More breaking news from the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. Toyota unveiled the 2020 Toyota Tacoma lineup, including an updated TRD Pro model. This is by no means a new generation for the Taco, but more a mid-cycle update. The new model year brings some slightly tweaked styling, and a few new standard features and tech options.
Styling
The biggest styling updates come from the front end of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma. Toyota slightly re-styled the grille, plus gave the Taco some more heavily re-designed headlights with tweaked daytime running lights. The wheels have also been updated, with new styles for each of the six trim levels. While the cab and bed have not been changed at all, the taillights have been given a darker housing.
Performance
Powertrains is an area where the 2020 Toyota Tacoma is pretty much identical to the 2019 model. You have two engine options, a 2.7-liter inline-four that makes 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. That engine can be paired only with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The other option is the well-known 3.5-liter V6 that makes 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include the same 6-speed auto or a 6-speed manual transmission.
Same engines, same towing numbers too. The 2020 Taco’s max towing capacity remains 6,800 lbs., just like the 2019 Taco. It should be noted that all V6 powered Tacomas still come standard with the towing package. This gets you a class IV hitch, oil cooler, transmission cooler (with the automatic trans), 130-amp alternator, and 4 or 7-pin connectors.
Trim-Specific Changes
Now to get into the more specific changes by trim. There are the same six trim levels as before: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro.
SR
Starting with the base SR trim, there is a new 7-inch touchscreen display that comes standard. Included with the display is Apple CarPlay connectivity, Amazon Alexa connectivity, and (finally) Android Auto. You also get SiriusXM radio and an optional LED bed lamp.
SR5
Move to the SR5 trim and that touchscreen gets a little bigger, now 8-inches (standard on SR5 and up). There is also a set of 16-inch dark-satin wheels. Plus, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat (also standard on SR5 and up). The last notable options for the SR5 are the available LED headlights, LED DRLs, and that bed lamp I mentioned earlier.
TRD Sport
The TRD Sport trim gets 17-inch rims as standard, plus a new-to-the-Tacoma 360-degree top-down camera system called the panoramic view monitor. Again, LED headlights and DRLs are optional.
TRD Off-Road
For the TRD Off-Road trim, LED fog lamps become standard equipment along with chrome taillight inserts. You also get a 360-degree top-down camera, this time called the multi-terrain monitor. Carried over from last year are the Bilstein shocks, locking rear differential and multi-terrain selectable driving modes. Plus, crawl control.
Limited
The Limited trim is more of the luxury option in the Tacoma. So, you get larger 18-inch alloy wheels, plus standard LED headlights and DRLs. That 360-degree panoramic view monitor also comes standard on the Limited trim.
TRD Pro
Last but not least, the TRD Pro. New for 2020 are some 16-inch BBS forged alloy rims. Toyota made sure each wheel was almost 4.2 pounds lighter than last year. Reducing unsprung weight at the wheels is never a bad thing. Tucked into the bumper are some Rigid Industries LED fog lamps. The TRD Pro gets both the panoramic view monitor and the multi-terrain monitor. Fortunately, those Fox internal bypass shocks (2.5-in diameter front, 2-in diameter rear) make a return for 2020 as well, though they have been retuned slightly. Lastly, for the TRD Pro, there is a new exclusive color: Army Green.
Pricing & Availability
Unfortunately, Toyota has not said when the new 2020 Toyota Tacoma will go on sale, nor have they said how much it is going to cost. However, given the numerous upgrades Toyota made to the 2020 Taco across the lineup, we think the 2020 Taco will be a little bit more expensive.
Stay tuned to TFLtruck.com for the latest news, views & real-world reviews and even more information on the 2020 Toyota Tacoma Lineup, when we hear about it.
