The 2019 Toyota Tacoma has dominated the mid-size truck market for years, a reliable favorite that other models strive to live up to. But, does it have the towing & payload capacity to turn a half-ton driver into a mid-size believer?
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A Brief Overview of the 2019 Toyota Tacoma
- The 2019 Toyota Tacoma offers six different trim levels and two powertrain options. Horsepower ratings range between 159 and 278, and towing maxes out at 6.,400 pounds when properly equipped.
- Pricing ranges from $33,000 to $50,000, depending on trim, mileage, and condition. As well as Tacomas above-average resale value and slow depreciation.
- The Tacoma is a moderately fuel-efficient truck, putting up a respectable 20 mpg average when equipped with the V6 model. For an extra mile or two average, the four-cylinder makes a good alternative.
- Toyota’s Safety Sense P package, rugged exterior, and multitude of airbags net the Tacoma a solid four-star crash test rating overall.
2019 Toyota Tacoma Comes in 6 Different Trim Levels, Ranging from Entry-level to Off-road Ready
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma comes in six different trim levels, from the base SR trim to the well-equipped TRD Pro trim. Several cab configurations exist, including Regular and Double, the latter adding four full doors and more interior legroom. Keep in mind though, some trim levels are only available on Double cab models, especially upper trims..
Additionally, the Tacoma is available with either a six-foot bed, known as the long bed, or a five-foot bed, dubbed the short bed.
Let’s take a look at what each trim level has to offer.
Tacoma SR Features Many Standard Safety & Convenience Features
The SR trim level is the Tacoma’s base trim. Thanks to Toyota’s integration of their Safety Sense packages, it is surprisingly well equipped. Though it is a base model, it includes heated power-adjustable side mirrors, a backup camera fitted to tailgate release handle, a moveable cleat tie-down system for securing bed loads, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, forward collision warning w/automatic emergency braking, and an Entune stereo with Bluetooth and Siri Eyes Free.
Tacoma SR5 Adds a Bit of Aesthetic Flair & Creature Comforts
The SR5 trim adds a bit more styling and flair both inside and out. The SR5 trim Tacomas include the base model features with the addition of chrome exterior trim, fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Entune audio.
Tacoma TRD Sport Features Standard Seven-inch Touchscreen & a Few Other Niceties
Though the SR5 is certainly an upgrade from the base model, the TRD Sport trim succeeding it is where commodities and extras really start to come into play. If you’re looking for a well-equipped truck without breaking the bank with top-tier trims, the TRD Sport is a great middle ground. It includes a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, GPS Navigation, wireless smartphone charging pad, and body-colored fender flares, and matching rear bumper.
Tacoma TRD Off-Road is Everything You Love About the Model, but Geared for Off-road Adventures
The TRD Off-Road package (pictured above) takes the added features of the TRD Sport and turns the dial more towards off-road performance, as the name conveys. When upgrading to this trim level, you’ll get advanced off-road traction control, Crawl Control w/multiple terrain settings, extra underbody skid plates, lockable rear differential, chrome rear bumper, and Bilstein monotube shocks.
Tacoma Limited Takes Mid-size Pickup Luxury to a New Level, with Leather Heated Seating & Dual-zone Climate Control
The next trim level, Limited, takes a step back from the off-road optimization and turns more toward the creature comforts of passengers inside the vehicle. Additionally, it adds a few more safety features. Included in the Limited trim are 18-inch wheels with lower-profile tires, sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, leather upholstery, blind-spot monitoring, and an upgraded JBL speaker system.
Tacoma TRD Pro is the Ultimate Off-road Machine, Built for Rock Crawling, Water Treading & Whatever Else You’re Willing to Put it Through
The highest trim level of the 2019 Toyota Tacoma turns the focus once again more toward off-road performance. If you’re planning on using your Tacoma for off-road adventures like trails, rock climbing, and treading through water, the TRD Pro trim level is ideal. Added features of this trim level include an exclusive black grille, all-terrain tires, thicker front skid plate, Fox Racing shocks, and increased ride height.
How Much Does a Used 2019 Toyota Tacoma Cost?
