If you’ve been the best-selling mid-size truck in the country for the last 12 years, you’ve got to be doing something right. The Toyota Tacoma is consistently ranked at the very top for being the most stylish, reliable, and durable mid-size truck in the U.S., and we’re here to tell you just why.
The Tacoma has a legion of fans who revere it for its best-in-class off-roading capabilities, but tops it up with a superb driving performance even on road. As the Toyota dealerships in Oregon can testify, including Royal Moore, it’s a vehicle that owners love to drive.
A trim for everyone
The Tacoma comes in six different trims, and even its base trim has a host of driver and safety assistance features that would cost a substantial amount more in other brands. These include adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and automatic emergency braking in case of an imminent collision, making it one of the highest rankers in official safety and crash tests.
With the entry-level Tacoma SR, you have the option of a 6.1-foot bed with extended cab or with a 5-foot bed with a crew cab. You can choose between a two or part-time four-wheel drive with a low range transfer case. A 2.7-liter, 159 horsepower (hp), four-cylinder engine is supported by a six-speed transmission.
It offers the entire gamut of Toyota Safety Sense features listed above, sliding rear windows, Entune audio, backup camera, steering tilts, and four-way adjustable fabric seats with driver-side lumbar adjustment.
The SR5 is a value-oriented offering, which in addition to the above also features chrome rear bumpers, fog-lights set in its front bumpers, keyless entry, leather steering wheel, a 4.2-inch information screen, an enhanced Entune audio system with satellite radio, Scout GPS enabled smartphone navigation, and Siri Eyes Free voice control.
In the TRD Sport the four-cylinder engine is replaced by a 3.5 liter, 278-hp V6, and has the same cab and bed configurations as the SR5. The rear-wheel drive versions are six-speed automatics, and the 4WD has the option between the automatic and a six-speed manual, geared for greater performance.
A power outlet (400 Watts) in the bed adds utility, while 17-inch alloy wheels, a hood scoop, body-colored rear bumper and fender flares make this one to envy on the roads. Auto transmission versions also have smart entry and a push-button start along with a full navigation system courtesy Entune audio’s 7-inch touchscreen.
The TRD Off-Road delivers on its name, with upgrades designed for a superior off-road performance, starting with 16-inch alloy-wheeled all-terrain tires, extra skid plates, electronic lock rear-differential, Bilstein monotube shocks supporting the off-road suspension, Terrain Select settings, and a CRAWL Control system.
The Sport and Off-Road models have upgrade options in their crew-cab models, all of which are loaded into the TRD Limited version. The Limited, available in a V6 powered crew-cab with 2 or 4WD, is your choice for reliable, everyday use.
Luxurious and built for a comfortable driving experience, the Limited features 18-inch wheels with road-friendly tires, a JBL Audio system, leather upholstery, power rear window, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, power sunroof and dual-zone automatic climate control. In addition, great fuel mileage, strong brakes and easy, efficient handling make it one of the best mid-size truck options available.
If you were to visit a Toyota dealership in Oregon looking for the rugged, adventurous, ‘off-road beast’ qualities of the TRD Off-Road, supplemented with the luxurious, finessed interiors of the TRD Limited, the TRD Pro would be the trim that would catch your eye.
Its V6 engine comes in manual and automatic, and in a 4WD system. With 278-hp and 265 lb.-ft of torque, this compact truck can chew up terrain and inclines easily. It also means it can tow up to 6800 pounds.
Special Fox 2.5 Internal Bypass shocks make it specially designed for an off-road performance like no other, and along TRD-tuned springs give it an inch more in height. It looks like it means business as well, with a hood with air scoop, and blacked out grilles and wheels.
Pricing and Resale Value
With these six models, two cab types, two drivetrain options and multiple color possibilities, the Toyota Tacoma offers a plethora of configurations for every kind of driver.
Pricing ranges from about $27000 to about $45,5000, and the Tacoma ranks highest in terms of Best Resale Value according to Kelly Blue Book. Depending on your model choice and options package, you can unlock the special ‘Moore Value Price’ at the leading Toyota dealership in Oregon, Royal Moore Toyota.
Toyota Safety Sense
Safety ranks high on the priority list for Toyota, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) confirmed that in 2017 after thorough testing and evaluation of eight trucks in the mid-size segment. While most other trucks fared poorly in the test, the Toyota Tacoma rated the highest with a ‘Good’ rating for both its two and four-door cab versions.
Toyota went a step further in 2018 with the Toyota Safety Sense electronic driver aids introduced as standard equipment for all models, ensuring that they set the bar high when it comes to passenger safety.
The Kelly Blue Book review put it aptly when it stated, “If you’re looking for a reliable work truck, a capable surf wagon, a durable dirt-bike hauler, a comfortable daily driver or an ultimate off-road adventure vehicle, you’ll like the 2018 Tacoma.”
The Tacoma doesn’t disappoint in any aspect, and leaves you feeling like you’ve got your money’s worth, and then some. Book an appointment today to test it out and drive home in your very own Toyota Tacoma.