Toyota’s 2026 Tacoma has been named ”Truck of Texas” for the second year in a row by the Texas Auto Writers Association.
”Earning Truck of Texas honors for the second consecutive year underscores how the Tacoma continues to set the benchmark for durability, capability and real-world performance,” says Cory Fourniquet, TAWA President.
The TAWA annual Texas Truck Rodeo brings together automotive journalists to evaluate the latest trucks and SUVs in off-road and on-road conditions. These vehicles are assessed based on interior and exterior design, performance, value and overall driver appeal.
Toyota’s 2026 Tacoma delivers reliable gas-powered performance along with multiple hybrid powertrains that offer comfortable seating for five passengers.
An impressive off-road capability, trail-ready amenities and rugged safety features prep this truck for summer campouts in diverse topography from Canada’s Northwest Territories to Florida’s Everglades.
Trim Levels
SR trim includes cloth upholstery, an intuitive touchscreen infotainment system and entry-level driver assistance tech. It is available in XtraCab and Double Cab configurations with a standard tow hitch on select models.
SR5 trim adds upgraded interior features for enhanced comfort and convenience, along with additional driver-assist technologies. It also offers new wheel designs, a variety of exterior color options and tech-forward functions that boost driver confidence.
TRD Sport delivers bold styling, larger wheels and an athletic feel with sport-tuned suspension. Interior upgrades include a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, optional 14-inch HD resolution multimedia screen and leather-trimmed steering wheel with integrated controls.
The hybrid powertrain option delivers efficient fuel economy and offers a combined driving range of 419 miles on a full tank.
TRD PreRunner is for drivers who want enhanced off-road capability without a full 4x4 drivetrain. It blends sporty upgrades with everyday use, making it ideal for tackling dirt roads, and light trails while maintaining the convenience of a rear-wheel drive.
TRD-Off Road is built for trails and comes with 4x4 hardware that includes shocks with remote reservoirs for improved heat management and suspension travel at speed. It also adds skid plates, LED bed lighting, deck rail tie-downs, 17-inch alloy off-road wheels and all terrain tires. An available TRD Off-Road Hybrid variant pairs this rugged setup with Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX hybrid system for extra low-end torque.
Limited trim caters to drivers seeking a luxury-like experience in a midsize truck. The features include chrome-accented exterior styling, polished alloy wheels, ambient interior lighting and upgraded climate controls. The Limited Hybrid combines this upscale interior with the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain that offers an all-electric driving range of 42 miles.
Trailhunter Hybrid is for adventurers planning outdoor trips, exploring rugged backcountry and seeking a truck that can handle multi-day excursions in remote terrain. It combines the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain with improved fuel efficiency, a reinforced off-road suspension, all-terrain tires and integrated storage solutions for extended travels.
TRD Pro features race-inspired shocks, reinforced skid plates, TRD-tuned suspension and advanced off-road systems like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. This range topping Tacoma is for drivers seeking elite off-road performance and an impressive capability for outdoor adventures. The TRD Pro Hybrid enhances this setup with an electric motor that improves traction and control in demanding road conditions.
New updates include blacked-out front logos on TRD Off-Road, TRD Sport and PreRunner trims. Additional available upgrades are 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires for TRD models, debut Heritage Blue and Wave Maker exterior colors exclusive to the TRD Pro and advanced towing tech on SR XtraCab models.
Under the Hood
The 2026 Tacoma delivers confident power and potent torque at lower speeds, making it well-equipped for tackling steep trails and maintaining composed performances on the highway.
It is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission.
An available four-wheel-drive system enhances traction by distributing power between the front and rear wheels, giving the Tacoma improved grip on loose surfaces like sand, mud and gravel. Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain combines the turbocharged engine with an electric motor to generate 326 hp and 465 Ib-ft of torque output.
The hybrid system delivers strong torque at low engine speeds for rock crawling, steep inclines and stop-and-go trail driving. This enhances throttle precision and reduces engine strain during extended drives, particularly when driving up rocky trails with a full load of gear.
Comfort and Convenience
The base SR Trim includes a 7-inch digital driver information display, 8-inch touchscreen multimedia touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, six-way manually adjustable driver and front passenger seating, multiple USB ports, six-speaker sound system and a full floor console with storage bins.
Toyota’s high-end TRD Pro adds a 12.3-inch digital driver information display, 14-inch multimedia touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, IsoDynamic performance front seats, head-up display, multiple USB ports, wireless smartphone charging, 10-speaker premium audio system and a portable speaker.
An available premium package includes a 3D Multi-Terrain monitor that displays front, rear and side views of the Tacoma on the touchscreen. This feature helps drivers navigate tight areas and drive accurately over obstacles to minimize underbody damage.
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma has a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds for hauling a trailer, camper or boat for a family weekend.
Available towing aids include a trail brake controller, digital rearview mirror and Trailer Back Up Guide with Straight Path Assist which uses sensors and cameras to keep the trailer aligned with the 2026 Tacoma when reversing.
An optional wireless trailer camera provides a live HD feed of the trailer’s rear directly in the digital rearview mirror. A manual headlight leveling switch allows the driver adjust the vertical angle of the headlights to reduce blinding glare to oncoming drivers.
Safety
All 2026 Tacoma models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.
This is a comprehensive suite of advanced in-car safety technologies that enhances driver awareness, reduces the risk of accidents and provides extra support for daily drivers.
Features:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Road Sign Assist
- Proactive Driving Assist
- Lane Tracing Assist
Higher trims on optional packages offer additional features like Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and a Trailer Sway Control system for enhanced towing safety.