Though the price of a vehicle ultimately comes down to condition, mileage, and even location, Kelley Blue Book offers a fair market price range of vehicles based on the average of sales across the nation. These price ranges can be found on our very own Vehicle History models and specs page for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma. Here are the average price ranges for 2019 Toyota Tacoma models, broken down by trim level:
- SR: $33,510 – $36,307
- SR5: $31,837 – $37,328
- TRD Sport: $35,823 – $41,354
- TRD Off-Road: $33,761 – $39,153
- Limited: $35,166 – $40,664
- TRD Pro: $43,853 – $49,753
Toyota’s Certified Pre-owned Program Enhances Warranty Coverage on Both Powertrain & Bumper-to-Bumper
All Toyota models, especially pickup trucks, retain their value quite nicely, as evident in the pricing above. Toyota’s reliability and build quality are to thank for this. Because of this reputation, buying used is not something shoppers need to worry too much about, especially considering the 2019 Tacoma is only two years old at this point.
To further put shoppers at ease, most 2019 model year Tacomas are still under the coverage of Toyota’s New Vehicle Warranty. This includes bumper-to-bumper coverage for 36 months/36,000 miles, powertrain coverage for 60 months/60,000 miles, and Rust-Through Coverage for 60 months with no limit to mileage.
Furthermore, additional coverage can be obtained by purchasing through Toyota’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. While the added 12-month/12,000-mile warranty with a CPO purchase would only benefit 2019 model years if it has surpassed the original 36,000-mile warranty, the additional seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is definitely worth the CPO purchase. This warranty includes travel protection and covers lodging and meal reimbursement when more than 150 miles from home, and even provides substitute transportation during vehicle warranty repairs.
Additionally, all of these warranty coverages are transferable to new owners. Quite simply put, buying a used Toyota Tacoma is a safe and stress-free process. Shoppers can rest easy knowing they will not have to pay out of pocket for any unexpected repairs on a used vehicle.
What Engines are Available in a 2019 Toyota Tacoma?
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma offers a handful of different ways to spec the powertrain. There are two different engine options, and both are available with either automatic or manual transmissions. Furthermore, they are available in both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations.
The first and cheaper engine option for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma is the 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder. It makes 159 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.7-liter engine is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. However, the manual transmission option is only available on four-wheel-drive models.
The next step up is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that substantially increases power output. It makes 278 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque. The TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models are available with a six-speed manual transmission and four-wheel-drive layout. Other trim levels come with a six-speed automatic transmission in either four-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive configuration.
Again, the handful of different configurations make it important that you look closely at model details to ensure the Tacoma you’re looking at has all the right specs for you.
How Fuel Efficient is a 2019 Toyota Tacoma?
Given the different powertrain options, the fuel economy of the 2019 Tacoma varies greatly. Let’s take a look at each of the configuration’s fuel economy numbers, courtesy of the EPA.
Four-cylinder equipped models with a six-speed automatic transmission in four-wheel-drive configuration see numbers of 19 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. However, rear-wheel-drive variants see 20 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. Manual models, only available with four-wheel drive, see 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.
Surprisingly, moving to six-cylinder models doesn’t hinder fuel economy much. Manual variants with the V6 equipped, the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro, see 17 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. Standard four-wheel-drive equipped models with an automatic transmission see 18 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Finally, rear-wheel-drive V6 models take the overall win at 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
How Well Does a 2019 Toyota Tacoma Perform?
The Tacoma is built with off-road adventure and performance in mind. Toyota is certainly not afraid to tout it.
According to Car Indigo, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma is good for a 0-60 mph sprint in just under seven seconds, and will run a quarter-mile in about 15 seconds. However, this isn’t exactly the type of performance you’d look for in a truck.
Instead, Toyota’s prominent performance features turn to its high ground clearance and ruggedness with room in the bed for off-road toys like dirt bikes and quads. Furthermore, V6 models are capable of towing up to 6,800 pounds. Therefore, it is perfectly capable of pulling a small trailer, boat, or camper.
