The new 2020 Toyota Tacoma is out. Well, the best-selling mid-size truck is not bringing too many surprises. Without big changes, other vehicles are under the spotlight for now. Still, there are a few noteworthy upgrades, and what is more important, big plans for the future.
Fans finally got what they waited for so long. No, it is not a diesel engine. Toyota added Android Auto to the new Tacoma and a few other models. Now, the truck offers both this and Apple CarPlay connectivity. What’s more, the Entune system goes into a new generation as well. The small pickup continues to use the same engines as its predecessors. We wanted to hear more about diesel Tacoma, but the company still doesn’t unveil plans about it. On the other hand, rumors about the hybrid drivetrain are warming up.
Infotainment System is Better Than Ever
We knew that new 2020 Toyota Tacoma is going to use Apple CarPlay. Also, we could predict it won’t take too long before the company adds the other major connectivity service, Android Auto. A 7-inch display is available in the base trucks, while the upper trim levels enlarge the screen to 8 inches. The latest version of Entune multimedia system arrived in 2018, and in 2020 or 2021 it will get a new update. Well, the thing in this segment is evolving very fast. That is why we can’t predict what kind of upgrades the Japanese developers can bring. More self-driving and connectivity features for sure.
Colors
Toyota unveiled only one new color for the upcoming 2020 Tacoma. It will be Army Green, and it is available for TRD Pro trim level. Other models will also get the refreshed palette of paint jobs. Depending on trim levels, we can find a total of 10 colors for the current truck. For the next season, the company will revisit and refresh the offer.
Unchanged Engine Lineup for 2020 Toyota Tacoma
Petrol drivetrains are the same for the new 2020 Toyota Tacoma. That means buyers are going to choose between a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and a 3.5-liter V6. The first one is there for entry-level pickups and it can produce 160 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. The inline-four engine is not too efficient, but the starting price is its main advantage. Serious truckers will opt for a V6 powertrain with 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. With it, Tacoma can tow 7,000 pounds. It is still less than the Chevy Colorado’s 7,700 lbs.
Again – No Diesel
Even the new Jeep Gladiator can haul 7,600 pounds. And, what is more important, it uses a diesel engine to do so. Well, this could trigger the alarm in Toyota. For years we are listening about diesel Tacoma. With every new premiere, fans expect to hear the release date. It seems like the Japanese company had other plans. But now, with the expansion of this market (Ford Ranger is about to deliver diesel engine), Toyota’s mid-size truck could finally get the powertrain we are waiting for more than 5 years.
Some sources are claiming they know the release date for the USA diesel Tacoma. READ MORE ABOUT IT
Hybrid is Priority
Well, instead of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma diesel, we could see the 2020 Tacoma Hybrid. This is one of the explanations of why the truckmaker is not delivering the alternative to the petrol engine. But, how would a hybrid unit do all the things drivers expect from a truck? Well, a 3.5-liter unit is already electrified, for Toyota Highlander SUV. So, this could be an excellent start for further upgrades and tuning for a pickup truck segment. Toyota must pay attention to towing capacity and off-road capabilities, which are questionable for every hybrid. On the other hand, we can expect a huge boost for gas mileage.
Read more about Toyota Tacoma Hybrid
2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Upgrades
We already mentioned that the 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro model will offer a new color, Army Green. Besides that, the Japanese company is expanding the choice or the TRD Pro off-road squad. The fourth member is the Sequoia SUV. Tacoma mid-size truck will get a revisited suspension. Fox shocks remain the most important part of the package. Also, few other parts will improve durability and a visual appearance of the TRD Pro Tacoma. LED lamps and DRL lamps are added, and the truck uses all-new 16-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires.