The 2025 Toyota Tacoma is getting a lot of attention, but not for the reasons you might expect.
Tacoma owners are not raving about the pickup's power, towing ability, or high-tech features. They like the Tacoma's new key fob.
Picture putting your bike in the back of your new pickup, and heading up the mountain to go mountain biking on your favorite trail.
When you get off the main road, you drive on a dirt road for a mile and then find the trailhead.
You want to ride as light as possible, so you take your new slim key fob, lock your truck, and slide it into the pocket of your riding shorts.
It's not just light and compact, it's a game-changer for your active lifestyle. Whether you're hitting the trails on your bike or going for a run, the slim key fob is the perfect companion that you won't even notice when riding.
Your new Tacoma is perfect for getting you off-road, but your favorite feature on the new truck is the slim key fob.
Why didn't they think of this sooner?
Clint Moore on the Toyota Tacoma Owners Facebook page says, "I can't believe this is one of my favorite things about the new truck. It's not the truck! It's the truck's new key fob I like the most."
"I run and cycle a lot, and being able to slide this in my running or cycling kit and not worry about the key fob is great."
Clint is describing the 2025 Toyota Tacoma's slim key fob, a credit card-sized key designed for unlocking and starting the vehicle. Its compact size and convenience make it a standout feature of the new Tacoma.
Designed to be stored in a wallet, the slim key fob serves as a versatile alternative to the standard key fob, adding a touch of modernity to the Tacoma ownership experience.
Toyota says, "The slim key fob is designed to be compact and convenient, offering a keyless entry and ignition solution. It utilizes the Toyota Smart Entry system, allowing the driver to unlock and start the vehicle without physically inserting the key into the ignition. The slim key fob is approximately the thickness of three credit cards."
Digital Key vs. Key Card:
The slim key fob is often referred to as a "key card" or "credit card key" and is separate from the "Digital Key" feature, which is a Toyota app feature that allows you to use your phone as a key.
Which Tacoma trim levels come with the new slim key fob?
The new slim, credit card-style key fob for the Toyota Tacoma is typically included with upgrade packages, but not always standard across all trim levels. It's often found on TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited trims, as well as SR5 models that come with upgrade packages.
It may also be included with the TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims. The SR trim, in particular, may require an upgrade package to include the slim key fob.
Not Always Standard:
It's important to note that not all Tacoma models come with the slim key fob, even within the same trim level. Some dealerships may have received Tacomas without the slim key fob, or it may be missing from the vehicle upon delivery.
Finding the Key Card:
If you believe your Tacoma should have the slim key fob, but it's not readily visible, check the glove box, center console, and map pocket behind the passenger seat.
Note: This key fob requires programming by a Toyota dealer after purchase. If you find one in your truck that doesn't work, return to the dealer to have it programmed.
What Are Tacoma Owners Saying?
Ricci Dias - Same here, keep in my wallet and haven't used the key fob for months
Luke Shinault - Yeah, me too. I put it in my running bag and don't worry about a fob because it's so small that it fits with my phone. The problem is that it fell into the toilet during a pit stop and stranded me because they are not waterproof. I have no idea how this happened, but I haven't replaced it. It is iffy if it'll work or not after taking it apart and drying it out.
Caleb Takacs - That's all I've used since I bought my truck over a year ago.
Dan Blair - I carry it in my wallet. My fob stays at the house.
Brady Schreifels - I love it. I have a Groovelife metal wallet and just stuck a silicone card holder on the back. Fits great.
Conclusion:
2025 Toyota Tacoma owners are not just impressed with the typical truck features, but with a unique innovation-the Tacoma's new key fob. This slim, credit card-sized key is a game-changer that's winning over new owners. It's a feature that makes you wonder, why didn't they think of this sooner?
You might like the new Toyota Tacoma slim key fob more than the truck itself. Just make sure that you don't drop it in the toilet when you make a pit stop.
It's Your Turn
Now, we want to hear from you. What's your favorite thing about your Toyota Tacoma? Click the red Add New Comment link below and share your thoughts with us.
Check out my 2025 Toyota Tacoma story: 2025 Toyota Tacoma Owner Says, “I Would Rather Push-Mow a Hill In 105 Degree Heat with 2 Broken Legs, Than to Ever Install Seat Covers Again”
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Clint Moore
Comments
Two observations. If…
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Two observations. If greatest feature on your truck is the digital credit card style key then I respectfully suggest you are not a truck person. Give me a proper thick aluminum skid plate, two front and rear recovery hooks or a limited slip rear differential as standard. Hell give me an old fashioned key that you insert in the ignition and turn.
Second point to the author or the individual responsible for photos. Show the right generation of truck when talking about features. This is like having a yearbook picture and the wrong name below it. lol
Not all that happy with my…
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Not all that happy with my new 2025 Tacoma 2 door extended cab. After years of tailgate thefts Toyota included a tailgate locking device which is great. I don't understand why they don't have a locking gas cap. Every vehicle I've owned since the 1980's has had a little lever inside the vehicle to lock the gas cap. Super easy to siphon gas from with the extended ground clearance.
If your favorite part of…
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If your favorite part of your vehicle is the key, sometime did something wrong.
This can be had for a 3rd…
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This can be had for a 3rd gen Tacoma too.
I had one on my 2016 Tacoma 9 years ago, I agree it’s the best key to have and all vehicles should have this option.
I’ve had a post on it on the online Tacoma forums since 2016 on how to add it to a 2016+
These are not at all new. My…
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These are not at all new. My 2008 Mazda Miata has two of these style keys. Yes, they are great! Mine have pull out door keys that will open and start the car if the battery fail!
Entire article is about the…
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Entire article is about the key fob, how it looks and its size and not one picture of it...
Lol, I've had the same…
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Lol, I've had the same credit card key for my Lexus LS460 for years. And my Lexus is 17 years old from 2008.
Renault have had a credit…
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Renault have had a credit card shaped key fob since the Renault Laguna II was introduced in 2001!
The blue Taco is not a 2025.
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The blue Taco is not a 2025.
I want the 2017 key ignition…
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I want the 2017 key ignition I hate the fob and key card.