Used Toyota, Tacomas for sale at EchoPark

Toyota Tacoma

Among the most sought-after pickup trucks in America is the Toyota Tacoma, an absolute workhorse with great off-road capabilities and pocket-friendly fuel economy.

Like other Toyota trucks, the Tacoma is known for its super strong construction. It’s good for hauling and even better for off-roading. Fans of manual gear shifting will enjoy the manual transmission in this truck’s base trim, and the most recent generation of the Toyota Tacoma has been electrified with several hybrid trims.

For those looking for a used Toyota Tacoma, Echo Park is the answer. Each vehicle is thoroughly inspected so buyers can buy with peace of mind.

About the Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck that came out in 1995. Now in its fourth generation, it experienced noticeable improvements in its construction, performance, and ride quality. It’s built on the same platform used for the larger Toyota Tundra truck.

From 2016 to 2023 (third generation), the Toyota Tacoma came in two cab styles: access and double cab with a five- or six-foot bed. As for the trims, there are seven:

• SR: Base trim with six-speed manual transmission and two seats
• SR5: Base trim with eight-speed automatic transmission and two seats
• TRD Sport: Features TRD sport-tuned transmission
• TRD Off-Road: Built for tackling tough terrain with features like skid plates and an electronic locking rear differential
• Limited: Premium trim with larger wheels and luxurious interior details
• TRD Pro: The highest trim with the most off-road capabilities thanks to an upgraded suspension, Fox shocks, and other exclusive features

The fourth generation added two more trims: TRD Pre-Runner (first offered in the second generation) and Trailhunter, a brand new trim with suspension made of Old Man Emu components.

The latest generation also introduced five hybrid trims with i-FORCE MAX powertrain (TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, Trailhunter, and TRD Pro).

The latest generation also introduced five hybrid trims with i-FORCE MAX powertrain (TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, Trailhunter, and TRD Pro).

Key Features

Here are three key features of the Toyota Tacoma.

Automatic Transmission

Although manual transmission has been an option in base trims for several years, most Toyota Tacoma trims feature automatic transmission. There are two options: six-speed or eight-speed. Both deliver a smooth and convenient driving experience and optimal power to the engine.

Cab Options

Buyers can pick from two cab configurations that cater to different passenger and cargo needs. The access configuration offers more cargo space with two seats and a jump seat. However, as of 2024 the jump seat and the rear two doors have been removed. It’s also been renamed as XtraCab. The jump seat is available on pre-2024 models.

The more popular configuration, double or crew cab, offers five seats with ample legroom. Both cabs have the option of five- or six-foot beds, but some trims may not offer both sizes.

Rugged Construction

While some trims, like the TRD family, pack in more off-roading capabilities, all trims have the same body and frame, which is incredibly rugged. With high ground clearance and a reliable suspension system, even the base trims can withstand harsh conditions and uneven roads. The high-strength steel construction makes this truck safe, reducing collision impact.

Towing

Towing capacity varies by model year, trim, and cab configuration. The maximum towing capacity with a V6 engine is 6,800 pounds. Trims equipped with a four-cylinder engine have a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

Performance

A used Toyota Tacoma can rival a new truck when it comes to performance, provided it's maintained well. The four-cylinder engine found in older generations is not as powerful as its six-cylinder counterpart on most trims, so the latter is recommended if performance is a priority.

On models 2015 through 2023, the Toyota Tacoma had two engines: the 2.7-liter I4 and the 3.5-liter V6. The latter has been the more sought-after choice for obvious reasons — higher power and a smoother ride. The difference in power and torque is quite noticeable. The I4 engine delivers 159 horsepower and torque of 189 pound-foot, whereas the V6 offers 278 horsepower and torque of 265 pound-foot.

The latest generation has seen Toyota drop the V6 in favor of turbocharged V4 engines, which has been a bit of a controversial move. However, the company attributed this decision to improving fuel economy and reducing emissions.

For the base trims, the horsepower isn’t anything to write home about. But in the TRD family, it’s high enough to give trucks from Ford a run for their money. That said, fuel economy is better on the base trims with the Access cab configuration, as they have lighter loads to carry.

Models before 2000 had the same bed size regardless of cab type. However, in 2001, two bed sizes were introduced: 6 feet and 5.5 feet. After 2015, the Access cab standard was 5 feet, whereas the Double Cab had the option of 5 feet or 6 feet. The latest generation has the same size choices, albeit with a different name for Double Cab: the XtraCab.

Remember that the performance, especially on rough terrains, also depends on whether the Tacoma is 4x4. Four-wheel drive is an option on the TRD trims. The PreRunner trim features rear-wheel drive.

Safety

One good thing about the Toyota Tacoma is that most driver assistant features are standard. The Toyota Safety Sense has been on all Tacoma trims since 2015. The second generation of Safety Sense, introduced in 2018, sports three essential features:v

• Automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning
• Lane departure alert
• Adaptive cruise control

Other features worth mentioning are a backup guide monitor, front and rear parking assist, blind spot monitoring, and an integrated trailer brake controller. Some of these features are available as an add-on package, so carefully check what is included.

Alternatives

For those who don’t think the Toyota Tacoma is the right choice for them, EchoPark recommends the following alternatives:

• Ford Ranger: The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size truck that competes with the Ford Ranger. The Ford Ranger trucks have more engine options than the Tacoma, but the interior and driver assistance features are comparable. The off-road trims of the Ford Ranger, Lariat, and Raptor are cheaper than the Tacoma’s TRD. However, the TRD family of Tacoma trucks has more off-road qualities than the Ranger, which sits below the F Series trucks.
• Jeep Gladiator: The Jeep Gladiator is the prime choice for off-road dominance. It’s essentially a truck version of the Jeep Wrangler and has comparable off-roading power. The Gladiator has high ground clearance, which gives it an impressive approach, breakover, and departure angles. Even its base trims are comparable with the more premium Tacoma trims in terms of off-road handling and hauling. It’s sturdier than the Tacoma in many aspects.
• Nissan Frontier: The Nissan Frontier also boasts a V6 engine, but its power is higher, coming in at an impressive 310 horsepower. It’s also an ideal choice for budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable, sturdy truck without spending a fortune. Since 2005, it has been classified as a mid-sized pickup truck, so the cabin and cargo space are generous. You can find both two-door and four-door variants.
• Chevrolet Colorado: Another midsize pickup truck. The Chevrolet Colorado offers a combination of power and reliability. Unlike the Tacoma, there are more engine choices in Colorado models, including I4, I5, and even a V8. These trucks have the option of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The Chevrolet Colorado is based on the same platform as the GMC Canyon and shares many of its features.

Buy a Used Toyota Tacoma at EchoPark

Find a used Toyota Tacoma for sale at EchoPark for a reasonable price. We understand that buying a used vehicle can make some drivers nervous, so we conduct thorough 190 point inspection and provide a complete CarFfax vehicle history report, each car. That way, buyers can be sure that the truck they're getting will deliver the performance they expect.