Key Features of the 2026 Toyota Tacoma

i-FORCE 2.4L Turbo Powertrain

Tacoma’s turbocharged 2.4L i-FORCE four-cylinder is tuned for real-world responsiveness. In upper trims, output rises to 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, giving you confident acceleration for highway merges and hill climbs with a well-weighted, linear feel from the right pedal. The standard eight-speed automatic shifts cleanly and makes the most of the engine’s torque curve, while the available six-speed manual brings added engagement for drivers who want to row their own gears. Rear-wheel drive is offered, with four-wheel drive available for enhanced traction. Around town, the engine’s low-end pull makes stop-and-go driving easy, and out on open roads, you will find that passing maneuvers are handled without drama. The powertrain is also well-matched to the truck’s body-on-frame construction, producing a stable, planted character whether you are hauling equipment or driving completely unladen.

Rear Suspension Choices and Improved Ride

One of Tacoma’s meaningful upgrades is the availability of rear coil springs on many trims. While certain configurations use traditional leaf springs for durability and payload confidence, the coil-spring setup on others elevates ride comfort notably, especially on broken pavement and long highway journeys. The result is the kind of composure you typically associate with larger, more expensive trucks. Steering effort is thoughtfully tuned and pairs nicely with Tacoma’s improved seating position, which places you more naturally behind the wheel for better sight lines. Whether you choose coils for their smoother ride or leaf springs for their tried-and-true toughness, Tacoma delivers suspension tuning that suits your use case — from weekday commuting to occasional towing and off-road exploration.

TRD Off-Road Hardware and Trail-Ready Confidence

TRD Off-Road and TRD PreRunner models underscore Tacoma’s desert-running roots. The off-road-focused trims add hardware that is more than just cosmetic: dedicated suspension components, trail-tuned dampers, protective underbody elements, and traction management features that make challenging terrain more manageable. Hill-friendly gearing and available manual transmission control let you place the truck precisely, while four-wheel drive systems help pull you through deep ruts, loose sand, and muddy climbs. The frame feels stout on washboard surfaces and rock-strewn paths, transmitting helpful feedback without the harshness that can wear you out on long trail days. If your weekends involve fire roads, overlanding, or steep trailheads, the Tacoma’s off-road lineup delivers tools and tuning you can feel from the first mile of dirt.

Towing, Payload, and Everyday Utility

Tacoma’s engineering supports the jobs midsize truck owners ask for most. Properly equipped, towing capacity reaches up to 6,500 pounds, and maximum payload checks in at up to 1,705 pounds, giving you meaningful headroom for small campers, utility trailers, and bed-loaded materials. The cargo bed integrates tie-down points to secure loads quickly, while thoughtful storage solutions inside the cabin keep smaller gear safe and organized. Around town, Tacoma’s size makes it easy to maneuver in parking structures and narrow streets, yet it retains the stance and stability you want when conditions get rough. It is a smart balance of capability and practicality — the usefulness you expect from a truck, arranged in a way that fits real suburban life and long-weekend adventures.

Cabin Tech, Displays, and Toyota Audio Multimedia

Inside, Tacoma feels thoroughly up to date. A standard 8.0-inch touchscreen puts core controls within easy reach, while upper trims offer an expansive 14.0-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia display that is crisp and fast to respond. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, simplifying phone integration for navigation, music, and messages without plugging in. An available JBL audio system brings clear, punchy sound — and it can include a removable Bluetooth speaker integrated at the top of the dash for campsite or tailgate use. Most models feature a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster, with an available 12.3-inch all-digital unit that presents navigation prompts, safety alerts, and vehicle information at a glance. The Limited model adds a Head-Up Display along with heated and ventilated front seats, rounding out a cabin that is as functional as it is comfortable.