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How do you improve on your own successes when you are the leading product in your class? Let’s tweak this last statement a little – when you lead your segment for the last decade and a half.
Impressive.
Yes, Toyota Tacoma has dominated the midsize truck field practically forever it seems. People just know they can trust their Tacoma.
The 2020 Tacoma brought with it some practical updates giving owners added safety, technology and convenience. Think power driver seat, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, larger touch screens, new front grilles and new wheel designs.
Plus, new Panoramic View and Multi-terrain monitors in some 2020 Tacoma trucks help drivers see in front of, behind, and along the sides of their trucks.
But what about the future? This can be a potentially very fluid timeline, but I have heard in Toyota circles about a 2024 model year target date for the next Toyota Tacoma redesign.
I asked members of Toyota Tacoma Enthusiast forum what they would like to see out of a next generation Tacoma. Their comments were quite enlightening.
Tacoma fans speak out
Reginald said, “I want a hybrid with solid low-end torque and towing.”
Kevin put some thought into his answer. “MORE TORQUE PLEASE!!! And not at 6k RPM. Factory front locker option. All wheel disk brakes. A little more room in the fender wheels. So many owners want to actually use their truck off road and it sucks to have to hack up your truck to fit a 33" tire.”
“Put the storage boxes back in the bedsides and make them larger!” Commented Eric.
Ian has a nice wish list. “To of my list - front parking sensors (don't ask), tailgate options, led taillights, newer safety sense and tech in general, more premium interior colors, bigger rear seats would be good, Hybrid option or at least for it to have more power than a Highlander and a fuel cap holder like most other Toyotas.”
Patrick threw his ideas into the ring. “Bring back the regular cabs! Not everyone wants or needs a crew cab or extra cab. My regular cab has all the room I need. If Ford brings back the Courier trucks, Toyota is going to lose a lot of money!”
“They need to put a more modern transmission in it. The engine needs more power at lower RPMs.” Said Michael.
I am just here for the comments
“Put TODAY’S TECHNOLOGY in the truck.” Emphasized Chris.
Eric J. put in a list of favorites. “An option to purchase a lift that comes from the factory. Efficient 25 MPG option and an option for a small V8. More space in the back seat. It really is sub par.”
Larry commented. “Different gearing options for folks planning to lift their trucks and haul more weight.”
“Standard cab.” Added Jim.
Kirk said. “More rear leg room, modern transmission, better mpg while not reducing horsepower, and full time AWD on the Limited trim like the 4Runner.”
Arturo loves the hybrid. “Hybrid will be the way to go, but they should offer the TRD in manual for off road enthusiasts.”
“Turbo charged! Or a 4 cylinder turbo diesel option. An option to have a manual with that diesel. No size change. These are supposed to be small trucks. If you want a bigger Toyota get a tundra or some other full size truck. I personally don't like driving full size trucks around so it's one of the reasons I bought mine.” Said David.
VIDEO REVIEW: I compare all trim levels of Toyota Tacoma. What one would you choose?
Sam gave his opinion. “Turbo diesel or at least turbo gas, a better/bigger gear ratio, e-locker on more trim levels, rear disc brakes, front locker, sway bar disconnects (not sure if that’s already a thing).”
Time for your thoughts on Toyota Tacoma
As you can tell, opinions for how to build a better mouse trap (or next-gen Tacoma truck) are both similar and very different. Do your thoughts match our panel of Tacoma fans?
YOU MAY ENJOY: Tacoma Access Cab vs Double Cab leg room. Can you fit?
I welcome your comments and suggestions for the next “all-new” Tacoma. Would you be interested in a Tacoma Hybrid or not and why?
Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I show you why it might be wise to install wheel locks on your Tacoma.
Follow Jeff Teague on social media:
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Comments
A frame that doesn’t rust.
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A frame that doesn’t rust.
Disc brakes all around. A
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Disc brakes all around. A more powerful 4 cylinder that get better mileage. Bring back the regular cab. Make the Pre-Runner available again, a lot of people like the look of 4wd but don’t need 4wd.
the 2wd is the same now as
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In reply to Disc brakes all around. A by Eric Lundgren (not verified)
the 2wd is the same now as the Pre-Runner.... there is no short squatty 2wd anymore.
I am new to the Tacoma world.
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I am new to the Tacoma world. I picked up a 2020 TRD Off-road 6 months ago. So far I’d love to see an Auto AWD function, better transmission/gearing. This thing hunts constantly even when pulling a 900lb camper. The MPG or lack there of don’t seem to justify such odd gearing. If the MPG is going to only be slightly better than my Crew Cab GMC it needs MORE POWER. Turbo, diesel or both. I also agree with the box side storage and LED lights. Also, bring back Cavalry Blue for us that missed the boat!
Take it back to the size of
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Take it back to the size of the 1st Gen, and have it get at least 30+mpg. Plus offer a a true bare bones model to keep cost down, for those who only need a basic little truck.
Auto 4WD option, or at least
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Auto 4WD option, or at least fulltime 4wd with a center diff locker would be great, so we don't wreck out transfer case when there is variable road conditions.
Please DO NOT make major
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Please DO NOT make major changes and ruin this fine truck, If folks want bigger they should buy a full size truck. I have every intention of buying a new tacoma trd off road in late 2023.....as long as Toyota dont ruin it!!!
I hope Toyota dosent make
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I hope Toyota dosent make major changes in the tacoma trd off road, I am planning on buying a new one in 2023, If people want more room they should buy a full size truck.
Go for it all ... a diesel
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Go for it all ... a diesel electric hybrid from their Hino division
Diesels today with the
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In reply to Go for it all ... a diesel by Walt (not verified)
Diesels today with the environmental stuff highly unreliable.
I’d love to see a Tacoma 4x4
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I’d love to see a Tacoma 4x4 Regular Cab in TRD PRO. The four door is just UGLY and to long for real off roading.
The Tacoma is too small, the
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The Tacoma is too small, the tundra is too big, not II like driving around in a barge. The 2006 tundra was the perfect size, in my opinion. Put 400 hp and 450 ft lb torque in that puppy and all is right with the world:)