Toyota Tacoma VIN Lookup

The latest generation, debuting in 2024, marks a substantial evolution for the Tacoma. Adopting the platform from the larger Tundra pickup, this generation introduces an optional hybrid powertrain borrowed from the Toyota Crown. The new Tacoma is available in two-door extended cab and four-door crew cab configurations, with 5- and 6-foot bed options, and both rear- and four-wheel drive. The standard engine is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, similar to the one used in the Highlander, and a 326-hp turbocharged hybrid four-cylinder engine is set to join the lineup in spring 2024. This generation emphasizes a more refined driving experience, with a stiffer body-on-frame chassis and coil springs for most versions of the rear suspension, aiming to provide a quieter and more comfortable ride. The driving position has been improved, and the infotainment system has been modernized. Among several convenience features, the powered rear gate that opens and closes hands-free stands out. The truck also comes equipped with a suite of standard active safety features, though blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning remain optional.

In 2016, Toyota introduced what it called a redesign of the Tacoma, but it was more of an extensive update than a complete overhaul. This third generation featured a more aggressive front styling, a new V6 engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and several suspension improvements. The frame and body were reinforced with high-strength steel, enhancing the truck's durability. The interior also received significant upgrades, including the introduction of a GoPro camera mount. The Tacoma further bolstered its off-road credentials with the addition of the TRD Pro model in 2017. By 2018, Toyota had made significant strides in safety by standardizing features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The 2020 update was a mild one, focusing on noise suppression with thicker glass, the addition of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the option of a power driver's seat.

The second-generation Tacoma, launched in 2005, underwent a significant redesign. This redesign gave the truck a more muscular appearance, a longer wheelbase, and a wider track, effectively moving it from the compact to the mid-size truck segment. This generation offered Regular Cab, Access Cab, and Double Cab body styles, with base four-cylinder and available V6 engines that were both larger and more powerful than their predecessors. Notably, stability control, front side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags became standard features in 2009. The Tacoma saw a mild exterior and interior refresh in 2012, and the regular-cab body style was discontinued after 2014. The truck's maximum towing capacity also increased to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped, making it more versatile for towing and hauling.

Introduced in 1995, the first-generation Tacoma presented a lineup that included compact-sized regular- and extended-cab styles, complemented by two four-cylinder engines and a more desirable V6 option. Available in both two- and four-wheel drive, the truck was notable for its coil spring, double-wishbone front suspension. All models featured a 6.2-foot cargo bed, and the V6 variants could tow up to 5,000 pounds. This generation marked Toyota's first pickup truck production in the U.S., with initial manufacturing in Fremont, California. In 2001, the Tacoma expanded its range with the addition of the Double Cab style, offering four regular doors and a three-person rear seat, enhancing its utility and family-friendly appeal.