What kind of car is Toyota Tacoma? About fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and the second-hand market

US version of the Toyota Tacoma pickup

The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size sports pickup sold by Toyota North America. The first model was also sold in Japan under the name “Hilux Surf Sports Pickup”. From the second generation, it became a car exclusively for North America.

The Toyota Tacoma is a sports utility pickup truck sold by Toyota North America in the United States. The original Tacoma was the American version of the Hilux Surf Sports Pickup that was also sold in Japan.

The difference between the original Tacoma and the Hilux Surf Sports pickup is the engine configuration. In contrast to the 2.7L in-line and 3.4L Tacoma V6, the Japan lineup was the straight-four 2.0L, 2.7L, and 3.0L diesel.

The first generation was produced in Japan and the United States, while the second generation began to be made only in the United States. The reason for this was the poor performance of Hilux Surf Sport pickups in Japan.

The Toyota Tacoma is currently the best-selling mid-size truck and has been in service for 15 years. There is a good reason for this: Tacoma is known for its high quality, high resale value, and a wide variety of engine/cab/bed options. Tacoma has 33 configurations to suit every need and taste, from an economy work truck to an off-road beast with an optional manual transmission.

‌‌Today’s Tacoma faces a renaissance in the mid-size truck market, with the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon reborn a few years ago, the all-new Ford Ranger re-entering the new Nissan Frontier just around the corner, and the newly arrived Jeep Gladiator appealing to off-road enthusiasts. In the face of these challenges, Tacoma remains competitive.

Tacoma received a new lease on life last year, giving it standard technology like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. All models include Toyota’s active safety suite and driver assistance features such as automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. It got smaller updates, such as standard dual-zone climate control on V6 models and the launch of a special version.

Drive a Toyota Tacoma

Tacoma’s 159-horsepower 2.7-litre 4-cylinder base engine gets the job done for most drivers but is average when towing or climbing hills. At first glance, the fuel economy numbers may seem appealing, but they’re no better than the V6. This leads us to suggest that if you can afford the extra, the V6 is the better option.

The 3.5-litre V6 has 278 horsepower that briskly accelerates the Tacoma and can also tow 6800 pounds. The 6-speed automatic transmission is an older design but gets the job done. We know that manual transmissions are seen as a strange phenomenon in today’s world, but if you’re still a three-pedal enthusiast, Tacoma is a rare truck. This is a surprisingly good one. All TRD models offer a 6-speed manual transmission attached to a V6 and are a pleasure to use.

At first, the TRD Pro model’s cat-back exhaust may sound incredible, but it may tend to be drone during longer treks. Thankfully, the model also includes an advanced audio system.

Seat comfort, especially with the new power-adjustable seats and the logical arrangement of the cab, all the most important switchgear is easily accessible. We found Tacoma’s riding company, but not as fiercely as the Ford Rangers. Steering is responsive. We do think the steering wheel and pedal position of the Tacoma can be challenging for drivers with long legs, but other than that, we’re not sure about the cabin layout.

Favorite feature

Standard safety system as with other new Toyota vehicles — unlike the company’s GM competitors — each Tacoma includes a full suite of active safety systems. The Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) bundles lane departure warning, forward collision warning for pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Ten-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat

Last year, Toyota corrected a Tacoma malfunction, giving it a power-adjustable front seat. This 10-way adjuster with lumbar support is standard on the TRD Sport’s interior.

Toyota Tacoma interior

Depending on the cab configuration, Tacoma can accommodate four to five passengers. The average cab model has only two small rear seats. You will need a double room if you plan to use the Tacoma as a family car or regularly accommodate back-seat passengers. This offers a spacious bench seat that can accommodate three passengers with plenty of legroom.

In Toyota’s tradition, the build quality of Tacoma is outstanding. The interior uses high-quality materials in the doors, dashboards, seats and everywhere else. Overall, the interior of the Chevrolet Colorado is more car-like and quieter, but the dynamic design of the Tacoma dashboard and controls is more interesting.

All Tacoma models include a central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, and standard 7-inch or larger 8-inch models are available. As we point out in Favorites Features, the 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat that comes standard on the SR5, and higher models makes a big difference in comfort and adaptability to all body types. Otherwise, the base model will keep the old 4-way manually adjustable driver’s seat - no height adjustment required.

