EN
ES
Used Toyota Tacoma Buying Guide
The Toyota Tacoma has long been one of the most popular midsize pickups on the used market (it was the best selling mid-size truck in the U.S.for 2025, per Consumer Reports), but choosing the right one is not as simple as picking a year and finding the lowest mileage. The third- and fourth-generation trucks have very different personalities, powertrains, interiors, and price points. One is a proven, old-school pickup with strong resale value, while the other is more modern, powerful, and comfortable. Let’s take a look at some model years from both so you know which is the most reliable used Toyota Tacoma era.
Key Takeaways
- A 2018 or newer third-gen Tacoma offers more standard safety tech without the premium pricing of the redesigned truck.
- The fourth-gen Tacoma delivers better performance and the first hybrid powertrain in the model’s history.
- Used fourth-generation models are still pricey, so the third-generation V6 may offer better value.
What Should Buyers Know About the Third-Generation Toyota Tacoma?
The third-generation Tacoma is the better choice for buyers who want a proven truck without paying nearly new-vehicle prices. Sold from 2016 through 2023, it combined familiar Toyota truck hardware with improved safety features and updated technology.
At this time, Toyota offered Access Cab and Double Cab configurations with five- and six-foot beds. The Double Cab provides a conventional rear bench, although rear-seat space remains tight compared with some midsize truck competitors.
The standard 159 hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder delivers 180 pound-feet, an adequate amount for basic work-truck duty, but it can feel slow during highway driving. Most shoppers will be happier with the 278-hp 3.5-liter V6, which produces 265 pound-feet.
Trim levels ranged from the basic SR and SR5 to the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro. The TRD Off-Road is appealing for buyers who leave the pavement because it includes Crawl Control, Bilstein shocks, selectable terrain modes, and an electronically locking rear differential.
Toyota Safety Sense became standard for 2018, adding features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. A 2020 refresh brought a standard touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Toyota also added options such as a power-adjustable driver’s seat and a multi-terrain monitor.
Is the Fourth-Generation Tacoma Worth the Higher Price?
If you’re a buyer who prioritizes modern tech and stronger torque, the fourth gen’s pricing won’t matter as much. Here, used examples are expensive because Toyota redesigned the truck for the 2024 model year.
The standard engine is now a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder. The base version produces 228 horsepower and is limited to the entry-level SR. (Most trims use a 278-horsepower version that delivers performance similar to the previous V6.)
But the biggest mechanical change is the newly available i-FORCE MAX hybrid. It combines the turbocharged engine with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic. Total output reaches 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet, giving the hybrid substantially more torque than the previous generation.
The redesigned interior is another major improvement. An 8-inch touchscreen is standard, while higher trims offer a 14-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and wireless phone charging is available.
| Generation | Model Years | Features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third Generation | 2016-2023 | 2.7-liter four-cylinder or 3.5-liter V6 engines, standard Toyota Safety Sense, updated styling and technology, TRD Pro and Trail Edition models, and a reputation for long-term reliability | Buyers who want proven reliability and lower prices |
| Fourth Generation | 2024-Present | Turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder or available i-FORCE MAX hybrid, all-new platform, larger infotainment screens, improved ride quality, and greater towing and off-road capability | Buyers who want modern technology and stronger performance |
Which Used Toyota Tacoma Is the Better Buy?
A third-generation V6 Tacoma is the stronger value for most used-truck shoppers, but the fourth-generation Tacoma is the better truck overall, especially with its available hybrid powertrain.