Versatility, value and capability drive Tacoma’s record year
Roseville, Calif. – There are no major changes to the 2026 Toyota Tacoma, nor should there be.
The venerable midsize truck arrived with a full redesign in 2025 and the result was better than anyone had a right to expect. In the 30th anniversary of its debut, Tacoma sales shot up by more than 42 percent in 2025 to a record high of 274,638.
So what’s driving the rise in Tacoma sales? It’s an impressive do-it-all truck that serves multiple needs. It can be the simple around-town vehicle, do some heavy lifting when needed, and serve as an efficient off-road pickup that’s seeking adventure. It’s extremely affordable too, starting at just under $34,000.
Many trim models to choose from
And getting that just-right Tacoma is extremely possible because there are eight trim models – SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, Trailhunter and TRD Pro. The two-door, two-seat XtraCab configuration is standard. There’s also a double cab that increases the seating capacity to five.
Regardless of the trim model, the adventures await with every version of the Tacoma. Standard off-road features include Bilstein shocks, skid plates, electric locking rear differential to enhance off-road performance, and Multi-Terrain Select that includes features like Crawl Control for traveling over difficult terrain.
The Tacoma comes with either a 5-foot or 6-foot bed length. The beds feature a rust-proof composite liner and there is 44.7 inches between the wheel wells and approximately 53-56 inches of total width at the top/tailgate. The available payload capacity is 1,700 pounds and when properly equipped the Tacoma can be a workhorse with a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.
Performance
Last year Toyota unveiled a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine lineup and bid farewell to the previous V6 models. The standard engine for 2026 is a turbo 2.4-liter, four-cylinder that generate 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. It goes 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds and gets 23-24 mpg.
An upgraded engine is a turbo 2.4-liter, four-cylinder that combines with an electric motor to produce 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. It goes 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds and the fuel economy is 21-26 mpg.
The Tacoma has a refined suspension, handles smoothly for a truck, and is relatively easy to maneuver in tight spots. Standard driver safety features include lane departure alert with steering assist; lane tracing assist; proactive driver assist; road sign detection; automatic high beams; pre-collision system with pedestrian detection; and radar cruise control.
AT A GLANCE – 2026 TOYOTA TACOMA
- Performance: turbocharged 2.4-liter, four-cylinder, 228 horsepower; electric motor, turbo 2.4-liter, four-cylinder, 326 horsepower
- Estimated mileage: 23-24 mpg; 21-26 mpg
- Price: $33,900 to $64,400
- Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; Drivetrain 6 years/60,000 miles; Corrosion 5 years/unlimited; Roadside Assistance 2 years/unlimited
Inside the Tacoma
Interior highlights include an easy-to-master 8.0-inch touchscreen interface (upgraded 14-inch screen), fully adjustable 10-way driver’s seat, and large knobs for adjusting temperature and audio. The interior is more about durability than luxury, but that’s expected from any truck – large or small.
The seating offers solid room and comfort up front. But the rear seats feel cramped and the leg room is poor, a typical complaint of midsize trucks. Some models have a 120V/400-watt power outlet located in the truck bed, with some configurations adding a second outlet in the cabin.
Thanks to its record sales year, the 2026 Toyota Tacoma arrived as the undisputed king of midsize trucks. A versatile pickup, the Tacoma can serve as a work truck that does some heavy lifting, effectively go off-road for an escapade, or simply perform around-town errands.
