Model research hub
Toyota Tacoma
Car and Driver rates the Tacoma 9/10 as an Editors' Choice, saying it's one of several recently updated, do-it-all mid-size pickup options on the market, with a nonhybrid turbocharged four-cylinder making 228 or 278 horsepower depending on trim and a 326-hp Tacoma Hybrid for more power, calling it the only pickup still offered with a manual transmission, though choosing a higher trim forces buyers into the hybrid model and trail-friendly trims are expensive, ranking #3 in Best Mid-Size Pickup Trucks. MotorTrend rates the Tacoma 8.5/10 as #5 in Best Midsize Pickup Trucks, saying known for its off-road capability, durability, and versatility, it's Toyota's most popular pickup and among the brand's most popular vehicles, feeling far more modern than the outdated old truck with contemporary looks and much-improved ergonomics, even the base turbo-four engine a major leap forward with the low-end torque the old V-6 lacked, while the hybrid option is even better, rivaling the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, and Honda Ridgeline.
The last manual-transmission midsize truck
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) rates the Tacoma 9/10 as an Editors' Choice, saying it's one of several recently updated, do-it-all mid-size pickup options on the market, with a nonhybrid turbocharged four-cylinder making 228 or 278 horsepower depending on trim and a 326-hp Tacoma Hybrid for more power, calling it the only pickup still offered with a manual transmission, though choosing a higher trim forces buyers into the hybrid model.
Far more modern than before
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) rates the Tacoma 8.5/10 as #5 in Best Midsize Pickup Trucks, saying known for its off-road capability, durability, and versatility, it feels far more modern than the outdated old truck, with contemporary looks and much-improved ergonomics, rivaling the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, and Honda Ridgeline.
A major leap forward, even in base form
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says even the base turbo-four engine is a major leap forward, delivering the low-end torque the old V-6 lacked, while the hybrid option is even better.
Questions buyers ask
Can you get a manual transmission Toyota Tacoma?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says yes, it's the only midsize pickup still offered with a manual.
How much horsepower does the Toyota Tacoma Hybrid have?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says 326 hp.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma is built around 2.4L turbo or i-FORCE MAX hybrid, rated at 228–326 horsepower across its midsize pickup body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2025 U.S. lineup has 8 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe most the 2025 Toyota Tacoma is published to tow is up to 6,500 lb.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 96 owner complaints for the 2025 Tacoma.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2025 Toyota Tacoma
The 2025 Tacoma offers XtraCab and Double Cab bodies, turbo and hybrid powertrains, and road, off-road and overland-oriented grades.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
3 indexed Toyota Tacoma model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Toyota Tacoma | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Toyota Tacoma | 2 | 2025 record → |
| 2015 Toyota Tacoma | 2015 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Toyota Tacoma.
The Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck manufactured by Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota since 1995. The first-generation Tacoma (model years 1995 through 2004) was classified as a compact pickup truck; subsequent models are classified as mid-size pickup trucks. The Tacoma was Motor Trend's Truck of the Year for 2005.
- Safety
- The 2024 model year Tacoma crew-cab configuration was awarded "Top Safety Pick" by IIHS, but it did not receive the highest award as it has yet to be evaluated in the updated moderate overlap front test.
Source: Toyota Tacoma (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Toyota Tacoma at a glance
- Production
- January 1995 – present
- Model years
- 1995–present
- Class
- Compact pickup truck (1995–2004), Mid-size pickup truck (2004–present)
- Layout
- Front-engine, rear-wheel drive/four-wheel drive
- Predecessor
- Toyota Truck (1995)
Toyota Tacoma generations
The Toyota Tacoma has been redesigned in 2004, 2015, 2023, gaps of 9, 11, 8 years, an average of 9.3 years between generations. The current generation (fourth generation, N400) began in 2023.
