What are the cons of a Toyota Tacoma?
At a glance, the Tacoma’s drawbacks include a rough ride on base models, limited engine options and modest fuel economy, an aging interior in some trims, cramped rear seating on Access Cab configurations, and a higher price for the equipment you get.
Performance and efficiency
Engine options and their implications
The Tacoma offers two engines—a 2.7-liter four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V6—typically paired with a six-speed automatic, with a manual historically offered only on select trims and not widely available today. This setup leads to several trade-offs for buyers:
- Underpowered acceleration with the base 2.7L, especially when loaded or when towing.
- V6 performance is solid for pulling, but overall fuel economy sits behind some rivals in the midsize segment.
- Maximum towing reaches around 6,800 pounds with the V6 and Tow package, which is competitive but not class-leading.
In short, the Tacoma prioritizes reliability and off-road capability over outright power and efficiency, which can matter for daily driving or long highway commutes.
Ride, handling, and off-road orientation
On-road comfort vs. off-road capability
Designed to excel off-road, the Tacoma’s firm suspension and rugged tuning can make the on-road ride feel busier than some rivals. The firm setup is welcome on trails but can be less comfortable on city streets or long highway drives. Noise and refinement also trail behind more polished midsize trucks in certain trims.
- Rougher ride in base and certain off-road-oriented configurations compared with some rivals.
- Higher cabin noise at highway speeds in some trims.
- Handling and steering feel can be less composed in everyday driving compared with newer rivals.
Bottom line: the Tacoma’s strength is its off-road prowess; for daily driving, you may notice less comfort and refinement than newer competition.
Interior, technology, and comfort
Design and tech maturity
The interior leans rugged and durable, but in several trims it lags behind competitors in material quality, refinement, and standard tech. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were added in later model years, leaving older Tacomas without modern smartphone integration, and the cabin can feel dated by today’s standards.
- Interior materials and fit-and-finish aren’t as upscale as some rivals.
- Rear-seat space varies by cab: Access Cab is notably tighter for adults on longer trips.
- Infotainment can be sluggish on older models and may require newer trims for a more current experience.
Summary: the Tacoma prioritizes function and toughness over cabin luxury and the latest tech, which matters for buyers who value a quiet, high-tech interior.
Practicality, cab/bed configurations, and cargo
How configuration affects usability
Choosing the right body style and bed length is important with the Tacoma, and it can constrain cargo versatility depending on how you plan to use the truck.
- Access Cab configurations offer smaller rear doors and less rear-seat space, which can hinder passenger comfort and bed access.
- Bed length and overall cargo versatility may feel limited versus some midsize rivals, depending on cab choice.
- Storage and cargo organization options in lower trims are basic compared with newer competitors.
Bottom line: for buyers who regularly haul large or bulky cargo or need easy rear-seat access, the Tacoma’s configuration choices can feel restrictive.
Pricing, value, and ownership costs
Cost considerations for practical ownership
Tacomas tend to carry a higher sticker price within the midsize segment, especially for crew-cab and off-road variants. Ongoing costs—fuel, maintenance, and repairs—tend to align with a durable, aging design, which can translate to higher than average expenses for some trim levels.
- Higher starting prices, particularly for TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims, can limit value compared with some rivals.
- Fuel economy is not class-leading, especially with the V6 and 4x4 configurations.
- Parts, servicing, and potential repairs can be costlier due to specialized components and the truck’s rugged orientation, even though overall reliability remains strong.
Conclusion: you’re paying a premium for proven reliability and off-road capability, and ownership costs reflect that blend of durability and capability.
Bottom line and alternatives
The Toyota Tacoma remains a standout for buyers who prize proven durability, strong off-road capability, and solid resale value. Its main drawbacks are on-road comfort in base configurations, a limited engine lineup with modest efficiency, interior tech that lags behind newer rivals, and configuration-related practicality challenges. If these trade-offs align with your priorities, the Tacoma can be a dependable choice; if smooth daily driving, cutting-edge tech, or maximum cargo versatility are higher on your list, you may want to consider rivals such as the Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, Chevrolet Colorado, or the larger Toyota Tundra as alternatives.
Summary
The Toyota Tacoma excels where it counts for many buyers—reliability, off-road capability, and strong resale. Its cons center on ride comfort, efficiency, interior tech maturity, and configuration-driven practicality. Weighing these factors against your needs will help determine whether the Tacoma fits your daily life or if a rival offers a better balance of on-road comfort and cargo versatility.
