BEN SUMMERELL-YOUDE/FOX SYNDICATIONCar and Driver
- Toyota will soon redesign the Tacoma mid-size pickup, and this is what we know about it so far.
- It’s expected to have a new engine offering, likely a turbocharged four-cylinder, a new suspension setup, and an appearance inspired by the new Tundra.
- We should know more about the new Tacoma next year, and it could arrive as a 2023 model.
Toyota is in the process of overhauling its truck lineup, which started with the 2022 Tundra. Its other body-on-frame offerings will get significant redesigns as well, including the Tacoma mid-size pickup. The Tacoma already outsells American mid-size trucks such as the Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Ranger, and the new generation’s improvements will help continue its success.
The new Tacoma will be built on Toyota’s new TNGA-F body-on-frame platform, which supports the new Tundra and will also underpin the upcoming Sequoia and 4Runner SUVs. The Tacoma, like the Tundra, is likely to replace its rear leaf-spring suspension setup with coil springs that should improve the truck’s on-road manners. Its closest competitors from Chevy and Ford continue to use a leaf-spring setup.
As seen in our artist’s illustration (above) of a TRD Pro model, we expect the Tacoma to take design cues from the new Tundra, especially in the grille, headlights, and taillights. It’ll likely still be offered in extended-cab and crew-cab body styles with various bed lengths.
Rumors suggest the new Tacoma could use a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and it would need to be an improvement over the current Tacoma’s optional 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. A candidate could be the new 2.4-liter unit that produces 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque in the Lexus NX350. A hybrid version of this powertrain could be available, too, as Toyota is offering a hybrid version of the new Tundra. And Toyota claims it will have an electrified version of every model in its lineup by 2025. An automatic transmission will be standard, but we think (and hope) that Toyota will continue to offer a manual gearbox in the new Tacoma (#SavetheManuals).
As with the new Tundra, the Tacoma’s cabin will be better equipped than the current generation, with nicer materials throughout. Expect a larger touchscreen than the current truck’s 8.0-inch screen (the Tundra’s measures 14.0 inches) and an available digital gauge cluster along with Toyota’s new infotainment system with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
We should have more details on the new Toyota Tacoma soon, as the company is already out testing prototypes. The new truck is expected to make its debut sometime in 2022 and go on sale toward the end of the year, although it’s also possible that it could arrive after the 4Runner and Sequoia for the 2024 model year.
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