The 3rd-gen Toyota Tacoma thread (mid-cycle refresh)

spwolf

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Having seen the next generation Ranger via the very man of mine in a leading position for the program in Dearborn, a lot is going into T6 model programs. It will be class leading, if the existing budget isn't cut for the P703 programs.

Both the 2020 Tacoma and 2019.5 Ranger are nearly one and the same: Updates. Question is, what does Toyota intend to do when the Ranger palate gets bigger upon redesign?

I generally don't play favorites, but Toyota doesn't exist in a vacuum like in 2012. TMSUSA Already described this vehicle as mid cycle as of 2019, so that means don't hold it more than 3 years or risk dating it.

They are backed into a corner and cannot release too many variations of a new body-on-frame architecture within the same year. Not even 2 cal. years of 2021 and 2022 will fully replace all of their trucks & SUVs with TNGA-F. Where does the Tacoma fit into that?

I am very confident about the new Ranger coming next November.

keep in mind they did not exist in vacuum in 2012 either... Ranger just arrived and then also VW Amrok, as well as usual Nissan/Mitsu competition...
 

Carmaker1

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keep in mind they did not exist in vacuum in 2012 either... Ranger just arrived and then also VW Amrok, as well as usual Nissan/Mitsu competition...
True, sorry I had reverted to the Tacoma again.

In terms of Africa and Asia, I feel like Hilux is dominant. In terms of Oceania, Europe, and Americas, they have to stay on top of things and not get complacent.

By 2012, the American midsize pickup segment left Toyota to dominate. Secondly, what the greater population forgets, is in 2004-2005, the new second generation Tacoma was virtually Lexus like in execution compared to it's less refined competition and had extremely versatile configurations all of a sudden. Endless configurations via street performance, offroad, sport, 4 different transmissions.

That 2005 Tacoma was developed to beat America and it did single handedly, becoming the best selling compact/midsize to date.

It made a lasting mark on the marketplace and buyers never forgot that. The current truck is an evolution of that, so it's not surprising how sales stayed on top. Even if deemed uncompetitive in some areas.

Will that hold true for the future? GM delivered two products not particularly executed well all around, even if eons better than their 2000s predecessors. In my opinion, I dislike the Colorado and Canyon.

Ford management made a cynical move, to reintroduce the nameplate via global T6 pickup stopgap to regain presence. Although a cynical move, it was made with the knowledge of the 2022 vehicle being a high stakes effort.

I welcome the Tacoma editions for 2021, but I am already seeing some non-LE guys being overly critical of the lack of changes. It's quite stupid though as I'm not sure what they expect at this point after a facelift.

As far as I am concerned, there are maybe minor changes also for 2022. Originally per an industry access document, Tacoma production was to end June 30, 2022. I'm not sure if that has changed to 00/2023.

Would it make sense to make some mini update changes for 2022 (like 2018 Tacoma), if that MY 2023 redesign holds true? Or is it now 2024 MY redesign as I suspect?

If this vehicle is not redesigned within 30 months, they will need to update it to stay competitive against what I see coming.

I'm just saying, if Toyota keeps a 2023 Tacoma virtually identical to MY 2020 in terms of equipment, be prepared to lose serious marketshare as a result.

They've done this with other models at times, which is allow product to easily become stale versus retaining a generation, plus keep it fresh with needed updates in between.

I say this because my partner is charge of some aspects of the new Bronco and Ranger. That division is really gunning for Toyota this time around and with no resources going towards cars, Toyota I hope is well aware of what needs to be done.
 

Motor

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  • Toyota teamed up with 4WD Toyota Owner Magazine to build this Tacoma TRD Pro overlanding rig.
  • It's equipped with CBI Offroad heavy-duty bumpers, 33-inch mud-terrain tires, a rooftop tent, and more.
  • The team also installed a supercharger to give the V-6 engine more power to account for all the added weight.
The Tacoma TRD Pro is powered by a 278-hp 3.5-liter V-6, but the team added a Magnuson supercharger to add more power to account for all of the extra weight added to the truck. The blower ups the six's output to 370 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, so it'll be ready to conquer all sorts of off-road terrain.
 

Motor

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  • Increased Suspension Lift Provides 1.5-inch Front Lift, 0.5-inch Rear Lift
  • New Forged Aluminum TRD Upper Control Arms Complement Increased Rebound Stroke
  • New Wheels, Styling Accents Provide Distinct Appearance
  • FOX Internal Bypass Shocks Provide Exceptional Off-Road Performance
 
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NXracer

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Im hearing the chevy colorado replacement program EV is delayed to market, while Ford is poised to come to market before the Tacoma EV.
 

maiaramdan

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In NA ford is safe with the F150
Globally ford keep promoting maverick and ranger for global battle against the Hilux, with rumors of bronco's pickup

Now it's all in Toyota's hands
Next Tacoma and next Hilux must be better in every aspect and in same time need to be more separated design and category wise, with an emergency LCj70 to go Gladiator/ Ranger
 

Gecko

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I think the Bronco truck myth was busted - Ford was too afraid it would eat into F-150 and Ranger sales.
 

Gecko

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If so, it will be a lost opportunity by them

Yes and no. Here in America, the F-150 is Ford's #1 product and was Ford's cheapest/most affordable truck for 20 years. Then they added the Ranger, then they added the Maverick. Here in the USA at least, they have to protect the F-150 and mid-to-upper trims of a Bronco truck would definitely bite into those sales.

Plus, look at the success of Jeep's Gladiator. Lots of hype and build up... turns out it is really not a good truck after all.

In other parts of the world where the F-150 would be too big, a Bronco truck would be a great flagship product.
 

NXracer

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In NA ford is safe with the F150
Globally ford keep promoting maverick and ranger for global battle against the Hilux, with rumors of bronco's pickup

Now it's all in Toyota's hands
Next Tacoma and next Hilux must be better in every aspect and in same time need to be more separated design and category wise, with an emergency LCj70 to go Gladiator/ Ranger
Toyota is trying to put out the upcoming raptor ranger fires preemptively by upgrading their Hilux GR powertrain.
 

Gecko

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Toyota is trying to put out the upcoming raptor ranger fires preemptively by upgrading their Hilux GR powertrain.

Powertrain upgrades... always Toyota's strong suit when it comes to enthusiasts. [/sarcasm]

Really, the next gen of GR/TRD/TRD PRO products need to come packing more ponies. Straight up. In the age of forced induction and electrification, it's easier than it has ever been.
 

NomadDan

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Powertrain upgrades... always Toyota's strong suit when it comes to enthusiasts. [/sarcasm]

Really, the next gen of GR/TRD/TRD PRO products need to come packing more ponies. Straight up. In the age of forced induction and electrification, it's easier than it has ever been.
IMO, the TRD Pro lineup has never been a good value. It’s basically an appearance package with a mediocre suspension upgrades. The 2022 Tacoma finally offers a bit more with the increased lift and upgraded UCAs.

I’d like to see Toyota make the TRD Pro a true Raptor competitor. What this means for the Tacoma is that it should have the 3.5 TT V6 drivetrain from the Tundra (including rear axle) and a long travel front to match width of rear axle. A 400hp Tacoma with a long travel front end will sell very, very well.