Is the Toyota Tacoma a handsome truck?

Its cumbersome strains are acquainted by now, however the 2023 Tacoma stays a tough-looking truck matched by spectacular functionality. 

We price the 2023 Tacoma at 6 out of 10. It’s handsome, not less than for what it’s.

The blunt entrance finish wears a giant Toyota badge—and a good greater one when you go for TRD Professional trim with its semi-retro “TOYOTA” lettering. Every trim has its personal wheel designs, which vary from fundamental metal on the SR as much as trendy alloys wrapped in chunky rubber on TRD Professional and TRD Off-Highway variations.

Inside, the Tacoma has a busy however nonetheless attention-grabbing look that will make it probably the most trendy in its class—although the bar right here is low. Extensive swathes of black and grey plastic someway look good right here because of attention-grabbing graining and occasional stretches of soft-touch materials. 

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Is the Toyota Tacoma 4WD?

All fashions besides the 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Professional come normal with rear-wheel drive, although a easy part-time four-wheel-drive system is extensively accessible. 

TRD Off-Highway fashions add a number of four-wheeling bits together with a locking rear differential, crawl management (a reasonably loud however efficient system that robotically lopes the Tacoma alongside at ultra-low speeds), and a slew of traction management modes. TRD Professional variations toss in Fox shocks and the next journey peak for extra critical going. 

How briskly is the Toyota Tacoma?

Most Tacoma vans use a 278-hp 3.5-liter V-6, which needs to be wrung out even in low-demand in-town use. The 6-speed automated transmission shifts easily, however it’s too wanting to ratchet up a cog or two too excessive for optimum effectivity, so chances are you’ll end up stabbing the throttle with regularity. Tapping the “ECT Energy” button on the sprint tells the gearbox to be much less wanting to upshift, however you’ll need to press the swap each time you hop in.

The 6-speed handbook transmission accessible on some TRD configurations is a slick, clean unit price searching for out when you don’t thoughts rowing issues your self.

Go for the usual inline-4 and also you’d higher have a variety of persistence. It’s clean, but it surely places out simply 159 hp, which might make for a awful power-to-weight ratio in a compact sedan not to mention a hefty pickup. 

Journey high quality varies from trim to trim, although all are pretty plush by truck requirements, because of their huge sidewalls and the lengthy wheelbase. The Tacoma’s steering requires a good quantity of effort, a sensation exacerbated by the cumbersome, thick-rimmed steering wheel. 

Odd pedal really feel mars an in any other case moderately robust braking system. 

General, the Tacoma earns simply 4 out of 10 on the TCC scale with some extent deducted for its leisurely acceleration.

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It could be huge, however the 2023 Toyota Tacoma is much from spacious. It earns a 5 out of 10 on the TCC rating, with its cramped cabin simply canceling out its expansive mattress.

There’s simply no technique to get really snug contained in the Tacoma, particularly in comparison with rivals such because the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado which have a much better seating place for the motive force. 

The Tacoma’s entrance bucket seats are low to the bottom, even when adjusted all the way in which upward. Seize the elective sunroof and even drivers of modest stature will discover the roof closing in on them. 

Rear-seat house isn’t nice, both, although an toddler service matches higher right here than in lots of opponents because of comparatively broad rear doorways. 

Inside trim doesn’t impress, both, although Tacomas we’ve pushed have had a decent, well-built really feel not all the time seen in mid-size pickups. 

The dent-resistant mattress composite is available in 5- and 6-foot lengths, and Toyota affords a spread of mattress liners and rubber mats.

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How secure is the Toyota Tacoma?

It is probably not your best option, although we applaud Toyota’s inclusion of normal automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise management, lane-departure warnings, and automated high-beam headlights. 

Sadly, an “Acceptable” rating from the IIHS within the demanding right-side small-overlap check erase that excellent news. The NHTSA hasn’t up to date its scores for the most recent mannequin 12 months, however after they do, we’ll replace this ranking. Till then, the 2023 Tacoma scores a 5 out of 10 on the TCC scale. 

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The 2023 Toyota Tacoma is obtainable in an enormous vary of decisions, beginning with work-oriented SR vans that began round $27,000 for the 2022 mannequin 12 months. Costs haven’t but been introduced for 2023, however when they’re, we’ll replace this web page.

Whereas not plush, these vans include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility through an 8.0-inch touchscreen in addition to a number of crash-avoidance options together with automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise management.

That normal function set—plus the flexibility so as to add far more—earns the Tacoma lineup a 7 out of 10 for options.

A 3-year/36,000-mile guarantee is normal, although Toyota can pay for the primary oil change. 

Which Toyota Tacoma ought to I purchase?

The SR5 provides a handy power-adjustable driver’s seat and it’s the gateway for a lot dressier inside and exterior trim. Go for the V-6 engine, four-wheel drive, and a crew-cab physique, and Toyota will current you with a invoice for practically $38,000. 

Issues escalated shortly.

Out of the blue, the TRD Off-Highway, which prices a bit over $39,000 with four-wheel drive and the automated transmission, looks as if a wise purchase—particularly when you plan to go off-road. 

How a lot is a totally loaded Toyota Tacoma?

Preserve going by the marginally luxurious Restricted trim and also you’ll wind up on the TRD Professional, which may crest $50,000 with choices. Nonetheless, its Fox shocks and leather-lined inside can be exhausting to duplicate for that type of cash in aftermarket gear.

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Is the Toyota Tacoma good on fuel?

It’s not nice. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma scores 2 out of 10 on the TCC scale, although each 4- and 6-cylinder variations will realistically carry out about the identical in real-world conditions.

With the V-6, the Tacoma checks in at 19 mpg metropolis, 24 freeway, 21 mixed. 4-wheel drive dents these figures to 18/22/20 mpg, and the handbook transmission charges simply 18 mpg mixed.

With the bottom engine, count on 20 to 21 mpg mixed.

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