2025 Toyota Tacoma: A Fresh Take on a Mid-Size Pickup Icon

April 8th, 2025 by

The Toyota Tacoma has long been synonymous with rugged reliability and off-road capability. With its 2025 redesign, this iconic mid-size pickup is stepping up its game, offering enhanced power, better comfort, and improved tech features. Whether you’re navigating city streets or venturing off the beaten path, the new Tacoma is more than equipped to handle whatever you throw at it.

Power and Performance: Engineered for Excellence

Under the hood, the 2025 Tacoma introduces a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that powers its nonhybrid models. Offering up to 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque on SR5 and higher trims (the SR is rated at 228 horsepower and 243 lb-ft from the same engine), this engine strikes a great balance between everyday driving and heavy-duty tasks. For those looking for even more power, a hybrid version of the Tacoma produces 326 horsepower (reviewed separately), but the nonhybrid engine still provides ample performance for most needs.

Drivers can choose between a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, paired with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, depending on their preferences. Notably, the Tacoma’s suspension has undergone a significant upgrade. A coil-spring multi-link rear offers a smoother ride than the older leaf-spring setup. It is standard on TRD Off-Road, Trailhunter and TRD Pro, and available on Limited with the adaptive suspension; SR, SR5, TRD Sport and TRD PreRunner keep leaf springs. This improvement makes a noticeable difference, especially on rougher trails or city roads.

Towing and Payload: Built for Heavy Lifting

When it comes to towing and hauling, the 2025 Tacoma doesn’t disappoint. It tows up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped, a maximum that applies to specific XtraCab SR5 and TRD PreRunner configurations while the base SR is rated at 3,500 pounds, making it well-suited for pulling boats, trailers, or other heavy equipment. Payload varies quite a bit by cab, drivetrain and powertrain, so check the tire and loading label on the driver door jamb of the specific truck before you load it. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid tows a slightly lower 6,000 pounds, and the Trailhunter is rated at 5,950.

Fuel Efficiency: Efficient Yet Powerful

The fuel economy of the 2025 Tacoma is fairly typical for a mid-size pickup, offering solid efficiency without sacrificing performance. For the two-wheel-drive model, expect up to 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The four-wheel-drive versions drop slightly, maxing out at 20 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. In real-world testing, the TRD Off-Road trim achieved 22 mpg on a 75-mph highway route, which is on par with other trucks in the segment.

Interior Comfort and Technology: A Modern Touch

Inside, the 2025 Tacoma showcases a big leap forward in design and technology. The cabin is equipped with premium materials, making it feel more refined than ever. The digital gauge cluster has been upgraded, with a 7.0-inch display on most models, while higher trims like the TRD Off-Road feature a larger 12.3-inch all-digital unit. A head-up display is also standard on the Limited trim, along with heated and cooled front seats for added comfort.

One of the most significant upgrades is the seating position. The new Tacoma features a higher seating arrangement, improving visibility and comfort. Drivers will appreciate the increased headroom and more adjustable steering column, making it easier to find the perfect driving position. The Tacoma is available in two body styles: the extended-cab XtraCab with a six-foot bed and the crew-cab Double Cab with either a six-foot or five-foot bed, offering plenty of options for both passengers and cargo.

What’s New for 2025?

While the Tacoma’s overall design remains largely unchanged, a few noteworthy updates have been added for 2025. Toyota added new easy-access red front tow hooks on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter grades, and a fourth pre-wired auxiliary switch is now available. Additionally, the Terra paint color is now available on all TRD models, offering a new bold look.

The 2025 Toyota Tacoma: A Top Contender

The 2025 Toyota Tacoma continues to stand out. Its balance of powerful performance, off-road readiness, and comfort make it a top choice for anyone in the market for a mid-size pickup. Whether you’re towing heavy loads, hauling gear, or simply looking for a capable daily driver, the Tacoma offers the versatility and reliability you need.

Don’t forget to check out all the new Tacoma’s we currently have in stock right now – View Our 2025 Tacoma inventory.