 over insufficient rustproofing of the body. Sellers had been instructed to restore or purchase again affected vans at 1.5 occasions their estimated retail worth. In a while, vans discovered to be rusty past restore had been handled to alternative frames without charge to the purchasers.
Quick ahead to 2012, and 150,000 vans initially offered in cold-weather states had been known as again because of an insufficiently coated steel plate. What’s the matter with that? Nicely, the spare tire might fall off, leading to a highway hazard for the autos behind. These are the largest issues of the nice ol’ Taco up to now, and – versus sure automakers similar to Ford – Toyota didn’t mess with its clients by presenting them with shoddy fixes.
That mentioned, the first-gen Tacoma was recommended by American motoring publications from day one. It was an enormous factor for Toyota to develop a truck particularly for America, albeit a truck carefully associated to the sixth-generation Hilux. Penned by Kevin Hunter on the Japanese automaker’s CALTY design studio in California, the unique Taco was facelifted twice: the primary time in July 1997 for mannequin yr 1998, then in October 2000 for mannequin yr 2001.
![Toyota Tacoma (first generation) Toyota Tacoma (first generation)](https://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/news-gallery-860x/toyota-tacoma-history-america-s-favorite-mid-size-pickup-truck-through-the-ages-thumbnail_3.jpg)
Photograph: Toyota
The second refresh is credited to Yusuke Fukushima, a really gifted gentleman who additionally labored on the design staff accountable for the eighth-generation Hilux. For the 1995 (and a half) mannequin yr, the 4×2 Common Cab with the two.4-liter customary four-pot mill retailed at $11,848. Adjusted for inflation, which means $23,930 for probably the most barebone specification of the lot in as we speak’s cash. For reference, the 2023 mannequin begins at $28,600 in the mean time of scripting this piece (October 2023).
4WD vans acquired a 2.7er with 150 horsepower on deck, whereas the non-compulsory V6 was rated at 190 ponies. Toyota unleashed a Toyota Racing Growth supercharger equipment for the three.4-liter engine for mannequin yr 1997, which boosted the six-cylinder lump to 262 horsepower. Initially obtainable in Common Cab and Xtracab flavors, the first-gen Tacoma acquired a Double Cab in 2001. Double cabs make up most truck gross sales – regardless of phase – within the US market these days.
Constructed on a fully-boxed body versus open C-section rails for the second technology, the extremely coveted first gen got here with a five-speed guide or a four-speed computerized. The TRD Off-Highway Bundle was launched again in 1998, whereas antilock brakes turned customary gear for mannequin yr 2003. In relation to functionality, towing capability ranges from 3,500 kilos (make that 1,588 kilograms) to five,000 kilos (2,268 kilograms). Payload, in the meantime, tops 2,005 kilos (909 kilograms) for the Common Cab PreRunner 2WD with the two.7-liter I4 and the four-speed auto.
Toyota Tacoma Technology 2 (mannequin years 2005 to 2015)
![Toyota Tacoma (second generation) Toyota Tacoma (second generation)](https://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/news-gallery-860x/toyota-tacoma-history-america-s-favorite-mid-size-pickup-truck-through-the-ages-thumbnail_23.jpg)
Photograph: Toyota
As highlighted within the paragraph you’ve simply completed studying, Toyota switched to a unique body design for the second technology. Shigeya Hattori and Hideo Karikomi produced the outside design, Chikuo Kubota served as chief engineer, and many of the improvement work is credited to Toyota subsidiary Hino as a result of firm’s expertise in all issues business autos. Joined on the hip to the fourth-gen 4Runner and FJ Cruiser, the second coming of the Tacoma dropped the unique’s 2.4-liter base four-cylinder powerplant.
From a mechanical standpoint, Toyota launched a five-speed computerized and a six-speed guide. That’s not all, although, as a result of this technology of the Tacoma sports activities the biggest six-cylinder lump ever fitted to the Tacoma. Mentioned engine is the 1GR-FE, a 4.0-liter V6 with both VVT-i or Twin VVT-i. For some motive or one other, the 2005 to 2015 Tacoma has variable valve timing just for the consumption valves. The FJ Cruiser rocked VVT-i from 2007 to 2009 as effectively, but 2010 noticed the change to the higher system.
The primary gen was produced on the NUMMI meeting plant in Fremont, California, which is at present owned and operated by Tesla. Come 2004, the Tacoma additionally entered manufacturing at TMMBC in Mexico. The NUMMI meeting plant was offered to Tesla in 2010, the yr Toyota inaugurated a brand new manufacturing line in Texas. Whereas with regards to the place it’s made, the 2024 mannequin yr comes from Mexico solely.
