2019 Toyota Tacoma
#2 in 2019 Compact Pickup Trucks
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$25,850 - $45,665
2019 Toyota Tacoma Review
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma takes one of the top spots in our compact pickup truck rankings. It stands out in the class with its rugged off-road capabilities, best-in-class predicted reliability rating, and high payload capacity. However, most rivals have nicer cabins or more engine power.
Pros & Cons
- Great off-road abilities
- High payload capacity
- Straightforward infotainment system
- Below-average projected ownerships costs
- Rivals have nicer cabins
- Low towing capacity for the class
New for 2019
- No major changes
Rankings & Research
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma's #2 ranking is based on its score within the 2019 Compact Pickup Trucks category. Currently the Toyota Tacoma has a score of 8.1 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 36 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
8.1
Overall
Scorecard
| Critics' Rating: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 6.7 |
| Interior: | 7.3 |
| Total Cost of Ownership: | 8.7 |
| Safety: | 9.1 |
| Reliability: |
|
2019 Tacoma Photos
2019 Toyota Tacoma Overview
Is the 2019 Toyota Tacoma a Good Used Truck?
Yes, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma is a great used compact pickup truck. It's not the strongest or most fuel-efficient vehicle in the class, but it has one of the highest payload limits. It can tackle most types of terrain, especially TRD models equipped with off-road performance features. The Tacoma has the highest predicted reliability rating and one of the lowest projected ownership costs in the class.
Though the Tacoma has user-friendly tech features, Toyota built this pickup's cabin with ruggedness and practicality in mind. If you want a swanky cabin with lots of comfort-oriented amenities, consider one of the Tacoma’s rivals, like the 2019 Honda Ridgeline. If you need a workhorse with stronger engine options, check out the 2019 GMC Canyon and the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado.
Compare the Tacoma, Ridgeline, and Colorado »
Why You Can Trust Us
Our Toyota Tacoma review includes more than just one person's opinion. We’ve collected professional evaluations from 36 sources and combined them with concrete data like fuel economy estimates, safety features, and performance specs to help you make an informed buying decision.
The U.S. News Best Cars team has been ranking cars, trucks, and SUVs since 2007, and our staff has more than a combined 75 years of automotive industry experience. To ensure our impartiality, we never accept expensive gifts or trips from car companies, and an outside team handles the advertising on our site.
How Much is the 2019 Toyota Tacoma?
Based on listings for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma, the average list price is $24,826. Prices range from $20,322 to $35,678 and vary depending on the vehicle’s condition, mileage, features, and location.
How Much Does the 2019 Toyota Tacoma Cost to Own?
The 2019 Tacoma’s five-year costs for gas, insurance, taxes, fees, repairs, and maintenance are projected to be about $28,800, or $5,760 per year. That’s below average for the class.
2018 vs. 2019 Toyota Tacoma: What's the Difference?
The 2019 Tacoma is nearly identical to the 2018 model.
Compare the 2018 and 2019 Tacoma »
Here are the key changes for the Toyota Tacoma since it was redesigned for 2016:
- 2016: completely redesigned with a new V6 engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and a higher towing capacity by 300 pounds
- 2017: TRD Pro trim introduced
- 2018: lane departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam headlights, and adaptive cruise control became standard
- 2019: no major changes
If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2016 Tacoma, 2017 Tacoma, and 2018 Tacoma reviews to help make your decision. Also, check out our Best New Car Deals and Best New Car Lease Deals pages to learn about savings and discounts you can find on new vehicles.
How Reliable Is the 2019 Toyota Tacoma?
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma has an above-average predicted reliability rating of four out of five.
Read more about Tacoma reliability »
2019 Toyota Tacoma Recalls
There have been 4 safety recalls issued from NHTSA.
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Potential Number of Units Affected: 1525742
- Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
- Manufacturer Recall Number: 20TA02, 20LA01
- NHTSA Campaign ID: 20V682000
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may ...
- Potential Number of Units Affected: 1830752
- Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
- Manufacturer Recall Number: 20TB02/20TA02/20LB01
- NHTSA Campaign ID: 20V012000
- Summary: Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Potential Number of Units Affected: 3634
- Consequence: If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.
- Dates of Manufacture: FEB 20, 2019 to FEB 26, 2019
- Manufacturer Recall Number: 19R1
- NHTSA Campaign ID: 19V244000
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tacoma vehicles. Improper machining of the brake master cylinder may result in internal damage of one of the seals, affecting brake performance.
- Potential Number of Units Affected: 44121
- Consequence: Reduced brake performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began January 28, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J16/J06.