| Generation | Code | Began | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | N140/N150/N160/N170/N190 | 1995–2004 | The Tacoma was introduced in the US in February 1995 (with a market launch in March 1995) as a replacement for the Toyota Truck (which was the name used for the Hilux in the North American market since 1984). |
| Second generation | N220/N240/N250/N260/N270 | 2004–2015 | In 2000, Toyota began development of the second generation Tacoma under chief engineer Chikuo Kubota. |
| Third generation | N240/N260/N300/N310/N320/N330 | 2015–2023 | The new Tacoma was officially unveiled at the January 2015 North American International Auto Show, with sales in the United States beginning on September 10, 2015. |
| Fourth generation | N400 | 2023–present | The fourth-generation Toyota Tacoma was revealed on May 19, 2023. |
Recent recalls (6 campaigns across the latest model years)
- August 2026, Suspension:Rear:Shock Absorber. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024 Tacoma Hybrid and 2024-2025 Tacoma vehicles. The metal flange on the front and rear shock absorbers may corrode and fail, resulting in detachment of the external oil reservoir. Consequence: An oil reservoir that detaches can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- March 2026, Equipment:Other:Labels. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Toyota Tundra, Tacoma Hybrid, Tacoma, RAV4 Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Lexus GX550, 2024-2026 Tundra Hybrid, 2025 Sequoia Hybrid, Crown Signia, Grand Highlander, Lexus TX500 Hybrid, Lexus NX350 Hybrid, 2025-2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid… Consequence: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
- October 2025, Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2025 Tacoma and Tacoma Hybrid vehicles. The front driveshaft constant-velocity (CV) joint may deform and break. Consequence: A broken driveshaft can impair steering. Vehicles with full-time 4WD may experience a vehicle rollaway while parked without the parking brake applied. Both scenarios increase the risk of a crash.
Owners filed 98 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Toyota Tacoma, most often about structure (39), power train (20), steering (10).
Year by year
The Toyota Tacoma across 12 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Toyota Tacoma | 20–23 | $2,800–$3,250 | 10 | 4 stars | ||
| 2025 Toyota Tacoma | 20–23 | $2,700–$3,100 | 10 | 5 | 90 | 4 stars |
| 2024 Toyota Tacoma | 20–24 | $2,600–$3,100 | 10 | 5 | 145 | |
| 2023 Toyota Tacoma | 18–21 | $2,950–$3,450 | 6 | 4 | 53 | 4 stars |
| 2022 Toyota Tacoma | 18–21 | $2,950–$3,450 | 6 | 3 | 57 | 4 stars |
| 2021 Toyota Tacoma | 18–21 | $2,950–$3,450 | 6 | 79 | 4 stars | |
| 2020 Toyota Tacoma | 18–21 | $2,950–$3,450 | 6 | 1 | 87 | 4 stars |
| 2019 Toyota Tacoma | 18–21 | $2,950–$3,450 | 8 | 4 | 216 | 4 stars |
| 2018 Toyota Tacoma | 18–21 | $2,950–$3,450 | 6 | 3 | 202 | 4 stars |
| 2017 Toyota Tacoma | 18–21 | $2,950–$3,450 | 7 | 5 | 239 | 4 stars |
| 2016 Toyota Tacoma | 18–21 | $2,950–$3,450 | 7 | 4 | 323 | 4 stars |
| 2015 Toyota Tacoma | 17–22 | $2,850–$3,650 | 8 | 4 | 101 | 4 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Toyota Tacoma, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 to 2026 | Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; 2-mode (Power/Normal) TM, 2.4L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; 2-mode(Power/Normal) TM, w/SS, 2.4L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; 3-mode (Sport/Normal/Eco) TM, 2.4L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; 3-mode (Sport/Normal/Eco) w/SS, and 1 more | Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl 3-mode(Sport/Normal/Eco), 2.4L 4-cyl 3-mode(Sport/Normal/Eco), with Stop-Start, 2.4L 4-cyl 3-mode(Sport/Normal/Eco); with Stop-Start, 2.4L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; Hybrid; Part-time 4WD, and 1 more | ||
| 2024 to 2025 | 22.0 to 21.5 | Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl 3-mode(Sport/Normal/Eco), 2.4L 4-cyl 3-mode(Sport/Normal/Eco), with Stop-Start, 2.4L 4-cyl 3-mode(Sport/Normal/Eco); with Stop-Start, 2.4L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; Hybrid; Part-time 4WD | Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl 3-mode Trans (Spt/Normal/Eco), 2.4L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; Hybrid; with Full-time 4WD | |