Kelley Blue Book praised the truck for the V6 option in KBB’s review of the 2019 Tacoma. “For most drivers, the 159-horsepower 2.7-liter engine can get the job done, but don’t look for stellar passing power when towing or climbing steep grades,” says KBB. “While at first glance fuel-economy figures may seem attractive, they’re not all that much better than what the V6 delivers, leading us to suggest that if you can afford the extra cost, the V6 is the best choice. With 278 horsepower on tap, the 3.5-liter V6 moves the Tacoma with brisk bursts of acceleration and also enables it to tow up to 6,800 pounds.”
If trails and mud are your thing, the Tacoma has you covered there, too. Toyota’s Crawl Control system makes it easy to climb over rocks, and fights for traction to keep owners from getting stuck in mud, sand, or snow. Additionally, models with the electronically-controlled locking rear differential will ensure you get from point A to point B, no matter what’s in between. This can be confirmed by Motor Trend‘s first drive review of a 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, which mentions that the truck’s Crawl Control climbs up and down some slick, rocky hills, “with astonishing ease.”
2019 Toyota Tacoma: Cargo Space & Dimensions
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma’s five-foot bed is 60.5 inches long, 41.5 inches wide, and 19.1 inches tall, for a total volume of 27 cubic feet. Short-bed equipped models have a payload capacity of 1,155 pounds.
The six-foot bed maintains the same width and depth, but length increases to 73.7 inches, for a total volume of 33 cubic feet. The payload capacity of long-bed equipped models is 1,275 pounds.
Access Cab models with the long bed and Double Cab models with the short bed both have an overall length of 212.3 inches. Double Cab models with the long bed see an overall length increase to 225.5 inches with a 140.6-inch wheelbase. Coming in over 18 feet in its longest form, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma may be a bit of a struggle to fit in smaller garages.
The 2019 Tacoma comes in at 70.6 inches tall and 75.2 inches wide. While it isn’t the biggest truck out there, some shoppers may find that they do not have adequate space for inside storage.
How Safe is a 2019 Toyota Tacoma?
If not reliability, most consumers will think safety when they think of Toyota. As such, shoppers should not be surprised to find that the 2019 Tacoma has solid safety ratings.
In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash testing, the Toyota Tacoma receives remarkably high marks across the board. In overall crashworthiness, the Tacoma gets the highest grade possible (G, for Good) in five out of six categories, including side, roof strength, head restraints, and seats, moderate overlap front collision, and small overlap driver side. The only category it didn’t receive the highest grade for is small overlap testing on the passenger side, though it received the second-highest rating (A, for Acceptable).
Additionally, it receives a perfect score in front crash prevention, and its only low mark is an M (for Marginal) on its headlights.
The 2019 Tacoma has a four out of five-star overall crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It received four stars overall for front and rollover crash test ratings and five out of five stars in side crash testing.
Overall, the Toyota Tacoma is a very safe vehicle for occupants.
Standard/Available Technology Features in the 2019 Tacoma
The 2019 Tacoma certainly isn’t lacking in the technology field. The tech centerpiece is the touchscreen Entune Premium seven-inch infotainment system. It has all your standard audio amenities, like an auxiliary port, USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity. Furthermore, it has Siri Eyes Free technology integrated so drivers can keep their eyes on the road. With its advanced voice recognition, sending a voice-to-text message is effortless. Finally, it includes an integrated app suite, including Destination Search, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable, Pandora, Yelp, Facebook Places, and Slacker Radio.
Higher trim levels have an upgraded JBL audio system that features six, high-quality JBL speakers and a subwoofer.
Other tech includes an available wireless phone charging pad, smart-key system with push-button start, and multi-zone automatic climate control.
Additionally, the Tacoma comes loaded with safety technology across all trims in the form of Toyota’s Safety Sense package. While higher trim levels add additional safety features as outlined above in the trim breakdown, all 2019 Tacomas come standard with dynamic radar cruise control, pre-collision system and vehicle detection, and lane departure alert.
