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Toyota Fans Anxious for Next-Gen Toyota Tacoma and Offer Redesign Suggestions

We asked Toyota Tacoma fans what they want from the next-gen Tacoma. How do their ideas and suggestions compare with yours?

We are waiting.

I should explain. We Toyota Tacoma fans and owners are ready for pretty much any information on the next generation midsize truck offering.

As much as we are enjoying our 2021 Tacoma and previous year trucks, it is time to think about what comes next.

According to what most of us expect to find out soon (probably this month), a new Toyota Tundra will be announced and launched by the end of this year.

But this is where the timeline gets gray and murky and becomes rather fluid. From the latest rumor mill, I think we can plan on a next-gen 2023 Toyota 4Runner. I feel Toyota will more than likely announce a next-gen 2023 Toyota Tacoma as well. This could potentially become, though, a next-gen 2024 Toyota Tacoma instead.

Toyota is the best at keeping news about new model years as secretive as possible. Very strategic with their announcements.

So, time to talk about what we want for next-gen Tacoma.

Next-gen Toyota Tacoma

2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Barcelona Red profile view back end rear end

This is one of the most fun parts of my job – speculating about what new styling, powertrain, technology and safety systems will be next.

This is a tall order for Toyota Tacoma. A next-generation Tacoma wish list.

I knew I needed expert reinforcements for this task, so I checked in with the “Toyota Tacoma Enthusiast” online Tacoma forum for their feedback.

Excellent call Jeff.

Time to see what they suggested.

Ryujun gave two cents worth. “Give us a small V8 or a turbo inline 6.”

Alex said. “I’ll take a boosted 6 banger, and a boosted 4 banger for the base.”

2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Barcelona Red profile view

“300hp/300lb ft would be great. Other than that, keep it reliable!” Commented Chad.

Carlos added. “I’d happily buy a new V8 Tacoma. If they slap a 70k sticker price, I’ll happily pass and buy a used one years later.”

Cannon has heard some Toyota Tacoma rumors. “Have heard from some Toyota employees the 2.7 is going away in the next generation.”

Next-gen 2023 Tacoma Comfort

For many Tacoma enthusiasts, passenger space and seat comfort are very important.

Barry said. “Biggest thing for me is seating position. Make the cab roof a little higher so you can have better seat adjustments. Sitting on the floor after long rides can get uncomfortable at times. Also, an 8-10 speed tranny. Had an f150 for a rental and it shifts so much smoother."

“Hybrid. More leg/ head room. A better stock sound system and a player that better integrates with a phone.” Suggested Lisa.

Moira exclaimed. “More head room...!” On a similar note, “Eww Da-vid!” I hope you all got my Schitt’s Creek reference.

“I wish the rear seat folded up so you could use a flat floor to load stuff like the f150s.” Hoped Dan.

Ken is seeing a green Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra future. “They are going hybrid. Same with the Tundra.”

Read more: Next-gen 2022 Toyota Tundra fans torn over engine options

Lee wants a little more under the hood. “More horsepower.”

Customizing your new Tacoma

Alex is thinking of beefing up his Tacoma already. “Wheelwells that will accept 35's without a cab mount chop!”

Francis wants to get a grip on things. “A driver side pillar grab handle. Wtf Toyota.” And Dan responded to that. “Isn’t that a steering wheel?”

2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Voodoo Blue profile view front end

“I'd like to see a v8. They could literally put everything back how it was in the 1st gen without all the fancy stuff, offer a v8, and I'd 100% buy 1 in a heartbeat. Safety and power would be super ideal tbh.” Threw in Ray.

Jason and several other Tacoma fans had this similar thought. “DIESEL DIESEL DIIIEEESSSEEELLLLLL.”

Stephan has a wish list too. “Powertrain without a doubt. The current engine and transmission don’t work together. A hybrid option would be great. Aggressive looks are a must.”

“4.0 standard for all TRD not just the pro and for the love of god rear disc brakes...” Added Aaron.

