The Tacoma has been a mainstay in the Toyota lineup for three decades, delivering power and performance, as well as a fun drive. Today, the Tacoma offers drivers their choice of six trims powered by a gas engine, each of which comes with its own benefits. However, you can quickly lose your way while navigating through the complexities of the various trims, which is where this guide comes in.
Before you head down to your local Toyota dealer, take a look at the information below so you will be armed with the details you need to make the best decision for you. This knowledge also helps you formulate the questions you need to ask once you’re there. The truth is that if you’re looking for a midsize truck renowned for its performance, dependability, and great return on investment, it’s hard to go wrong with any of the trims the Tacoma offers, but with the information gathered here, you can choose with confidence.
An Overview of the Toyota Tacoma
As mentioned, there are six gas-powered trims to consider. Within those trims, there are some similarities. For instance, all six trims are equipped with a 2.4L turbocharged i-FORCE four-cylinder engine that is paired with either an eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. Also, most of the six trims offer both rear- and four-wheel drive. The exceptions are the TRD PreRunner, which is only available in rear-wheel drive, and the Limited trim, which is only offered in four-wheel drive.
All six options also offer solid towing capabilities, with some giving you a maximum capacity of 6,500 lbs. In addition, you will find a maximum payload capacity of 1,690 lbs. Beyond towing, you can also enjoy off-roading, even in non-TRD trims, as this truck is built with durability in mind and enough ground clearance to tackle trails. Of course, you get the most out of your off-roading experience by choosing a TRD trim, which we will explore soon.
Regarding safety, you will find that each of the six trims has features from the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite. These features include things like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. On the technology side, all six trims allow you to access your favorite playlist, turn-by-turn directions, and more via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The size of the touchscreen, however, is determined by the trim level. So, now let’s take a look at these trims’ differences to help you narrow down your choices…
The Tacoma’s Traditional Trim Levels
Of the six gas-powered trim levels, there are three designed by TRD (Toyota Racing Development) and three that are not; the latter three are the base trim SR, the SR5, and the Limited, which is considered the top-tier trim. The SR and SR5 each give you the ability to choose from a five- or six-foot bed, as well as a Double Cab or XtraCab. The Limited trim level is only offered with a Double Cab. As mentioned above, the Limited is also only offered in four-wheel drive, while the other two traditional trims have both a rear- and four-wheel drive option.
For the SR base trim, you can expect a fuel efficiency of 23 MPG combined, which is higher than average for a midsize truck. The SR has 17-inch steel wheels and LED bed lighting, as well as LED headlights with daytime running lights, and a deck rail system with four adjustable tie-down cleats and fixed cargo bed tie-down points. This same deck rail system is found in the SR5 and Limited trims as well. On the inside, you will find fabric-trimmed seats, a push-button start, and an eight-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia display with a four-speaker audio system. The SR5 has this same display. Additionally, dual USB charging ports keep your electronic devices charged and ready to go.
For the SR5, you will get the same fuel efficiency as the SR but its exterior is highlighted by 17-inch styled alloy wheels rather than the steel wheels found on the SR. In addition, it has a color-keyed rear bumper and LED fog lamps, both of which can also be found on the Limited trim. You can opt to add heated front seats; this option provides you with six-way manually adjustable driver and front seats, as well as two-way power lumbar support for the driver’s seat, along with a heated steering wheel. Other perks for the SR5 trim include a push-button start with a smart key system on both the driver and passenger doors and an auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror.
Finally, when choosing the Limited trim level, it is important to note that the combined fuel efficiency drops from 23 MPG to 21 MPG due to it only being offered in four-wheel drive. Additionally, this trim has the largest wheels of the three, with 18-inch limited chrome-finished alloy wheels. Other differences include the chrome-finished exhaust tip, power running boards, and front and rear mudguards. On the inside, the Limited has heated and ventilated front seats that can be adjusted in eight ways, in addition to lumbar support that can be adjusted four ways. There is also a standard heated steering wheel, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat with under-seat and behind-seat storage, a wireless charging dock, and a power tilt/slide moonroof with a sliding sunshade.
The Tacoma’s TRD Trim Levels
The remaining three gas-powered trims have the TRD designation, which means they are equipped with features that make them exceptionally off-road-ready. However, as mentioned, the TRD PreRunner is only available in rear-wheel drive. Still, it does have other off-road features to note. For instance, it offers a locking rear differential, 17-inch TRD PreRunner alloy wheels, composite underbody fuel tank protection, and a lifted suspension. It also gives you a fuel efficiency of 23 MPG combined.
Additionally, for all three TRD trims, you will find LED bed lighting, the same deck rail system found in the non-TRD trims, a color-keyed rear bumper, and LED fog lights. Interior features of the TRD PreRunner include a push-button start, an auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror, dual USB-C charging ports, and the same eight-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia display with a four-speaker system of the SR and SR5.
The TRD Sport lives up to its name, with a sporty exterior that is comfortable both on the road and off, even if it doesn’t offer the same specialized features found in the TRD Off-Road trim or the hybrid TRD Pro. Still, if you’re planning to tow a small camper, boat, or trailer with ATVs, the TRD Sport has all you need and more. In fact, when appropriately equipped, the TRD Sport can tow up to 6,400 lbs, as can the TRD Off-Road. If you need a bit more towing power, you can turn to the SR5 or the PreRunner, both of which can tow a maximum of 6,500 lbs.
Along with the exterior features mentioned, the TRD Sport is also equipped with 18-inch TRD Sport alloy wheels. On the inside, you can enhance the standard equipment to include things like heated and ventilated front seats with power-adjustable and lumbar options, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a wireless charging dock, a power sliding rear window, a power tilt-slide moonroof with sliding sunshade, and more. These same options can be added to the TRD Off-Road trim.
Regarding standard features, you and your passengers will appreciate the dual USB-C charging ports and the 60/40 split-folding rear seat with under-seat and behind-seat storage. One other available feature worth noting is the option to upgrade the standard eight-inch display to a 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia display with a six-speaker audio system. Last but not least, like the rest of the trims, you can seamlessly connect to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The final gas-powered trim in the Toyota Tacoma lineup is the TRD Off-Road. A quick glance and you will realize it offers many of the same features found in the TRD Sport trim, which might make you wonder why you should choose it over the Sport. Your desire to head off-road is the biggest consideration when choosing between the two. For instance, the Off-Road trim has a composite front skid plate with an underbody transfer case and fuel tank protection, as well as 4WDemand part-time 4-Wheel Drive, an electronically controlled 2-speed transfer case (high/low ranges), and an electronically controlled locking rear differential. It is also designed to cushion rocky and uneven terrains with a specially-tuned off-road suspension, crawl control, and multi-terrain select.
Check Out the 2025 Toyota Tacoma Today
All six trims of a gas-powered 2025 Toyota Tacoma have something for a wide range of drivers, so the one you choose depends on your driving lifestyle. One thing for certain is that choosing a Tacoma is a smart investment, as the brand’s vehicles are built to last, have a solid reputation for customer satisfaction, and offer some of the latest safety and technology features on board.
If you’re looking to upgrade your current vehicle and considering a midsize truck, the 2025 Tacoma should be on your “test drive” list. Stop by your local Toyota dealership today and see the various trims up close to determine which is best for your needs.
