Consumer Reports Recommends Avoiding the 2020 Toyota Tacoma
Say what? Consumer Reports recommends avoiding the 2020 Toyota Tacoma? But that’s the most popular midsize selling truck! How can this be? Well, they actually lay out the facts as to why you might be better off with buying another truck instead of the Toyota Tacoma.
Why Consumer Reports suggests avoiding the 2020 Toyota Tacoma
According to Consumer Reports, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma is the most popular midsize truck, but it’s also an option that should be avoided. They even presented two options that would make better choices.
One of the reasons CR recommends avoiding the 2020 Toyota Tacoma is due to its low-reliability rating. It scored a 3 out of 5 for predicted reliability and a 3 out of 5 for predicted owner satisfaction.
These ratings are based on user feedback and testing from previous models. For example, the 2018 Toyota Tacoma has reports of transmission problems. Based on owner satisfaction, the Toyota Tacoma didn’t score very well in comfort, value, and driving experience.
When tested by Consumer Reports, they noted that the 2020 Toyota Tacoma is great for off-roading, has a good fuel economy, and it holds its resale value well. However, they also mentioned that the cabin is noisy, and the acceleration is lacking.
Consumer Reports recommends buying the 2020 Ford Ranger instead
Consumer Reports found that the Ford Ranger has a higher reliability rating of 4 out of 5, predicted owner satisfaction is rated at a 4 out of 5. The 2020 Ford Ranger ranked higher in areas of comfort, value, and driving experience than the Toyota Tacoma, showing that owners are happier with this choice.
RELATED: 3 Big Reasons the Ford Ranger Is Better Than the Toyota Tacoma
The 2020 Ford Ranger ranks as the second-place option in the CR list of best compact trucks while the Toyota Tacoma is ranked third. It also has a faster acceleration with the ability to reach 60 mph in 7.2 seconds compared to 8.2 seconds with the Toyota Tacoma.
CR recommends the 2020 Ford Ranger because it’s relatively fuel-efficient and has an easy to maneuver size. They also enjoyed the easy to use Sync 3 infotainment system. But they recommend passing on the Ford Ranger because it has a stiff ride, the controls aside from the infotainment center are complicated, and the high step-in to get inside.
Consumer Reports recommends getting the 2020 Honda Ridgeline instead
Wow, Consumer Reports also suggests getting the Honda Ridgeline over the Toyota Tacoma. But it only has a 3 out of 5 predicted reliability rating. It looks like the 2017 Honda Ridgeline has issues reported about the electrical system.
However, the Honda Ridgeline has a 4 out of 5 for the predicted user satisfaction rating and comes first on the CR report of the best compact pickup trucks. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, making it faster than the Tacoma.
But the Honda Ridgeline has a slightly unfair advantage. It’s not an off-roader like the Toyota Tacoma. It has a unibody frame and only offers all-wheel-drive. This creates a more comfortable and quiet ride but takes out some of the truck functionality.
Consumer Reports praised the Honda Ridgeline for having a comfortable and quiet ride, truck bed storage, a good fuel economy, and a multi-functional tailgate. But they recommend avoiding it for the complex radio, low towing capacity, shallow truck bed, and tight rear cabin access.
