Is the Toyota Tacoma redesigned for 2022?

Unlike its big brother, the Toyota Tundra, the Toyota Tacoma did not get redesigned for the 2022 model year. The compact pickup truck is currently in the seventh year of its third generation in production. For 2022, Toyota updated its most off-road-ready trim level, giving the Tacoma TRD Pro a suspension lift.

Is the 2022 Toyota Tacoma a good truck?

The Toyota Tacoma has long been considered to be one of the best pickup trucks, thanks to its reputation for reliability. Despite its age, the Tacoma is still recognized for its quality engineering, though rivals from Honda and Hyundai have outpaced Toyota in standard technology and offering a more refined driving experience. The Tacoma is more truck-like and rugged, and the off-road-specific trims are superb in remote and rocky locales.

How much is the Toyota Tacoma?

Pricing for the 2022 Toyota Tacoma starts at $26,700 for the base SR trim with an extended cab body. Prices jump to $28,490 for the SR5. This mid-tier trim adds amenities like remote keyless entry and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The TRD Sport ($33,610) and TRD Off Road ($34,890) add more style and performance, while the Limited ($39,455) adds advanced driver safety aids, heated leather seats, and a power sunroof. Those wanting those same great features with the Tacoma's best off-road driving abilities should spring for the TRD Pro ($46,135); it brings along all-terrain tires, a lifted suspension, and more.

How much can the Toyota Tacoma tow?

Depending on the trim level, the Toyota Tacoma can tow between 3,500 and 6,800 lbs. This capability gives Toyota's midsize truck plenty of strength for hauling cargo, watercraft, and all-terrain vehicles. A 1,620-lb payload limit offers impressive hauling abilities in the Tacoma's cargo box.

2022 Toyota Tacoma Review | Pricing, Trims & Photos

Trims

2022 Toyota Tacoma trim comparison

Starting MSRP

$28,485*

$30,275*

$35,395*

$36,675*

$41,240*

$47,920*

MPG

Engine

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating

Drive Type

Seating Capacity

Automatic Emergency Braking

Basic Warranty

Horsepower

Blind Spot System

Surround View Camera

Adaptive Cruise Control

Remote Engine Start

Tow Hitch

20 city/23 hwy*

19 city/24 hwy*

17 city/20 hwy*

2.7L I4*

3.5L V6

4 star

RWD*

4WD

4 passenger*

5 passenger*

5 passenger

3 yr / 36k mi

159 hp*

278 hp

Engine Type

Fuel Type

Horsepower

Horsepower RPM

Torque

Torque RPM

Engine Displacement

Engine Configuration

Cylinders

Variable Valvetrain

Valvetrain

Number of Valves

Compression Ratio

EPA City Fuel Economy

EPA Highway Fuel Economy

EPA Combined Fuel Economy

Gas

Regular Unleaded

159 hp*

278 hp

5200 rpm*

6000 rpm

180 lb-ft*

265 lb-ft

3800 rpm*

4600 rpm

2.7 L*

3.5 L

Inline*

V

4 cylinder*

6 cylinder

Double Overhead

16 valve*

24 valve

Not Standard*

11.8

20 MPG*

19 MPG*

17 MPG*

23 MPG*

24 MPG*

20 MPG*

21 MPG*

18 MPG*

2022 Toyota Tacoma Review

Reviewed by Kelly Hellwig

Overview

For many years, the Toyota Tacoma was the default choice when it came to midsize trucks. It offered everything truck buyers were looking for and had few competitors. There are now more choices in this segment, but the Tacoma remains a top contender. Much of its appeal comes from a reputation for durability, off-road capability, and a lineup that offers everything from a two-wheel-drive extended cab up to a four-wheel-drive TRD Pro. Base models come standard with a four-cylinder engine with 159 horsepower while higher trims get a larger V6 with 278 hp. Both cab styles feature four doors, but the extended cab uses smaller reverse opening rear doors while the crew cab gets standard, full-size rear doors. Both 5- and 6-foot bed lengths are available along with rear- or four-wheel drive. Upgrade packages from Toyota Racing Development (TRD) gives the Tacoma improved performance on the road or in the dirt depending on the package. The Tacoma's interior favors function over form as most of the controls use large knobs and buttons. Recent improvements to the user interface have made the touchscreen controls easier to operate, but it's still not the best system in the class.

Key competitors include the Ford Ranger and newly redesigned Nissan Frontier, along with long-time rivals, the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon twins. There's also the Jeep Gladiator which matches the Tacoma for off-road capability but lacks the diverse array of configurations.

Positives

Legendary durability. Most safety features come standard. Off-road trims are exceptionally capable.

