2020 Toyota Tacoma Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

No matter how popular SUVs become, they cannot take the place of the pickup truck. Not only can a pickup haul and tow heavy loads, but recent years have seen them become more and more sophisticated inside the cabin. The 2020 Toyota Tacoma is a strong option for those in the market for a new midsize truck.

To help it stay competitive, Toyota has given the Tacoma several upgrades for this model year. Now coming standard on every trim level are tech features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The transmission has been reconfigured and new underbody cameras are available to help when the Tacoma leaves the pavement.

Choosing the right version of the Toyota Tacoma can be a challenge. There are both extended cab models with a 6.1-foot bed and crew cab models with a 5-foot bed to consider. This truck is also available in rear-wheel and front-wheel-drive. Most importantly, consumers will need to choose which of the six trim levels has the features most important to them.

Here is a detailed summary of the differences between the Tacoma trim levels. Reading this should be helpful to consumers who are trying to decide which model to select.

Compare the 2020 Toyota Tacoma SR vs Tacoma SR5 Trims. What is the difference?

Powering the entry-level SR model is a 2.7L four-cylinder engine that produces 159-horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Toyota has paired this engine with either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. Properly equipped versions of the SR can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

This trim level sits on 16" steel wheels. It gets standard projector-beam headlights and LED daytime running lights. The SR models show off a dark gray grille featuring a black surround. There is an integrated rear spoiler and skid plates for the engine and front suspension.

The bed of the SR is made from fiber-reinforced sheet metal composite and has steel outer panels. For convenience, the tailgate is easy to lower, lock, and even remove when loading. There is a deck rail system that features four tie-down cleats that are adjustable in addition to four fixed tie-down cleats.

Inside the SR trim drivers will find cloth seats. Both the driver and front passenger get four-way adjustment for their seats. The driver seat adds lumbar support. Drivers will find audio controls integrated into the steering wheel and three USB ports, two of which are charging only. There is a 7" touchscreen and six speakers inside this trim. On top of the smartphone integration, there is Bluetooth capability and satellite radio. A Wi-Fi hotspot is also included.

The SR, as well as most versions of the Tacoma, comes with a 4.2" color multi-information display. This will give drivers info on things such as average fuel economy, outside temperature, and displays the odometer and tripometer. The rearview mirror has a day/night feature but it is manual.

Toyota loads up most of their vehicles with Toyota Safety Sense, which is a suite of advanced safety features. For the Tacoma, this means the SR has lane departure alert, automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. That last system will first warn drivers if it senses an imminent collision with a pedestrian and then step in and brake if appropriate action is not taken. There is also hill start assist control and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Going up to the SR5 trim level does not change anything underneath the hood. It does gain standard fog lights, however. The grille here is charcoal colored with a chrome surround. Mudguards for both the front and back can be added to this trim level as part of an appearance package. Going with the double cab version of the SR5 upgrades the wheels to alloy.

Inside, this trim gains leather for the steering wheel. It also gains Bluetooth hands-free phone controls. A remote keyless entry system, which was available on the SR, becomes standard for the SR5 trim. The infotainment system remains mostly the same but does get upgraded to an 8" touchscreen. A premium audio system that includes navigation is an available option. As for safety, the SR5 does not gain much. The tire pressure monitoring system does get upgraded to include an individual tire alert function.

Many consumers will skip right over the SR trim in favor of the SR5 due to its upgraded features and relatively small price increase.

Compare the 2020 Toyota Tacoma SR5 vs Tacoma TRD Sport Trims.  What is the difference?

Next, consumers will want to look at the first of the TRD models of the Tacoma. This is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine that will generate 278-horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. It has a specialized TRD sport-tuned suspension. The towing capacity of the TRD Sport jumps all the way up to 6,800 pounds. A class-IV towing hitch receiver is included as standard equipment.

This trim adds wide-angle fog lights to its exterior. It has a gray grille with a smoked finish and includes a chrome surround. The wheel size is bumped up to 17". Drivers will find a 120-volt deck-mounted outlet. Models that do not have the manual transmission also gain the smart key system. This allows the doors to be unlocked by pressing a button on the driver or passenger's door as long as the key fob is detected. It also adds push-button start.

Inside, dual-zone automatic climate control becomes an available option. Wireless device charging, a handy feature often reserved for top trims, becomes standard on the TRD Sport. The seats are fabric-trimmed and the driver's seat gets upgraded to 10-way power adjustment. Leather trim is added to the shift lever. Rounding on interior upgrades is an auto-dimming day and night rearview mirror with the HomeLink system.

