The competition in the segment of mid-size is getting stronger every year. Last year, we saw a comeback of the famous Ford Ranger, while Jeep has introduced an all-new, Wrangler-based truck called Gladiator. For the next year, we expect to finally see a redesign of Nissan Frontier. Despite all these novelties, we are pretty sure that no one of them will come close to Tacoma’s sales numbers. This has been the most popular mid-size truck for many years and the company wants to keep that state. Therefore, the upcoming model is bringing a fine portion of changes. It’s not exactly a full 2020 Toyota Tacoma redesign, but there is still a lot of new things to see.
The upcoming model comes with slight exterior changes. More importantly, there is a fine number of interior changes, which includes both new technologies and improvements in terms of comfort and convenience. The off-road version, TRD Pro, also comes with a couple of upgrades. On the other side, the engine lineup will probably remain the same. A diesel version has been rumored, but we are still waiting to hear something from the officials. In any case, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma release date will happen pretty soon.
2020 Toyota Tacoma Changes
When it comes to 2020 Toyota Tacoma changes, there isn’t actually a huge number of them. Toyota focused on critical points and improved several aspects of the truck that supposed to be weak points. Therefore, you can’t see too many changes in terms of styling. Practically, the only major change is slightly revised grille, which features a little bit different shape and new mesh pattern. Also, there are new LED headlights. Other than that, things are pretty much the same. The 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro will come with a new Army Green color option in the offer.
What are the most important interior changes?
Once again, there aren’t many changes to come, but each one will make this truck significantly better. A huge novelty is that the 2020 Toyota Tacoma finally gets a power-adjustable driver’s seat. It is a 10-way adjustable seat, which allows you to adjust the angle and height of backrest and seat bottom, as well as lumbar support. Another important novelty is an updated infotainment system. There is new software, as well as a bigger, 8-inch touchscreen. Among many new functions, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are definitely among highlights.
2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
This off-road performer always had special treatment and 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro continues in the same way. The company did a couple of tweaks, so the new version is now even better and more capable. One of the most important novelties is a new set of Fox shocks, as well as a suspension lift for about an inch. Also, there are new Goodyear Wrangler off-road tires. The new wheels are lighter, so a complete suspension setup has been retuned for better performances. In terms of the visual appearance, you won’t notice too many differences, though there is a new Army Green finish in the offer.
Just like the rest of the lineup, this version also comes with a new 8-inch touchscreen. Also, it comes standard with the new Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) and Panoramic View Monitor (PVM). These two are camera-based systems, which are providing a complete view of front and side areas of the truck, which should be of great help for most off-roaders who want to know the exact position of their wheels on rocky roads.
Powertrain
At this point, we know that the 2020 Toyota Tacoma will carry on with two familiar gasoline engines under the hood. Base models will continue with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder, which is good for 159 horsepower. Of course, there is also a bigger 3.5-liter V6, which features a max output of around 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. As we already mentioned, a couple of tweaks have been made to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The TRD Pro also comes with a manual gearbox in the offer.
Is there a chance to see a diesel version?
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma Diesel has been one of the most anticipated things about this truck in the last several months. As you know, the closest rival, Chevy Colorado, offers an oil-burner for years. The new Ranger and Gladiator pickups are also to introduce diesel versions soon. Toyota is still quiet on this matter, so we can only rely on rumors that suggest we could see this model in the future. If it happens, we presume it would feature a familiar 2.8-liter turbodiesel from HiLux, which is good for 177 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. Still, we presume it would receive a couple of modifications, so the max output would go notably higher, probably to around 200 horses.
2020 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid is another rumor for the next year. The Japanese manufacturer is already working on an electrified version of the full-size Tundra and, as an industry leader, it should come with electrified Tacoma as well. At this point, we don’t have any information about such powertrain, though we may presume it would be based on a four-cylinder engine, similar to a system that powers the new Highlander Hybrid, which is good for about 240 horsepower and features pretty impressive mpg ratings.
2020 Toyota Tacoma Release Date and Price
When it comes to the 2020 Toyota Tacoma release date, latest reports are suggesting it should hit the market in October. We don’t expect bigger deviations in terms of the price. The current model starts at around 25.000 dollars.