What years are 3rd gen Toyota pickups?
The most common reference points to a 3rd-generation Toyota pickup are the third generation of the Tacoma (the US-market midsize truck), which began with the 2016 model year and is still current.
There is also the global Hilux pickup line, where the third generation spans roughly 1989–1997, with regional variations that sometimes push into the late 1990s. If you can specify your market, I can give you the exact years for that region.
Two common interpretations of the term
Tacoma: the US-market 3rd generation
The Tacoma's third generation represents the model launched for the 2016 model year, replacing the second-generation Tacoma. It remains the current generation in North America, receiving updates through the years and continuing production into the mid-2020s.
Model-year range:
- 2016–present
This is the generation most often cited when people refer to a 3rd-generation Toyota pickup in the United States and Canada.
Hilux: the global pickup's 3rd generation
In Toyota's global Hilux lineup (sold as Toyota Pickup in some markets), the third generation runs from the late 1980s into the late 1990s. Because production timelines vary by country, the core window is typically cited as 1989–1997, with some markets extending to 1998 or shifting the start by a year.
Core years by region (typical ranges):
- 1989–1997 (core window; some markets list 1988–1996 or 1990–1999)
Note: Exact start and end years differ by country and update cycles, so a regional brochure or dealer archive will give the precise mapping.
Summary
In most discussions, the 3rd-generation Toyota pickup refers to the current Tacoma generation, dating from model year 2016 and continuing today. For the global Hilux pickup, the 3rd generation generally covers 1989–1997, with regional variations that may extend into 1998. If you specify your market or country, I can provide a precise year range for that region.
What year is a 3rd gen Toyota Pickup?
Q: When was the Toyota Pickup - 3rd Gen produced? A: The Toyota Pickup - 3rd Gen was sold for model years 1979 to 1983.
What is the best year for Gen 3 Tacoma?
The best 3rd gen Tacoma years are generally considered to be 2020-2023 because they include key updates like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and improved transmission tuning, say Reddit users. Other popular choices are 2021-2022, which some sources cite as having top reliability ratings and the kinks from earlier models worked out, according to Reddit users. For those prioritizing technology, the later years are better, while the earlier models can offer a lower purchase price.
You can watch this video for a general overview of the third generation Toyota Tacoma: 1mAutotraderYouTube · Apr 3, 2025
Recommended years
- 2020-2023: The mid-cycle refresh brought significant tech upgrades and fixes for issues like transmission "gear hunting".
- Pros: Includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a power driver's seat, along with a better-tuned transmission.
- 2021-2022: These years are often cited for top reliability scores from sources like Consumer Reports.
- Pros: All major updates from the 2020 refresh are present, and the engine kinks are said to be resolved.
Other considerations
- Early models (2016-2019): These are still reliable and can be found at a lower price point. However, they lack the modern tech features of the later models, such as Apple CarPlay, notes Reddit.
- Maintenance: Regardless of the year, routine maintenance is crucial for long-term reliability.
- Manual transmission: If you prefer manual shifting, some model years offer a manual transmission option, which some drivers prefer for better control.
What years are considered 3rd gen Toyota Tacoma?
Toyota Tacoma Generations
- 1st Generation Toyota Tacoma (1995 – 2004)
- 2nd Generation Toyota Tacoma (2005 – 2015)
- 3rd Generation Toyota Tacoma (2016 – 2023)
- Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner (1998 – 2015)
- Toyota Tacoma S-Runner (2000 – 2004)
- Toyota Tacoma X-Runner (2005 – 2015)
- Toyota Tacoma Ironman (2008)
What year is the 4th gen Toyota?
2003-2009
Fourth Generation, 2003-2009
While the midsize SUV retained its truck-based roots, it offered a new V8 engine and a new gear mechanism that automatically distributed torque between wheels based on traction.
