Pickup trucks bring together the best of practicality, brutish all-day muscle, and capabilities into a well-rounded and value-for-money package. The best-selling models like the Ford F-Series and the Chevy Silverado are proof of the same. But amidst this mid-size bunch, there exists a Toyota pickup that has been steadily rising in fame over the years. This reliable, all-day hauler is so good that a used 2025 model can sell today for more than the price of its brand-new 2026 rivals like the Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado, and the Nissan Frontier. Apart from packing versatile engine options, Toyota also loads its most-loved mid-size pickup with impressive off-roading and convenience features.
While its rivals can have the upper hand in terms of performance or capabilities, this Toyota sweeps the floor with its exceptional reliability and resale value. It offers industry-leading reliability, with almost all model years of this pickup truck from 2021 scoring 80/100 or higher in JD Power reliability ratings. This is also evident from the many high-mileage used specimens out there, with 200k+ mile readings on the odometer. The versatility and functionality of this mid-size pickup are further elevated by various bed lengths and cab sizes, along with a composite bed that can serve as a daily driver, a work truck, and even an adventure vehicle (thanks to dedicated off-roading features). Here are all the reasons why a used Toyota Tacoma offers the highest value one can expect from a pickup truck.
The primary price comparison here is between the 2025 Tacoma and brand-new 2026 rivals. However, we also delve deeper and emphasize its reliability and high resale value claims by analyzing Tacoma models since 2021.
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A Used Toyota Tacoma Has Strong Resale Value
Depreciates By 22–26 Percent Even After Five Years
There is no other way to define a vehicle’s worth than by its used prices. The Toyota Tacoma does wonders in this regard. In general, a car typically loses about 10-20 percent of its value the moment it’s driven off a dealer’s lot. Within the first year of ownership, the vehicle generally depreciates by 20–30 percent. However, in the case of a used Toyota Tacoma, depreciation is only 22 percent after five years, according to CarEdge. Impressively, a 10-year-old Tacoma depreciates by 35–40 percent and retains a resale value of over $29,000. For reference, the price of a new 2026 Tacoma is $32,145.
The 2025 Tacoma, hot off the pan, has an average used price range of $32,600–$38,600, according to KBB. For perspective, a brand-new 2025 Tacoma had a starting price of $33,085. The supposed KBB average starting used price is more expensive than not just a 2026 Nissan Frontier ($32,150) and a 2026 Chevy Colorado ($32,400), but also a new 2026 Tacoma ($32,145)! The low-mileage, well-kept 2025 specimens have yet to lose even $500 of their value! Surely, these deals are clearly going to be as rare as hen’s teeth, but it’s mesmerizing to know, nevertheless. The various factors that help this Toyota retain its value include reliability, robust build quality, capabilities, and commendable off-roading prowess, all of which are detailed below.
Toyota Tacoma Depreciation And Resale Value
|
Age |
Depreciation |
Residual Value |
|
3 Years |
13.4% ($4,241) |
86.6% ($27,349) |
|
5 Years |
26.3% ($8,301) |
73.7% ($23,289) |
|
7 Years |
34.2% ($10,819) |
65.8% ($20,771) |
|
10 Years |
40.1% ($12,676) |
59.9% ($18,914) |
(Via iSeeCars)
Proven Reliability Is A Key Selling Point Of The Toyota Tacoma
2021 Toyota Tacoma Reliability Rating: 87/100
Reliability is one of Toyota’s key selling points, and the Tacoma shines in this regard. Toyota believes in honing its drivetrain technology rather than stuffing bold new features every year. This helps reduce costs across the board and gives the automaker enough breathing room to eliminate common mechanical problems. Thanks to this approach, the Toyota Tacoma is one of the most reliable pickup trucks today. A 2025 model has an overall JD Power rating of 81/100, of which the Quality and Reliability rating of 80/100 and Resale rating of 96/100 do the heavy lifting.
Even more impressive are the older models, as the trend of an overall JD Power rating of 80+ has been consistent for the Tacoma since 2021. Interestingly, in the last five years, the 2021 Tacoma has the highest reliability rating at 87/100, according to J.D. Power. This is commendable, since the longer a vehicle is on the road, the more susceptible it is to having problems. However, the five-year-old Tacoma begs to differ, as it has zero recalls and zero investigations to date, according to the NHTSA.
