Review of 2019 Toyota Tacoma SR5: the Workhorse of the Tacoma Family

Continuing a stretch of a record stretch of 19 consecutive months of increased sales, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma is stronger than ever. May Tacoma sales are up 6.8% vs. last May, and up 7.9% for the year compared to 2018. The Force is strong in this one.

With a beast-like fleet of off-roading trucks like TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro, and with it awaiting an exciting refresh for the 2020 model year, Tacoma seems primed and ready to take on all competition. However, it is the SR5 grade level that seems to be the foundation, the rock, for this proud 2019 Toyota Tacoma lineup.

2019 Tacoma SR5 configurations

Toyota has six grade levels for the 2019 Tacoma, including SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited and TRD Pro. Base MSRP prices are wide-ranging, from $25,850 in the SR Access Cab 4-cylinder to TRD Pro 4WD Double Cab V6 at $42,960. As a point of reference, SR5 pricing begins at $26,625 up to $35,490 base MSRP.

SR5 is the Tacoma grade level that is both versatile and functional for a very large segment of truck owners. It is often an ideal match as both a comfortable family truck, as well as a tough work truck.

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The 2019 Toyota Tacoma SR5 is available in both Access Cab and Double Cab configurations, and it comes with either a 5’ or 6’ bed. You can choose two-wheel or part-time four-wheel drive. Your engine choice will be the 4-cylinder or V6 engine.

All in all, there are nine total SR5 configuration combinations using these factors. Jenga anyone? Tetris time? These are more than enough options so that you can pick the best one for you and your family, and for how you will be using your new truck.

Watch 2019 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab SR5 Review

What about the 2019 Tacoma SR5 powertrain?

As a Tacoma shopper, you will be choosing between two engines. The 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine delivers 159 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. torque. The other alternative is the more popular 3.5-liter V6 engine, which will give drivers 278 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. torque.

All 2019 Toyota Tacoma SR5 trucks have a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence. Manual is not available on the SR5, but you can get 6-speed manual transmission TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road and the TRD Pro.

Most truck owners would never purchase a truck without at least knowing the tow ratings first. The 4-cylinder Tacoma’s have a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, while the V6 ranges from 6,400 pounds to 6,800 pounds towing capacity depending on configuration.

But how does it drive Jeff?

Over the course of the past 13 years, I have driven the Toyota Tacoma hundreds if not thousands of times. While driving a 2019 Tacoma Double Cab early this morning, I thought about how much I have taken this truck for granted.

For a midsize truck it really drives smooth and I was surprised how quiet it rides both in the city and along the highway at top cruising speeds. The front seats are comfortable, although a power driver’s seat would be a welcome addition. Spoiler alert: the 2020 Toyota Tacoma will feature standard power driver’s seat on SR5 grades and above (but you didn’t hear that from me).

The cabin is laid out in a simplistic but functional design. I found both steering wheel and center console buttons and controls easy to get to and use. One of the most underrated features is the multi-information display located conveniently behind the steering wheel. I appreciate the digital speedometer and cruising range displays, and I wondered to myself why more vehicles do not offer this yet.

Most people know of the long-term reputation Toyota Tacoma has for quality, dependability and reliability. This is one reason why it has dominated the midsize truck segment for the last 14 years. However, do not sleep on the fact that this is a nice-driving comfortable truck both for you and your family. If you do not yet have 2019 Toyota Tacoma on your shopping list, I feel it is worth strong consideration.

2019 Toyota Tacoma SR5 Interior

Perhaps the best part of all – you can modify your SR5

Often when a person buys a new truck, they have a vision in mind not for the truck they have just purchased, but for the final product once they customize it. In short, truck owners want to “make it their own.”

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma SR5 has stock 16” wheels, either styled steel wheels, silver alloy wheels or black alloy wheels. Wheels and tires are normally the first area modifiers begin with. Many of my friends have switched out their rims and tires to better fit their personalities and the terrain they will be driving on.

Many SR5 customizers will also switch out their grilles and badging, add lift kits, and put on step boards and bars.
Essentially, the Toyota Tacoma is like a clean canvas ready for an artist to put their own perfect touch on.

What modifications have you made to your Tacoma or other brand truck? Also, what ideas or concepts do you have in mind for your truck in the coming months? Leave a comment and show how creative you are.

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Jeff Teague is a Toyota news reporter at Torque News. You can reach Jeff on Facebook and Instagram. Twitter at @toyotajeff1 and tweet him tips for new stories. Jeff also shares Toyota news videos on his Youtube Channel at Toyotajeff.