2020 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab

If you want a reliable pickup truck with impressive off-roading capabilities and strong towing power, then Tacoma might just be what you are looking for. It is worth noting that being a pickup truck, it compromises with cabin comfort and safety, and this is where competitors like Honda Ridgeline and Chevy Colorado take an edge.

With that being said, Tacoma is one tough rival to beat. The styling of this pickup is pretty much old school, but at the same time does look refreshing to the eye, making this pick up one of the stylish pickups in the category.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma is available in 6 trims. The entry-level SR has the most basic features, and it’s recommended to upgrade at least a couple of trims up to bring out the rugged nature of Tacoma. The Limited trim used to be the top dog, but since last year TRD Pro has taken the lead as the top trim.

To get the best out of a Tacoma, enhancing its off-roading abilities is a must. TRD Off-Road model suits the profile perfectly. It adds extra features like tuned suspension for off-road shocks, electronically locking differential, and a 7-inch infotainment system.

Trims	SR	SR5	TRD-Sport	TRD Off-Road	Limited	TRD Pro
MSRP	$32,115	$35,190	$36,895	$36,150	$38,140	$43,520
Key Features	Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P)	Keyless entry with engine immobilizer	Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite	Multi-terrain Select (4x4 automatic models only)	Dual-zone automatic climate control	TRD-tuned high-performance FOX 2.5 Internal Bypass shocks
	Integrated backup camera	4.2-in. TFT Multi-Information Display	Smart Key System with Push Button Start (A/T only)	Crawl Control (CRAWL) (4x4 models only)	Premium JBL Surround Sound System	Rigid Industries LED fog lights
	Entune Audio	Entune  Audio Plus with Connected Navigation App	LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)	Electronically locking the rear differential	Power tilt/slide sunroof	TRD Pro skid plate
	Fabric-trimmed seats					TRD Pro cat-back exhaust

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Although all variants are somewhat similar to just a minor change in features, I would suggest going for the TRD off-road just on the basis of its off-road capabilities which could come in handy when we talk about a pickup.

Along with that, this variant also gets a Multi crawl control system and daytime running headlights as standard, amongst a host of features.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma offers two engine choices to the buyer. The SR and SR5 models come with a 2.7 Liter Inline-4 engine. There is an option to upgrade to a V6 engine, which is highly recommended as the 159hp generating 4-cylinder engine feels too weak and inferior for a vehicle this size.

Toyota didn’t do anything new with Tacoma’s engines for 2020. The transmissions, however, saw some changes. An aging six-speed automatic transmission is standard on all trims. But for the old school guys who still prefer a manual gearbox, the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro have an optional 6-speed manual transmission as well.

Models	Toyota Tacoma	Chevrolet Colorado	GMC Canyon	Honda Ridgeline
Engine	Regular Unleaded V-6 3.5 L	Regular Unleaded V-6 3.6 L	Regular Unleaded V-6 3.6 L	Regular Unleaded V-6 3.5 L
Transmission	6-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Horsepower	278 @ 6000	308 @ 6800	308 @ 6800	280 @ 6000
Torque	265 @ 4600	275 @ 4000	275 @ 4000	262 @ 4700

Although an inline-4 engine is accessible in opponents’ base models as well, Tacoma’s engine is comparatively more muffled. Also, Tacoma’s V-6 engine disappoints to provide as much power as that of Chevrolet Colorado or GMC Canyon, both of which can produce 308bhp.

Acceleration

It’s no surprise that the least power-generating engine would also be on the shallow end of the boost pool; The Tacoma is no exception. While other competitors compete on a millisecond scale, Tacoma takes well over a second to reach the 60 mph mark.

Models	Toyota Tacoma	Chevrolet Colorado LT	GMC Canyon Denali	Honda Ridgeline
0 – 60	7.7 seconds	6.1 seconds	6.3 seconds	6.6 seconds
Quarter Mile	16 seconds	14.8 seconds	14.9 seconds	15.2 seconds

Toyota Tacoma’s V6 strives to provide adequate acceleration mainly due to its lack of power generation, but also due to the 6-speed transmission. Be it a broken path or flat plane, swiftness is not one of Tacoma’s strong suit.

Ride and Handling

The Toyota fares pretty worse here. The suspension is bumpy which also affects the ride quality. The steering too is very lightweight, which is good for driving in the city and traffic, But not on the highway, where it doesn't offer any confidence at all and requires a lot of corrections.