![Toyota Tacoma (second generation) Toyota Tacoma (second generation)](https://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/news-gallery-860x/toyota-tacoma-history-america-s-favorite-mid-size-pickup-truck-through-the-ages-thumbnail_25.jpg)
Photograph: Toyota
A mid-size truck versus its compact forerunner, the second-gen Tacoma Common Cab measures 109.4 inches (2,779 millimeters) in wheelbase in comparison with 103.3 inches (2,624 millimeters) for the primary. Given this transformation, it shouldn’t come as a shock that the bottom curb weight additionally ballooned by roughly 350 kilos (159 kilograms) throughout the board. In consequence, mixed gasoline mileage dropped from a most ranking of twenty-two miles per gallon (10.7 liters per 100 kilometers) to a excessive of 21 mpg (11.2 l/100 km).
Able to towing as much as 6,500 kilos (2,948 kilograms), this technology was obtainable in 18 distinct configurations. Toyota sweetened the take care of extra customary goodies than ever earlier than, with an emphasis on security. From brake help to traction management, digital brake pressure distribution, lively headrests, and facet curtain airbags, it was the bee’s knees for a mid-size pickup truck from that period.
As soon as extra with a sense, the V6 could possibly be fitted with a TRD-branded supercharger. Each single model of the second-gen Taco was constructed with a made-in-Mexico composite mattress. The total-size Tundra switched to composite in 2022 with the introduction of the extremely polarizing third technology, which dropped the previous naturally-aspirated V8 in favor of a twin-turbo V6 engine.
Toyota Tacoma Technology 3 (mannequin years 2016 to 2023)
![Toyota Tacoma (third generation) Toyota Tacoma (third generation)](https://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/news-gallery-860x/toyota-tacoma-history-america-s-favorite-mid-size-pickup-truck-through-the-ages-thumbnail_43.jpg)
Photograph: Toyota
The N220/N240/N250/N260/N270 offered very effectively, topping over 170,000 deliveries in the US in 2006 and 2007. However with the introduction of the N300, the Tacoma shot as much as 191,631 gross sales in 2016. As underlined a couple of paragraphs earlier, the third-gen Taco crossed the 250,000 mark in calendar yr 2021. An impressive enchancment in each respect, particularly when you keep in mind that fullsizers make up most truck gross sales in the US of America.
Revealed with a lot pomp in January 2015 on the North American Worldwide Auto Present in Detroit, the third technology was usually described as a paradigm shift. In hindsight, Toyota improved on the Tacoma’s successful formulation with out making any daring modifications by any means. Taking a look at you, fourth-gen Tacoma with all-turbo I4 engines, a hybrid choice, and entrance seats with air-adjustable shocks!
On the time of the third technology’s unveiling, the Tacoma loved greater than 60 p.c market share. Within the final yr of the second gen, the midsizer outsold its closest competitor (the Nissan Frontier) two to at least one. Again then, the mid-size pickup truck phase comprised 5 nameplates: these two, the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon from Basic Motors, and the Pilot-based Honda Ridgeline. In 2014, the Tacoma moved 155,041 models versus 74,323 copies of the Frontier. By comparability, the F-Collection and Silverado ended 2014 with 753,851 and 529,755 deliveries.
![Toyota Tacoma (third generation) Toyota Tacoma (third generation)](https://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/news-gallery-860x/toyota-tacoma-history-america-s-favorite-mid-size-pickup-truck-through-the-ages-thumbnail_45.jpg)
Photograph: Toyota
What made the third-gen Tacoma extra in style than the primary two generations? Toyota understood that each truck proprietor on the market spends extra time inside than taking a look at mentioned truck’s bodywork. Along with the closely revised cabin (with distinctive appears to be like for each trim stage from the SR to the Restricted), the Tacoma’s cabin construction was bolstered (particularly on the A and B pillars) for superior crash safety. Though mattress widths hadn’t modified from the 2015 mannequin, the 2016 options larger (by 1.1 inches) and longer (by 0.2 inches) cargo containers.