Ed cracked the Toyota code. “I’m betting Toyota engineers have infiltrated all of these Tacoma groups. It is one huge think tank. I hope they improve on the obvious shortcomings.” Kris built on this. “One could only hope! Listen to your consumers, Toyota.”

More 2023 Toyota Tacoma comments

2020 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Cement profile front end

Mujtaba wants big changes. “Front lockers. Supercharger. Out of the box 33s mud/all terrains.”

Joey has a specific request. “Rear disk brakes. Don't come at me with that "but they last 100k miles crap", I'd rather have the better stopping power and spend an hour changing them every 30k miles.”

Jim asked for a couple things. “Tundra-style electric rear window and 4.0 engine.”

“I'd be okay with a hybrid system, but I want them to keep a manual option. How about a stainless-steel frame, too? Questioned Julian.

Zack remarked. “A turbo option would be awesome. Supposedly the new tundra will have a turbo V6.”

Interesting thought about the turbo V6 Zack. Time will tell. And it will tell soon.

“Keep the 3rd gen looks with turbo option or maybe an updated 4L. Keep the same level of tech, disc brakes.” Commented Wayne.

“V8 option!!! And a full roll down rear window like big bro!” Yes, Lindsay is talking about you Toyota Tundra.

And the last Toyota Tacoma feedback

Isaac put some thought into his wish list. “More options. Some of the things that a lot of people add anyways, like a winch, onboard air, ditch lights, etc. would be nice to be able to be had as factory options and therefore covered under warranty. Also, front locker, maybe a QD sway bar, a forced induction option (supercharger)... and a DCLB with a manual gearbox, lol... I realize those options would skyrocket the price tag though.”

“Front diff locker as well. Turbo 4-cylinder option, more gears on the transmission and some legroom in the back.” Another vote for rear seat legroom from Mustafa.

2021 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition Army Green profile back end rear end

“Better sitting position with a bigger backseat, hybrid and or EV options, more interior color and material choices.” Suggested David.

Em said. “Hybrid option. More leg room in the backseat. Option for TRD Pro to have a 6ft bed.”

Bryan wants more and much more. “Factory supercharger 4.0. Turbo diesel. Front locker. Roll down back window. Metal Instead of a composite bed. Functional hood scoop.”

“EV with quick charge with 500mi range and front locker.” This would fall nicely in with the Toyota EV plans for the future Wade.

“Back seat room would be nice. Especially for rear facing car seat.” I am with you on this one Tyler.

Robert had a very practical idea. “Make the walls/tailgate of bed deeper. 1-2 inches would make coolers fit when there is a top on it.”

Time for your thoughts on Next-gen Toyota Tacoma

This long and impressive list of ideas may help shape what is to soon become the next-generation 2023 Tacoma (well, or 2024 Tacoma).

What ideas do you like best?

VIDEO BATTLE: Watch as we debate Tacoma TRD Pro vs Tundra TRD Pro. Who wins it for you?

This is a great time for your feedback. It would be fine to assume that multiple Toyota employees assigned to design the next Tacoma will be reading this article.

Just a hunch. But a sound hunch.

Maybe they will see some of these ideas and roll with it.

So, leave a comment or two with your thoughts on what would make a great “next Tacoma.”

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I talk about the 2021 Tundra model that is super hard to get.

Follow Jeff Teague on social media:

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Thank you everyone for following me.

Comments

Keith Garrard (not verified)    February 9, 2021 - 8:43AM

Toyota needs to fix the transmission so it doesn't downshift two gears when just going up the slightest incline. There is no need to even downshift at all, most of the time, but it does. Having driven my TRD Sport now for almost two years, I can tell you that it has improved from when I first bought it, but it still needs major improvement to the transmission. Also, a programmable Entune radio display so one can add and eliminate icons one doesn't want to see. It should also be able to connect wirelessly to one's home wifi system when home, in order to upgrade or add apps FREE.

