2018 Toyota Tacoma

2018 Toyota Tacoma Highlights

The 2018 Toyota Tacoma is a versatile and capable midsize pickup truck that excels at being a work vehicle and an off-road toy. For the 2018 model year, Toyota upgraded the Tacoma with the comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense-P active safety system. Gone for 2018 is the five-speed manual transmission. The Tacoma competes with the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, and Nissan Frontier.

Key Details

• Midsize pickup truck body style
• Two-row seating for up to four or five passengers, depending on the cab configuration
• Available in Access Cab and Double Cab configurations
• Two engine options: 2.7-liter four-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6
• Six trim levels, including the rugged TRD Pro for serious off-roading
• Standard Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) across all trims
• Available 4WDemand part-time four-wheel drive system
• Discontinuation of the five-speed manual transmission for the four-cylinder engine

Benefits

• Enhanced standard safety features with TSS-P
• Renowned reliability and strong resale value
• Impressive off-road capabilities, especially in TRD trims
• Wide range of configurations to suit various needs
• User-friendly technology features
• Rugged styling

Learn More: Here Are The Toyota Tacoma Years To Avoid

2018 Toyota Tacoma Overview

Performance

The 2018 Toyota Tacoma offers two engine options:

2.7-liter four-cylinder engine:

• 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque
• Standard on SR and SR5 trims
• Available with six-speed automatic transmission

3.5-liter V6 engine:

• 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque
• Standard on TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro trims
• Optional on SR5
• Available with six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission

The base four-cylinder engine is suited to light-duty tasks and daily driving. However, the V6 engine is the more popular choice, offering significantly more power for towing, hauling, and off-roading.

2018 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity varies by configuration, with adequately equipped V6 models capable of towing up to 6,800 pounds. The Tacoma's payload capacity ranges from 1,120 to 1,620 pounds, depending on the configuration.

The 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims feature specialized equipment for off-road performance, including:

• Multi-Terrain Select System
• Crawl Control
• Electronically locking rear differential
• Bilstein shocks (TRD Pro)
• TRD-tuned suspension

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2018 Tacoma an overall safety rating of four out of five.

A significant enhancement for the 2018 model year is the standard inclusion of Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) across all trims. This suite of advanced safety features includes:

• Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
• Lane departure alert
• Automatic high beams
• Dynamic radar cruise control

Standard safety features across all trims also include:

• Advanced airbag system
• Star safety system (stability control, traction control, anti-lock brake system, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology)
• Rearview camera

Additional available technology features include:

• Blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert
• Rear parking sensors
• Multi-terrain monitor (on TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro)

The Multi-terrain Monitor system, available on off-road-oriented trims, provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings.

Driving

The 2018 Toyota Tacoma is most at home on trails or used as a work truck. The Tacoma does feel unrefined on pavement, but comfortable seats mitigate this. The suspension does a commendable job of absorbing road imperfections, though it can feel firm on rougher surfaces, especially in off-road-oriented trims.

Interior

The 2018 Toyota Tacoma interior is functional but comfortable. The cabin design is straightforward and utilitarian.

Key interior features include:

• Fabric or leather-trimmed seating, depending on trim
• Available ten-way power-adjustable driver's seat
• 60/40 split rear seats (Access Cab and Double Cab)
• Available Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging
• Dual-zone automatic climate control (on select trims)
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob (on select trims)

The Tacoma front seats provide good comfort for daily driving, though some drivers may find the seating position a bit low, with limited adjustability in lower trims. 2018 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab models increase seating capacity from four passengers to five. The Access Cab's rear seats are best suited for occasional use or additional storage, while the Double Cab offers more comfortable accommodations for adult passengers.

The composite bed is durable and corrosion-resistant. It features a deck rail system with adjustable tie-down cleats for secure cargo management. The bed depth is relatively high, which can make loading and unloading more challenging but also increases overall capacity.

Technology

The 2018 Toyota Tacoma comes equipped with various technology features that vary by trim level, with higher trims offering more advanced options.

Key technology features include:

• Standard Entune Audio system with 6.1-inch touchscreen
• Available Entune premium audio with integrated navigation and app suite
• Available 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen
• Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming
• USB port with iPod connectivity
• Available JBL premium audio system with subwoofer and amplifier
• Integrated backup camera with projected path

The available Entune App Suite provides access to various apps and services.

Fuel Economy

The 2018 Toyota Tacoma’s EPA fuel economy estimates are as follows:

2.7-liter four-cylinder engine:

• 2WD (mpg): 20 city / 23 highway / 21 combined
• 4WD (mpg): 19 city / 22 highway / 20 combined
• 4WD Double Cab Off-Road (mpg): 17 city / 20 highway / 18 combined

3.5-liter V6 engine:

• 2WD Automatic (mpg): 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined
• 4WD Automatic (mpg): 18 city / 22 highway / 20 combined
• 4WD Manual (mpg): 17 city / 21 highway / 18 combined

2018 Toyota Tacoma Reviews

Consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book gave the 2018 Toyota Tacoma an overall rating of 4.0 out of five. Owners provide Tacoma with scores that are especially high in reliability and styling.

Reasons to Buy It

• Excellent off-road capabilities, especially in TRD trims
• Substantial resale value and renowned reliability
• Standard advanced safety features with TSS-P
• Rugged styling that stands out
• Wide range of configurations to suit various needs
• Durable interior built to withstand heavy use

Problems

• Lower seating positions may not suit all drivers
• Base four-cylinder engine can feel underpowered
• Fuel economy, while competitive, isn't class-leading
• Limited rear-seat space in Access Cab models
• Higher bed sides can make loading and unloading more challenging
• Infotainment system may feel dated compared to some competitors

Explore: Which Year Models of Used Toyota Tacomas are Most Reliable?

CoPilot's Take

It’s hard to pick a better all-around work truck than the Tacoma. It’s competent, reliable, and has safety features at every trim level. Pick a 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport or higher trim and get serious off-road chops. Lower trims like the 2018 Toyota Tacoma SR5 are still rugged, dependable, and capable.

Adding Toyota Safety Sense P as standard equipment across all trims is a significant enhancement for the 2018 model year, adding advanced safety features typically found in higher-end vehicles.

Performance-wise, the base four-cylinder engine often feels underwhelming. But, the V6 offers more serious power for both on-road and off-road adventures.

However, the Tacoma isn't without its compromises. The seating position, particularly in lower trims, can be uncomfortable for some drivers and rear-seat space in the Access Cab models is limited. Fuel economy, while competitive, isn't class-leading, which may be a consideration for those using the truck primarily for daily commuting.

2018 Toyota Tacoma FAQs

Is 2018 a good year for the Toyota Tacoma?

Yes, 2018 is generally considered a good year for the Toyota Tacoma. The 2018 model introduced Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) as standard across all trims, significantly enhancing the truck's safety.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Toyota Tacoma?

While the 2018 Toyota Tacoma is generally reliable, some common issues reported by owners include:

• Transmission hesitation or jerky shifting, particularly in models with the six-speed automatic
• Premature brake wear in some cases
• Issues with the infotainment system, including freezing or unresponsiveness
• Some complaints about uncomfortable seating position and limited adjustability
• Reports of excessive wind noise at highway speeds

How much should a 2018 Toyota Tacoma cost?

According to CoPilot national listings, a 2018 Toyota Tacoma costs $18,000 to $33,000, depending on condition, mileage, equipment, and marketplace factors.

Check Out: Which Model Year of the Toyota Tacoma Is Best to Buy Used?