2019 Tacoma Comes in 9 Unique Color Options & Several Exciting Interior Schemes
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma offers nine different exterior color options:
Additionally, there are eight different options for interior colors. These include Cement Gray, Graphite with Gun Metal accents, Hickory, or Black with Caramel, Red, or Gun Metal accents.
Vehicle History‘s 2019 Tacoma Reviews Are 90% Positive
What Critics Say
Another great source for information is our very own Vehicle History owner reviews page. Here, you can see actual owners’ thoughts on their 2019 Toyota Tacomas. To get a good idea right off the bat, 90% of submitted reviews of the 2019 Tacoma are four stars or higher, with 75% of them being perfect five-star reviews.
“This truck is perfect for someone who needs some sort of pickup bed but does not want to deal with a full-size truck,” writes 2019 Tacoma TRD Off-road owner James R. “This truck is perfect and does everything I need it to. Overall, an enjoyable truck to drive…super-reliable and super-safe.”
Further praise comes courtesy of Sarah Z., who said about her 2019 Tacoma: “The truck has a smooth ride and great acceleration. It comes equipped with a lot of great safety features, too. The truck bed is the perfect size to haul items like washers and dryers or for weekend trips to Home Depot.”
In his Vehicle History review, Devin E. wrote a three-star review on his 2019 Tacoma TRD Off-Road. “The truck has had fantastic reliability,” he says. “[But] I really wish Toyota would have used an engine that made more power in the lower rpms. It would help significantly when towing. I notice my small trailer and zero-turn when towing.”
Matthew W. seems to agree. “I have the V6 but it still feels a little weak in the acceleration, but I think that is more because of the six-speed transmission. An eight-speed would be better.”
2019 Toyota Tacoma: Maintenance, Reliability & Safety Recalls
Though Toyota is synonymous with dependability, no automotive company is perfect. Let’s take a look at common issues and the 2019 Tacoma’s overall reliability, according to Repair Pal.
Surprisingly, the Tacoma ranks in last place in terms of Repair Pal’s reliability rating among midsize trucks. It has an overall rating of 3.5 out of five stars. According to them, the annual repair cost is $478, which is lower than average. However, they state that repairs, while not common, are often more severe than average. Here are some of the common failure points of the Tacoma, and their estimated costs, according to Repair Pal’s data.
- Drive belt idler pulley replacement: $129 – $146
- Brake pad replacement: $219 – $262
- Head gasket replacement: $1,949 – $2,344
Fortunately, it is worth keeping in mind that 2019 Tacomas are still well within Toyota’s warranty period. Therefore, the majority of any major failures are likely covered under warranty.
While these are the known issues and problems, it’s important to consider all factors when shopping, like maintenance and repairs. That being said, let’s take a look at what recalls are currently active on the 2019 Tacoma.
The NHTSA Has Issued Four Recalls on the 2019 Toyota Tacoma
According to the NHTSA, there are currently four active recalls on the 2019 Toyota Tacoma.
Two of the recalls pertain to the potential failure of fuel pumps.
The next active recall states that some models may have incorrect or non-permanent load capacity labels. Without labeling, consumers could unknowingly overload their vehicles and cause severe damage.
The final recall states that improper machining of the brake master cylinder may result in internal damage of one of the seals. This can lead to a leak in the braking system, which may result in a lessened ability to stop.
As always, when shopping for a used vehicle, it is prudent to check the vehicle’s VIN to look for active recalls.
2019 Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier & Chevy Colorado
Though the Tacoma is certainly a dominant force in the midsize truck category, there is some hefty competition. To see how it stacks up against its competition, let’s take a look at the Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, and Chevy Colorado for the same 2019 model year.
2019 Ford Ranger is Not Available with a Manual Transmission but Bests the Tacoma with Pretty Much Everything Else
When thinking of smaller pickup trucks, it’s hard for the Ford Ranger not to be the first one to come to mind. It’s been an iconic mainstay of the midsize truck lineup for decades. However, how does the modern ranger compare to the Tacoma?
Like the Tacoma, it is available with two cab options and two bed options. However, it differs from the Tacoma in terms of powertrain availability.