Ron hitt (not verified)    February 10, 2021 - 11:22AM

How about offering a drivetrain to allow the tacoma to be flat towed behind an RV.

Douglas White (not verified)    February 10, 2021 - 4:09PM

I'd buy a Tacoma in a heart beat if Toyota would offer more back seat leg room, a rear window drop down as the SR5, and a small V8.

Tom (not verified)    February 11, 2021 - 5:59PM

AWD option (not 4WD), true dual exhaust (both V6 and V8); overdrive transmission; rear window defroster, small V8 engine.

Scott (not verified)    February 15, 2021 - 1:01AM

In reply to by Ken (not verified)

Turbo v6, more gears, higher roof, make the cabin at least 3 inches wider, better sound system, more leg room in the back, full sliding rear window, standard auto lights, standard dual climate control, lighter metal, deeper bed

Connor McCollum (not verified)    February 21, 2021 - 6:05PM

The ancient 6-speed automatic definitely needs more gears. I have a '21 Tacoma SR5 and it still feels like I'm driving a '16 or '17. I hate how when you go from reverse to drive, the whole truck jolts and clunks into gear. Also, the downshifts are very pronounced. Give it an 8-speed just like the RAV4, Highlander, or Camry. That way we can have shorter and smoother shifts, no clunks anymore. The fuel economy would benefit from this as well. Averaging only 16-17 mpg is unacceptable in this class.

Another upgrade is more power. Sure the old powertrain doesn't help but an upgraded turbo V6 or small V8 would benefit this truck's off-the-line acceleration and efficiency. The one main complaint that I hear from almost every Tacoma owner is the lack of power. These trucks are tremendously sluggish. It is so difficult to get up to speed and pass traffic in one of these. Going up a bridge is a chore as well. Please Toyota, upgrade the tranny and power plant and we're good to go. I can make do with the current styling, but if I'm gonna nitpick, add LED headlights/taillights standard please.

Steven Nichols (not verified)    March 1, 2021 - 1:11PM

I would already have a Tacoma if the rear seat actually could sit 5. With rear cup holders on the floor, no one can sit middle rear seat. If the passengers seats were higher up the rear passengers feet could slide their feet under the seat providing much more leg room. I don't think too much needs to change, but with moderate adjustments a much wider group of buyers could consider a Tacoma.

Reggie Berryman (not verified)    March 3, 2021 - 11:53AM

I'm sure Toyota will dig deep into their bag of tricks, find a new paint color and call it an "All New Design"...I drive an 07 TRD Off Road. I've been waiting years for a really new Tacoma and Toyota continues to disappoint...Time to move on.

Cole Lehto (not verified)    March 9, 2021 - 1:55AM

Not 1 inch bigger. There are plenty of full sized trucks! Then push the boundary of technology; whatever it takes, EV, Hybrid, turbo-diesel, an eco-boost knock off, keep the power we've got while setting a new standard for efficiency.

Michael Hemesath (not verified)    March 11, 2021 - 10:54AM

Shorten the hood by a good eight inches, nothing worse than looking out the window and seeing nothing but hood instead of road.

Connor McCollum (not verified)    March 12, 2021 - 9:39PM

In reply to by Michael Hemesath (not verified)

That's actually a benefit of this truck. If you think about it, it's a safety feature. You know exactly where the front end of your truck is for better judgement. It makes parking a hell of a lot easier. However, a taller windshield would help accommodate the longer hood and be able to see more road.

Brian H (not verified)    March 15, 2021 - 7:30PM

Make the new Tacoma with a 6’5” box to fit quads and make the box sides a few inches higher to allow large coolers to fit with tonneau covers.
Make an access cab long box version with the pro off-road features for guys who hunt/fish and ice fish and really need the truck to be off road capable and have enough box capacity.

ed mennuti (not verified)    March 18, 2021 - 4:39PM

you absolutely have to go hybrid options on the tacoma as soon as possible, with this current administration in washington we will see gas prices exceed 4 dollars a gallon by xmas..we just have to get past 30 mpg as soon as possible...PLEASE.as soon as hybrid is available i will be buying a new tacoma.