| 2023 to 2024 | 6 to 10 | 19.5 to 22.0 | Labels: Tacoma 4WD MT, Tacoma Hybrid 4WD, Tacoma SR5/Sport/Off-Road/Limited 4WD, Tacoma SR5/Sport/PreRunner 2WD; Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl 3-mode Trans (Spt/Normal/Eco), 2.4L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI, 2.4L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, 2.4L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; Hybrid; with Full-time 4WD, and 1 more; Transmissions: Automatic (S8); Drives: 4-Wheel Drive; Size classes: Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | Labels: Tacoma 4WD D-CAB MT TRD-ORP/PRO; Engines: 2.7L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; Transmissions: Automatic (S6) |
| 2019 to 2020 | 8 to 6 | Labels: Tacoma 4WD D-CAB MT TRD-ORP/PRO | Labels: Tacoma 4WD Double Cab Off-Road, Tacoma 4WD TRD PRO | |
| 2018 to 2019 | 6 to 8 | Labels: Tacoma 4WD TRD PRO | ||
| 2017 to 2018 | 7 to 6 | Transmissions: Manual 5-spd | ||
| 2016 to 2017 | Labels: Tacoma 4WD Double Cab Off-Road | Labels: Tacoma 4WD Double Cab; Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; with Off Road Package | ||
| 2015 to 2016 | 8 to 7 | Labels: Tacoma 4WD Double Cab; Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI, 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; with Off Road Package; Transmissions: Automatic (S6) | Engines: 4L 6-cyl; Transmissions: Automatic 4-spd, Automatic 5-spd |
Buying used
What the Toyota Tacoma recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | service brakes, hydraulic (foundation components); electrical system (instrument cluster/panel); power train (driveline); 2 more | None |
| 2024 | 5 | equipment (other); service brakes, hydraulic (foundation components); electrical system (instrument cluster/panel); 1 more | None |
| 2023 | 4 | child seat (vehicle latch anchor); steering (column); power train (axle assembly) | None |
| 2022 | 3 | equipment (other); child seat (vehicle latch anchor); power train (axle assembly) | None |
| 2020 | 1 | fuel system, gasoline (delivery) | None |
| 2019 | 4 | service brakes, hydraulic (foundation components); equipment (other); fuel system, gasoline (delivery) | None |
| 2018 | 3 | service brakes, hydraulic (foundation components); fuel system, gasoline (delivery) | None |
| 2017 | 5 | power train (driveline); engine; equipment (other); 2 more | None |
| 2016 | 4 | air bags (knee bolster); power train (driveline); engine; 1 more | None |
| 2015 | 4 | equipment (other); equipment; tires; 1 more | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| power train | 400 | 25% | 2016 (136) |
| service brakes | 239 | 15% | 2019 (56) |
| unknown or other | 231 | 14% | 2016 (50) |
| engine | 194 | 12% | 2016 (47) |
| fuel/propulsion system | 146 | 9% | 2019 (55) |
| electrical system | 137 | 9% | 2016 (36) |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Toyota Tacoma trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SR (Pickup) | 4WD | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (i-FORCE, Turbo) | 228 | 243 | 4,375 | 3,500 | 21 | – |
| SR (Pickup) | 4WD | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (i-FORCE, Turbo) | 270 | 310 | – | 6,400 | 20 | – |
| SR5 (Pickup) | 4WD | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (i-FORCE, Turbo) | 278 | 317 | 4,375 | 6,500 | 21 | – |
| SR5 (Pickup) | 4WD | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (i-FORCE, Turbo) | 278 | 317 | – | 6,400 | 21 | – |
| TRD PreRunner | 2WD | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (i-FORCE, Turbo) | 278 | 317 | – | 6,500 | 22 | $40,630 |
| TRD Sport | 4WD | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (i-FORCE, Turbo) | 278 | 317 | – | 6,400 | 21 | $41,910 |
| TRD Off-Road | 4WD | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (i-FORCE, Turbo) | 278 | 317 | – | 6,400 | 21 | $44,310 |
| Limited | 4WD | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (i-FORCE, Turbo) | 278 | 317 | – | 6,400 | 21 | $55,065 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Toyota Tacoma model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (i-FORCE, Turbo) | 228–278 | 4,375 | 3,500–6,500 | 18.2 |
| 2025 | 6 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (i-FORCE, Turbo) | 228–278 | 4,200–4,715 | 3,500–6,500 | 18.2 |
| 2024 | 17 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (i-FORCE, Turbo) / 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (i-FORCE MAX, Hybrid, Turbo) | 228–326 | 4,145–5,410 | 3,500–6,500 | 18.2 |
