PLANO, Texas – The Toyota Tacoma, America’s best-selling mid-size pickup for 13 years in a row, isn’t stopping to admire its trophy case. Instead, it looks to keep its place atop the pecking order with new tech, style, comfort and convenience features, making the 2020 Tacoma more compelling and more competitive than ever.
The third-generation Tacoma, with a design inspired by Toyota’s legendary desert race trucks, veritably defines the “work hard, play hard” ethos. Available in 32 different configurations, the 2020 Tacoma offers a model for all seasons and reasons. Six model grades include: work-ready SR; high-style, high-value SR5; athletic TRD Sport; adventurous TRD Off-Road; ultimate off-road TRD Pro; and top-of-the-line Limited.
All Tacoma models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert and Automatic High Beams.
New Look, New Function, New Fun for 2020
Most 2020 Tacomas will debut a new front grille design with detailing tailored to each model grade, while every Tacoma will feature a revised taillamp design. In the Tacoma’s roomy cabin, a new, larger multimedia touchscreen includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The SR grade features a 7-inch touchscreen display, while all others get an 8-inch touchscreen.
In addition to the multimedia upgrade, the 2020 SR offers the added convenience of new intermittent windshield wipers and an available LED bed lamp. The SX upgrade package, introduced for 2019 and returning for 2020, turns the SR Access Cab into a high-value sport truck with stylish black-out features, including grille, headlight surrounds, overfenders, 16-inch alloy wheels, mirror caps and door handles.
When equipped with the optional V6 engine, the 2020 Tacoma SR5 grade is fitted with a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar support. It also receives an updated dark gray wheel color for 2020.
Tacoma Limited brings luxury to the everyday work and play truck, and for 2020 the style is more premium than ever. In addition to the new grille design, the Limited features new 18-inch alloy wheels, LED/DRL headlamps, LED foglamps, and chrome taillamp inserts. The expansive equipment roster grows with the Premium Audio system that now includes an 8-inch touchscreen, plus Smart Key operation is added to the passenger front door. Limited is also fitted with the 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat. The new Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) for the Double Cab version provides nearly 360-degree views around the truck for easier, safer maneuvering in tight situations.
TRD Trio Updates
The Tacoma TRD models, infused with ultimate capability by Toyota Racing Development, feature extensive upgrades for 2020. For starters, the 2020 TRD Sport will get a host of updates, including a new front grille design, new 17-inch wheel, LED foglamp and available LED/DRL headlamp, a new chrome insert taillamp, passenger Smart Key, and Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) is available on Double Cab models. TRD Sport also receives the larger 8-inch touchscreen and 10-way power adjustable seat found on all grades SR5 and up when equipped with the V6 engine.
For 2020, the TRD Off-Road also gets a new grille up front, LED foglamp, LED/DRL headlamp availability, chrome insert taillamp and the addition of passenger Smart Key. It also, on Double Cab models, receives Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) for improved visibility of the terrain around the truck. Like TRD Sport, it also receives the updated multimedia with 8-inch touchscreen and power adjustable driver’s seat.
Headlining the TRD trio, the Tacoma TRD Pro backs up its revised look with new function. The new front grille design, unique sequential LED/DRL headlamps, new 16-inch wheel design, Rigid Industries LED fog lights, and black-insert taillamps give the TRD Pro a tougher stance and steely lighting signature. The newly available Army Green exterior color is exclusive to all TRD Pros for 2020, and Magnetic Gray gets added to the mix of Midnight Black Metallic and Super White to offer four color options on all TRD Pros.
A close look at the new cast-aluminum 16-inch wheels reveals the level of engineering detail lavished on this model. Each wheel is 4.188 lbs. lighter than on the 2019 model. That adds up to a significant weight reduction where it really counts to enhance off-road capability. TRD engineers also tweaked the shock and spring tuning to complement the lighter new wheels to improve off-road ride and handling.
You need more than a tough chassis for trail driving. You need to see obstacles before they become hazards. For 2020, the Tacoma TRD Pro provides more sets of eyes with the new Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) + Multi Terrain Monitor (MTM). The driver can select front, side, or rear views for nearly 360-degree visibility. When the going really gets rough, 5-second front undercarriage projected-path video playback can help the driver avoid potential unseen obstacles.
Meanwhile, no matter how rough it gets outside the TRD Pro, inside there’s plenty of comfort with a new 10-way power adjustable seat, plus the powerful capability of the Premium Audio system with 8-inch touchscreen (and JBL Premium Audio on automatic transmission models). For added convenience, Smart Key functionality now extends to the front passenger door. A power moonroof continues as standard.
