Toyota has been a well-respected automaker for decades. The brand is known for making reliable, safe, and technologically-advanced vehicles. But with other automakers adding more and more tech into its pickup trucks, Toyota’s Tacoma has struggled to keep up with America’s best-sellers. Is the new Toyota Tacoma finally ready to compete by offering more technology and connectivity features?

Reliable but behind on tech

To put it simply, yes, the new Toyota Tacoma comes with Apple CarPlay. Only recently, according to Best Ride, Apple CarPlay capabilities have been added to Toyota’s lineup for current 2019 models. However, for the first time ever, the new 2020 Toyota Tacoma will feature a standard, 7.0-inch touchscreen and infotainment system that’s compatible with Apple CarPlay, but also Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. But is seems Toyota is falling behind the competition, as many automakers have been using this technology for years. With almost every other automaker already offering a variety of technology features, is Toyota too late to the game? 

According to MotorTrend, the latest 2019 Tacoma proved Toyota’s reliability and ability to retain good resale value, “but the rest of the Tacoma experience was lacking compared to the competition.” In fact, the 2019 Tacoma fell behind the competition in a variety of areas, like technology, interior space, and powertrain quality. Consumer Reports even ranks the 2019 Tacoma at the bottom of its compact pickup truck list, coming in sixth place (out of seven). In order to keep up with the competition, Toyota made the wise decision to make some long-awaited changes to the 2020 Tacoma. 

2020 Toyota Tacoma updates

An infotainment system with new connectivity capabilities isn’t the only thing Toyota changed with the Tacoma. With the new 2020 Toyota Tacoma comes a variety of new updates, including a new grille design for almost all trim levels. Even the base model Tacoma will feature an improved taillight design, as well as optional LED lighting for the truck bed. Alongside standard intermittent wipes, every Tacoma will receive Toyota’s suite of safety and driver-assist technologies, like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, according to Car and Driver.

Various trims of the 2020 Tacoma are getting much-needed attention, with the Tacoma SR5 getting that new grille design, as well as new 16-inch wheels and an 8.0-inch touchscreen that comes on all upper trim Tacomas. The SR5 will also feature new upholstery in the cabin and a darker taillight housing. The 2020 Tacoma TRD Sport trim comes with an almost endless list of lighting options, though LED fog lights will be standard. It’s also getting impressive, new 17-inch wheels and chrome taillight inserts. The passenger door of the TRD Sport will now feature one-touch keyless entry, which was previously available only on the driver-side door. You can also take advantage of an optional surround-view camera.

While the TRD Off-Road models will receive the same upgrades as the TRD Sport, off-road lovers will also get a few extra improvements. According to MotorTrend, the 2020 Tacoma TRD Off-Road will also now come with Multi-Terrain Monitor technology, an optional upgrade that allows drivers to see what’s underneath the truck. But all TRD Off-Road models will feature standard crawl control, hill start assist, a locking rear differential, and multiple off-road modes.

The even higher trim TRD Pro Tacoma will receive all new lighting, a premium audio system, taillight inserts, and lighter-than-ever 16-inch wheels. The TRD Pro will also come with a standard surround-view camera system, improved shocks/springs, and an impressive moonroof. It will also come standard with Multi-Terrain Monitor and every off-roading technology available with the TRD Off-Road.

The highest trim, the Tacoma Limited will get new 18-inch wheels, as well as impressive chrome taillight inserts. It will come with many of the same updates as lower trims, with a standard, surround-view camera system.