As an off-road capable midsize pickup truck, the Toyota Tacoma is a perennial favorite among consumers and critics. Tacoma’s popularity spurred its rivals to introduce competing midsize trucks like the Colorado ZR2, Ranger Raptor, and Gladiator Rubicon. In addition, the Tacoma gets high marks for its manners around town and onboard tech. With all this recognition, what part of owning a 2023 Tacoma is underrated?

J.D. Power predicts 2023 Tacoma resale value higher than other midsize trucks

J.D. Power rates nearly every new vehicle based on four categories: 

• Quality and Reliability
• Driving Experience
• Dealership Experience
• Resale

J.D. Power bases its resale score on the vehicle’s predicted depreciation over the first three years of ownership. Vehicles with lower depreciation, the difference between the original price and the used car value, receive higher scores. Of course, overall depreciation depends on factors such as mileage, vehicle condition, and geographic location. 

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma scored 97 on J.D. Power’s resale scale, higher than any of its competitors. The 2023 Ford Ranger came closest to matching the Tacoma with a score of 93. However, most midsize trucks scored in the 80s for resale. 

What does high predicted resale value mean for midsize truck buyers?

One of the main factors for lower depreciation and high resale value is reliability. Toyota’s proven track record of producing reliable vehicles provides used car buyers with a sense of confidence. 

New car buyers also favor vehicles with low depreciation. It’s comforting to know that the vehicle you paid top dollar for will retain a significant portion of its value if you decide to sell or trade it within the first three years. 

Why is the 2023 Toyota Tacoma’s resale value so high?

Besides Tacoma’s reliability, off-road prowess, and manners around town, its style plays a role in resale value. The 2023 model year is a member of Tacoma’s third generation, introduced in 2016. Other than a minor facelift in 2020, it’s gone relatively unchanged since 2016. 

Other vehicles, left unchanged that long would typically cause their popularity to plummet. But Toyota got Tacoma’s design right in 2016, leading other midsize truck models to mimic Tacoma’s rugged exterior style. 

Toyota offers the 2023 Tacoma in seven trim levels, from the basic pickup to the off-road capable TRD Pro. The base SR carries an MSRP of $28,600, while the top-trimmed TRD Pro costs $48,035 without any extras.

The lower-trimmed SR and SR5 Tacomas get an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. However, the mid-trimmed TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road get 19/24 city/highway and start at $35,510 and $36,790, respectively. 

Which one you should buy depends entirely on how you plan to use your Tacoma. For those who stay on paved roads and enjoy the finer things, the $41,355 Tacoma Limited won’t disappoint. The budget-friendly SR and slightly nicer SR5 at $30,390 combine dependable transportation with midsize truck capability. 

Those planning to go off-road will appreciate the Tacoma TRD Pro’s 278-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and standard four-wheel drive. Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system, Crawl Control, and FOX internal bypass shock absorbers enhance its off-road capability. 

Inside the cab, the TRD Pro leather-trimmed front seats, JBL audio, and Dynamic Navigation will ensure you arrive at your destination with a smile. In addition, Toyota Safety Sense provides a suite of advanced driver-assist features to keep you safe.