2026 Toyota Tacoma Review

The 2026 Toyota Tacoma stands alone in its segment for a couple of reasons.

For one, it’s the only midsize truck to outsell its company’s full-size model. It’s also the only pickup of any size that still offers a manual transmission, which is the version tested here.

The Tacoma is offered as a hybrid, but the six-speed manual is strictly available with the gas-only engine, and with a five-foot bed. The Tacoma lineup starts at $50,825, including a non-negotiable delivery fee of $1,930, while the manual-equipped model is $52,400 before tax. This one was further optioned with a TRD Sport+ package that brought it to $56,199 before taxes.

Styling: 7/10

The designers were obviously going for a bold look when they redesigned the Tacoma for 2024, but its bulked-up nose overpowers the front end. The angular tailgate and rear lights add interest, but the chunky bumper corners pull the truck downward visually. On the plus side, this tester’s handsome shade of Mudbath paint is a no-charge colour.

The same sort of oversized look suits the cabin, with chunky and modular styling that appears as functional as it is in practice. It includes big buttons and dials, an eight-inch screen atop the dash, and a grab handle on the console.

Safety: 8/10

The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2026 Tacoma four out of five stars in crash tests. The not-for-profit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hadn’t finished all its tests at time of this writing, but it earned the top “Good” in the small front overlap and side crashes, along with vehicle and pedestrian identification for its emergency front braking; and the next-step-down “Acceptable” for headlight performance.

Standard driver-assist technologies include emergency front braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping and tracing assist, road sign recognition, automatic high-beam control, and the back-up camera that’s mandated on all new vehicles.

Features: 8/10

The manual-equipped Tacoma starts out as the TRD Off Road; and while that trim with an automatic transmission has a six-foot bed, the manual version has a five-foot box instead. Standard features include 17-inch wheels with a locking rear differential, Bilstein shocks, an eight-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, single-zone climate control, auto-dimming mirror, heated cloth seats, a heated steering wheel, power-sliding rear window, and push-button start.

The one tested here had the optional TRD Sport+ package. It’s more street than off-road, substituting 18-inch wheels with all-season tires and a sport-tuned suspension, and removing the Off Road’s locking rear differential. It also adds such features as a power sunroof, body-colour fender flares, power-adjustable front seats, a wireless charger, smartphone-as-key functionality, and an upgraded stereo.

User Friendliness: 8/10

It isn’t an easy climb up into the Tacoma if you’re of shorter stature, but the situation improves once you’re inside. There are large dials for cabin temperature and fan speed, and toggles or buttons for the vent modes and heated seats. Another dial looks after the four-wheel-drive system and drive modes, and the touchscreen is simple to use. The steering wheel controls are also well done, including curved edges to help direct thumbs to their intended targets.

Practicality: 7/10

The Tacoma is traditionally more of a lifestyle truck than work model, and it trails its competitors when it comes to grunt. Maximum towing capacity is 2,903 kg (6,400 lb), whereas its body-on-frame rivals off more. The Nissan Frontier is rated to pull 3,030 kg (6,680 lb); the Ford Ranger is good for 3,402 kg (7,500 lb); and the Chevrolet Colorado can pull 3,493 kg (7,700 lb). Payload for the manual-equipped Tacoma is 690 kg (1,521 lb).

Comfort: 6/10

The previous-generation Tacoma had front seats that were too close to the floor, causing complaints about cramped confines (and cramped legs) for years. They were raised during the truck’s 2024 makeover and they’re better, but they’re still not as comfortable as those in its competitors. The seat cushions are flat, and while they’re fine for short trips, they get hard during long drives. The ride is firm and the suspension eagerly transmits bumps and rough pavement into the cabin.

Power: 8/10

The Tacoma is powered by a turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder. It makes 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with the manual transmission compared to 268 hp and 317 lb-ft with the eight-speed automatic. It’ll get you where you’re going, but the engine is rumbly and acceleration builds gradually. If you’re trying to start it in a tough off-road spot and with only two feet for three pedals, there’s a button for clutchless start. With the ignition in accessory mode and the shifter in first gear, the feature will start the engine without the clutch pushed in.

Driving Feel: 7/10

If you want the manual because that’s how trucks used to be, that’s what you’ll get. The clutch has a lot of travel, the gear stick’s throws are long, and you often need a quick shifter-wiggle to find the gear slots. Still, it’s an easy truck to drive without stalling, and it’s up to each driver to determine if the lack of precision is nostalgic or annoying. It includes automatic rev-matching and the system does an excellent job of smoothing out the downshifts on its own. If you prefer to blip your own throttle, you can turn it off.

The four-wheel-drive system has high- and low-range gearing meant for off-road scenarios since there’s no automatic setting for use on pavement. The Tacoma goes where you point it but it drives bigger than it is, especially with its beefy steering wheel and the somewhat obstructed view over the hood scoop.

Fuel Economy: 8/10

The Tacoma with manual transmission is rated by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) at 13.2 L/100 km in the city, 10.3 on the highway, and 11.9 combined, and it takes regular-grade gasoline. In my week with it, I averaged 12.4. With the automatic, the Tacoma is rated at 11.2 L/100 km combined. It’s in line with rivals in the segment, where the Ford Ranger is good for 11.2, the Chevrolet Colorado is 12.3, and the Nissan Frontier is 12.4.

Value: 8/10

The Tacoma starts in SR5 trim at $50,825 and goes to $62,461. The manual comes only in TRD Off Road trim, the next step up from the SR5, at $52,400. That trim with the automatic, which also gives you a slightly bigger bed, is $54,505.

Among its body-on-frame rivals, the Chevrolet Colorado starts in two-wheel drive — the only midsize that does — at $42,099, while four-wheel-drive models are $46,099 to $63,399. The Ford Ranger runs from $45,365 to $57,590, while the Nissan Frontier, which has seen its lineup pared down this year, is $58,528 to $62,128. (All prices include delivery.)

The Verdict

In a world of automatics, Toyota to its credit still offers a manual transmission. However, the 2026 Toyota Tacoma is a new truck that feels old. Its rivals offer tighter handling, a smoother ride, and snappier engine performance, which will sway many buyers. But then those competitors also don’t have a third pedal, which is enough to set this pickup apart.

Specifications

Trim Tested

2026 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab MT

Base Price

$50,470

Options

$3,799 — TRD Sport + package, $3,799

A/C Tax

$100

Destination

$1,930

Price as Tested

$56,299

Displacement

2.4L

Cylinder Count/Configuration

Turbo I4

Horsepower

270 hp @ 5,400 rpm

Torque

310 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm

Fuel Economy

13.2 / 10.3 / 11. 9 L/100 km cty/hwy/cmb

Cargo Space

5’ / 1,524 mm bed