- Dates of Manufacture: FEB 19, 2018 to NOV 13, 2018
- Manufacturer Recall Number: J16/J06
- NHTSA Campaign ID: 18V888000
See more information on Toyota Tacoma safety recalls »
Which Used Toyota Tacoma Trim Is Right for Me?
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma comes in six trims: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro. The Tacoma's two cab styles include the two-door, four-seat Access Cab and the four-door, five-seat Double Cab. There are also 5-foot and 6-foot-1-inch bed lengths, the latter of which is not available with the Limited or TRD Pro trims. Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available.
The Toyota Tacoma base model should cover the needs of many shoppers. It comes with a four-cylinder engine and a healthy number of standard features, including a touch-screen infotainment system and a handful of driver assistance technologies.
If you plan to use your truck for off-roading or substantial work tasks, you’re better off with one of the TRD-designated trims. Each one features off-roading upgrades and the V6 engine. Go with the Tacoma Limited to want some luxury amenities.
- Toyota Tacoma SR: The base Tacoma SR comes with cloth seats, power windows and door locks, a 4.2-inch display, and the Entune infotainment system with a 6.1-inch touch screen, a four-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, three USB ports, and Siri Eyes Free. You also get a rearview camera, automatic high-beam headlights, and the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features, which includes lane departure warning, forward collision warning with brake assist, pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam headlights, and adaptive cruise control. A four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission come standard.
- Toyota Tacoma SR5: The Tacoma SR5 features a leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, remote keyless entry, satellite radio, and integration with Scout GPS Link smartphone navigation. Double Cab models come with the V6 engine and a power-sliding rear window.
- Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport: Moving up to the Tacoma TRD Sport trim gets you the V6 engine, in addition to push-button start, proximity keyless entry, wireless device charging, and a 7-inch touch screen with navigation.
- Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road: The TRD Off-Road comes with everything in the Tacoma TRD Sport, but it has additional equipment to make it better suited for off-road driving. It comes with skid plates, a multi-terrain select system with crawl control, active traction control, an electronic locking rear differential, all-terrain tires with alloy wheels, and an off-road suspension. Some models come with a six-speed manual transmission.
- Toyota Tacoma Limited: The Tacoma Limited adds blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Additional features include dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power-tilting and sliding moonroof, automatic headlights, a six-speaker premium JBL stereo, and a built-in navigation system.
- Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro: The Tacoma Limited comes with just about every feature available, as well as exclusive styling elements and projector beam headlights.
See 2019 Toyota Tacoma trims and specs »
What Does Toyota's Certified Pre-Owned Warranty Cover?
Toyota offers a certified pre-owned program for vehicles six years old or less and with fewer than 85,000 miles. Eligibility is determined by the vehicle’s initial sale date. Toyota provides a one-year/12,000-mile limited warranty on all its certified pre-owned vehicles, and it extends the original new-car powertrain warranty to seven years from the initial sale date or 100,000 miles. Each CPO Toyota must pass a 160-point inspection. Additional benefits like a CarFax vehicle history report, towing, and roadside assistance may be available, so read the Toyota warranty page carefully.
Toyota’s CPO program is about average for an affordable carmaker, according to our research. Hyundai and Kia both have better programs.
How Safe Is the Tacoma?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2019 Tacoma an overall safety rating of four out of five stars, with four stars in the frontal crash and rollover tests, and five stars in the side crash test.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2019 Tacoma the highest rating of Good in five out of six crash tests. It received the second-highest rating of Acceptable in the passenger-side small overlap front test. Its headlights received the second-lowest rating of Marginal for how well they illuminate the road ahead.
The IIHS grades collision avoidance systems on a different scale. The Tacoma received the highest rating of Superior for the effectiveness of its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system.
Standard advanced safety features:
- Rearview camera
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
Available advanced safety features:
- Rear parking sensors
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
2019 Toyota Tacoma Versus the Competition
Which Is Better: 2019 Toyota Tacoma or 2019 Honda Ridgeline?
The 2019 Honda Ridgeline and the Tacoma are neck and neck in our compact pickup truck rankings. Although the Ridgeline has a higher average price than the Tacoma, it boasts a premium cabin and available features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and tri-zone automatic climate control, which aren't available in the Tacoma. The Honda’s sole powertrain is stronger and more fuel-efficient than either of the Toyota’s options. However, the Tacoma has higher payload and towing capacities, as well as a slightly better predicted reliability rating. If you want to save money or hit the trails, the Tacoma is an excellent pick. The Ridgeline is better if you're willing to spend a bit extra for a nicer cabin.
Which Is Better: 2019 Toyota Tacoma or 2019 Ford Ranger?
