Why Didn’t the Toyota Tacoma Make This Best Truck List?
We’re starting to wonder if the Toyota Tacoma is running out of time. It’s been one of the highest-ranking options for years, and now it’s not making it on lists of best trucks. Is the 2022 Toyota Tacoma too old to hang with the competition?
Is the 2022 Toyota Tacoma worth buying?
Yes, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma is an excellent truck to consider. It’s one of the most cable, durable, and reliable options out there. However, it is getting a little old. The Tacoma was last redesigned in 2016.
However, Toyota didn’t start with a clean slate. It received a new face, high-strenght steel for the frame and body, a more powerful V6 engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, suspension upgrades, and a fresh interior redesign.
Rivals like the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado offer more powerful engine options, can tow more, and feature modern tech. This could be why the 2022 Toyota Tacoma didn’t make it on Car and Driver’s list of the Best new Pickup trucks.
Using the word ‘new’ could be confusing. The list does include literal new trucks like the Ford Maverick, but it also features options like the Jeep Gladiator and Ram 1500, which haven’t had significant changes in a while.
What do critics not like about the Tacoma?
According to Car and Driver, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma has a clumsy automatic transmission, a squat cabin, a tiny backseat, and isn’t as refined as competitors. So, it’s a little rougher around the edges.
This makes sense as off-roading options hardly ever match the ride quality of options designed for comfort. For example, the Honda Ridgeline made the best truck list with its unibody frame.
It has all-wheel drive and handles smoothly, like an SUV. The Tacoma has a body-on-frame design that allows for more suspension travel for off-roading. As a result, it isn’t as smooth, and more wind noise may enter the cabin at higher speeds.
The standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque is viewed as underpowered. Critics recommend going for the 3.5-liter V6 engine with 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque instead.
It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, but the transmission can be slow to select the right gear. Plus, the Tacoma can only tow up to 6,800 lbs while the Chevy Colorado can tow up to 7,700 lbs.
Does the Tacoma have a nice interior?
The 2022 Toyota Tacoma has a basic and durable interior, which some truck owners could prefer. However, others may want modern tech and higher quality materials with more cargo space.
The Tacoma has limited cargo space and storage solutions with a tight rear seat. But options like the Jeep Gladiator feature tons of innovative storage solutions. Plus, it has the largest backseat in the class.
A 7.0-inch touchscreen is standard, but you can upgrade to an 8.0-inch unit. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, but they don’t feature wireless connectivity. While the Tacoma has an optional wireless charging pad, it doesn’t offer a Wi-Fi hotspot.
The Toyota Tacoma probably didn’t make the best truck list because of its age. It has a sparse interior, limited tech, a lower towing capacity, and a rougher ride than its competitors.