Once you go off-road, Tacoma simply tackles slow technical regions, seldom without the support of driver assistance tools like crawl control or the locking rear differential. Appears like Toyota absolutely covered all grounds, right? Well, not quite; the steering leads to misalign at higher speeds on rough terrain, which is a disappointment for an off-roader.

Braking

The Tacoma does well to come to a halt from a speed of 70 mph. By stats, Tacoma does better than most rivals. However, from a driver’s perspective, the brake pedal feels a bit touchy and bites at minor inputs. This is grimly unsettling during traffic.

Models	Toyota Tacoma	Chevrolet Colorado	GMC Canyon	Honda Ridgeline
70 – 0 MPH(feet)	180	183	185	195
Brake Pads – Front (in)	10.8	12.2	12.2	12.6
Brake Pads – Rear (in)	10.1	12.8	12.8	13.0

But once you match the Toyota Tacoma with its ancestors, it is easy to perceive an amendment in the brakes. They seem more easily accentuated. Tacoma has one great defect, though: it still sports a drum brake in the rear tires. Need we say anything further?

The base I-4 engine of Tacoma gives 19 MPG in city and 24 on the highway. Upgrading to the V6 only adds an extra 1 MPG on the highway, so the mileage is almost the same all over the board, whichever engine you choose.

These numbers are about the average for this class. The worst numbers were displayed when the V6 engine was paired with the 6-speed manual transmission, although the manual transmission adds to the fun of driving this off-roader. 

Models	Toyota Tacoma	Chevrolet Colorado	GMC Canyon	Honda Ridgeline
MPG (City)	19	18	18	19
MPG (Highway)	24	25	25	26
MPG (Combined)	21	20	20	22

Some rivals who function better than the Tacoma incorporate Honda Ridgeline, which gives 19 / 26 MPG in city/highway. Ridgeline is also the only truck that has a standard V6 across all trims. 

The seating the Toyota remains top-notch as ever. They are sturdy and provides adequate support to the back and thighs. However, due to the suspension problems, the ride quality seems bumpy which has a toll on the seating too. The fixed style front seats of Tacoma are only suitable for short to medium height drivers.

Taller drivers would steadily whisk the headliner. Most trims offer adjustable lumbar assistance. If you opt for the access cab models, dodge asking more than two adults to sit on the rear seats, because the legroom, just like the telescopic travel, meets the least qualifications. The 4 doors double cab is a necessity as it enhances the legroom by 25%.

Model	Toyota Tacoma	Nissan Frontier	GMC Canyon	Honda Ridgeline
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.7/58.3/42.9	39.7/58.3/42.2	41.4/57.5/45.0	39.5/58.2/42.5
Rear (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	34.9/56.5/24.6	36.6/54.9/25.4	36.7/57.3/28.6	38.8/61.5/36.7

If spacious rear seats are in your list of essentials, Honda’s Ridgeline gives a healthy room for full-grown adults. If you don’t want to go out of the Toyota family, The Toyota Tundra is a viable choice if you opt for the rear seats. 

Interior Features

• 4.2-in. color Multi-Information Display (MID) 
• 4-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support
•  4-way adjustable front passenger seat
• Urethane tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio controls
• Remote keyless entry system with lock
• Manual day/night rearview mirror (4-cyl. only)

Infotainment

The Toyota Tacoma Cab does not boast of the best infotainment present in this segment. Although, it does what is required of it. Also, the whole infotainment panel could have been integrated better with the dashboard.

• Entune Premium Audio
• Integrated Navigation13 and Entune App Suite
• AM/FM/HD radio
• CD player
• six speakers,
• Auxiliary port
• USB media port
• Advanced voice recognition
• Hands-free phone capability
• Phone book access and music streaming7 via Bluetooth
• Wireless technology, Siri Eyes Free HD Radio
• Predictive Traffic and Doppler Weather overlay
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 3-month All Access trial

Payload Capacity

The seatbacks can be dragged down to get a fully flat load floor. It is also a nuisance to stow the rear seats. The long number of actions needs eliminating the headrests, flipping the seat cushion forward, and certainly flipping the backrests down. Altering them is fairly tiresome.

