Last year, the 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport underwent a thorough examination focusing on its core “truck stuff” capabilities, such as hauling and off-roading. This review provided valuable insights into its traditional truck functionalities. Now, it’s time to shift gears and explore the 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport from a different perspective: as a lifestyle vehicle. With the price of trucks steadily climbing, these vehicles are increasingly expected to serve dual roles – both as workhorses and as comfortable, everyday transportation for people and their lives.
This review flips the script, evaluating the 2019 Tacoma TRD Sport not just as a capable truck, but as a versatile vehicle that fits into modern lifestyles. While the Tacoma’s off-road prowess is well-documented, this analysis delves into its performance in daily driving scenarios and its ability to enhance everyday life. Does the 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport live up to the challenge of being both a rugged truck and a refined lifestyle companion? Let’s find out.
Rugged Looks, Durable Interior: A Mixed Bag
Entering its third model year of the third generation, the 2019 Tacoma still maintains a contemporary and appealing design. The TRD Sport trim, in particular, boasts a robust and assertive aesthetic. The flared fenders contribute to its muscular stance, while the high-riding front bumper hints at its off-road capabilities. Notably, the grille maintains a balanced proportion with the vehicle’s overall size, a refreshing design choice in the current trend of oversized Toyota grilles. The Cavalry Blue paint job adds a distinctive and eye-catching element, deviating from typical truck color palettes and enhancing its visual appeal.
The rugged exterior design language carries over to the interior, albeit with some trade-offs. The cabin prioritizes durability, evident in the extensive use of hard plastics throughout. While this material choice suggests easy cleaning and resilience, it also contributes to a somewhat budget-oriented feel. The interior aesthetics are functional but lack visual excitement. On a positive note, the chunky dials and controls are designed for usability, even with gloves on, and the buttons for features like parking sensors and the Qi wireless charging pad offer satisfying tactile feedback.
Visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent, thanks to the Tacoma’s upright body structure. Blind spots are minimal, and the optional technology package further enhances safety with blind-spot monitoring. The tested model included the premium package, featuring leather-trimmed seats that offer both visual appeal and comfort. Both the front and rear rows in the crew-cab configuration provide ample space for passengers, and the rear seats can be folded up to create additional in-cabin storage.
However, a significant drawback for taller drivers is the awkward driving position. Despite the presence of a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, its limited adjustability, combined with the absence of adjustable pedals, makes it challenging to find a comfortable driving posture, especially for individuals over six feet tall. Improved steering column adjustability would significantly enhance the Tacoma’s daily driving ergonomics.
On-Road Performance: A Blend of Strengths and Weaknesses
The compromised driving position foreshadows some of the Tacoma’s shortcomings in on-road driving dynamics. In urban environments, noise, vibration, and harshness levels are acceptable. However, when encountering bumps and road imperfections, the Tacoma exhibits typical truck-like behavior, with noticeable shimmying and bouncing that transmits movement to the cabin occupants. The 265/65R17 Toyo Open Country all-season truck tires contribute to road noise, which becomes more pronounced at highway speeds, exacerbated by the vehicle’s boxy shape and resulting wind resistance. The braking system also lacks a sense of immediate confidence, with the brake pedal feeling somewhat soft and requiring more travel before engaging, sometimes giving the sensation of being close to ABS activation even under normal braking conditions.
On the powertrain front, the Tacoma presents a more positive experience. The optional 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers a pleasing sound and produces a robust 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. In the tested configuration, this engine contributes to a respectable 6,400-pound towing capacity. Conversely, the six-speed automatic transmission feels dated in its operation. Gear changes can be clunky, and downshifts for acceleration are often delayed, lacking responsiveness. This transmission behavior detracts from the overall driving experience, particularly in stop-and-go city driving.
