2022 Toyota Tacoma vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma

Other small trucks have come and gone—and come back again—but the Toyota Tacoma has been the cornerstone of the segment for decades now. Though it has grown in size through the years, it has remained one of the best options if you’re in the market for a smaller alternative to full-size pickups. It’s a great option for a commuter who goes on the occasional camping, kayaking, or mountain biking adventure. The bed is good for picking up supplies to tackle a weekend project.

But the midsize Tacoma has increased competition. In the past decade, the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Ford Ranger have returned. The Nissan Frontier recently received a long-overdue overhaul. And there’s even a new crop of compact pickups, including the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick. So is the Tacoma still the big dog among small trucks?

The Toyota Tacoma has reached “Legend” status: It’s the default choice for many shoppers, and for good reason. The Tacoma enjoys a hard-earned reputation for bullet-proof reliability. It’s the ideal size for many situations. It looks cool and, in TRD Pro trim, it can back up those looks with genuine off-road brilliance.

But heavy is the head that wears the crown, and the current Tacoma may be starting to buckle under the weight. With more powerful and more efficient options emerging in the compact and midsize truck space, Toyota is no longer the one-stop shop for shoppers. Luckily, a new Tacoma is just over the horizon.