| 2023 | 12 | 2.7-liter 4-cylinder / 3.5-liter V6 | 159–278 | 3,915–4,550 | 3,500–6,500 | 21.1 |
| 2022 | 11 | 2.7-liter 4-cylinder / 3.5-liter V6 | 159–278 | 3,915–4,550 | 3,500–6,500 | 21.1 |
| 2021 | 11 | 2.7-liter 4-cylinder / 3.5-liter V6 | 159–278 | 3,915–4,550 | 3,500–6,500 | 21.1 |
| 2020 | 10 | 2.7-liter 4-cylinder / 3.5-liter V6 | 159–278 | 3,915–4,505 | 3,500–6,500 | 21.1 |
| 2019 | 10 | 2.7-liter 4-cylinder / 3.5-liter V6 | 159–278 | 3,980–4,480 | 3,500–6,500 | 21.1 |
| 2018 | 10 | 3.5-liter V6 / 2.7-liter 4-cylinder | 159–278 | 3,980–4,480 | 3,500–6,800 | 21.1 |
| 2017 | 10 | 2.7-liter 4-cylinder / 3.5-liter V6 | 159–278 | 3,980–4,480 | 3,500–6,500 | 21.1 |
| 2016 | 9 | 2.7-liter 4-cylinder / 3.5-liter V6 | 159–278 | 3,980–4,480 | 6,400–6,800 | 21.1 |
| 2015 | 6 | 2.7-liter 4-cylinder / 4.0-liter V6 | 159–236 | 3,645–4,285 | 3,500–6,400 | 21.1 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Toyota Tacoma.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0W-20 (5.9 qt) | – | – | – | – |
| 2025 | 0W-20 | – | – | – | – |
| 2023 | – | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2022 | – | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2021 | – | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2020 | – | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2015 | – | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Toyota Tacoma: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
Fewer recalls than this model’s own average
- 2020 Toyota Tacoma : 1 recall on file (average across published years is 3.8).
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | not available | ||
| 2025 | 5 | 90 | brakes, electrical system, powertrain, equipment |
| 2024 | 5 | 145 | equipment, brakes, electrical system, suspension |
| 2023 | 4 | 53 | steering, child seat, powertrain |
| 2022 | 3 | 57 | equipment, child seat, powertrain |
| 2021 | 79 | ||
| 2020 | 1 | 87 | fuel system |
| 2019 | 4 | 216 | fuel system, brakes, equipment |
| 2018 | 3 | 202 | fuel system, brakes |
| 2017 | 5 | 239 | equipment, engine, powertrain, brakes |
| 2016 | 4 | 323 | structure, engine, powertrain, airbags |
| 2015 | 4 | 101 | equipment, structure, tires |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Toyota Tacoma?
Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2020 carried fewer recalls than this model's own average. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.
Q02Which Toyota Tacoma model years have the cleanest federal recall record?
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma has 1 recall on file: below this model's own average of 3.8. A shorter list on file as of this page's data pull is not a guarantee against a future recall.
Q03What are common recall-related problems on the Toyota Tacoma by model year?
2025: brakes, electrical system, powertrain, equipment. 2024: equipment, brakes, electrical system, suspension. 2023: steering, child seat, powertrain. 2022: equipment, child seat, powertrain. 2020: fuel system. 2019: fuel system, brakes, equipment.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Buying, records and recalls, Brakes, tires and steering, Engine and cooling, Transmission and drivetrain, Climate and electrical.
Trim ladder
2 Toyota Tacoma trims, each with its own page.
Compared with
Models this Toyota Tacoma is most often compared with.
Nearest Toyota models
Other Toyota models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2025 Tacoma come in?
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma (midsize pickup) comes in 8 trims: SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, Trailhunter, TRD Pro.
Q02What are the 2025 Tacoma trims?
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma trims are SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, Trailhunter, TRD Pro, listed from the entry SR up to the top TRD Pro.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2025 Tacoma use?
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma is built around 2.4L turbo or i-FORCE MAX hybrid, rated at 228–326 horsepower across its midsize pickup body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2025 Tacoma have?
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma is rated at 228–326 horsepower (2.4L turbo or i-FORCE MAX hybrid).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2025 Tacoma?
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma is offered with RWD / 4WD.