The 2020 Tacoma is here, but you need to take a good
look at it to spot the changes compared to the 2019 model. Toyota adopted a cautious
approach when updating the styling of its mid-size truck. Basically, besides
the new grille and wheel designs, smoked taillights, as well as the sequential
LED headlights on the TRD Pro version, the pickup looks identical to the
current model.
Not that we were expecting anything radical; after
all, it’s not a new model but rather a facelift for the Tacoma — after all,
it’s been America’s best-selling mid-size pickup for 14 years running. For 2020, Toyota focused on
adding equipment such as new multimedia tech and comfort and convenience
features, as well as additional off-road tech for the Tacoma TRD Pro.
The updated Tacoma offers more than 30
configurations in six model grades: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro,
and Limited. All models above SR5 gain a new, 10-way power adjustable driver
seat with power lumbar support, as well as an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen
display (the base SR gets a 7-inch screen) and audio system. Additionally, a
new LED bed lamp is available as an option on all models.
The new multimedia system comes with Android Auto,
Apple Carplay, Amazon Alexa and SiriusXM capability. The SR5 also gains an
updated fabric design on the seat back and optional DRL headlights. Moving on to the Tacoma TRD
Sport, it adds Passenger Smart Key entry, chrome taillamp inserts, and new LED
fog lamps. The Tacoma TRD Off-Road also gets those and available Multi-Terrain
Monitor (MTM) and LED headlights. As for the Tacoma Limited, it features
standard LED DRL and LED headlamps, chrome taillamp inserts, 18-inch alloys,
the upgraded Smart Key operation on the passenger door, and the Panoramic View
Monitor (PVM).
The TRD Pro also gets several updates for the
2020MY. On the outside, it comes with new sequential LED/DRL headlamps, LED fog
lights, redesigned 16-inch wheels and black-insert taillights. The new wheel
model is 1.9 kg)lighter than the previous version and is shod with
Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Kevlar-reinforced tire. Furthermore, TRD updated
the tuning of the Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks and front and rear
springs. Inside, the TRD Pro gains all the other updates of the lesser models.
The 2020 Tacoma continues with two powertrains: a
159 hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder and a 278 hp 3.5-liter V6. Both feature a standard
six-speed automatic transmission, with the V6 also offering a six-speed manual.
All Tacoma models come equipped as standard with the
Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite that includes Pre-Collision System with
Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Sway Warning System, Automatic
High Beams and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). Its official debut will take
place later today at the Chicago Auto Show, when we might get more info
concerning the launch dates and pricing, so stay tuned.