Joe (not verified)    March 19, 2021 - 10:14PM

Please please please more rear lag and head room and make it WIDER!!!!!! Tried of elbows to elbows always touching!!! On a trip... just enough so each person can have their own space!

Andrew (not verified)    March 29, 2021 - 1:57PM

Whether in the Tacoma, or in some new model maybe built on the TNGA platform, I'd like a reliable small truck with 30 mpg (hybrid?), AWD, 6 ft bed, and extended (not double) cab. This would be a great every day vehicle, handling both commuter and "truck" tasks well.
Why don't the folks asking for bigger truck, more power, V8, larger tires etc. get a Tundra or other full-size truck instead? If Tacoma takes that path, it'll be essentially a Tundra anyway. Count me out of that.

Mark Devillier (not verified)    April 3, 2021 - 6:37PM

Alex is thinking of beefing up his Tacoma already. “Wheel wells that will accept 35's without a cab mount chop!” - BE MORE LIKE ALEX !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Abdul (not verified)    April 30, 2021 - 4:26AM

I’d live to see Tacoma’s in a hybrid version, it would be everyday car/truck, not all truck lovers haul stuff all the time. With gas getting expensive and environmentally unsustainable, hybrid is the way forward with Tacoma.

Trey (not verified)    May 8, 2021 - 12:14PM

An all electric Tacoma would be my suggestion. A Tacoma prime would be more expensive than most could or would want to afford though. So give us the turbo v6 and pair it with a transmission that doesn’t hunt for gears! I’m so disappointed in my 3rd gen transmission that I’m considering trading.

CM (not verified)    May 17, 2021 - 11:02AM

For the love of all that is good and decent in the world...........hurry up and give this thing a PROPER engine!!!! Put the turbo six cylinder in here already!!!!! FORD is kicking your butts, Toyota!!!! Ya'll should be ashamed of the weak, low-energy, total disaster and failure of a 3.5 engine!!! Dang it!

CM (not verified)    May 17, 2021 - 11:14AM

For the love of all that is good and decent in the world...........hurry up and give this thing a PROPER engine!!!! Put the turbo six cylinder in here already!!!!! FORD is kicking your butts, Toyota!!!! Ya'll should be ashamed of the weak, low-energy, total disaster and failure of a 3.5 engine!!! Dang it!

Steve Ott (not verified)    May 20, 2021 - 6:56PM

A bigger infotainment screen and HP. Toyota has always been behind on tech. Ive been driving toyotas since I was 16. Starting with a 1984 pickup. Then a 1985 pickup, then a 1994 pickup extra cab. Finally a 2012 double cab tacoma. They are totally the most reliable IMO. Since they last eo long, give us the comfort and infotainment that keeps us interested. :)

JACK (not verified)    June 2, 2021 - 5:15PM

Since we know the Toyota trucks are going hybrid, why not make a merger between the Toyota Tacoma and the Toyota RAV4 prime and give it extra electric miles 75-100 also better seats on the interior and better color options every year still 4x4 either 4 or 6 cylinders obviously 4 would give it better gas mileage and the hybrid mode.

Thane O'Dell (not verified)    June 15, 2021 - 1:23PM

I would like to see a TRD "WORK" version of the Tacoma. These trucks are just too soft to please the masses. I would like to see a stronger rear suspension, (one or two extra leafs) and a factory installed brake controller.
Also, across the board, more payload, good bottom end torque like the 4.0L but with 300 hp. A twin turbo A25A may work nicely.
For the rear brakes, the drums work fine and last forever. Please don't change that.

Bob Currin (not verified)    July 16, 2021 - 8:48PM

As the owner of 2 Tacoma’s, I would like to see more interior color choices, at least an 8 speed tranny, a better audio system, a large screen info/nav, more leather options, side steps, a bed step, warning sensors, and a little bigger back seat.