Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma enters its fourth generation riding on the global TNGA-F platform shared with the Tundra and 4Runner. Gone is the old V6; every trim now uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged four, with an available i-FORCE MAX hybrid at the top. Toyota kept the rugged reputation and resale value buyers expect while finally modernizing the cabin, ride quality, and tech. It remains the default choice in a crowded midsize pickup field.

The new Tacoma feels like a genuine generational leap rather than a refresh. The turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder delivers stronger low-end pull than the old V6 it replaces, and the available eight-speed automatic shifts smoothly under load. Enthusiasts will appreciate that Toyota still offers a six-speed manual on certain trims, a rarity in this segment. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid pushes output to a stout 326 hp and adds useful torque for towing and trail crawling, though it carries a price premium and weight penalty.

Ride and handling are where the redesign pays off most. A new coil-spring rear suspension on upper trims tames the jittery, empty-bed bounce that plagued earlier Tacomas, and the cabin is quieter at highway speeds. Off-road trims like the TRD Pro and the overland-focused Trailhunter come loaded with locking differentials, disconnecting sway bars, and beefy dampers that make them seriously capable in the dirt. Lower trims still use leaf springs, so test-drive the exact configuration you plan to buy.

Inside, the leap forward is obvious. The dashboard now offers up to a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and far better materials than before. Space is reasonable for the class, though taller rear passengers in the double cab will find legroom merely adequate. Fuel economy is decent but not class-leading, hovering around 21 mpg combined for the gas engine; the hybrid improves city numbers but won't transform your fuel bills.

The trade-offs are real. Pricing has climbed noticeably over the outgoing model, a fully loaded TRD Pro pushes deep into full-size truck territory, and the base four-cylinder can sound coarse when worked hard. But strong resale value, proven reliability, and an enormous accessory ecosystem keep the Tacoma firmly at the front of the pack.