Small pickups like the 2019 Toyota Tacoma are desirable vehicles in North America. As the segment is expanding, can the Tacoma remain as one of the best?
If we’re to get right down to it, pickup trucks such as the Tacoma and the 2019 Ford Ranger are the ultimate vehicles. Think about it. With a double/crew or 4-door configuration, they not only can carry everyone but can haul loads of gear in the box and tow considerable trailers.
The return of the Ranger will likely have a positive impact on how consumers with small families, for example, view how useful a compact pickup can be for them and this, whether or not there’s towing involved. In fact, with a bed box, these vehicles are just about impossible to beat.
Toyota’s had a small pickup in its lineup for almost ever. From the late 60s on, the Toyota Pickup built a reputation for durability, reliability and utility. If rust did not get to it, it simply would not die. Then, in 1985, it became famous thanks to Back To The Future as the black SR5 xtra cab suddenly turned out to be an object of desire. The “pickup” transformed into the Tacoma in the mid-90s and has become the one by which all are others are measures.
2019 Toyota Tacoma | Photo: Matt St-Pierre
Although Toyota has just announced that the 2020 Tacoma will be on the receiving end of some upgrades, the truck’s nuts and bolts are unchanged. If you’re in the market for a compact pickup and are unsure if you should shop and Toyota Tacoma or a new Ford Ranger, check out our quick comparison test. You could also read the following and find out if the 2019 Tacoma is right for you:
Why You Should Buy a 2019 Toyota Tacoma
1) The Tacoma is about as safe as a mother’s embrace – you’ll never want to let go.
2) The 3.5-litre V6 needs nothing more than occasional attention in order to keep going, and going, and going…
3) Resale values for the Tacoma are extremely strong no matter the trim or mileage. The Toyota Tacoma is an icon.
4) The tested 4×4 V6 6A SB TRD Pro edition is nothing short of a street-legal Baja truck. It can tackle ANYTHING, ANYWHERE and at ANY TIME. The Fox shocks are remarkable both on- and off-road.
5) The 2019 Toyota Tacoma is the only one of its kind that can be spec’d out with a manual transmission, if we exclude the 2020 Jeep Gladiator…
2019 Toyota Tacoma Interior | Photo: Matt St-Pierre
Why You Shouldn’t Buy a 2019 Toyota Tacoma
1) The 2019 Tacoma’s pricing structure is somewhat exaggerated. The base 4×2 Access Cab truck is more expensive than some of its competitors including the new Ford Ranger which offers 4×4 as standard in Canada.
2) For 2019, technology and feature levels are low when compared to the competition from Ford and GM. The 2020 Tacoma has more kit – we do not however know if pricing will increase.
3) Capability ratings are lower than many members of the segment. Relatedly, although the 3.5-litre’s got decent power, its output is among the lowest in the segment.
4) If you’re into off-roading, the $57,000 TRD Pro won’t let you down. Problem is that a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 with the Power and Bison Packages is barely a $1,000 more and offers lots more content visually and mechanically.
2019 Toyota Tacoma Truck Bed | Photo: Matt St-Pierre
Conclusion
We’re immense fans of the Toyota Tacoma but the reality is that it’s no longer alone in the segment. Before the GMs and Ford returned, it faced competition from the Nissan Frontier and Honda Ridgeline – in other words, it owned the category.
If the future, at least in part, belongs to small pickups with the possible arrival of offerings from Hyundai and Volkswagen, Toyota needs to up their game in North America. Then, there’s that new Jeep Gladiator too…
The Tacoma will survive a while on its reputation, but we think it needs more than some additional tech to keep buyers interested in the medium-run. Bottom line is that the 2019 Toyota Tacoma is an excellent choice no matter what. We’d consider the 4×4 Double Cab V6 manual SB at $42,000.
2019 Toyota Tacoma Images Gallery