Fuel economy is another area where the Tacoma falls short compared to modern standards. EPA ratings for this Tacoma configuration are 18 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, figures that were achievable in testing without conscious efforts to maximize fuel efficiency. However, these numbers are on the lower end within the midsize truck segment. Notably, larger full-size trucks like the 2019 GMC Sierra with a 6.2-liter V8 have demonstrated comparable or even better fuel economy in some real-world scenarios, highlighting the Tacoma’s relative inefficiency.
Safety and Technology: Standard Features with Room for Improvement
Toyota has made commendable efforts to equip its vehicles with a comprehensive suite of active safety and driver-assistance technologies, and the Tacoma is no exception. Every 2019 Tacoma trim level includes Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) as standard equipment. This suite encompasses essential safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. These systems operate effectively and unobtrusively. The lane departure warning system is not overly sensitive, and the adaptive cruise control functions smoothly in maintaining set distances.
Further enhancing safety, the optional technology package adds rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, both valuable additions for a midsize truck. However, the absence of front parking sensors is a noticeable omission, especially given the Tacoma’s abruptly ending hood, which can make maneuvering in tight parking situations more challenging. The standard backup camera provides adequate resolution and field of view for reversing.
In terms of infotainment, the Tacoma’s system is functional but lags behind more modern offerings. The tested model featured the upgraded 7-inch touchscreen, which offers acceptable responsiveness and user-friendly large buttons. While functional, it feels dated compared to Toyota’s newer Entune 3.0 systems found in models like the Camry. A significant drawback is the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Furthermore, integrated navigation is only available as part of the expensive premium package, which also includes leather seats, automatic climate control, and a moonroof. This bundling of desirable features with less essential ones increases the overall cost for those seeking navigation.
Despite the infotainment shortcomings, the Tacoma offers three USB ports and an optional Qi wireless phone charger. The wireless charging pad, located in a convenient tray in the center console, is a practical feature. Its on/off switch allows for flexible use of the tray space, accommodating other items when wireless charging is not needed.
Spec Recommendations: Balancing Value and Features
The as-tested price of the reviewed Tacoma TRD Sport reached a considerable $41,200, which is perceived as excessive for its segment and feature set. To achieve a more value-oriented configuration, opting for the SR5 trim level is recommended. Starting at a more reasonable $31,615 for a crew cab with a short bed, the SR5 provides a solid base. Adding four-wheel drive increases the price to $34,960. Notably, incorporating navigation and parking sensors into the SR5 trim adds only $775, a much more economical approach compared to the premium package required in the TRD Sport. This brings the total to a more palatable $35,465. While still a significant investment, it represents a better balance of features and price.
Alternatively, for a slightly higher price of $37,720, a fully equipped 2019 RAV4 SUV offers a compelling alternative. The RAV4 boasts a panoramic sunroof, the more advanced Entune 3.0 infotainment system, a bird’s-eye-view camera system, and a significantly more refined ride quality, making it a strong contender for buyers who prioritize daily comfort and modern features over outright truck capabilities.
Conclusion: Truck Capability vs. Daily Livability
In the midsize truck segment, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma occupies a middle-ground position. It offers competitive towing and off-road specifications, including respectable approach, departure, and breakover angles. Its size and technology features are also in line with the segment, which is soon to be further populated by the arrival of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator.
However, when evaluated as a daily-life vehicle, the Tacoma’s appeal diminishes. The all-wheel-drive Toyota RAV4 crossover SUV offers comparable suburban utility and covered cargo space at a price point that undercuts many midsize trucks. For buyers whose needs don’t necessitate the Tacoma’s full towing capacity, a crossover SUV can provide approximately 75 percent of the truck experience with a 200 percent improvement in ride comfort. For those firmly committed to a truck format, the Honda Ridgeline presents a compelling alternative with its more refined unibody construction, offering a more livable daily driving experience while still handling most tasks expected of body-on-frame trucks.
Ultimately, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport excels as a truck built for “truck stuff.” Its reputation for reliability is well-earned, and its off-road capability is undeniable. However, if the primary use case is everyday transportation and lifestyle enhancement, other vehicle segments, including crossovers and more car-like trucks, may offer a more satisfying and well-rounded ownership experience.