Toyota Tacoma exterior

The Toyota Tacoma looks sturdy and has the kind of pretension that most pickup truck buyers appreciate. But this is not a wallflower, and certainly not outdated. It can be used for smaller tunnel cabs with a half-opening rear door and double cabs with standard-sized doors. Two-bed lengths are available. All Access Cab models have a longer 6-foot bed, while Double Cab models have the option of a 5-foot short bed or a long bed. Note that even with the “mid-size” pickup, Tacoma is solid. The accessible cab model stretches 212.3 inches, while the double cab bench model stretches 225.5 inches. If you plan to park your Tacoma in your garage, take some measurements first.

Modern tips include LED daytime running lights and separate models of the SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-road, TRD Pro and Limited – each with a different front-end style, so it’s easy to tell which one at a glance. Our Tacoma TRD Pro has attracted many people at gas stations and has been praised by other truck enthusiasts.

The Trail Edition is a new special edition with built-in lockable storage compartments on each side of the truck’s chassis. Since there is a drain plug when the ice melts, the one on the driver’s side can also be used as a cooler.

Toyota Tacoma standard features

The Toyota Tacoma has six main trims: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited and TRD Pro.

The most basic SR models include:

• 16-inch steel wheels.
• A composite bed.
• Heated mirrors.
• A 4-way manually adjustable driver’s seat.
• A 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
• A TSS-P safety system.

We recommend at least increasing the SR5 adjustment rate. The level adds a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear lever, a 4.2-inch information display, a more advanced tire pressure monitor, keyless entry, fog lights and self-dimming mirrors.

More highly recommended for the TRD Sport model, it adds a V6 as standard, offers a 120-volt power outlet in the bed, a wireless phone charger, advanced audio with navigation, LED daytime running lights, and the ability to add more options.

Toyota Tacoma engine

The power for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma comes from the choice of two engines. The standard configuration is a 2.7-litre 4-cylinder engine with moderate power of 159 hp. Power can only be delivered to the rear wheels (2WD) or all four (4WD) via a 6-speed automatic transmission. A better option is the 3.5-litre V6, which delivers nearly 120 horsepower and significantly higher torque, but the fuel economy is almost identical to the smaller 4-cylinder. You’ll also choose between a 6-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual transmission.

2.7 liters in-line 4

159 hp @ 5,200 rpm

Torque 180 lb-ft @ 3,800 rpm

‌‌3.5-liter V6

278 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Torque 265 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm

Tacoma maintenance cost and fuel consumption

The Toyota Tacoma is a gasoline car that consumes:

• City consumption: 15,73 l/100km
• Road consumption: 13.88 l/100km
• Combined fuel consumption: 12.42 l/100km

The average number of kilometer’s driven per liter is 8.05 km/l, but depending on the model year and engine model, fuel consumption may vary from one engine to another.

The first thing that comes to mind when you hear maintenance cost is fuel efficiency. Catalog fuel economy is 19/23/21MPG for the 2.7L model and 19/24/21MPG for the 3.5L model. The JC08 mode of the Japan fuel economy is 8.1km/L for city driving, 9.8lm/L for high-speed, and 8.9km/L for mixed city and high-speed driving.

‌‌Toyota Tacoma safety technology

Toyota's sense of security

Standard applies to all trim, and Toyota’s sense of safety includes pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and high-speed dynamic radar cruise control.

Swing warning system

All models also have a sway warning system that helps identify when the driver is tired and advises you to stop for a break or coffee.

Features of TRD

The TRD off-road model features a rear differential lock, hill start assists control, active traction, and crawl control. These systems help in off-road and climbing driving situations.

How much can Toyota Tacoma drag in?

Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds depending on the engine under the hood. That’s impressive but less than the Jeep Gladiator, Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Ranger.

Is the Toyota Tacoma 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive?

The Toyota Tacoma comes with 2WD and 4WD (2WD, 4WD). It also has an accessible 6-foot bed or a double cab with a 5-foot bed.

What is the approach, exit and breakthrough corners of Toyota Tacoma?

On the standard SR 4WD model, you need to look at 29.0/23.5/21.0; off-road TRD, 32.0/23.5/21.0

Where is the American version of the Toyota Tacoma produced?

Toyota Tacoma is produced at two plants: one in San Antonio, Texas, and the other in Baja, California, Mexico.