Used 2020 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab

Top 10 Features of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma

#1. Midsize could be the right size
Although full-size trucks dominate the market, many buyers would be happy with something smaller. The Tacoma fits that bill while providing Toyota’s renowned reliability.

#2. Choice of engines
The base engine is a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder unit making 159 horsepower, but it’s worth going for the 278-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, which is virtually as economical but far gutsier.

#3. Choice of cabs
The Access Cab takes four occupants; the Double Cab accommodates five.

#4. Choice of beds
Either five feet long or six feet. With the different cabs, beds, driven wheels, engines and trim levels, there are many 2020 Tacoma permutations.

#5. New technology fitted as standard
Despite the base Tacoma being an unpretentious work truck, it still has Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Amazon Alexa compatibility and three USB ports.

#6. Satellite radio
SiriusXM comes in the base SR trim. It’s a 3-month free trial period, which is a common offer throughout the automotive world.

#7. Tacoma TRD Pro variant
This version of the 2020 Tacoma can handle serious off-road challenges. It includes multi-terrain modes for the all-wheel-drive system, a dedicated specialist suspension and an under-body camera system.

#8. Standard GoPro camera mount
Record all those wild off-roading adventures with ease. It’s located next to the rearview mirror.

#9. Standard driver aids
Every 2020 Tacoma has automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control.

#10. Healthy resale values
The Toyota Tacoma has traditionally been a star performer in the resale values stakes, thanks to its reliability and durability.

Overview

With the arrival of the new Jeep Gladiator, Ford Ranger and the ever-expanding Chevy Colorado lineup, the aging 2020 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 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, especially now with the new power-adjustable seat, 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.

The big news on the 2020 Tacoma is the upgraded infotainment system with a standard 7-inch touch screen and Smartphone connectivity as well as the power-adjustable driver’s seat. Are these usually game-changers? Not exactly, but they might allow the Tacoma to go a few more years without a major update if Toyota decides to go that route.

As is Toyota’s tradition, assembly quality is excellent. The 2020 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.

Now in its third generation, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma was redesigned extensively in 2015 and gets some new details for this model year, including a redesigned grille as well as a new taillight design on all models. The SR5 and above get optional day-running headlights.

Designed and built in the United States, the 2020 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.

APPLE CARPLAY AND ANDROID AUTO
Finally, Toyota embraces Smartphone compatibility with a new 7-inch multimedia touch screen (upgradable to an 8-inch screen) and the addition of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa.

10-WAY POWER-ADJUSTED DRIVER’S SEAT
Again, finally Toyota offers a power-adjusted front seat that even includes 2-way lumbar adjustment. For a truck with a notoriously limited and subpar seating position, this is a huge improvement.

For 2020 the Tacoma includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Alexa compatibility. Toyota Safety Sense, Toyota’s suite of safety features, was added for the 2019 model year. 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. 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. On the other hand, the standard GoPro camera mount is as 21st-century as it gets.

Options for the 2020 Toyota Tacoma start with the 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, including 2-way lumbar support. Other new options include a panoramic view monitor only available on the double-cab models in TRD Sport trim and above. LED day-running headlights and fog lights, and new 16-inch wheels are also part of the 2020 option sheet. 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. On the TRD Pro, a Desert Air Intake keeps fresh air flowing to the engine when churning up dust and sand.

Power for the 2020 Toyota Tacoma remains unchanged over the previous model year and 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: 19/24 mpg (2WD, automatic), 18/22 mpg (4WD, automatic), 17/21 mpg (4WD, manual), 17/20 mpg (4WD, manual, Double Cab)