The Toyota Tacoma has been cleaning up in the North American midsize truck market for years, but with both Ford and GM back in the game, and the Jeep Gladiator providing a new take on the formula – albeit at a higher price point – competition is as stiff as it’s ever been. The 2020 model year has brought a host of upgrades aimed at keeping the Tacoma ahead of the pack. We spent a week with a Tacoma 4×4 Double Cab TRD Off-Road Premium to see how it shaped up.
Pros:
- Well thought-out ergonomics
- Great to drive on the road
- Rock-solid interior and powertrain
Cons:
- Limited storage space
- Not much rear legroom
- No long-bed option on this trim level
Used Pricing: What a 2020 Tacoma TRD Off-Road Costs Today
On today’s used market in 2026, a 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road typically ranges from $28,000 to $36,000 USD depending on mileage, condition, and configuration, with clean, lower-mileage trucks often sitting at the higher end. In Canada, expect to see most examples listed between $38,000 and $48,000 CAD. Strong resale value has always been a Tacoma hallmark, and that hasn’t changed.
When new, our test truck carried an MSRP of $34,000 USD for a comparable TRD Off-Road model in the U.S., while in Canada it came in at $46,750 CAD before fees and taxes. For context, the Tacoma lineup originally ranged from $26,050 USD to about $46,665 USD in the U.S., and from $37,450 CAD up to $57,350 CAD in Canada depending on trim and configuration.
Related – 2016 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Review
Styling: Still Looks the Part (Even Years Later)
Below, the 2020 Tacoma TRD Off-Road looks vs the redesigned 2024 Tacoma TRD Off-Road:
Exterior changes to the 2020 model are minor, so if you’re familiar with the look of the third-generation Tacoma, which has been on sale since 2015, you’ll still recognize the latest model when you see it. There’s a new grille, new headlamps, and LED daytime running lights, which lend a more modern look to the front end. Our test truck’s striking Voodoo Blue paint was complemented by the dark, 16in alloys.
The Tacoma remains a great-looking truck, with proportions that give it a low, wide stance – even though it’s considerably narrower and not much lower than the Ford Ranger, which has a more upright appearance. If the latest 2024 Tacoma’s redesign feels a bit overdone, this 2020 one still looks right.
Related – 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road First Drive Review
Interior: Simple and Durable but Tight in the Back
Climb inside the Tacoma, and there’s generous headroom. We like the driving position, and visibility is fine. The power slide/tilt moonroof keeps things bright and airy in the cabin. The double cab configuration provides easy access to the rear seats, where legroom is, however, tighter than in a Ranger and nowhere near as generous as in a Gladiator. Rear-compartment storage is also limited, which leaves you with little space for everyday cargo like groceries, if you don’t want to put them in the bed.
The leather seats in the front are heated and have 8-way power adjustment for the driver. The material looks durable and easy to clean, and we were happy with the comfort. The dashboard neatly walks the line between function and style: the ergonomics are great, with everything important within easy reach, but don’t expect the design fireworks of the Gladiator. There’s an 8in central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility.
As you’d expect from a Toyota, the whole thing feels sturdy and well built – a step up from the Ranger in this area, in our opinion.
Related – Tacoma Takes the Trail, Ridgeline Rules the Road
How It Drives: Old-School Feel, In a Good Way
- Engine: 3.5L V6 (direct injection)
- Horsepower: 278 hp
- Torque: 265 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic (manual available)
- Drivetrain: 4×4 with 2-speed transfer case
Built for Off-Roading: TRD Hardware That Still Delivers
The Tacoma 4×4 Double Cab TRD Off-Road Premium is powered by a 3.5-litre, direct-injection V6 that’s good for 278 HP and 265 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. We enjoyed the engine/transmission combo, which feels bulletproof and is torquey and smooth, without ever delivering a huge hit of power.
“The whole vehicle just feels right – from the way it rides and steers, to the intuitive cockpit layout, to the rock-solid interior quality.”
We were impressed with the ride quality on Calgary’s roads, thanks to the Bilstein shocks and the Kevlar-reinforced 265/70 Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure tires. Meanwhile, the old-school, hydraulically assisted steering provides a whole lot more feel – and therefore confidence – than some comparable electric setups we’ve tried.
If you’re heading off-road, then you’ll be glad of the Crawl Control, terrain modes, 2‐speed transfer case, locking rear diff, and the new Multi Terrain View Monitor. The latter uses cameras around the car to provide useful detail on the central screen of the car’s immediate surroundings – perfect if you’re avoiding trees in a forest or backing a boat into the water, for example.
Related – 2021 Toyota Tacoma Nightshade Edition Review
Towing and Bed Practicality: Where It Falls Short
- Towing Capacity: Up to 6,400 lbs (2,900 kg)
- Payload: ~1,155 lbs (524 kg)
- Bed Length (tested): 5-foot bed
- Ground Clearance: ~9.4 inches
First stop for our Tacoma was the lumber yard for a couple of 8ft lengths of 8 x 2. This immediately highlighted the limitations of the test truck’s 5ft bed – a wagon or large SUV does a better job with this kind of load, although a ping-pong table we picked did fit perfectly in the bed!
In the US, the TRD Off-Road comes in both lengths. Canadian customers who need a longer bed will need to opt for the TRD Sport Premium, as the TRD Off-Road Premium isn’t available with the longer wheelbase. The remote release on the tailgate is a handy feature and the sheet-molded composite inner bed should prove durable.
We didn’t tow with the Tacoma, but the double cab tested here has a towing capacity of 2,900kg (6,393 lb). That’s one of the lowest in the midsize truck segment.
Takeaway: Is the 2020 Tacoma TRD Off-Road Still Worth It?
Pros:
- Well thought-out ergonomics
- Great to drive on the road
- Rock-solid interior and powertrain
Cons:
- Limited storage space
- Not much rear legroom
- No long-bed option on this trim level
Driving around in the Tacoma, it’s easy to see that it was developed from the start for use in North America. The whole vehicle just feels right – from the way it rides and steers, to the intuitive cockpit layout, to the rock-solid interior quality. It’s a feeling we didn’t get from the Ford Ranger, for all that vehicle’s qualities, and it feels more at home on-road than the stylish, spacious Gladiator.
The 2020 updates keep the Tacoma up to speed with the latest technology trends while providing a mild refresh to the familiar exterior styling. With rivals snapping at its heels, Toyota has no room for complacency. Take a look at all our Tacoma reviews and news here.
