Toyota’s most popular pickup truck remains the Tacoma, which has long been the dominant model in the midsize segment. Completely overhauled in 2024, the 2025 model continues with minor changes, including now-standard front tow hooks.
The new style is burly, but the high price point for top-of-the-line models such as our TRD Pro test vehicle, may override interest in this vehicle.
2025 Toyota Tacoma Overview
Toyota offers the 2025 Tacoma in 11 grades or configurations (see image below), ranging from the SR ($31,590) to the TRD Pro ($63,745). Add $1,495 for the destination/delivery charge.
There are two cab configurations: the two-door Xtra Cab with an additional two rear pivoting doors. This model seats four and has a six-foot bed. The Double Cab, found with most models, is a four-door and comes with a five-foot bed.
Toyota offers rear and four-wheel drive versions of the Tacoma. All 2025 models are powered by either a turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a hybrid powertrain that combines that same engine with an electric motor.
A few grades offer a manual transmission, while most come with an automatic. Various package upgrades supply dozens of additional configurations, with Toyota accessories such as running boards, a center console safe, and a towing package available.
Muscular Persona
We sometimes like to compare vehicles to people’s personalities. After all, a vehicle purchase often reflects an individual’s temperament, with most guys naturally interested in more rugged vehicles, such as pickup trucks.
We equate the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro to that muscular buddy who stands at 5-foot-6-inches or about a half-foot shorter than you. Those gym workout routines have paid off and everyone knows not to mess with him.
Though 90 percent the size of the full-size Toyota Tundra, the Tacoma does not come up short – it delivers the look and performance equal to its size. It may be smaller than the Tundra but watch out – the Tacoma packs a punch!
All 2025 Tacoma models advance a burly look, from a strong jaw to a broad hood and beyond. Upright roof pillars, a high beltline, and the usual rectangular truck bed are further touches common to the model line.
As for the muscular TRD Pro, the embellishments go beyond mere visual enhancements to include useful upgrades with off-roading in mind. To begin, the front fascia features TOYOTA lettering, replacing the brands recognizable logo.
Other upgrades include special LED lighting, a functional hood scoop, TRD Pro skid plates, forged aluminum upper control arms, blacked-out trim, and unique color options. The TRD Pro comes with 18-inch black alloy wheels fitted with all-terrain tires and offers a high-clearance front bumper and unique suspension tuning. Yes, some of the enhancements are not readily visible, but what makes this model a beast is apparent with its approach, breakover, and departure angles.
Room For Five
Inside, the crew cab offers room for five, while the double cab holds two or four in a pinch. Our test TRD Pro was hard to enter as it sits high and does not include a pillar grip bar that is common to full-size pickup trucks with a high stance.
I am not the young buck I once was, so lowering the seat, while pulling on the steering wheel is what got me inside. There is no side-step available either as this version is designed for aggressive off-roading.
The front seats are tall and comfortable. Our test model came with heating, cooling, and power lumbar support. The last feature is a must for anyone with lower back issues, including yours truly. A heated steering wheel takes the chill off the day.
Though seating is for five, four is more like it. You do not purchase a Tacoma primarily for seating capacity, particularly if you ride with big guys. The rear compartment is tight, usable for two adults or three children in a pinch. If you need more room, then shop the big Tundra instead.
Technology and Safety Features
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma features an 8-inch or available 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offer a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a head-up display, and an optional JBL audio system with a portable Bluetooth speaker.
Additional tech choices include wireless device charging, multiple USB-C ports, and a Multi-Terrain Monitor that provides camera views for off-road driving. Purists may laugh of the monitor, but it is certainly useful for negotiating challenging courses.
All models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system are also available.
What Drives Mr. Beast
Toyota offers a pair of engine choices with the 2025 Tacoma. Correction: the Tacoma features one engine, but with two very different powertrain arrangements.
Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque in standard form or 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque in high output.
But the most powerful choice builds on it all by adding a hybrid system with a maximum output of 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The latter is achieved through the placement of an electric motor in the bell housing which connects the engine to the transmission.
The standard (i-Force) engine works with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. The second engine, dubbed iForce Hybrid, also works with an 8-speed automatic. Depending on how the Tacoma is configured, it comes with standard rear-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, or full-time four-wheel drive. Choose the hybrid and it is a four-wheel drive vehicle.
And just for the record, our fully optioned model with the hybrid system is NOT geared toward efficiency. Instead, on paper, it offers only a 2 mpg advantage over the other powertrain choices, earning an EPA-rated 23 mpg.
But, we averaged only 17.7 mpg for our week, which involved a balance of highway and local driving. This is not your Prius-type hybrid – it is designed for maximum power and it delivers it all in spades.
On and Off the Road
The new powertrain arrangements yield a different driving experience for the Tacoma. Gone are previous naturally aspirated V6 and inline-four-cylinder engine choices. The modern and turbocharged engine under the hood is a difference-maker. Add in the hybrid system and this Tacoma clearly leads the pack.
But with beefy all-terrain tires underpinning our version of the Tacoma, all that power is not immediately realized on the open road. The Tacoma is fast, but with big tires on hand, you will not set 0-60 mph time records. You will, though, feel the power advantage and enjoy it, especially at passing speeds. The Tacoma never flags in zeal, delivering a spirited response under a host of driving conditions.
Where this model shines best is off-road. We wish we could tell you that we took advantage of all its articulation attributes. Unfortunately, the once undeveloped areas near us are now under construction or blocked off. The one ideal course for testing four-wheel drive models – the Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex at Uwharrie National Forest – opens on April 1st. We had the Tacoma in March. Yes, bummer.
In any case, we spent quality time on one of our favorite graveled, pothole-gutted roads and immediately found that the Tacoma grips tight no matter how bad the washout. At a relatively decent clip – 30 mph – the Tacoma moves forward with ease and stays planted on turns and dips. While traditional crossover SUVs navigate the same expanse with caution, we threw that to the wind, and in confidence.
The TRD Pro boasts impressive off-road capabilities, featuring a maximum ground clearance of 11.5 inches, an approach angle of 35.7 degrees, a breakover angle of 24.6 degrees, and a departure angle of 22.6 degrees. It is outfitted with FOX® 2.5-inch QS3 adjustable internal bypass shocks with rear remote reservoirs. It also features FOX Internal Floating Piston (IFP) rear bump stops for added bottom-out resistance.
The Tacoma drives and rides like a truck, so even with the comfort add-ons, you know that this is nothing like a car-based Honda Ridgeline. But you will also go places no Ridgeline would dare to travel, battling various Jeep and Land Rover models for off-road supremacy.
Toyota Tacoma Considerations
It goes without saying that the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is very expensive. Indeed, when we finished playing around with Toyota’s online build configurator, our test model came in at $68,917. Imagine paying nearly $70,000 for a midsize pickup truck!
Fortunately, there are models that come in for much less. Even so, a double cab with four-wheel drive will cost you about $42,000, while the smaller Xtra Cab will run a bit less. But look back just five years and you may note that Tacoma prices were far more reasonable with the base model starting at $26,050 and the TRD Pro retailing for $46,665.
What is a Tacoma shopper to do? Answer: shop aggressively, negotiate discounts, and be prepared to pay more. Inflation is stomping the auto industry with those costs passed on to consumers. Add in tariffs and we will see just how much those costs rise.
Finally, cross-shopping the Tacoma with models such as the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, Jeep Gladiator, and Nissan Frontier, will give you a better idea of how the market is faring these days. Just expect sticker shock everywhere you look.
Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.
Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources including NAPA, CarsDirect, CapitalOne, and Driven Autos.
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