Refreshed 2020 Toyota Tacoma Updates by Grade Level: Here is What Each Trim Can Expect

When you dominate your midsize truck segment for the last 14 years and are currently enjoying 19 consecutive months of increased sales, it would be easy to rest on your past accomplishments. After all, May sales for Toyota Tacoma were up 6.8% over May 2018, the best-ever May for Tacoma. Do not expect this complacency from Tacoma, though - it is time for a refresh.

In September we will begin seeing a refreshed 2020 Toyota Tacoma. That is, the time has come for a model year refresh (not a redesign). Many changes and updates are about to take place and some of these will make your life so much easier while driving your new trucks.

All 2020 Tacoma models will have...

All vehicle models across all brands have certain qualities that are inherently equal. That is, they have the same things.

Just announced: all 2020 Toyota Tacoma models will come equipped with standard SiriusXM. This applies even to the incoming SR trim, which did not offer this popular application previously. Toyota is slowly phasing in all of its models to include SiriusXM across the board beginning in August.

You asked for it and you are getting it. Android Auto will be available across all grade levels, along with Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility. “Alexa, play songs by Backstreet Boys.” Just kidding. Well, sort of…

Look for an increase in touch-screen size as well, as every Tacoma grade level SR5 and above will feature an 8” screen, with SR receiving a 7” screen. See you later 6.1” screens.

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The most talked-about Tacoma – TRD Pro

Toyota is tinkering with its 2020 Tacoma TRD Pro to improve performance, especially for drivers needing improved off-roading capabilities. This includes re-tuning the signature 2.5-inch FOX internal bypass shocks, which are king at absorbing impacts from challenging and uneven terrain. Expect new, lighter (four pounds lighter) 16-inch black alloy wheels with Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Kevlar-reinforced tires.

Two new camera systems will help drivers see around their 2020 Tacoma’s easier. Panoramic View Monitor will give you camera looks in the front, along the sides, and behind your Tacoma, while Multi-Terrain Monitor will show you obstacles you might encounter underneath your truck.

Other exterior changes will include sequential LED/DRL headlamps, along with black-insert taillamps, new to the Tacoma lineup.

Army Green has been the color making the most waves in Tacoma enthusiast circles. This is Toyota’s exclusive color for 2020 (for 2019 it is Voodoo Blue). Speculation is that Army Green might possibly be available with Toyota’s other TRD models. Could we see this polarizing color in Sequoia, 4Runner or Tundra for 2020?

Other color choices for 2020 Tacoma TRD Pro are midnight black metallic, magnetic gray metallic and super white.

VIDEO: 2020 Tacoma TRD Pro changes coming

How about the base trim level SR?

Most 2020 Toyota Tacoma models will be recipients of new grilles and taillight designs. This includes base level SR. I feel the SR model will be a much more popular choice with consumers, as it will offer standard CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as its 7” multimedia screen. Look for an optional LED bed lamp as well. As we know, LED lights offer increased visibility, quicker response times and lower costs over time.

SR5 - Power to the Seats

I have often wondered why Toyota Tacoma does not come with a power driver’s seat. I know I am not alone in this thinking. Wonder no more, though, as the 2020 Tacoma will help out taller and shorter drivers alike with a 10-way power driver’s seat in all trim levels (except SR).

Look for an entire package of new practical updates, including new grille and taillight designs, along with 16” dark satin wheel colors and LED bed lamps.

TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road Changes

Both the 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road and TRD Sport will see similar improvements. They will both feature smart key push button start with auto open function on both front doors, LED fog lamps and chrome taillight inserts. These TRD models will offer optional LED headlights with LED daytime running lights. This is a biggie for me.

TRD Sport will come with new 17” alloy wheels, and TRD Off-Road should show off new 16” alloys (this Off-Road part is unconfirmed as of now, but I suspect I am right here).

Toyota will equip 2020 Tacoma TRD Sport with the Panoramic View Monitor for seeing around your truck while you drive.

The 2020 TRD Off-Road will feature Multi-Terrain monitor, which displays the view under your truck, along with Panoramic View Monitor.

Also, look for standard TRD Off-Road features multi-terrain select, crawl control, locking rear differential, hill start assist and Bilstein shocks.

Limited = Luxury

The high-end luxury 2020 Tacoma Limited will receive a number of updates as well. Drivers will be comfortable in leather seats with 10-way power-driver’s seat. Also, in addition to a new grille and chrome taillight inserts, Limited is equipped with standard LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED fog lights. Ride along in 18” alloy wheels as well.

Also expect standard smart key push button start, Panoramic View Monitor (the one that lets you see around your truck), along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with 8” touch-screens.

Based on this grade level breakdown, which of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma grade levels do you have your eye on? Which changes, updates and improvements are you most looking forward to?

Thanks for reading everyone. Feel free to bookmark Torque News Toyota Reporting to follow along with my Toyota news and reviews stories. As Eric the Actor would say, see you next time. Update from Sept. 3, 2020: Pricing Just Released for 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.

Jeff Teague is a Toyota news reporter at Torque News. You can reach Jeff on Facebook and follow his Instagram for his popular "Toyotajeff Minute" quick Toyota reviews.

Twitter at @toyotajeff1 and tweet him tips for new stories. Jeff also shares Toyota news videos on his Youtube Channel at ToyotaJeff1.