Toyota Tacoma Receives Mildest of Updates for 2020

Toyota has made a few minor updates to its ever-popular if somewhat outdated Tacoma pickup for the 2020 model year.

This venerable nameplate has been the best-selling midsize truck in America for the last 14 years. To help it keep pace with the ever-stiffening competition it gains new features and amenities plus a fresh look. At the business end (that’s the bed), an LED bed lamp is available, making it easier to see what’s in the cargo box at night.

Across the model range, Tacomas will be fitted with new grille designs, updated tail lamps, and redesigned wheels. SR5 and higher trims feature a new 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat for enhanced comfort.

A new infotainment system is on the menu, and it supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and even Amazon Alexa. Entry-level SR models feature a seven-inch touchscreen while SR5 and higher benefit from a larger eight-inch display. Wow, Toyota and modern infotainment systems, together at last!

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Toyota Safety Sense P, the automaker’s suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies is standard on all grades of the Tacoma. It includes features like lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control and more.

The most interesting version of this midsize truck is unquestionably the off-road-focused TRD Pro model. These rigs gain a new 16-inch wheel design that’s over four pounds lighter than the previous version. These rims are wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires that are reinforced with Kevlar for greater strength in difficult conditions.

TRD Pro Tacomas also feature 2.5-inch Fox internal bypass shock absorbers, updated springs at each corner, an electronically controlled locking rear differential and, of course, standard four-wheel drive. Creature comforts like a power moonroof, a Panoramic View Monitor and LED fog lights are included at no extra charge as well.

Rough-and-ready TRD Pro models are available in four colors including white, black, gray and Army Green, an exclusive hue for 2020.

These updates should help the venerable Tacoma keep pace with rival midsize trucks, most of which have an advantage in comfort and offer more available equipment. Despite its age, people still love these rigs and undoubtedly Toyota will continue selling every one they can build.

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