2018 Toyota Tacoma Release date, Price, Changes, Design

Tacoma debuted in 1995 as a compact pickup truck. However, it has evolved into a mid-size pickup truck and comes in three different body styles: 2-door regular cab, 2-door extended cab, and 4-door crew cab. At the beginning, it was being assembled in California, but the production has moved to Texas and Mexico. The target markets are North and South America while it hasn’t been sold in the other parts pf the world. The pickup is one of the best-selling vehicles of the Japanese automaker. In 2005 it even won the award as the Truck of the Year according to Motor Trend. Now we’re expecting next model – the 2018 Toyota Tacoma.

2018 Toyota Tacoma Review

The third generation was unveiled in January 2015 while sales started in September. It shares lots of features with Hilux, 4Runner SUV, and Tundra. In general, members of the newest generation look much more aggressive than their predecessors. Grille is larger than before and they have new beam headlights. Several parts have been completely redesigned such as tailgate and bed. The third generation got new engine lineup and there is a big chance 2018 will have some of these units under the hood. It is still early to talk about the new model but we decided to gather some speculations and things we heard through the grapevine. However, these are only rumored thus don’t take this information to the bank.

Engine and Specs

Although, there is a high possibility the 2018 Toyota Tacoma is getting a new engine currently we don’t have any detail about it. Therefore, we will focus on the current two variants. On one hand, there is a 2.7-liter inline four. It comes with an output of 159 horsepower and is mated to either six-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. This is the base unit while a 3.5-liter six-cylinder completes the lineup. The engine is equipped with Toyota D-4S system. It also runs on the Atkinson cycle that uses VVT-iW variable valve timing.

The second engine is much more powerful and pumps up 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. With this engine, Tacoma can tow up to 6,800lbs. Both six-speed automatic and manual transmissions are available. EPA rating is not exceptional, but still great for a pickup. For the 4×2 automatic is estimated at 19/24/21 mpg while for the 4×4 manual is 18/23/20 mpg. We’re expecting Toyota to announce one more engine which will complete the lineup. It might be some of the units used under the hood of Tundra, Hilux or 4Runner, but it is still too early to make such predictions.

2018 Toyota Tacoma Trim Levels

The 2018 Toyota Tacoma is coming in five trim levels: SR, SR5, Sports TRD, TRD Off Road and Limited which is the top trim. Generally, the truck won’t be way different than the predecessor. The 2018 model is coming with a hexagonal grille which was firstly used by the 4Runner. LED headlights are going to be slightly modified. With new lights, drivers will be able to see more in poor visibility conditions. Allegedly new high-strength steel frame will be used and it may even decrease the overall weight. This innovation can lead to a better fuel consumption than the one presented in the previous paragraph.

Interior

Interior of the truck won’t be significantly changed. It will still feature a leather-wrapped steering wheel and six-speaker audio system. A 6.1-inch touch display is placed on the dashboard and is a USB port. In general, it will be quite roomy and comfortable for the passenger at the front as well as at the back.

2018 Toyota Tacoma Release Date and Price

The best prediction is telling us the 2018 Toyota Tacoma will hit the market in late 2017. When it comes to price it differs from trim to trim. Thus the range will be between $23,000 for the SR as the lowest trim, to the $35,000 for Limited.

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