The 2019 Ford Ranger is a great truck for towing and hauling. It has a 7,500-pound maximum towing capacity, while the Toyota can handle 6,800 pounds. The Ranger also has a class-leading maximum payload of 1,860 pounds, which is about 240 more pounds than that of the Tacoma. The Ford features one of the strongest base engines in the class, and it gets better gas mileage than the Toyota. The Ranger is the way to go if you regularly carry heavy loads, but the Toyota is good for those who value its higher predicted reliability rating.
Compare the Tacoma, Ridgeline, and Ranger »
2019 Tacoma Performance
How Does the 2019 Toyota Tacoma Drive?
The Tacoma has quick steering and a firm but comfortable ride. The base engine has one of the lowest horsepower ratings in the class. The available V6 engine feels punchier and more refined, and its output is more in line with class competitors.
TRD models have the features you might want for tackling trails and tough terrain, including active traction control, an electronic locking rear differential (Off-Road and Pro trims), a TRD-tuned suspension, and more.
- Base engine: 159-horsepower 2.7-liter four-cylinder
- Available engine: 278-horsepower 3.5-liter V6
- Drivetrain: standard rear-wheel drive; available four-wheel drive
- Transmission: standard six-speed automatic; available six-speed manual
Does the 2019 Toyota Tacoma Get Good Gas Mileage?
The Tacoma gets below-average fuel economy estimates for the class.
- Four-cylinder, RWD: 20/23 mpg city/highway
- Four-cylinder, 4WD: 19/22 mpg
- V6, RWD: 19/24 mpg
- V6, 4WD: 18/22 mpg
2019 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity
When properly equipped, the Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds. That’s higher than you’ll get with the 2019 Ridgeline, but the GMC Canyon, Chevy Colorado, and Ford Ranger can pull significantly more.
Read more about Tacoma performance »
2019 Tacoma Interior
How Many People Does the 2019 Tacoma Seat?
The 2019 Tacoma seats four people in Access Cab models and five people in Double Cab models. The front seats are comfortable and offer good visibility all around, but the driver’s low seating position can make it difficult for taller people to reach the steering wheel. The rear seats in Double Cab models have good space for adults. However, rear seats in the Access Cab have just enough room for a pair of kids. The cabin is well-constructed and features durable materials. That said, many rivals look more upscale inside.
Standard seating features:
- Cloth upholstery
Available seating features:
- Leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
How Many Child Car Seats Fit in the 2019 Toyota Tacoma?
The 2019 Tacoma has two complete sets of LATCH car-seat connectors for the rear outboard seats and an upper tether for the rear middle seat.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave this LATCH system the second-lowest rating of Marginal for ease of use. The lower anchors are too deep in the seats, and the upper tethers are in hard-to-find locations and could be confused for other hardware.
2019 Toyota Tacoma Features
The Entune infotainment system is responsive, easy to read, and simple to operate. Dashboard controls are within close reach. However, this pickup is missing some handy features that are available in some rivals, like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
- Standard infotainment features: the Entune infotainment system, a 6.1-inch touch screen, three USB ports, Bluetooth, a four-speaker stereo, and Siri Eyes Free
- Available infotainment features: satellite radio, HD Radio, a JBL premium stereo, wireless device charging, a 7-inch touch screen, and a navigation system
- Other available features: dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, and a moonroof
See 2019 Toyota Tacoma specs »
Read more about Tacoma interior »
2019 Toyota Tacoma Dimensions
Toyota Tacoma Cargo Space
Toyota offers the Tacoma in a couple of bed lengths. Access Cab (aka Extended Cab) models have a 6-foot-1-inch bed. Double Cab (aka Crew Cab) models are available with a 5-foot bed or a 6-foot-1-inch bed. No matter the configuration, the Tacoma's wide bed makes it easy to load.
A locking and removable tailgate, tie-down cleats, and rear-seat storage compartments come standard.
2019 Toyota Tacoma Length and Weight
- Length: 17 feet, 8 inches to 18 feet, 9 inches
- Curb weight: 3,980 to 4,480 pounds
- Gross vehicle weight rating: 5,600 pounds
Where Was the 2019 Toyota Tacoma Built?
Toyota built the 2019 Tacoma in Texas and Mexico.
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Tacoma Shoppers Should Also Consider...
2019 Honda Ridgeline
#1 in 2019 Compact Pickup Trucks
2019 Ford Ranger
#3 in 2019 Compact Pickup Trucks
2019 Chevrolet Colorado
#4 in 2019 Compact Pickup Trucks
2019 GMC Canyon
#4 in 2019 Compact Pickup Trucks
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