The 2019 Ford Ranger is available only with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. Don’t let its size fool you, though, as it puts out a respectably comparable 270 horsepower. Additionally, it outputs more torque than the V6-equipped 2019 Tacoma, with an astounding 310 lb.-ft. Still, the Ranger does not have a manual transmission option.
Size is also quite comparable, with length, width, and height all within an inch or two of Tacoma’s dimensions.
The Ranger outdoes the Tacoma in fuel economy, too, seeing ratings up to 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Furthermore, it beats the Tacoma in towing capacity, with up to 7,500 pounds. Finally, it also outdoes the Tacoma in payload capacity, with up to 1,860 pounds.
Perhaps the final nail in the coffin in the Ranger besting the Tacoma is its price point: It starts and ends considerably lower than the Tacoma, with XL base models dropping as low as $31,382, spanning up to $41,508 in top trim Lariat form.
If having a manual transmission option is not that important to you, the Ranger may be what you want.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2019 Nissan Frontier Doesn’t Match the Tacomas Overall Capabilities but Does Come in at a Lower Price Point
Just like the Tacoma and Ranger, the 2019 Nissan Frontier offers two cab options and either a five- or six-foot bed. How does it stack up in the other categories?
Like the Tacoma, the Frontier is available with two engine options. It offers a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 152 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque. Additionally, a 4.0-liter V6 is available that steps power up to 261 horsepower and 281 lb.-ft. of torque. Also, like the Tacoma, the Frontier is available with a manual transmission.
Fuel economy numbers are similar, with ratings up to 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. The Tacoma has a slight advantage in city driving.
Sizing is similar to the Tacoma in width and height, though it comes in a fair bit shorter, at 205.5 inches overall length.
It has similar towing and payload capacities, as well. Well-equipped Frontiers tow up to 6,300 pounds, and have a payload capacity of up to 1,340 pounds.
The Frontier certainly excels in value, with base model pricing starting at $19,290, rising up to $34,490 for the PRO-4X trim level.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2019 Chevrolet Colorado is a Decent Competitor to the Tacoma but Pricing Gets a Bit High on Top-tier Diesel-equipped ZR2 Models
Our final point of comparison is the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado. As with the other competition, two cabs and either a five- or six-foot bed are available. However, while the Colorado does offer a manual transmission on base models, it also offers a powertrain option completely unique in this class.
The Colorado offers three engine choices across its lineup. First up is the 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 200 horsepower and 191 lb.-ft. of torque. Stepping up to the next tier lands you a 3.6-liter V6 with an impressive 308 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque. The show-stopping engine option comes in upper trim levels. It has a 2.8-liter four-cylinder Duramax diesel engine, making 181 horsepower and a whopping 369 lb.-ft. of torque. This is the only diesel offering in the entire lineup of midsize trucks.
The fuel economy is about on par with V6 models, getting ratings of 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. However, the diesel option once again takes the win with numbers up to 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
Overall sizing is very similar, though the Colorado is especially wide at 74 inches.
Towing capability sits a little lower at 5,000 pounds, while the payload capacity remains similar at up to 1,581 pounds.
The Colorado has a vast price range, starting as low as $20,000 for the base model and spanning all the way north of $45,000 for diesel-powered ZR2 trim models.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
Should You Consider Buying a Used 2019 Toyota Tacoma?
Overall, the facts align quite nicely with the critiques from when the truck was released and of owners today. The Tacoma is a wonderful truck that is ready to rock and roll just about anywhere you could take it. While it isn’t the epitome of luxury in class, it is great at being a truck. If you need a blend of Japanese reliability and rugged work readiness, the Tacoma is a great option for you. If you can live with small complaints like the long-term discomfort of seats, lack of electronic seat adjustability, and the inability to connect to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, the Toyota Tacoma will be a fantastic all-around work and play vehicle for many years to come.
While repairs, maintenance, and recalls may be of concern, a preventative pre-purchase inspection for a private party sale or buying a CPO Tacoma should put your mind at ease. Furthermore, shoppers can input a potential vehicle purchase’s VIN number into our free VIN research tool to be sure it has a clean history.
Photos: Toyota
