It’s hardly a secret. People like their big trucks, especially men. They feature powerful engines, terrific towing and hauling capacities, and these days typically come as four-door crew cabs.
In the U.S., oversized trucks still dominate sales and revenue. If you’re the type who only wants to buy American, a hefty truck is the way to go, thanks to Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge/Ram, which continue to dominate market share. The Ford F-Series remains the No. 1 selling truck in America, a position it has held for nearly half a century,
However, there is one midsize truck that has always stood up to the “big boys.” The Toyota Tacoma enjoyed sales of 192,813 a year ago. And after sampling the 2025 Toyota Tacoma, we’re fairly certain that figure will be exceeded this year.
Halfway through 2025, Tacoma sales were 130,873, an increase of 88.5% from the same period in 2024. In comparison, one of its nearest rivals, the Chevy Colorado, was nowhere near Tacoma sales, reporting 98,012 for 2024. Two years ago, more than 44 percent of smaller trucks sold were a Tacoma.
So, what’s driving Tacoma sales? It’s an impressive do-it-all truck that serves multiple needs. It can be the simple around-town driving vehicle, do some heavy lifting when needed, and serve as an efficient off-road vehicle that’s looking for adventure. It’s extremely affordable too, starting at just under $34,000.
And getting that just-right Tacoma is extremely possible because there are 11 trim models – SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, TRD Sport i-FORCE MAX, TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX, Limited i-FORCE MAX, Trailhunter, and TRD P.
We got multiple compliments on the “Mudbath” exterior color that was paired with a black roof. Toyota says the “two-tone combination is a rich, matte brown, designed to complement the truck’s off-road capabilities and adventurous spirit.”
The adventures can be had with every version of the Tacoma. Standard off-road features include four-wheel drive, Bilstein shocks, skid plates, locking rear differential to enhance off-road performance, 17-inch all-terrain tires, and Multi-Terrain Select that includes features like Crawl Control.
The Tacoma comes with either a 5-foot or 6-foot bed length. The available payload capacity is 1,700 pounds and when properly equipped the Tacoma can be a workhorse with a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.
Last year when Toyota redesigned the Tacoma, it came out with a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine lineup and ditched the previous V6 models. The standard engine is a turbo 2.4-liter, four-cylinder that generate 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. It goes 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds and gets 23-24 mpg.
An upgraded engine is a turbo 2.4-liter, four-cylinder that combines with an electric motor to produce 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. It goes 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds and the fuel economy is 21-26 mpg.
AT A GLANCE – 2025 TOYOTA TACOMA
- Performance: turbocharged 2.4-liter, four-cylinder, 228 horsepower; electric motor, turbo 2.4-liter, four-cylinder, 326 horsepower
- Estimated mileage: 23-24 mpg; 21-26 mpg
- Price: $33,890 to $64,200
- Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; drivetrain 5 years/60,000 miles; corrosion 5 years/unlimited; roadside assistance 2 years/unlimited
The Tacoma has a refined suspension, handles smoothly for a truck, and is fairly easy to maneuver in tight spots. Standard driver safety features include automatic emergency braking, pre-collision with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, road sign assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.
Interior highlights include an easy-to-master 8.0-inch touchscreen interface (we had the upgraded 14-inch screen) and a fully adjustable 10-way driver’s seat. The interior is more about durability than luxury, but that’s expected from a truck.
If residing in the cab, the seating offers solid room and comfort. But the rear seats feel cramped and the leg room is poor, a typical trait of midsize trucks. A 400-watt household-style power outlet is an option that might come in handy.
For folks looking for a midsize truck, there are many good reasons to pick the well-rounded 2025 Toyota Tacoma. Offered at a reasonable price and with 11 trim models, there’s seemingly something for everyone in the Tacoma lineup.
Weidel on Wheels is featured regularly on www.tahoeskiworld.com. Auto writer Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jeffweidel.
