There’s a reason the Tacoma is so popular, and the reason is that it is an affordable, stylish, highly-capable truck that is easily customizable and tears up both the roads and the trails. There are a lot of great trucks out there. Most truck enthusiasts are enthralled with full-size trucks since they provide a heftier vehicle without the mega-strength of a heavy-duty truck. Midsize trucks are fun, but most people don’t put them on the same playing field as full-size trucks due to their looks and relatively lower capability.
Some midsize trucks, however, hold their own and deserve special attention. If you look at a Toyota Tacoma for sale, you’ll likely notice that it stands out in the crowd of other midsize trucks. There’s a reason the Tacoma is so popular, and the reason is that it is an affordable, stylish, highly-capable truck that is easily customizable and tears up both the roads and the trails. It has the looks, the specs, and the versatility that make for an ideal combination in a midsize truck. But rather than take my word for it, let’s take a closer look at how this all comes together in the Tacoma.
The Looks
The thing which makes the Tacoma stand out from other midsize trucks, first and foremost, is its stronger appearance. Many midsize trucks have a weaker, smaller build. Put the Tacoma next to the Tundra, and you’ll still see that the Tacoma is midsize and not full-size, but it doesn’t look like it loses any strength in being a midsize pickup; it’s simply a condensed expression of that strength.
The Tacoma’s stance is wider, bolder, and stronger than most other midsize trucks. While its size may not be overwhelming, its stance communicates a strength well beyond the scope of other midsize trucks. This strength, combined with bold color schemes, makes for an inviting truck, sure to draw in anyone looking for adventure, fun, and more. Inside, you’ll find a surprisingly luxurious cabin that makes for an enjoyable drive, but the real selling points of the Tacoma stem directly from its robust architecture.
The Performance
The Tacoma’s architecture is designed to take whatever comes your way in stride. Some midsize trucks focus more on domestic use than work or off-roading. The Tacoma certainly will do just fine domestically, whether you live in the suburbs, the city, or the middle of nowhere. Admittedly, if you’re looking for a heavy-duty work truck, you’re going to want to look at the Tundra and possibly beyond. But––and this is a big but––don’t make the mistake of thinking that the Tacoma is not capable just because it is a midsize pickup.
Saying that the Tacoma is not made for off-roading is like saying that a chair is not made for sitting! The Tacoma lives and breathes adventure. Different trims focus more or less on off-roading performance, but one of the Tacoma’s key selling points is its rugged capability. The Tacoma’s way of life is to be ready for anything. While this, of course, applies to off-roading, the Tacoma is not a one-dimensional truck.
I mentioned before that the Tacoma isn’t necessarily a work truck. I stand by that because I don’t want to deceive those seeking a truck for the job site. However, that is not meant to say that the Tacoma is not good for towing, hauling, and other work-related activities. This truck offers a towing capacity of 6,800 lbs and a payload capacity of 1,685 lbs, combined with a choice of two engines. The optional 3.5-liter V6 engine is the star of the show, offering 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. It is even available with a manual transmission!
Off-Road Capability
With the Tacoma, you’ll receive special architecture and hardware designed for the trails. The 2023 model, for example, provides an electronic locking rear differential and Bilstein shocks to make sure you have a smooth ride with maximum traction and capability. Moreover, the 2023 Tacoma offers Multi-Terrain Select, which provides five different drive modes. Having this kind of flexibility ensures that your truck is ready to kick it into gear, no matter what gear the terrain may call for.
Taking things to the next level is the Tacoma TRD Pro. This is where the Tacoma’s off-roading prowess really shines. With a special TRD Pro skid plate (it literally says “TRD” on it), rugged flow-formed 16-inch wheels, TRD-tuned FOX internal bypass shocks, and Rigid Industries LED fog lamps, the TRD Pro is truly made for the roughest of off-roading journeys. There is an argument to be made that a midsize truck such as the Tacoma makes for a perfect off-roading tuck.
A full-size truck is exciting and perfect for those who want higher levels of work capability, but the heftier size can be an obstacle to effective off-roading. A midsize truck has the benefit of being more compact and, therefore, more flexible and maneuverable. This is a huge benefit when you’re trudging your way through mountainous terrains and environments that require higher levels of technical driving.
This is part of why the Tacoma continues to draw off-roaders back in; the combination of strong design cues and high-quality performance in difficult terrain makes for a truly exciting trucking experience. Plus, the reliable power behind the Tacoma allows drivers looking to do moderate amounts of work to carry out those tasks effectively while having a truck that is mainly oriented towards off-roading and adventure.
Customization Options
One of the notable qualities of the Tacoma that keeps drivers loyal to the truck is its flexibility, versatility, and customizability. Of course, customizability begins with having a good selection of trims and packages, and the Tacoma certainly offers these. But going beyond the factory options, the Tacoma can be custom-designed to suit drivers’ specific needs and desires. With a truck that offers a good-looking design and exciting performance capability, having a say in how this combination comes together to craft your own unique truck is an exciting process, ensuring an optimal fit. The Tacoma is a great truck, even if you purchase a non-custom model. But if you can make it ideal for you, then what’s not to like about that?
The Perfect Midsize Truck?
Trucks are popular vehicles, no matter what model you’re discussing. Because of the strength and versatility of the driving experiences they provide, trucks garner a lot of attention from enthusiasts. But the Tacoma is special because of its combination of solid architecture, high-level performance, off-roading prowess, and opportunity for customization. Serious off-roaders have the option of the TRD Pro, which takes everything that makes the Tacoma a great midsize truck and capitalizes upon it to create an off-roader of the highest proportions. Even those new to off-roading and not necessarily looking for a trailblazer can enjoy a highly-capable truck that can perform in off-roading situations.
The Tacoma is a perfect pick for those seeking a midsize truck for suburban life, urban life, or life on the trails. The Tacoma has a specific focus yet casts its net to a wide audience. Drivers keep coming back to the Tacoma because it is a quality product. It’s as simple as that. Think of it on a smaller scale: when you find a quality product at the grocery store, you’re likely to buy it again and tell other people about it. It’s the same concept here, only the quality is much higher because the product is on a much higher level. The Tacoma is a truck that has earned its popularity.
