A division of Toyota Japan, Toyota Motors Manufacturing produces the Tacoma pickup truck in the United States. The Tacoma debuted in 1995 and is currently in its third iteration, which was released in 2015.

Since its 1995 debut, the Toyota Tacoma has undergone many changes. Over time, it has evolved from a small pickup to a mid-size pickup, gaining power and sophistication. The modern Tacoma is a powerful and fashionable truck that has undergone twenty years of development and enhancement.

They designed the Tacoma for use as a daily driver and as an occasional or regular work vehicle.

Here, we briefly examine the Toyota Tacoma's past. Please don't stop there.

1995 – 2003

Toyota released the first Tacoma in March 1995 to replace the sixth-generation Toyota pickup (Hilux). The Tacoma was made to be safe, comfortable, easy to handle, and have a smooth ride, setting a high quality standard.

The Tacoma's exterior boasts bold lines that give the truck a good appearance. One of the new exterior features is a single-piece flush-mounted windscreen framing that lowers wind noise and has a sleek, modern appearance. New big side mirrors and easier-to-use 37-degree door handles replace the old 60-degree ones on the sides. A stoplight is positioned at the top of the roofline towards the back.

Standard and extended-cab versions of this Tacoma model are available. You can choose between a three-seat bench or a two-seat bucket in the regular cab of the truck. With three people crammed onto the back bench, the expanded cab can easily fit five people.

Three optional engines were available for this Tacoma:

• A 2.4-liter inline-4 petrol engine with 142 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque
• An inline-4 petrol engine with 150 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque
• A 3.4-liter V6 petrol engine with 190 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque

These engines have a 2WD or 4WD drivetrain with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic gearbox.

2004 – 2014 Toyota Tacoma Models

In 2004, the second-generation Tacoma made its debut. The new Tacoma truck comes in different sizes and cab options, with two engine choices and four transmission options. It is classified as a mid-size truck.

The Tacoma received significant exterior updates in 2009, including new LED taillights, smoked headlights, and a redesigned grille. In 2012, another update included a redesigned grille, headlights, shark fin antenna, hood, and front bumper. A few interior upgrades were also made, like the addition of satellite radio.

The new Tacoma comes with off-road equipment. It also has a 5- or 6-foot bed with tie-downs. Additionally, it features a deck rail system, hook pins, storage bins, and a power outlet.

Better-quality materials were used in the Tacoma's interior, similar to the 4Runner's. The seats were incredibly supportive and comfy for a car in this class.

There were two engines to choose from: a 2.7-liter inline-4 with 159 horsepower and a 4.0-liter V6 with 236 horsepower. Both had different levels of torque as well. A 4-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic, 5-speed manual or 6-speed manual gearbox was available with these engines.

Alongside this second generation came the introduction of the X-runner trim level. It had enhanced suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a 4.0-liter engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Additional features included an optional off-roading package, a rear-locking differential, hill-start, and downhill assist control.

2015 – 2021

The third generation was introduced in 2015. The Regular cab style was stopped in 2015. Now, the model is only available in Access and Double Cab styles with long or short beds.

The outside of the car has been updated with a bigger grille, new headlights, a spoiler, and other changes. It also has LED lights and 16-inch wheels. Additional modifications include a high-strength steel body and lighter weight for enhanced efficiency and performance.

Interior changes include a bigger touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Also, a new instrument cluster, dual climate control, and better cabin insulation for a quieter and smoother ride. Soft-touch finishing has replaced plastic. A sunroof, wireless charger, and leather seats are further optional options.

A terrain-select mode is available in the TRD trim.

The 2015 Tacoma's basic model has a 2.7-liter inline-4 petrol engine with 160 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It mates to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox. The vehicle also offers a refined 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. You can mate it to a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.

2022 – 2024 Tacoma Models

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro has improved performance thanks to new suspension parts. The Trail Edition has received upgrades to both its mechanics and appearance.

The Trail Edition is a special vehicle that came out in 2020. It has lockable compartments in the bed and other features for off-road driving.

The 2022 Trail Edition Tacoma has higher suspensions than other Tacomas for better off-roading. The back is raised by 0.5 inches and the front by 1.1 inches. It also comes standard with a locking rear differential.

The grille has changed to resemble the TRD Pro heritage grille, featuring bronze writing and bronze-colored wheels. The TRD Pro version has a higher suspension lift compared to the Trail Edition. The front suspension lifts by 1.5 inches, while the back lifts by 0.5 inches. Additionally, the TRD Pro version comes with new wheels and tires.

Conclusion

In addition to its reputation for durability, quality, performance, dependability, and reliability, the Tacoma is well-known for having a very high resale value. This truck has several active and passive safety features to further safeguard its occupants.