No standard safety features are added but a few optional ones are unlocked. Blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and a rear parking assist sonar are all available as part of a package. Ultimately, the upgraded engine alone is enough to make some buyers skip the lower trims and head straight for the TRD Sport.

2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport vs Tacoma TRD Off-Road. What is the difference?

The second TRD option is geared for those more adventurous drivers out there. Interestingly, the wheel size goes back down to 16" here. In order to help it function off the beaten path, this trim adds an advanced off-road traction control system, multiple terrain modes, a lockable rear differential, and monotube shocks. Gone is the sport scoop found on the previous trim. The front air dam gets deleted as well.

Drivers can tell the TRD Off-Road apart from other models due to its black fender flares and chrome rear bumper. Inside, the TRD Off-Road and TRD-Sport are identical vehicles. Due to its ruggedness, the TRD Off-Road may appeal to some. Most consumers will not find its performance upgrades necessary, however.

Compare the 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road vs Tacoma Limited Trims. What is the difference?

The Limited trim level offers the most sophistication. It is only available as a crew cab with the shorter bed length. This Tacoma model has the V6 engine still but loses the upgraded suspension. It can also only be had with the automatic transmission. The Limited trim level rides on stylish 18" wheels.

For this trim, there are black bezel LED fog lights. The grille is silver with a chrome surround and has a camera integrated into it. This is the first trim level to gain a power moonroof with sliding sunshade as a standard feature. The TRD Off-Road has the option of adding it as part of a package.

Inside the cabin is where the Limited trim really separates itself from prior options. The dual-zone automatic climate control becomes standard here. Seats are upgraded to include a leather trim. This trim also gets the premium infotainment system that includes an upgraded sound system with seven speakers and dynamic navigation.

The previously optional blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and rear parking sensors become standard equipment on the Limited. Those who like a little leather and the extra convenience features will likely be drawn to this trim.

Compare the 2020 Toyota Tacoma Limited vs Tacoma TRD Pro Trims.  What is the difference?

For the final option, Toyota offers the Tacoma in the TRD Pro trim level. Again, this model is only available in the crew cab with the shorter bed. It has the same V6 engine but has both the manual and automatic transmission options. This model gets the most sophisticated off-road suspension of them all, including rear remote reservoir shocks. To further help with the ride, the TRD Pro has an electronically controlled locking rear differential.

All of the lights are LED on the TRD Pro. The side mirrors gain fancy sequential turn signal indicators. As for the front grille, it has a "heritage-inspired" look with black badging. The TRD Pro also goes back down to 16" wheels. This model gains special TRD Pro front skid plates, which are thicker than the ones found on other models.

One of the more advanced features added here is the multi-terrain monitor with camera. This is an incredibly handy addition to the TRD Pro because it allows drivers to see obstacles underneath their Tacoma. As a result, it is easier to keep track of any rocks, sticks, or other obstacles that they are trying to navigate over.

Also helping with off-road adventures is the ride height, which is one inch taller than other models of the Tacoma. This model comes standard with all-terrain tires. Finally, the exhaust system got an upgrade to keep up with the demands placed on it by the TRD Pro.

This trim gains TRD Pro black leather heated front seats. The shift knob and floor mats are also unique to this model. It runs the same version of the infotainment system that the Limited trim does.

Ultimately, this is the most off-road ready version of the Tacoma thanks to its standard multi-terrain select feature and crawl control. The multi-terrain select allows drivers to optimize the traction of their Tacoma. They can choose from mud/sand, rock/dirt, loose rock, rock, and mogul modes. Crawl control, in the meantime, can adjust acceleration and braking while navigating difficult terrain, allowing the driver to focus on steering.

Which Trim to Choose?

Choosing the right version of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma can be tricky. It largely depends on the type of driving a buyer does. Those who stick to city streets will certainly consider the Limited thanks to its long list of standard comfort, tech, and convenience features.

Those looking for a weekend adventure vehicle, however, will want a TRD model. The TRD Pro is the most expensive, but it also outperforms the other trims by a mile. Consumers looking for an off-roading vehicle will want to jump straight to this trim level.

Although the name is a bit misleading, the TRD Off-Road is actually a good compromise between pavement and trail driving. The upgraded shocks help keep the ride smoother, no matter the terrain. Plus, this trim has a nice list of standard and available features.

Many consumers will be well-served by the 2020 Toyota Tacoma if they choose the TRD Off-Road trim.