2018 Toyota Tacoma: What’s New?

Toyota’s best-selling mid-size pickup looks to continue its market dominance with a host of exciting new features.

Despite the competition’s best efforts, Toyota’s mid-size Tacoma continues to dominate the market. In 2017, the Tacoma once again took home the crown as the best-selling mid-size pickup in the U.S. And the 5th best-selling truck overall, coming in behind nothing more than big, expensive pickups. But with the return of the Ford Ranger and the debut of the Jeep Wrangler pickup on the horizon, Toyota can’t afford to rest on its laurels. And it certainly hasn’t with the new 2018 Toyota Tacoma.

Trim level changes are few for 2018, but Toyota fully recognizes the popularity of its off-road packages. That’s why three out of six trim levels belong to TRD – the Sport, Off-Road, and Pro. A full 30 models are available across two cab types – the extended Access Cab and four-door Double Cab, either in two or four-wheel drive.

Of the two engine options for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma, the base 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder is only available in the SR and SR5. It produces 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. The bigger 3.5-liter V6 produces an impressive 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. Optional on the SR and SR5, the V6 is standard on all TRD models and the Limited trim level. EPA ratings for the four-cylinder are 19 city, 23 highway, and 21 combined, while the V6 logs a slightly better 19 city, 24 highway, and 21 combined.

Perhaps the biggest news for 2018, however, revolves around safety. For 2018, all Tacoma models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense P. Otherwise known as TSS-P, the system includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Sway Warning System (SWS), Automatic High Beams (AHB), and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC).

Stepping up to the Limited or TRD Pro also nets you Rear Parking assist sonar and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA). On the SR5, Rear Parking assist is available as an option.

As you might imagine, the wide variety of trim levels result in a wide range of pricing. A base SR starts out at a mere $25,200, but opting for a Limited will cost you at least $37,140. But even spending a little more for an SR5 ($26,975) provides great value, adding popular SR options like keyless entry and Toyota’s Entune Audio Plus system with Connected Navigation App.

Opting for a four-wheel drive Limited will drive the price up over $40,000. But it includes all sorts of nice stuff like a 6-speaker Entune Premium JBL audio system with a 7.1-inch display and wireless charging.

Of course, we’re most interested in the TRD models, particularly the off-road ready TRD Pro. Sure, you can get a Sport, with its tuned suspension, for only $31,895. But the $33,150 Off-Road adds multi-terrain mode selection, a crawl control feature, Bilstein shocks, and an electronic locking rear differential. The big daddy TRD Pro ($41,520) takes things even further with Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, off-road tires, Rigid LED fog lights, and a TRD cat-back exhaust.

The beauty of this wide range of options on the 2018 Toyota Tacoma is that there’s literally one to suit every individual taste. And by the looks of things, the best-selling mid-size truck for 11 years running is ready to continue that dominant reign.

Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.