The Toyota Tacoma Limited is a Farmer’s Cure-All: It’s as Handy as it is Gorgeous
There's just something about a Super Sonic Red Toyota Tacoma Limited that has me head over heels—especially when it's time to harvest my flowers.
It never fails: A candy apple red truck pulls into my driveway, and I fall in love before I’ve even driven it. The Super Sonic Red Toyota Tacoma Limited took my breath away—it was love at first sight.
Not only does the exterior color command attention, but the cream leather interior does, too. It’s a beautiful truck, and it sealed the deal by handling almost everything I threw at it. So, she’s not only brains, but she’s one hell of a beauty, too.
I’ve been excited to test the Toyota Tacoma Limited for a while now, since it got a major makeover this year and looks more like a mini Tundra (for $56,225 fully loaded, much less than a Tundra)- very chiseled, very masculine, very sexy.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
Trust Me: The Toyota Tacoma Limited is Every Truck Lover’s Dream
As I’m sure you’re aware by now, the Toyota Tacoma is the only truck on the US market today that remains available as a manual transmission model. The model we drove had an automatic transmission. Still, with so many trucks switching to rotary or button gear selectors, I really hope the solid center column gear shifter in the Tacoma is here to stay. Driving a truck should feel different than driving a car, and this is one of the things I really miss in most new trucks.
The technology in the Toyota Tacoma Limited is incredible, but it doesn’t overpower the truck-ish feel, with the tactile knobs and switches still taking center stage. The materials used on the seats, dash, and console are soft to the touch, but work-read tough. I loved the mix of woodgrain, white leather, and black. Here in Texas, just having those seats be a light color helps so much in the summer when the sun can turn a seat into a frying pan for your legs.
Let’s talk about those drink holders. They’re deep and keep your drinks from tipping or bouncing out when you’re off-pavement. The wireless charging pad has one of the best slants/positions I’ve seen for actually keeping your phone in place and charging when you’re on the move.
My Favorite Underappreciated Feature: The Cup Holders
Let’s talk about those drink holders. They’re deep and keep your drinks from tipping or bouncing out when you’re off-pavement. The wireless charging pad, which is closer by, has one of the best slants/positions I’ve seen for actually keeping your phone in place and charging when you’re on the move. You won’t have to worry about spills.
Designers of the Tacoma want to be sure you stay hydrated. Each door has two extra drink holders. And extra storage in the door for snacks, an umbrella, tools – you name it! The premium sound system from JBL is hard to beat. And the plastic this is all made of is solid and easy to clean, which is a huge plus for us rural folks.
The Rear is a Tad Cramped for a “Crew Cab”
My one disappointment was the lack of legroom in the back seat. I don’t remember noticing this when driving the Tacoma in the past, but perhaps my kids are bigger now, and this is more of an issue for me.
I fit back here just fine (yes, those front seats are in the furthest back position), but my teen boys had a few things to say about their feet and knees feeling cramped. That said, the rear seats are very comfortable, made from the same nice materials as the front, and they have plenty of storage space under the seat!
I also found it easy to get our daughter’s large booster seat snapped into the LATCH system, and I appreciated the curvature of the back of the front seats, allowing for legroom for her. It really is those little details that sell me on a car.
Toyota’s i-FORCEMAX System is Torquey and Fun
The Toyota Tacoma comes with the company’s new 2.4 Liter Turbo Hybrid engine and has plenty of power for your adventures. This isn’t a fuel-efficient hybrid; it’s an add-more-torque hybrid. 465 lb.-ft. of torque, 326 horsepower, 18-inch wheels, double wishbone front suspension, and coil spring rear suspension make this mid-sized 4-wheel drive truck an off-road beast.
But it’s also comfortable for the road, fits in most garages, and comes with all the amenities you’d find in your favorite car or SUV – wireless Car Play and Android Auto, heated and ventilated power front seats, dual-zone climate control, head-up display, power tilt/slide moonroof, LED headlights and turn signals, and so much more.
With a 21-26 mile-per-gallon estimated fuel consumption and a starting price of $31,500, the Tacoma i-FORCEMAX is available with either a 5’ or 6’ bed length and up to 6500 lbs tow rating. The Limited model we drove had an MSRP of $56,225 with all its options, including premium paint and delivery fees.
The Tacoma’s Bed Comes Prepped and Ready for Work
When you need a truck for daily life, you appreciate things like good lighting, power outlets, and a sturdy bedliner. The composite bed in the Tacoma is fully lined and has tie-down hooks in the floor, plus a rail-mounted tie-down system along the top rails.
Oh yeah, and the tailgate opens and closes with the push of a button on the taillight. This came in handy a few times when my hands were full and I could just tap that with my elbow. Major win for Toyota.
I Had a Fun Flashback Moment While Shopping
Sometimes we forget just how much these trucks change over the years, but twinning in the parking lot is a perfect side-by-side comparison opportunity! My 4-year-old noticed this when we walked out of the grocery store, and I loved seeing just how different the new Tacoma looks from the previous body style.
I’m really loving the color-matched bumper and chrome accents on the newer truck. What do you think?
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