Compared to the standard or upgraded engines, the Tacoma Hybrid leads with 365 horsepower. The 465 lb-ft of torque rate is better than all midsize offerings, including the 2025 Chevy Colorado or GMC Canyon with 430 lb-ft. It also beats the 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor.

With the ability to haul up to 1,709 pounds or tow up to 6,500 pounds, the Tacoma is undeniably strong and capable. Some rivals may exceed these numbers, but these numbers indicate that the Tacoma is strong enough to woo customers away from other brands.

A third Tacoma performance advantage is its manual transmission. Toyota is the only midsize truck manufacturer still selling a manual in the US market. As of this year, the manual has been discontinued on the 2025 Jeep Gladiator, the other hold-out.  

Options

If options are your favorite part of shopping, here’s what you should know about today’s midsize trucks. The Jeep Gladiator, Nissan Frontier, Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Honda Ridgeline offer a single engine choice, compared to three for the Tacoma.

Furthermore, the Tacoma iMax Hybrid is the only traditional midsize truck with hybrid technology. If you are comparing it to the Ford Maverick Hybrid, remember that the Maverick is much smaller.  

Only the 2025 Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma offer two cabin sizes. Only Tacomas are offered in three cab-bed configurations. Xtra cabs have the largest cabin cargo space of any midsize truck while double cabs offer a competitive two-row layout.  

Compared to an average 5 trim levels at other brands, there are eight trim levels for today’s Tacoma. Furthermore, many rivals can’t match the number of off-roading options that are tailored for different adventures.  

Good ground clearance and standard underbody protection guarantees that any Tacoma can stray off the pavement, especially with available four-wheel drive. Adventure trims include the TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-road, TRD-Pro and Trailhunter.  

Best In Class

Tacomas claim many class-leading aspects, including its 6-speed manual transmission, hybrid powertrain, and cab-bed configurations. Tech geeks will appreciate Toyota’s class-leading 14-inch touchscreen, available on many Tacomas today.

With the available rear coil springs, Toyota takes truck ride quality to a higher level of comfort. A less reactive suspension also means better handling for the busy truck driver. An available adaptive suspension, standard on the Limited, helps the truck glide over rough surfaces.  

Looking at traditional midsize trucks, the Tacoma is ahead of the pack in terms of fuel efficiency. And of course, the Tacoma iMax Hybrid leads all traditional midsize trucks.  

In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find another vehicle that can generate such high horsepower and torque without sacrificing fuel efficiency. Just look at the high-priced 2025 Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster. Despite the fact that the cheapest Quartermaster costs $88,500, it only produces 281 horsepower.  

Interior Quality

Tacomas may have been criticized in the past for material quality, but they are on par or better now than rivals. In fact, one major critic has pointed out that buying a 2025 GMC Canyon Denali would not net you any real benefits when compared to the Tacoma Limited with the hybrid powertrain.

Furthermore, the Tacoma holds the number one ranking for midsize trucks at Kelley Blue Book. It is tied with the 2025 Honda Ridgeline for the #1 Best Midsize Truck at JD Power. At Car Connections, Tacomas are the only traditional midsize truck to break into the 2025 top ten trucks. Like the Ford Ranger, it is an Editors Choice at Car and Driver.  

If you have dreamed of a panoramic sunroof in a midsize truck, the Toyota Tacoma is now offering this as an exclusive feature. Certain trim levels provide all the luxurious features that Phoenix drivers love, including dual zone automatic climate controls and ventilated front seats. For more information about midsize truck features, check out this new Tacoma review.   

Ownership Expenses

With the lowest entry level price, Tacomas are poised to save you more at purchase. Its wide range of price points and trim levels give consumers real choices. Packing on value, a big suite of Toyota Safety Sense features is always standard, along with a media touchscreen. Toyota is the only brand with standard Proactive Driving Assist.

If 2025 Ford Ranger Raptors and Chevy ZR2 prices seem way too high, remember that the Tacoma’s range of available off-roaders provides affordability and adventure.  

Keeping costs down, your Tacoma lease or loan entitles you to free maintenance for up to 3 years (36,000 miles). Additionally, as previously discussed, the Tacoma will save you money at the gas pump when compared to its rivals. Of course, the Tacoma iMax Hybrid can save you even more on fuel.  

Kelley Blue Book has given the truck its 2025 Best Buy Award and the 2025 Best Resale Award. It has been taking home the best resale prize since its introduction back in 2003! Plus Toyota has been named the highest-ranked brand in the JD Power Dependability Study.  

 

Special Considerations

If you are looking for a luxury-level midsize truck without breaking the bank, it is reassuring that you can get the top Tacoma Off-road Pro for a lot less than the 2025 Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster. You get all the top features, top trail tools, better horsepower, and much better torque while saving $25,000 or more over the Ineos truck.

Compared to the Jeep Gladiator, the Toyota Tacoma can be just as tough and just as fun on adventures. As Car and Driver has written, off-road-ready Tacomas have the hardware to go anywhere. Jeep isn’t the only brand where fun extras are available. For instance, you can get a removable Bluetooth speaker on certain Tacomas today.  

Since they are only subcompact trucks, 2025 Ford Mavericks and Hyundai Santa Cruz trucks have a weaker body type and lower engine output. Neither one is any match for the Tacoma’s capability.  

Conclusion

Whether you are looking at rankings, the standards features list, or overall capability, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma is a star. Affordable price points, more choices, and fun off-roading equipment help round it out. The fact that it is a 2025 Top Safety Pick sweetens the deal.

Don’t take our word for it. Get behind the wheel of this excellent midsize truck at your Earnhardt Toyota dealership. Schedule a test drive.