2025 Toyota Tacoma Review

Most new truck reviews start with features, but this one starts with price. Many new Tacoma prices are just $20 or $90 over the previous model year’s MSRP. Some models haven’t changed in price, and some of the top trims actually reduced their MSRP. 

This is in keeping with the Tacoma’s place as an affordable, yet well-equipped midsize truck. The Tacoma starting price is $31,590 MSRP for the SR trim level.

Even with price stability, the 2025 Tacoma trucks have taken on new features. Making it even a better value, the SR5 leans into its worktruck persona with standard deck rails and cleats to keep lumber and other items in place. 

For an early morning work run or a late night stop at a campsite, the SR and SR5 trim levels now have LED bed lights. Limiteds now have mudguards, and i-Force hybrid Limiteds have an adaptive variable suspension.

The 2025 Tacoma TRD Pro gains red front tow hooks to add to its already athletic stance. Shoppers can choose the exclusive Mudbath color with a black roof for the ultimate sport model. Already packed with technology and amenities, the dash equipment adds a fourth auxiliary switch.

Utilizing i-Force engineering, the 2.4-liter turbo engine is ready to work hard for SR, SR5, and Limited shoppers. A 278-horsepower output is matched to a hefty 317 lb-ft of torque. 

For the toughest jobs and the biggest adventures, Toyota offers its i-Force Max. This adds hybrid capability to the 2.4L powertrain.  This 326-horsepower hybrid engine produces a remarkable 465 lb-ft of torque.  Available on the Limited, it is standard for the Trailhunter and TRD Pro.

Some drivers will prefer the 8-speed automatic transmission. It is built to handle the truck’s many duties, including hauling, towing and off-roading. However, there is an available 6 speed manual transmission for complete control over this machine.

Four-wheel drivetrains offer all-weather and all-terrain capability. Multi-terrain select allows drivers to tell the truck to adjust systems to match surface conditions.

In addition to its unique hybrid powertrain, the Tacoma lineup stands out for offering three different cab and bed configurations. The Honda Ridgeline offers only one, and most rivals offer no more than two.

Double Cabs offer the second-row legroom that many owners want. You can take care of your work crew or your family, knowing they will be comfortable. The five-foot bed is most common, but the six-foot bed is available.

Toyota’s Xtra Cab is unique for its rear cargo area. This open space allows you to store more inside the cabin. With their emphasis on hauling, Tacoma Xtra Cabs are always paired with the six-foot bed. 

Whether your focus is on working hard, finding fun around town, or both, there’s a Tacoma trim level that will fit your lifestyle. The budget-friendly Tacoma SR offers the choice of the Double Cab with a five-foot bed or the XtraCab with a 6-foot bed. 

SR5 Tacomas offer all three configurations, including the Double Cab with a five-foot bed. Plus these cabs have a coil-spring rear suspension to improve handling and ride quality. Both the SR and SR5 trim levels are powered by the i-FORCE 2.4L turbocharged engine and offer the fun of a  6-speed manual transmission.

If you want refinement, the 2025 Tacoma Limited offers a stylish exterior with its chrome accents and 18-in chrome-finished alloy wheels. A power up-down tailgate makes life easier for those loading or unloading. Plus power-running boards help you into and out of the cabin. This trim level is the first to offer the available i-Force Max turbo. This adds an Adaptive Variable Suspension that ensures a luxury-like ride quality for this upscale truck.

How much fun is your ride? It would probably contribute to a good down payment. Use this Kelley Blue Book appraisal tool.

Building on the SR5, the TRD PreRunner is offered exclusively as an XtraCab with utility-focused rear storage to keep your gear safe and dry. The six-foot bed adds to this truck’s work-readiness.

Among its stylish flourishes, PreRunners wear 17-inch TRD alloy wheels. An electronically controlled locking rear differential makes the Toyota TRD PreRunner more fun to drive wherever life takes you.

Next in the lineup, a special mesh grille and a hood scoop mark the TRD Sport as another adventure machine. This overlander has a TRD sport-tuned suspension for more excitement behind the wheel. You can add the 6-speed manual or the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain.

A step above, the TRD Off-Road increases trail abilities with Bilstein monotube shocks with remote reservoirs. It too has a choice of the 6-speed manual transmission or hybrid powertrain. Toyota’s best off-roading technologies are on the menu to round out its capability.  Available Crawl Control is a slow-speed cruise where you just aim, steer, and enjoy the experience with less stress. The available Multi-Terrain Select refines responses of the transmission, engine and more. This helps it cope better with sand, mud, and other challenges.

Slotted above the Limited, the exciting Tacoma Trailhunter is not just about power, although it does have the incredible turbo hybrid engine. It’s not just about the features such as the position-sensitive Old Man Emu shocks. It’s the way it’s built to handle trail obstacles and debris. This new off-road truck has a high-mount air intake for the engine, a high-clearance front bumper, and an ARB steel rear bumper. 

From its rock rails to its recovery hooks, this midsize truck is ready for anything. Owners can choose the 5-foot bed for a shorter off-roader or the 6-foot bed for the largest cargo area. At our Toyota dealership in Phoenix, we recommend talking to our staff about your options. Many of us are regular off-roaders so we are ready to answer your questions.

The top of the line is the TRD Pro. This incredible off-roader is powered by the • i-FORCE MAX turbocharged hybrid system. It has a similar build to the Trailhunter, ensuring maximum clearance and the most external protection. It stands taller with its TRD-tuned 2.5-in. FOX Internal Bypass QS3 shocks. Rear remote reservoirs have a specially engineered piggyback style. 

To ensure comfort, the TRD Pro front row has IsoDynamic Performance Seats. Unique to this midsize truck, these chairs have their own damping system to stop the trail’s bumps and jolts from bothering the driver or front seat passenger. 

With advanced dash touchscreen technology, the Tacoma is as well equipped as any of today’s affordable SUVs. This display is augmented by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Interiors are well-equipped for your daily ride, long distance travel, and work trips.

If you want the best of the best, affordable packages or higher trim levels entitle you to an incredible 14-inch touchscreen with advanced capability.  Amenities range from a moonroof to the highest quality, softest leather upholstery.

Safety is emphasized throughout the Tacoma’s carefully engineered build. Driver assistance standards make it an especially good buy at any trim level.

ToyotaCare takes care of maintenance costs for up to two years. This reduces ownership costs. Of course, the hybrid powertrain lets you save money at the pump while enjoying class-above capability in this exciting midsize truck.

This is truly the best time to be shopping for the Toyota Tacoma. Loaded with value, it continues to reign as one of the best-equipped and affordable midsize truck. When you add to that, the hybrid powertrain, the off-roading models, and the incredible technologies, Tacomas offer trucks to match many different personalities and budgets.  

Earnhardt is your Phoenix Toyota dealership. Conveniently located in Mesa, we serve drivers throughout the area who are truck enthusiasts. Our inventory of new Toyota Tacomas moves in and out quickly, thanks to its popularity. 

If you are interested in a new midsize truck, come see us. You can get behind the wheel and discover if this ride lives up to the hype.