Used 2019 Toyota Tacoma

With the arrival of the new Ford Ranger and ever-expanding Chevy Colorado lineup, the aging 2019 Toyota Tacoma is feeling the pressure. However, that doesn’t seem to be slowing sales of America’s favorite midsize pickup. With over 30 configurations, Toyota builds a Tacoma for just about every need, and although it doesn’t offer the latest in infotainment or engine options, the Tacoma still has the muscle and capability to handle tough jobs. The TRD Pro appeals to those who like to get far off-road, while the base model with its frugal 4-cylinder engine is an affordable and economical small truck. And of course there’s the Tacoma’s legendary reputation for longevity, durability and reliability, not to mention stellar resale numbers.

For most drivers, the 159-horsepower 2.7-liter engine can get the job done, but don’t look for stellar passing power when towing or climbing steep grades. While at first glance fuel-economy figures may seem attractive, they’re not all that much better than what the V6 delivers, leading us to suggest that if you can afford the extra cost, the V6 is the best choice. With 278 horsepower on tap, the 3.5-liter V6 moves the Tacoma with brisk bursts of acceleration and also enables it to tow up to 6,800 pounds. The 6-speed automatic is an older design, but it gets the job done; however, the 6-speed manual would still be our choice over the automatic. Seating is comfortable, and the cabin logically arranged with all the most important switchgear within easy reach. The Tacoma’s ride is firm but not jarring, and the steering is impressively responsive. We do think the Tacoma’s steering-wheel-and-pedal placement may prove challenging for drivers with long legs, but otherwise we have no gripes with the cabin layout.

As is Toyota’s tradition, assembly quality is excellent. The 2019 Tacoma interior uses high-quality materials on the doors, dash, seats and everywhere else. Overall the Chevy Colorado’s interior is more car-like and it’s quieter, but the dynamic design of the Tacoma’s dash and controls is more interesting. It gets push-button start, and the handy multi-information display (between the main gauges) shows fuel economy, outside temperature and even off-road info such as trail mode or angle of the Tacoma on a steep hill. The new Tacoma also comes with the latest Entune system, the connectivity and entertainment-control center, and Qi wireless charging. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t available on any model. Neither are power seats.

Now in its third generation, the Toyota Tacoma was redesigned extensively in 2015 and it still looks fresh. Designed and built in the United States, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma looks rugged and carries the kind of swagger most pickup truck buyers appreciate. But it’s no wallflower, and it certainly isn’t old-school. There are modern cues, such as LED daytime running lights, and the separate models — SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-road, TRD Pro and Limited — each get different front-end styling, making it easy to tell which is which at a glance. Our Tacoma TRD Pro drew a crowd at gas stations and thumbs-up from other truck enthusiasts.

TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE P
Toyota’s TSS-P provides an added measure of safety by scanning the horizon for obstacles like cars or pedestrians and warning the driver when a possible collision is eminent. If the driver fails to take action, the system will automatically apply the brakes.

TRD PRO
The TRD Pro remains one of the best factory off-road-ready trucks you can buy. The Pro comes standard with unique hardware like Fox off-road shocks, a quarter-inch-thick aluminum skidplate, electronically locking rear differential, 5-mode Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control plus more ground clearance than the Chevy Colorado ZR2.

For 2019 the Tacoma offers Toyota Safety Sense electronic driver aids as standard equipment. It includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Sway Warning System, Automatic High Beams and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. A rearview camera, a basic version of Entune connectivity, an automatic limited-slip differential, eight airbags, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a lockable tailgate, 16-inch wheels and adjustable tie-down cleats in the bed are also standard. The standard engine is a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder powering the rear wheels. Interestingly, the Tacoma uses old-school drum brakes in the rear, and power seats are not available, even in high-end models. On the other hand, the standard GoPro camera mount is as 21st-century as it gets.

Options for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma roughly divide into features that make it more rugged and tough, and those that bump up technology and refinement. There’s the TRD Pro trim level, of course, but beyond that on the tough-truck side of the list are Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, and a hard tonneau cover. On the technology side the Tacoma offers rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking assist and blind-spot monitoring. Making life more comfortable are push-button start with Smart Key, Qi wireless charging, tilt-and-slide moonroof, heated leather seats, Entune with a full app suite, and a JBL sound system. New this year is the TRD Pro Desert Air Intake for keeping fresh air flowing to the engine when churning up dust and sand.

Power for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma comes from two sources. Standard is a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine good for a modest 159 horsepower. Power can be routed to the rear wheels (2WD) or all four (4WD) but only via a 6-speed automatic transmission. A better choice is the 3.5-liter V6 that offers nearly 120 more horses and a significant boost in torque, yet delivers nearly identical fuel economy figures as the smaller 4-cylinder. You’ll also get a choice between the 6-speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmission.

2.7-liter inline-4
159 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
180 lb-ft of torque @ 3,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/23 mpg (2WD, automatic), 19/22 mpg (4WD, automatic)

3.5-liter V6
278 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
265 lb-ft of torque @ 4,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy, est.: 19/24 mpg (2WD, automatic), 18/22 mpg (4WD, automatic), 17/21 mpg (4WD, manual), 17/20 mpg (4WD, manual, Double Cab)