DecodedCars2020 Toyota Tacoma
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- Access Cab L/Box 4WD, Double Cab L/Box 4WD, Double Cab S/Box 4WD
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl, 2.7L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 278 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 20 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 212.2–225.2 in
- Curb weight
- 4,295–4,480 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 278 hp, versus about 395 hp for similar 2020 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma is a small pickup truck offered with 2 engines (3.5L 6-cyl and 2.7L 4-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 212 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 128-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,295 lb (Access Cab L/Box 4WD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (20 city / 24 highway), 3% worse than the 2020 small pickup truck average of 21.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 90 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2020
- Lightest version 381 lb heavier
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Tacoma →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Tijuana, Baja California · San Antonio, Texas · Apaseo El Grande, Guanajuato
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 Tacoma configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access Cab L/Box 4WD | 212.2 in | 74.8 in | 70.5 in | 127.6 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 4,295 lb | 58/42 |
| Double Cab L/Box 4WD | 225.2 in | 74.8 in | 70.5 in | 140.6 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 4,480 lb | 58/42 |
| Double Cab S/Box 4WD | 212.2 in | 74.8 in | 70.5 in | 127.6 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 4,425 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | -3% | $3,200 | 431 |
| Tacoma 2WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | -3% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 22 / 20 | +2% | $3,350 | 448 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 22 / 20 | +2% | $3,350 | 441 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 21 / 18 | -9% | $3,700 | 481 |
| Tacoma 4WD D-CAB MT TRD-ORP/PRO | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 20 / 18 | -9% | $3,700 | 483 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Toyota TACOMA PU/CC 2WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.7% |
| 2020 Toyota TACOMA PU/EC 2WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.7% |
| 2020 Toyota TACOMA PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 19.1% |
| 2020 Toyota TACOMA PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 19.1% |
Similar 2020 small pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Toyota Tacoma (this car) | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Ford F-150 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2020 Ford Ranger | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2020 Nissan Frontier | 20 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2020 Honda Ridgeline | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Nov 4, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V682000 · 1,525,742 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
Not every 2020 Toyota Tacoma is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Toyota Tacoma buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 21 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Power Train — 15 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 14 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 5,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Toyota Tacoma. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Tacoma years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Tacoma | 23 | 213 in | Not rated | 0 | 12 |
| 2025 Tacoma | 23 | 213 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 114 |
| 2024 Tacoma | 24 | 226.4 in | Not rated | 6 | 154 |
| 2023 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 54 |
| 2022 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 59 |
| 2021 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 81 |
| 2019 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 219 |
| 2018 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 209 |
| 2017 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 243 |
| 2016 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 324 |
| 2015 Tacoma | 22 | 208.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 100 |
| 2014 Tacoma | 22 | 221.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 79 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →