Toyota Tacoma: The Midsize Truck Champion of Value Retention
Midsize trucks generally exhibit superior value retention compared to other vehicle categories. The Toyota Tacoma exemplifies this trend, remarkably preserving 74% of its initial cost over five years. This outstanding performance outshines even segment leaders like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado. The 2020 Tacoma, a pivotal model, featured notable enhancements in technology and design, bolstering its market desirability. Its blend of adaptability, diverse engine choices, and off-road prowess underpins its strong resale value, making it a compelling choice for consumers focused on enduring asset worth.
Midsize Trucks: Leaders in Value Retention
In the automotive market, light-duty utility vehicles, commonly known as trucks, consistently demonstrate superior value retention compared to other vehicle types. This trend is particularly pronounced within the midsize truck segment, which exhibits the lowest five-year depreciation rate across the entire industry. While electric vehicles experience a significant average depreciation of 58.8% over five years, and the overall average vehicle depreciation stands at 45.6%, trucks, on average, lose only 40.4% of their value during the same period. This remarkable ability to hold value makes trucks, especially midsize variants, a financially sound investment for many consumers.
Among the top performers in value retention, the Toyota Tacoma distinguishes itself by retaining an exceptional 74% of its original manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) after five years. This translates to an average depreciation of merely 26%, or an average monetary loss of $8,217. The Tacoma's performance places it third overall among all vehicles in terms of lowest five-year depreciation, trailing only the Porsche 911 (19.5%) and the Porsche 718 Cayman (21.8%). Interestingly, midsize trucks largely dominate this list, with five out of the top six models falling into this category. The only full-size truck to break this pattern is the Toyota Tundra, which follows closely behind the Tacoma with a 29.1% depreciation rate, equating to an average loss of $11,659. The Ford Ranger also performs strongly, losing 34.7% of its value over five years, solidifying the strong market position of midsize pickups.
The Enduring Appeal of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma played a crucial role in cementing the model's reputation for robust value retention. This particular model year received a comprehensive refresh, introducing significant technological advancements and updated styling that further enhanced its appeal. These improvements included new infotainment features, revised exterior aesthetics, and upgrades to standard equipment, which collectively contributed to a more modern and competitive offering. The TRD Pro variant, in particular, benefited from upgraded suspension components and lighter wheels, elevating its off-road capabilities and reinforcing its status as a formidable contender in adventurous terrain. These strategic enhancements made the 2020 Tacoma a highly desirable option for both everyday utility and demanding off-road excursions.
Originally priced from $26,050, the 2020 Tacoma was designed to be a highly versatile and practical midsize pickup. Most configurations offered a six-speed manual transmission, catering to enthusiasts who preferred a more engaging driving experience. For instance, the range-topping TRD Pro Double Cab with an automatic transmission retailed at $46,665, while the manual version was available for $43,960. Under the hood, buyers had a choice of two engine options. The base 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine delivered 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, though it was considered somewhat underpowered for certain applications. The more potent 3.5-liter V6 engine, however, transformed the Tacoma into an off-road powerhouse, producing 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, the 2020 Tacoma boasted an impressive towing capacity of up to 6,800 lbs. Fuel efficiency differences between the two powertrains were minimal; both engines achieved up to 21 mpg combined with an automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Opting for four-wheel drive reduced this by one mpg, while the V6 paired with a six-speed manual in TRD Off-Road and Pro models delivered 18 mpg combined. Currently, the Tacoma is in its fourth generation, featuring a 326-horsepower hybrid powertrain as its top-tier option and transitioning from leaf-spring to coil-spring rear suspension on most models. The 2025 base model starts at $31,590, with the TRD Pro reaching $64,135, underscoring its continuous evolution and enduring market presence.