After the success of Toyota Tacoma’s third generation’s second model, the 2018 Tacoma, which proved to be the highlight in the middle of a record year for the midsize truck market, the third model, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma, has rolled out.

Sturdy, bold, and modern, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma is designed to live up to the reputation of its predecessor with additional modern amenities and upgrades to further enhance its performance.

Engine

The model packs a 2.7 liter Inline-4 engine, or a 3.5 liter V6 engine (depending on the model), and is paired with Toyota’s direct-injection technology to provide the perfect mix of efficiency and power.

The SR and SR5 models pack 159 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and a 180 torque at 3,800 RPM. However, pricier models (SR V6 and onwards) pack 278 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and a 265 torque at 4,600 RPM.

All models, bar the top-most TRD Pro, support a rear wheel drive system. The TRD Pro is a four-wheel drive.

At the basic level, the transmission remains a 6-speed automatic system, with an option for a manual transmission and overdrive capabilities for the high-end TRD Pro.

Appearance

The new Tacoma flaunts blocky, bold looks that are complemented by a high-riding front bumper and flared fenders. The grille consumes the majority of the front of the vehicle, but is appropriately sized for the Tacoma.

Available in a plethora of different colors, Toyota leaves ample room for personal preferences for its consumers, introducing a number of different colors; each that stands out individually from the nine color options. The Midnight Black Metallic and the Voodoo Blue are welcome additions to the conventional pallet of greyish hues.

The tailgate of a pickup is a commonplace adaptation among midsize trucks. The 2019 Tacoma comes with distinct, grade-specific headlights and a visible, enlarged TACOMA embossed right at the bottom-center of the removable locking tailgate.

The headlights feature LEDs, which are DRL (Daytime Running Lights), enabling them to add that extra bit of style and robustness to the tough build of Toyota’s Tacoma 2019. In addition to DRLs, the headlights feature the standard projector beam headlights for extra visibility in the dark.

The 2019 Tacoma also features a sliding rear window, which can be opened at a touch of the button to allow ample ventilation and sunlight.

Available Configurations

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma lineup was comprehensive and packed with six different trim levels. From the entry-level SR followed by the SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro.

Here’s how they lined up:

SR

The least expensive Toyota Tacoma is priced between  $25,700 and $28,775 MSRP. The Tacoma SR can be made into an extended cab that consists of a 6.1-foot bed or crew cab, with a 5-foot bed. Users can choose between two-wheel drive and part-time four-wheel drive.

The SR features 16-inch wheels, as well as a privacy glass. The exterior consists of heated-power adjustable side mirrors, and a movable cleat tie-down system.

The make also features a backup camera, a four-way adjustable cloth sheet, tilt and telescope steering wheel, and a 4.2-inch driver display screen.

SR5

With an MSRP of $27,475 to $32,265, the SR5 packs in all that the SR includes, and further upgrades on the basic model.

Like the SR model, it can also be extended to accommodate a 6.1 foot-bed while the exterior of the SR5 is complemented by chrome trims and 16-inch wheels. The SR5 showcases a keyless entry and an advanced steering wheel wrapped in leather, equipped with buttons for advanced control over the upgraded Entune audio system.

TRD Sport

The Tacoma TRD Sport is priced at an MSRP range of $32,395 to $37,225. The biggest change from the previous models is the upgraded 3.5L V6 engine. Other changes include its 17-inch alloy wheels, body-colored fender flares, rear bumper, hood scoop, and a 120-volt and 400-watt fixed power outlet in the bed.  

Moreover, the TRD Sport also offers a smartphone charging pad, and a large 7-inch touchscreen.

TRD Off-Road

The TRD Off-Road is priced at an MSRP of $33,650-$37,225 and is quite similar to the TRD Sport version, but offers slight upgrades. Differences include a chrome rear bumper, textured black fender flares, and the absence of the Sport’s hood scoop.

Built for off-road terrains, the Tacoma eliminates the front air dam and skid plates and includes a lockable rear differential, Bilstein mono-tube shocks, and an advanced off-road traction control system that can be customized for multiple terrains and crawl control.

Limited

As one of the higher end versions of the Toyota Tacoma 2019, the Tacoma Limited is priced at $37,640 to $40,715.

Built for the streets, it lacks off-road features but packs in a lot of optional features from Tacoma Sport and Tacoma Off-Road to make it a comprehensive package.

TRD Pro

TRD Pro is the only Tacoma model that is offered in a manual transmission system. Sold around the MSRP range of $42,810 to $43,500, the TRD Pro is only available as a crew cab with a short bed, and is the most advanced off-road offering. Other upgrades that make it the best for off-road travel include Fox internal bypass shocks, all-terrain tires, a thicker front skid plate, and an inch longer ride height.

The Toyota Tacoma 2019 delivers on the promise of Toyota’s tradition of producing reliable, sturdily-built trucks that provide a smooth ride and optimum driving comfort. The variety of models available, coupled with additional advanced features, give drivers  plenty of options when looking for a truck that suits their needs.

From the basic SR level and the street-specific Limited, to the off-road specialist TRD Pro – Toyota Tacoma is poised to be the missing piece within the midsize pickup truck market.

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This article was worked on by a variety of people from the Autoversed team, including freelancers, editors, and/or other full-time employees.