2019 Toyota Tacoma vs 2020 Toyota Tacoma

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma stood out with its rugged and blocky design, where each trim level came with unique grilles, wheels, hoods, and finishes. Designers appeared to have sculpted these vehicles using nothing more than a T-square, a level, and a knife, resulting in solid blocks of metal detailed with carved character lines and flared fenders. The nose of the vehicle provocatively protruded, giving the Tacoma a ruggedly handsome look. Inside, the Tacoma prioritized function over form, relying on hard and durable plastics. Stylish details, such as geometric upholstery patterns and widely spaced dashboard air vents, punctuated an otherwise simple aesthetic. The truck featured analog gauges and an old-school control panel with sizable knobs and buttons that suited a gloved user. The 2019 Tacoma was available in extended-cab (Access Cab) and crew-cab (Double Cab) styles, with options for short or long cargo beds, 4-cylinder or V6 engines, and rear-wheel or 4-wheel drive configurations. Trim levels started from the most affordable SR to the pricey TRD Pro. The Limited trim, priced at $40,865, included a base set of features particularly available only in Double Cab, short bed, V6, 4WD configurations. It reached a grand total of $42,184 with additional options.

Conversely, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma was described as clean, pure, and straightforward, though perhaps not beauty-contest material compared to the full-size Ram 1500. Its body was aesthetically rounded enough to ensure it didn’t resemble a Jeep but coated with enough upright lines and chiseled panels to remind onlookers it wasn’t a cushy SUV like the Highlander. The 2020 Tacoma’s look was big without feeling bulky, focusing on efficiency more than embellishments. The Limited trim sported 18-inch wheels as its primary touch of glitz. The TRD Pro, however, received a significant style overhaul with redesigned LED headlights and attention-grabbing features like Army Green paint, a chunkier grille, and several TRD logos. The TRD Pro exuded readiness for both urban and trail adventures, evidenced by its aluminum skid plate, Fox Racing red shocks, 16-inch black TRD wheels, and all-terrain tires. Inside, the straightforward design continued, featuring rectangular planes forming the upright dash and a modest touchscreen surrounded by chunky toggles and buttons. The TRD Pro's leather seats fell short on luxury, with their simple plastics and rubber finishes making the cabin feel less opulent compared to its Ford and Nissan competitors.

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma packed a direct-injected, Atkinson-cycle, 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 278 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 265 pound-feet of torque at 4,600 rpm, suited for robust towing with a maximum tow rating of 6,800 pounds depending on the truck's configuration. Equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission and part-time shift-on-the-fly 4WD, the truck could also be fitted with the Multi-terrain Select and Crawl Control systems for TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro versions, enhancing off-road prowess. A 6-speed manual gearbox with a clutch-start cancel switch was also available on these trims. Limited trims, though lacking TRD extras, were more than capable for moderate off-road challenges, buoyed by their 9.4 inches of ground clearance. On the pavement, the Tacoma’s acceleration was strong yet the transmission sluggish unless in Sport mode. The truck averaged about 20.1 mpg against an EPA rating of 20 mpg. The steering response was slow, ideal for off-roading but not city driving, and the ride was bouncy, with the truck skittering over uneven road surfaces. The front brakes shuddered under prolonged use, raising questions about the truck's supposed indestructibility.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma also offered the same 3.5-liter V6 engine, churning out identical figures of 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. The base 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine was available only in the base SR and SR5 trims, delivering 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, and was critically underpowered for a vehicle of its size. Throughout the lineup, a 6-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive were standard, with 4WD available on all trims except the TRD Pro where it was standard. A 6-speed manual was optional for TRD Off-Road and Pro models, featuring Clutch Start Cancel for better control in challenging terrains. The manual version lacked Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, compelling features designed for sophisticated traction and ultra-low-speed cruise control in 4-Low scenarios. On paved roads, the Tacoma's steering remained slow and the V6 engine struggled and upshifted too early without pressing the “ECT PWR” button for higher revs and better performance. With an overall underwhelming fuel economy, the Tacoma offered a combined 20 mpg, worse for manual versions. It excelled in towing, with a capacity of 6,800 pounds and a cargo payload of 1,440 pounds, standing out in 4WD capability.

For the 2019 Toyota Tacoma, its high ground clearance made entry easy for tall individuals but hard for smaller ones, especially when the side steps wouldn’t help due to dirt-covered rocker panels. Inside, the truck featured wide, flat front seats with ample storage spaces. The driver’s seat offered basic manual adjustments, but a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat was planned for future models. The backseat in the Double Cab was cramped with limited space under the front seats for large boots and lacked air-conditioning vents or USB ports. The bed was shallow at 19.1 inches, featuring a plastic liner, an LED light, and a 120-volt/400-watt power outlet. It could handle a maximum payload capacity of 1,540 pounds.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma’s smaller dimensions compared to full-size trucks made it easier to maneuver and park in urban environments. Available with either a 5- or 6-foot bed, the Tacoma utilized a rail system and movable tie-down cleats, an optional power outlet, and LED lighting. Double Cab models offered rear seats suitable only for short trips due to the cramped space, with minimal enhancements like a USB port but still no air vents. Storage bins under the seats lacked the ability to create a flat loading floor. A power-sliding rear window was present, but without a rear defroster, visibility could be an issue. The Tacoma’s overall ease of entry and exit was notable except for the missing driver’s side grab handle, important for going off-road without optional side steps.

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma featured Toyota Safety Sense, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking among others. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional. The lane-departure warning system's beep was notably irritating. It faired well in IIHS crash tests but received 'Marginal' ratings for headlight performance and LATCH anchor access. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it a 4-star overall rating.

For 2020, the Toyota Tacoma included more standard safety features, like forward-emergency braking and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. NHTSA crash test ratings remained consistent at 4 stars overall, with better results for rear passengers. It also achieved IIHS Top Safety Pick status with good ratings in most crash tests and an acceptable rating for the front passenger small overlap test.