Supporting each the carryover 2.7 and 4.0-replacing 3.5er, a six-speed computerized with a 6.21 ratio unfold additional improved the Tacoma’s enchantment. The 2GR-FKS nets a 42-horsepower benefit over its predecessor, but it’s down one pound-foot of torque. Even so, it averages as much as 21 miles per gallon (11.2 liters per 100 kilometers) versus 19 mpg (12.4 l/100 km) for the 4.0 of the second gen. The gross car weight and gross mixed weight rankings have additionally gone as much as 5,600 kilos (2,540 kilograms) and 11,360 kilos (5,152 kilograms) throughout the board. The 2015 mannequin, by comparability, was rated at as much as 5,500 and 11,100 (2,495 and 5,035).
Be that as it might, the Common Cab didn’t return for 2016 (it was discontinued after the 2014 mannequin yr because of more and more poor gross sales). The iron-block 2.7er isn’t something to jot down dwelling about both. Much like the N280-series 4Runner, the N300 additionally acquired loads of criticism for the diminished steering wheel controls performance. Toyota redeemed itself for the 2018 mannequin yr. The mid-cycle redesign adopted swimsuit for 2020, which added wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and even Amazon Alexa.
Toyota Tacoma Technology 4 (mannequin yr 2024 and past)
![Toyota Tacoma (fourth generation) Toyota Tacoma (fourth generation)](https://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/news-gallery-860x/toyota-tacoma-history-america-s-favorite-mid-size-pickup-truck-through-the-ages-thumbnail_59.jpg)
Photograph: Toyota
And now for the large one: a very new Tacoma for 2024! Arguably probably the most bold midsizer within the US at press time, the 2024 mannequin yr Tacoma is nut-and-bolt totally different from its extremely profitable forebear. Internally known as N400, the fourth technology is one in every of solely two pickup vans with an obtainable guide transmission for 2024. Care to guess which is the opposite? In fact, the reply comes within the type of Jeep’s newly refreshed Gladiator (with the three.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine).
Choosing the three-pedal transmission comes with small penalties in energy and torque, although. The numbers are 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet (420 Nm), down 8 and seven from the eight-speed computerized. The row-your-own transmission is restricted to the SR Double Cab, TRD Sport Double Cab, and TRD Off-Highway Double Cab. Two extra issues about mentioned guide: not solely does it have computerized rev matching, however the automaker additionally included anti-stall tech for additional peace of thoughts.
Probably the most primary specification obtainable is the SR Prolonged Cab, which – surprisingly sufficient – is computerized. This fellow belts out 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet (329 Nm) at full chatter, which is best than the previous 2.7’s 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet (244 Nm). On the different finish of the spectrum, the automatic-only hybrid model of the i-FORCE makes 326 ponies and 465 pound-feet (630 Nm) of twist.
![Toyota Tacoma (fourth generation) Toyota Tacoma (fourth generation)](https://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/news-gallery-860x/toyota-tacoma-history-america-s-favorite-mid-size-pickup-truck-through-the-ages-thumbnail_79.jpg)
Photograph: Toyota
Torquier than the Colorado’s high-output 2.7 turbo I4 (430 pound-feet or 569 Nm) and the Ranger Raptor’s twin-turbo V6 (additionally 430 pound-feet), the i-FORCE MAX is out there for 3 grades (TRD Sport, TRD Off-Highway, Restricted) and customary for the halo grades (TRD Professional and Trailhunter). Previewed by the Tundra-based Trailhunter idea from the 2022 SEMA Present, the Tacoma Trailhunter slots under the TRD Professional by way of go-anywhere chops.
The Restricted is targeted on plushness, with its main rival being the GMC Canyon Denali (obtainable from $52,495 in line with the construct & value instrument as of October 2023). 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/Ts are non-compulsory on the TRD Off-Highway, but come customary on the Trailhunter and TRD Professional. For reference, the Colorado ZR2 has 35s. The most important tires within the phase, nevertheless, are 37s for the Gladiator Rubicon with the Stage II upfit from AEV.
Rated at 6,500 kilos (2,948 kilograms) for optimum towing capability and 1,709 kilos (775 kilograms) for optimum payload capability, the fourth-gen Tacoma boasts 7 p.c extra mattress cargo quantity, the Toyota Security Sense 3.0 suite of security programs, and entrance stabilizer bar disconnect (non-compulsory on the TRD Off-Highway, but customary on the TRD Professional). Pricing nonetheless hasn’t been made public. Given the elevated complexity over the N300, the fourth-gen Tacoma is probably going going to begin effectively north of the 2023 mannequin yr SR Entry Cab 2WD’s $28,600 (excluding the $1,495 vacation spot cost). By comparability, the Ranger kicks off at $32,565.