Considerations

Doesn't feel very powerful, especially with the base engine. Fuel economy is average with either engine.

Verdict

A top choice among midsize pickups, the Toyota Tacoma is known for its durability, wide variety of options, and no nonsense design. Its low seating position is an acquired taste and it's not overly powerful, but the Tacoma delivers all of the things you expect from a truck in this class.

What's New for 2022

Revised suspension setups for the Tacoma Trail Edition and TRD Pro models result in higher ride heights for both trucks. The Trail Edition sits 1.1-inches higher in front while the TRD Pro sits 1.5-inches higher up front. Both trucks sit 0.5-inch higher in the back. The TRD Pro also features new black TRD wheels, Goodyear Territory tires, and a new bright green exterior color. The Trail Edition adds Lunar Rock to its exterior palette along with bronze wheels that match bronze lettering in the grille.

Trims and Pricing

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma is available in six trim levels: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited and TRD Pro. The trim levels, two cab styles, and two wheelbase lengths make for numerous configurations. Nearly all trims offer either rear-drive or part-time four-wheel drive. The exception is the TRD Pro, which is four-wheel drive only. On most Tacoma trims, optional part-time four-wheel drive adds approximately $3,000 to the truck's price. The SR5 is both the popular trim and our favorite. We'll explain why.

SR

The SR's starting price is $27,915 (including a $1,175 destination fee). It comes equipped with power windows, power door locks, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls. A 7-inch touchscreen and a variety of standard safety systems are part of the package. It even gets driver safety features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The bed's deck rail system includes four tie-down cleats, allowing owners to secure cargo quickly.

SR5

Starting at $29,705, the SR5 adds a 10-way adjustable driver's seat and an 8-inch touchscreen, plus the option to upgrade to a premium audio system. Buyers can also add a navigation system and choose different wheels. The SR5 offers the Trail Special Edition package on V6, short-bed models that includes bronze wheels, oversize tires, a suspension lift, locking differential, and distinctive exterior badging. The SR5 is our choice for its strong value and wide range of options.

TRD Sport

The TRD Sport ($34,825) takes its cues from Toyota Racing Development, the brand's in-house performance division with a specially-tuned suspension designed to improve on-road handling. It includes a wireless smartphone charger, proximity keyless entry, LED daytime running lights, sporty exterior accents like a hood scoop, an in-bed 120V power outlet, a leather-trimmed shift knob, and wide-angle fog lights.

TRD Off-Road

The TRD Off-Road trim ($36,105) features upgraded Bilstein shocks and retuned springs for improved handling in the dirt along with distinctive 16-inch wheels and tires, a gray grille, hood scoop, and color-keyed mirrors and door handles.

TRD Limited

The upscale Limited trim ($40,670) includes a laundry list of comfort and convenience items and exclusive 18-inch polished alloy wheels. It also has a panoramic-view camera, LED headlights, chrome exterior accents, color-keyed bumpers, a power-sliding sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a JBL premium audio system, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

TRD Pro

The top-of-the-line TRD Pro ($47,350) is for off-road enthusiasts who want maximum capability. It uses a suspension fortified with remote reservoir Fox shock absorbers, retuned springs for a taller ride height, underbody skid plates, and TRD wheels with oversized, all-terrain tires. It also offers distinctive exterior colors along with plenty of "TRD Pro'' badging to make sure it's clear you're driving the most capable Tacoma on the block.

Engine and Performance

The base Toyota Tacoma is powered by a 159-horsepower 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 pound-feet of peak torque matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Given its meager horsepower rating, we would only recommend this engine if fuel economy is a top priority. In comparison, the base Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 200 hp teamed with a six-speed automatic. The Tacoma's optional engine is a potent 278-hp 3.5-liter V6. The engine can be mated to a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic. The uplevel gasoline engine in the Colorado and Canyon is a 308-hp 3.6-liter V6 with an eight-speed automatic. The Nissan Frontier comes solely with a 310-hp 3.8-liter V6 and nine-speed automatic. Though it seems the Tacoma is outgunned, V6-equipped models have more than adequate power, and braking performance is good across the board. The Jeep Gladiator might have a slight edge over the Tacoma for off-pavement driving. The Toyota also has excellent visibility in all directions, boosting driver confidence both on- and off-road.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The Toyota Tacoma's maximum payload is 1,685 pounds with the four-cylinder engine and 1,525 pounds with the V6. The maximum towing weight with the four-cylinder engine is 3,500 pounds. With the V6 engine and the Tow Prep package, that increases to 6,800 pounds. The tow package includes a Class IV receiver hitch, engine oil cooler, transmission fluid cooler, power steering cooler, 130-amp alternator, four- and seven-pin connector with converter, and trailer sway control.

