5 Key Reasons to Choose a 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport

Toyota Tacoma has dominated its midsize truck competition for a decade and a half. Most people have come to expect long-term quality, dependability and reliability from this Toyota staple. However, an underrated reason to choose Tacoma is for its wide variety of grades, or trim levels.

Here are some important reasons you may want to consider the TRD Sport.

So many ways to configure Tacoma TRD Sport

This is not a case of “one size fits all” when you are shopping for a 2020 Tacoma. Especially so for TRD Sport, which is available in 8 different configurations.

First, you can choose between an access cab or double cab, depending on how much backseat space you need for passengers. Although it has rear seats, the access cab is most optimal for storing luggage and gear in the back. I would suggest double cab if you have kids or other family members who will be regular co-pilots and travelers and plan to sit back there.

You can purchase either a 5-foot or 6-foot bed as well, based on how much hauling or bed space you need.

Also, the decision must be made whether to go with a 2020 Tacoma TRD Sport equipped with rear-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive. Although TRD Sport does not come with resources such as multi-terrain select and crawl control like you find in TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro, it should be able to handle tricky and slippery weather conditions like a champ.

Stick shift lives in 2020 Tacoma

For those of us who were taught by our parents to drive a manual transmission growing up, we probably all know this is a skill that never really goes away. On a side note, I learned with a white Ford Escort wagon out in the country of a small Michigan town. Quite a few people, including me, would love a chance to control shift points on our own.

The 2020 Tacoma TRD Sport allows us to do just that. It is available in both 6-speed automatic transmission and 6-speed manual transmission.

Don’t keep us in suspens(ion) with 2020 Tacoma

As opposed to TRD Off-Road’s legendary capabilities and what it can do off the beaten paths, the 2020 Tacoma TRD Sport is more equipped for drivers who plan to stay more on the road.

Sport has a road-tuned suspension. This consists of sport-tuned independent coil-spring double-wishbone and stabilizer bar in front, along with sport-tuned leaf spring with staggered outboard-mounted gas shock absorbers and stabilizer bar in back.

I find 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport to have sharp handling with minimal body roll. It excels on city streets and highways, especially those roads that are not as bumpy or filled with potholes.

Panoramic view monitor helps with visibility

Who wouldn’t want a better view, especially while driving a truck? The refreshed 2020 Tacoma has an available camera called Panoramic View Monitor system that allows drivers to see in front of, along the sides of, and behind their truck as they drive. This should help significantly, especially while backing up or parking. It can also spot more hidden obstacles that can become a nuisance, or even worse, something you end up scraping against.

VIDEO: Watch as I demonstrate the Panoramic View Monitor

This is available on double cab configurations as part of an Advanced Technology Package. This also includes blind spot monitor, rear-cross traffic alert, rear parking sonar assist and turn signal indicators in the side mirrors.

Technology has improved for 2020 Tacoma TRD Sport

As with all other 2020 Tacoma trim levels, TRD Sport comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa capabilities. You can view these popular applications on your larger 8-inch multimedia touch screen.

Other technology highlights are Qi wireless charging pad, smart key push button start for automatic transmission Tacomas, 10-way power driver’s seat and 3 in-cabin USB ports.

Time for your thoughts on TRD Sport

Factory MSRP for a 2020 Tacoma TRD Sport ranges anywhere from $32,725 to $37,575 depending on what combination of configuration you end up picking.

A 2020 Tacoma TRD Sport is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 direct-injection Atkinson-cycle engine that produces 278 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. torque.

Here is a list of all the 2020 TRD Sport V6 trim levels available:
- 2WD, Double Cab, 5-foot bed
- 2WD, Access Cab, 6-foot bed
- 2WD, Double Cab, 6-foot bed
- 4WD, Double Cab, 5-foot bed
- 4WD, Access Cab, 6-foot bed
- 4WD, Double Cab, 6-foot bed
- 4WD, Access Cab, 6-foot bed (6-speed manual)
- 4WD, Double Cab, 5-foot bed (6-speed manual)

Have you owned a Toyota Tacoma in the part or currently, and what has your experience been? How many miles on your truck? Also, would you consider a TRD Sport, or do you have your eye on a different 2020 Tacoma trim level?

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Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I explain how the rumored 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid will benefit from Toyota's new expanded battery warranty.

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