2020 Toyota Tacoma Desert Air Intake Snorkel Breathes New Life into Off-Roading

Toyota introduced an intriguing new performance package for its 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro, adding yet another option to Toyota’s wildly popular midsize truck. This Desert Air Intake will be available as well in the refreshed 2020 Toyota Tacoma.

The Tacoma is already the best-selling truck in its segment for the last 14 straight years. In fact, this truck with a pedigree for quality, reliability and being able to last virtually forever has enjoyed 19 consecutive months of increased sales. Bottom line is truck enthusiasts really love the Tacoma. Meet Desert Air Intake.

How does Desert Air Intake Work in 2020 Toyota Tacoma?

The Desert Air Intake looks like a snorkel that attaches to your Toyota Tacoma above the passenger front wheel overfender. It extends up between the front windshield and the passenger front door, snaking up the contour of the glass.

The benefit here is all in clean air. In other words, instead of Tacoma’s traditional system for drawing in air near the wheel well, with Desert Air Intake it can pull in clean air from above the windshield.

Watch as I show off the Tacoma TRD Pro Desert Air Intake and subscribe to Torque News Youtube Channel for daily Tacoma and automotive news.

What are the benefits of Desert Air Intake in 2020 Tacoma?

We all love our serious off-roading. When driving in desert terrain found in areas like California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado and Utah, our trucks take in so much dirt, silt, dust and sand. It is much more beneficial for the Tacoma to pull in clean air that comes from above the windshield.

The Desert Air Intake is drawing in air that is cleaner and cooler than if from the wheel well. A Toyota Tacoma engine that runs with cooler temperatures could help it last longer.

Also, since the air filters are taking in cleaner air, as opposed to dirt and dust from your wheel wells, it could help with filter longevity. Cost savings with filters is a plus.

Another practical feature is the ability to swivel the Desert Air Intake around so that it faces backward. The resulting benefit can be found when it is snowing heavily while driving. The snow cannot get into your air intake as easily if facing away from the direction you are driving.

But can you get a 2020 Tacoma with Desert Air Intake anywhere?

Although the 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro optional Desert Air Intake is ideal for desert-like conditions and terrain, it can generally be found in any Toyota region of the country. It is most readily available in the Southwest.

For example, I live in the Southeast, and there are still good supplies of the 2019 Tacoma with this Desert Air Intake available on dealership lots. You could also order one special from your local dealer as well if you cannot find one where you live.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma is right around the corner, complete with refreshed grilles, wheels and improvements in safety, convenience and technology. I would expect the 2020 Tacoma to reach dealerships around September. By the way, have you seen the Army Green exclusive TRD Pro color yet? Whoa!

Watch Refreshed 2020 Toyota Tacoma Updates by Grade Level and Subscribe to Torque News Youtube Channel for Daily News on Toyota Tacoma and Automotive Industry.

Do you like the looks of the Desert Air Intake? What conditions would you most benefit from driving in with this package? Are you looking forward to the 2020 Toyota Tacoma and its updates?

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story where I write "Howard Stern Show Superfan Discusses Benefits of Toyota RAV4 Safety Features."

Jeff Teague is a Toyota news reporter at Torque News. You can reach Jeff on Facebook and follow his Instagram for his popular "Toyotajeff Minute" quick Toyota reviews.

Twitter at @toyotajeff1 and tweet him tips for new stories. Jeff also shares Toyota news videos on his Youtube Channel at ToyotaJeff1.