2017 Toyota Tacoma Review: Expensive But Reliable Small Truck

2017 is a good year for the Tacoma, lasting over 350,000 miles with only rare transmission issues. At $25,700 – 43,817 it’s expensive, but worth it for the quality.

2017 Toyota Tacoma: Key Points

• Reliability ratings are great, but there are some transmission computer issues. Buyers should avoid the 2016 model with more complaints, and go with a 2017 or newer.
• A weak four-cylinder engine and a more powerful V6 are available.
• Fuel economy is average, at up to 21 mpg combined.
• Safety ratings are okay, getting four out of five stars in government crash tests.
• We recommend the 2017 Tacoma for its dependable motors and off-road capabilities. The Tacoma ranks 1^st out of five compact trucks based on owner reviews.

Top Critics Reviews

• Consumer Reports finds the truck to be tough and durable with above-average owner satisfaction ratings.
• Edmunds rates the Tacoma at four out of five for its rugged off-road capabilities, but noting the V6 is not very responsive.
• Kelley Blue Book gives the truck a 4.4 out of 5, mentioning it’s reliable, but has a low towing capacity.

What Problems Does the 2017 Toyota Tacoma Have?

Problems found on the Tacoma include transmission issues, some engine rpms jumping, and chipping paint. There are fewer complaints on the 2018 model, costing about $4,000 more.

Transmission problems, including not shifting properly, are a common complaint on trucks with around 10,000 miles. Toyota issued a technical service bulletin to install new software, which usually fixes the issue.

Engine surging is a rare issue appearing in the first 1,000 miles. Usually it’s a software issue which causes the engine’s rpms to jump, but in some cases it also can be caused by low quality fuel.

Chipping and peeling paint is another complaint at around 30,000 miles. They develop over time when paint is not properly cared for. The only solution is repainting the affected areas at a cost of $1,000 per panel.

There are five recalls, average for a truck. Recalls include the rear differential, crank position sensor, labels, brake assist vacuum pump, and fuel pump. The most serious recall is the fuel pump since it can cause the engine to stall.

How Much is the 2017 Toyota Tacoma Worth?

Blue book prices range from $25,700 – 43,817, making the Tacoma more expensive than the Frontier and Colorado. When new, prices were $24,575 to $43,215. A Tacoma is one of the rare vehicles that has appreciated in current market conditions.

How Long Will the 2017 Toyota Tacoma Last?

A properly maintained Tacoma should be able to last over 350,000 miles, which is 100,000 miles more than a Canyon or Frontier. Repair Pal estimates regular annual maintenance costs to be reasonable for a truck, at $551 per year.

As a Tacoma hits 100,000 miles, owners should prepare to replace items including air conditioning pressure switches for $300, suspension bushings costing $500, and oxygen sensors which cost $400.

What Are the Models & Specs?

SR is the entry-level model with:

• 16-inch Steel Wheels
• Cloth Seating
• Composite Bed
• Manual Locks

SR5 is a step up adding:

• 16-inch Alloy Wheels
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Cruise Control
• Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel

TRD Sport has additional features such as:

• 17-inch Alloy Wheels
• Body-Colored Fender Flares
• Power Sliding Rear Window
• Push Button Start

TRD Off Road is similar to the Sport with minor changes including:

• 16-inch Alloy Wheels
• Off-Road Tires
• Textured Black Fender Flares
• Locking Rear Differential

Limited is the luxury model with:

• 18-inch Alloy Wheels
• Leather Seating
• Upgraded Interior Trim
• Heated Seats

TRD Pro is an off-road oriented model offering:

• 16-inch Black Wheels
• LED Fog Lights
• Fox Off-Road Suspension
• TRD Performance Exhaust

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

Technology is excellent for a small truck, with some luxury features available.

• Standard technology includes a 6.1-inch touchscreen stereo system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, as well as six speakers.
• Optional upgrades include a seven-inch touchscreen, navigation, SirusXM satellite radio, and a JBL stereo system with a subwoofer.
• Standard safety features include air bags, stability and traction control, as well as a rearview camera. Blind spot monitoring is an optional upgrade.

What Engine Options are Available?

Performance is decent with the upgraded V6 taking 7.7 seconds to go from 0-60 miles per hour, towing up to 6,400 pounds.

• The base engine is a relatively weak 2.7L four-cylinder with 159 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque.
• An optional upgrade is a powerful 3.5L V6 with 278 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque.

What Color Options are Available?

How Big is the Tacoma?

The 2017 Tacoma is a compact truck, similar in size to the Frontier and Colorado. Two cabin configurations are available including a small 4-door access cab and larger four-door double cab. Passenger room is cramped, with limited legroom in the back seats of both cabin choices.

Two bed lengths are also available including a five-foot short bed, and a 6.1-foot standard bed.

How Does the 2017 Toyota Tacoma Compare to Other Trucks?

A very close competitor is the more affordable Chevy Colorado. The Colorado offers more power and a higher towing capacity, but the Tacoma is a longer-lasting choice. If you don’t plan on towing then the Tacoma is a better choice long term.

Another rival is the lower-priced Honda Ridgeline. Where the Ridgeline stands out is with better on-road comfort, but the Tacoma is better off-road. If you want an SUV with a bed, the Ridgeline is good, but if you want a real truck then go with a Tacoma.

Final Verdict: Is the 2017 Toyota Tacoma a Good Truck?

Yes, the Tacoma gets a rating of 4.7/5 based on many positive owner reviews mentioning great off-road capabilities, updated technology, and no widespread mechanical problems.

2017 is a good year for the Tacoma, but the newer 2018–2021 models do have fewer complaints and come with the new transmission software which fixes the shifting issues.