Bed Volume Comparison	Toyota Tacoma	GMC Canyon	Chevy Colorado	Honda Ridgeline
Smallest available (Ft.3)	38	41	41	34
Largest available (Ft.3)	47	50	50	34

Tacoma’s bed is created from a composite material that can endure impacts and scrapes. Tacoma offers two-bed sizes, a 60-inch short bed, and a 73-inch long bed. The step-in height is a bit annoying as compared to competitors like Colorado, who offer a step for comfortable climbing.

The Tacoma was first introduced to the US market in 1995, that’s 22 years ago. It is, therefore, no surprise that Tacoma’s looks are sturdy and remind the viewer of the classic truck style. Despite minor changes here and there, Tacoma has mostly kept its old school look.

The front of the Tacoma looks burly and capable. Its square design is neatly complemented by a hexagonal grille. Tacoma also has narrow headlights and puffed out fenders, which give it a meaner look.

Models	Toyota Tacoma	Chevrolet Colorado	GMC Canyon	Honda Ridgeline
Gross Vehicle Weight (lbs.)	5600	5600	5300	6019
Length (in)	212.3 – 225.5	212.4 – 224.9	212.4 – 224.6	210
Width (in)	74.4	74.3	74.3	78.6
Height (in)	70.6	70.4	70.7	70.2
Ground Clearance (in)	9.1	8.3	8.1	7.8
Wheelbase (in)	127.4	128.3	128.3	125.2
Track Width – F/R (in)	64 / 64.2	62.4 / 65.9	62.4	66.3

Here, the Honda Ridgeline comes last in terms of exterior dimensions while all the rivals cast a similar shadow.

Exterior Features

The bed at the back of Tacoma has some cool features :

• Dark gray grille with black surround
• 16-in. styled steel wheels
• Projector-beam headlights with turn Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
• Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors
• Color-keyed rear bumper
• Integrated color-keyed tailgate spoiler
• Engine/front suspension skid plate
• Deck rail system
• Sliding rear window with privacy glass
• Fiber-reinforced Sheet-Molded Composite (SMC) bed

Towing Capacity

Tacoma offers two-bed sizes, a 60-inch short bed, and a 73-inch long bed. The step-in height is a bit uncomfortable as compared to competitors like Colorado, who offer a step for easy climbing.

Out of the two cab options, the smaller Access Cab only uses the 60-inch bed, while the double cab has the option of either length.

Bed Volume Comparison	Toyota Tacoma	GMC Canyon	Chevy Colorado	Honda Ridgeline
Smallest available (Ft.3)	38	41	41	34
Largest available (Ft.3)	47	50	50	34

 The cargo bed in higher trims offers a lot of flexibility. Features like a LED box lighting, damped tailgate, a 120 volt AC power outlet, and adjustable tie-down cleats add to the cargo bed’s functionality.

Tacoma impresses with its safety tech. New additions to the standard safety features include:

• Driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System
• Driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags
• Driver and front passenger active headrests
• 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) 
• Child-protector rear door locks (Double Cab only)
• Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
• Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with individual tire location alert
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Rear parking assist sonar
• Multi-terrain Select and Crawl Control
• Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) (A/T only)
• Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) (M/T only)
• Electronically controlled locking rear differential
• Engine immobilizer

Chevrolet Colorado VS Toyota Tacoma

The fight between the Toyota and the Chevrolet goes right down to the wire. Both generate decent values of torque and power. Now, the Pickup and braking of the cars are similar as well. While internally and mechanically to the Colarado is way better. However, in terms of physicality, the Tacoma wins the battle and the comparison remains a tie between the two heavyweights.

GMC Canyon VS Toyota Tacoma

The GMC Canyon is built on the Chevrolet platform and thus has a lot of fo things similar too with Colorado. However, it does get a marginally better dimension and acceleration, rest all remains the same. Again the Tacoma scores on all the important aspects of the pickup and wins this battle.

 

Toyota Tacoma Double Cab is an old school pickup cab which is very physical and muscular with massive towing capacity and ground clearance that would envy many. This factor is of so much importance that the Tacoma beats the similar Chevrolet and the GMC just on the basis of these factors.

However, the real fight is with the Nissan Frontier which has given this category a new lease of life with a luxurious and mechanically advanced cabin that cannot be ignored.

But the ground clearance is a big let down for the frontier, which remains pretty poor. Add to that a marginally better engine, and the Toyota Tacoma Cab wins this review easily.