Toyota Tacoma Fans Weigh In on Next-Gen Tacoma Specs

Toyota is right in the middle of an unprecedented period of change and expansion. Within the next year, the corporation plans to make several major announcements pertaining to refreshed and redesigned models, new trim levels, alternative fuel additions and even new vehicles that do not even currently exist.

By the year 2025, Toyota plans to offer a hybrid or alternative fuel option for every one of its current and future models.

I have recently covered announcements for Torque News on the 2021 Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle and the highly anticipated 2021 RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. These two models alone would normally be an exciting pipeline on their own.

How about trucks though? Rumors are swirling all around about the possibility of a 2021 Toyota Tundra hybrid option. Time will tell if this proves to be true or not. Could this also mean we might see a Toyota Tacoma hybrid alternative sooner rather than later as well?

This aggressive Toyota expansion philosophy got me thinking about the Tacoma. It was last redesigned for the 2016 model year, and now we have a refreshed 2020 Tacoma complete with major updates in safety, technology and convenience.

Potential for a next-gen Toyota Tacoma

With model generations changing more and more frequently these days, the potential for a fourth-generation Toyota Tacoma within the next couple years seems at the very least plausible. But what would styling look like? How about powertrain choices? Would new features be added that are not even in Toyota vehicles now?

I turned to various sources for my research on this project, gathering next-generation suggestions from my Torque News column readers, my Toyotajeff YouTube channel viewers and the online forum “Toyota Tacoma Enthusiast” (73,000 members strong by the way).

This collection of ideas I received was both enlightening and brilliant. Let’s get to work engineering and designing this new Tacoma.

Here is what you had to say about Tacoma

I love the variety and thought people put into their answers. Here is a sampling:

William - More head room.

Darcy – Would like a smaller Tacoma like in the good ole days.

Dale - Heated steering wheel. Vented cooled seats.

Chris - Spray-in bedliner, a TRD performance line (X-Runner).

Rich - Put the 110-volt bed outlet as standard in all models.

Shannon - Or another strategically placed 110-volt outlet elsewhere and a larger sized inverter.

Daniel - Rear vents.

YOU MAY ENJOY: Compare all 2019 Toyota Tacoma trim levels in my video review.

Dan - Better climate control, a/c seats, better backup camera.

Calie Ann - I see a lot of us trying to get more storage in the cab, maybe some more storage options so we can keep all our junk.

Vernon - Bring the size back down to the pre-2005 Tacoma. Give us a fully boxed frame like the pre-Tacoma pickups had. Give us a diesel engine/manual transmission option. Give us a gasoline V6/manual transmission option that actually has bottom end torque and useable gear ratios. Get rid of the electronic grannies and useless touch screens. Manual hub and transfer case to allow use of low range in 2wd.

Lindsay - I would like a full roll down window option like tundra, instead of that tiny BS slider. Higher set seats, seat heaters, a V8 option would be BOSS too! #pipedream.

Plenty of powertrain Toyota Tacoma suggestions

Steve - More power with increased payload and towing.

Ajay - For heavens sake, go back to the 4.0 V6 that they had in Gen 2.

Theo - V8.

Graysen - Diesel w/ more towing capacity, less chrome, making the OR (Off-Road) version with a preinstalled lift/larger tire setup.

Shannon - How about a Diesel?!

Corey - V8.

Rob - All it really needs is a bit more HP and torque.

Jimmy had perhaps the most impressive combination idea. “I would drive a Tacoma hybrid, but it must have more power and can tow what I need.”

Final words on next-gen Toyota Tacoma

I am sorry I could not list every reader and viewer comment, as there were so many responses. There were many people who wished for rear disc brakes, more rear seat leg room, front locker, deeper wheel wells and cooled/ventilated front seats.

I would like to see a head-up display in the top tier Tacoma trucks, as it is helpful and convenient, while also limiting distractions.

Forum member Phil put things in perspective to finish things off. “Just remember, whatever gets added only means more $$$. People want so much added but then complain about price. Can’t have it both ways.”

What do you think about 2020 Tacoma and a next-generation truck?

What do you think of the current 2020 Toyota Tacoma and its multiple updates for this model year? Do you have any suggestions or ideas for the next generation of Tacoma?

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I reveal pricing for all 2020 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid trim levels. You will like this.

YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: 3 Reasons 2020 Tacoma is superior to Ford Ranger. Please subscribe to Torque News YouTube channel.

Bookmark Jeff Teague's Toyota News and Reviews at Torque News Toyota. Please subscribe to Jeff’s “Toyotajeff” YouTube channel for Toyota news, reviews and how-to videos. Follow Jeff on Facebook and Instagram. Find him on Twitter @toyotajeff1 and tweet him tips for new stories.