Fuel Economy

The Toyota Tacoma isn't as fuel-efficient as most of its competitors, but the difference isn't stark. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the rear-drive Tacoma with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers an estimated 20 mpg during city driving and 23 mpg on the highway. The V6-equipped Tacoma earns 19/24 city/highway. With four-wheel drive, expect those figures to drop by 1 mpg or so. The four-cylinder-powered Colorado/Canyon twins from GM offer 19/25 mpg city/highway. The V6-powered Nissan Frontier is EPA-rated to get 18/24 mpg city/highway. The Ford Ranger, with its 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, returns 21/26 mpg city/highway.

Interior

The Toyota Tacoma tends to be more no-nonsense than its competitors, and its interiors lean toward utility over luxury. Even in the nicest Limited trim, it's clear that you're in a midsize truck. Everything is well assembled and easy to use, but the overall design is dated. The front seats are wide and supportive, but the low seating position can feel awkward. The Tacoma's Access Cab models provide under-seat rear storage with fold-up seat cushions. Double Cab Tacomas have 60/40-split rear seats with adjustable headrests and under-seat storage. Two adults will fit comfortably in an Access Cab Tacoma with plenty of lockable cargo space inside. The Double Cab Tacoma will hold five adult passengers in a pinch, but the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon have a roomier backseat. There isn't much lockable inside storage with the rear seat occupied, a common issue with midsize trucks.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The entry-level Toyota Tacoma SR gets a 7-inch display screen, while the other trims have a Toyota Entune infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen. All Tacomas have standard Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa. We found the 8-inch screen well placed, and the system worked easily without unnecessary fiddling. Three USB ports — one media, two for charging only — are standard across the lineup. The SR's 7-inch unit has six speakers, hands-free phone capability, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Navigation and a JBL premium audio system are available in the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road trims and standard in the TRD Pro and Limited trims. The current Toyota Entune system is much improved over earlier versions but not as intuitive as the systems in the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Ford Ranger.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued both rear-drive and four-wheel-drive 2022 Toyota Tacoma pickups a four-star safety rating, one star shy of the organization's highest honor. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Tacoma Good ratings in five of its six crashworthiness tests.

The Tacoma has a robust array of driver aids and safety systems, including standard adaptive cruise control and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection as part of the standard Toyota Safety Sense system.

Toyota Tacoma vs. the Competition

The Toyota Tacoma's reputation for longevity is a key reason it's the best-selling midsize pickup truck, and its rugged styling gives it a presence that other midsize trucks lack. The new Nissan Frontier offers a more refined interior design while the GM twins — GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado — are more comfortable in day-to-day driving and offer a roomier rear seat.

Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevrolet Colorado

Toyota Tacoma vs. GMC Canyon

Toyota Tacoma vs. Nissan Frontier

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Owner Reviews

2022 Toyota Tacoma Owner Ratings & Reviews

3rd Generation Toyota Tacoma

2016 - 2023

Overall Rating

4.3

Based on

Performance

4.3

Comfort

4.1

Fuel Efficiency

3.7

Safety Technology

4.3

Features

4.2

54%

28%

15%

2%

1%

Search

All reviews

Search

5.0

Performance

5.0

Comfort

5.0

Fuel Efficiency

3.0

Safety Technology

4.0

Features

5.0

Performance

5.0

Comfort

5.0

Fuel Efficiency

3.0

Safety Technology

4.0

Features

5.0

pros

Great truck, handles nice. They really spruced up the tires on the TRD off road. It’s a Toyota so I know it will last.

cons

Wish the car play would connect wirelessly but not sure if that’s on Toyota or apple. The radar for cruise control is a cool feature but could use improvement. Wish there was an option to turn it off while in cruise.

Submitted by J S on --- --- ----|2022 Toyota Tacoma SR Double Cab 5' Bed V6 4WD Automatic|Purchased on --- --- ----

4.0

Performance

4.0

Comfort

4.0

Fuel Efficiency

3.0

Safety Technology

3.0

Features

4.0

pros

I love that’s it’s manual transmission. I like that it has Apple CarPlay and Toyotas safety features. I bought it because it’s a very capable off-road vehicle and it is.

cons

Low visibility on the camera. Doesn’t have wireless apple CarPlay. Doesn’t have front parking sensor. Wish I could add factory 33 or 35 inch tires as an option.

Submitted by Felix L on --- --- ----|2022 Toyota Tacoma SR Double Cab 5' Bed V6 4WD Automatic|Purchased on --- --- ----

5.0

Performance

5.0

Comfort

5.0

Fuel Efficiency

3.0

Safety Technology

4.0

Features

4.0