Passing maneuvers are a breeze in this Tacoma, but I'd be hesitant to tow or haul anywhere near its limits as the engine would likely get out of breath in a hurry.
Mostly smooth, this 3.5-liter unit feels like any other naturally aspirated V6 available today, meaning there's not a whole lot of low-speed grunt (torque tops out at 265 pound-feet) but it really wakes up from around 3,500 rpm and beyond. Two engines are available in the Tacoma, but TRD Off-Road models only come with the up-market offering. Fortunately, it's easy enough to disable. Per usual, the lane-departure-alert system is a little annoying, reminding you every so often of how bad you are at driving. Toyota's implementation of adaptive cruise control works as intended, matching the speed of surrounding traffic and maintaining a safe following distance. The Tacoma feels noticeably snugger than a similar crew-cab Ranger, far more than the 1.9-inch difference between the two would suggest. According to the spec sheet, my TRD Off-Road tester, which is fitted with the larger crew-cab body and a 5-foot-long cargo box, has 32.6 inches of rear-seat legroom, which makes it pretty cramped for adults. Since the wheel only moves around an inch and a half in any direction, the travel is so limited it renders this feature almost useless.ĭon't expect a wellspring of comfort in the Tacoma's backseat, either. Tacoma engineers were kind enough to include a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, something you'd think would improve things, but no dice. Front and rear, a 2020 Ford Ranger is vastly more comfortable. With the backrest angled rearward more than I'd like, my head is still practically touching the roof. Even when fitted with a leather-trimmed, 10-way-adjustable chair, it basically feels like you're plopped on the floor. If you're on the taller side, you will not be terribly comfortable behind this Toyota's wheel, as both the seat and ceiling are too low.
But there are some aspects of this machine that completely spoil the experience for me, like the awkward driving position and ponderous on-road feel. Yes, I know, the Tacoma's blue-chip resale value and unimpeachable reputation for long-haul quality are cornerstones of its enduring popularity.
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