Toyota Tacoma Reliability Scores Since 2021
|
2021 Tacoma |
87/100 |
|
2022 Tacoma |
86/100 |
|
2023 Tacoma |
83/100 |
|
2024 Tacoma |
79/100 |
|
2025 Tacoma |
80/100 |
|
2026 Tacoma |
80/100 |
(Via J.D. Power)
Affordability Meets Robust Build, Capability, And Versatility
Maximum Towing Capacity Of 6,800 Pounds
Now, for used Tacoma models (2021–2023), it’s all about rugged appeal that leans it more towards a workhorse. It gets a robust body-on-frame chassis. The suspension duties are taken care of by an independent double-wishbone front suspension and a solid rear axle with leaf springs. The leaf springs do rob this generation of Tacomas of comfort. But on the flip side, the most capable third-gen Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds. The truck bed is made of Sheet Molded Compound, which Toyota claims is more durable and rust-resistant than steel.
How The Toyota Tacoma Became America’s Favorite Mid-Size Pickup
The trusty and much-loved Toyota Tacoma is the U.S.A.’s favorite mid-size pickup truck – here is how it shot to fame on our roads and trails.
However, used fourth-gen Tacomas (2024 and above) are more expensive but offer greater flexibility and practicality. It is built on the TNGA-F global truck platform (shared with the Tundra). This makes it larger, wider, and taller with a slightly more spacious cabin. Furthermore, this generation Tacoma replaces leaf springs with a more comfortable and dynamic coil-spring multi-link rear suspension. Even the brakes have been upgraded to a four-wheel disc setup. The last generation came with drums at the rear.
All of these upgrades help the new Tacoma be more engaging and easier to drive around on various types of roads. There are trade-offs on the new Tacoma. Notable ones include a smaller fuel tank, a lower maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds, and the discontinuation of the tried-and-tested V6 engine. However, despite this, the fourth-gen model packs enough ‘overall’ punch to uphold the “Tacoma” nameplate’s fame and popularity.
Used Toyota Tacoma: Engine And Performance
Can Be Had With A Four-Cylinder Or A V6
The current-gen Tacoma (2024+) offers 2.4-liter gas and hybrid four-cylinder engines that produce 228–326 horsepower. The emphasis is on refinement, versatility, and efficiency, with the newer Tacomas returning a combined 23 MPG in RWD models. The four-wheel-drive offerings return a combined 21 MPG. Power is sent to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Toyota also offers an engaging six-speed manual exclusively for the SR, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road trims. While we can trust Toyota to do a commendable job in terms of reliability ratings of the new four-cylinder mills, the waters are still being tested.
So, if you are someone who doesn’t want to take that risk, then the seasoned V6 mill from the third-gen models is a God-send. This is the engine that made the Tacoma popular for its all-day-long character in the first place. The 2021–2023 models pack a tractable 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine good for 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Unlike the current-gen models, the third-gen four-cylinder was puny, with a gas-only version packing only 159 horsepower. And so, the V6 stole the show, coupled to either a 6-speed automatic or manual gearbox.
A Used Toyota Tacoma Has Strong Off-Roading Prowess Too
Courtesy Of The TRD Trims
Toyota offers Tacoma TRD models that are factory-designed to ace the roads less traveled. Visually, these are instantly recognizable with distinctive styling cues, including chunky 33-inch rugged-terrain tires and skid plates. The inside also gets cool performance-spec seats. Furthermore, red “TRD” badges make these Tacomas certified head-turners. Apart from serious suspension upgrades, including Bilstein monotube shocks, and even top-spec 2.5-inch FOX internal Bypass shocks, the TRD Tacomas are also loaded with cool off-road-focused software features.
The TRD Off-Rad and Pro models are equipped with features like Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and locking rear differentials. The aural pleasure is also catered to with factory-fitted cat-back exhaust systems. Toyota also offers on-road performance-focused trims like the TRD Sport, as well as more trail-ready trims like the Off-Road and Pro.
There Are A Few Sacrifices To Be Made Though
Technology And Factory Warranty
Most of the sacrifices here are confined to technology features and factory warranty. The third-gen models (till 2023) have smaller in-car screens and pack fewer comfort and convenience features. The fourth-gen model gets bigger screens (up to 14 inches), a heated steering wheel, cooled seats, and an intricate 360-degree camera system for off-roading. Safety features are also superior to those of newer models, which offer more advanced standard features, including enhanced assistive features.
Why This Decade-Old Pickup Holds Its Value Better Than New Trucks
This iconic pickup boasts off-road prowess and long-term reliability at an affordable cost-to-own.
A newer, used Tacoma enjoys more in terms of warranty coverage. When new, the 2025 Tacoma comes standard with a 3-year/36,000-mile Basic Warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile Rust-Through Coverage warranty. Furthermore, it still offers additional benefits, such as ToyotaCare, which covers factory-scheduled maintenance for the first 2 years/25,000 miles, as well as 2-year/unlimited-mile Roadside Assistance. While a used 2021 Tacoma can still benefit from the 5-year warranty perks, they would be short-lived, expiring in 2026.
Sources: Toyota, Kelley Blue Book, iSeeCars, J.D. Power, and NHTSA