These Used Off
There are plenty of used trucks that will compete with the next-gen Tacoma once it comes out on the market.
The redesigned 2024 Toyota Tacoma is shaping up to be one of the most-anticipated pickup trucks this year, with its fresh new looks and plenty of new features.
Toyota will introduce the new Tacoma with 8 trim levels that suit different buyers preferences — from the trusty SR workhorse trim level to the ultimate off-roading Trailhunter trim level to the premium Limited trim level. Buyers can customize their new Tacomas with the over 100 accessories available in dealerships to further suit their needs and wants.
However, each trim level of the next-gen Toyota Tacoma will face some competition from older, but well-equipped pickup truck alternatives on the used car market. These include used Ford trucks like the Ranger and the F-150 that feature higher maximum towing and payload capacities, older Colorado ZR2s that feature similar off-roading hardware, equally modern-looking alternatives from Honda and Chevrolet, and the luxurious higher-end Ram pickup trucks.
The information featured in this article comes from the Kelley Blue Book, Stellantis, Ford, Chevrolet, Honda, and Toyota, websites.
For buyers looking for utility, some used Ford pickup truck models have higher cargo capacities than the redesigned 2024 Toyota Tacoma.
The stunning 2020 Ford Ranger is one such example. Drivers that need to haul trailers will have more flexibility with the 2020 Ranger's significantly higher maximum towing capacity than the 2024 Tacoma.
Despite being a midsize pickup truck, just like the Tacoma, all variants of the 2020 Ranger come with a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 lbs, a full 1,000 lbs. more than the maximum towing capacity of the new Tacoma.
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In terms of payload capacity, the 2020 Ranger SuperCab 4x2 variant has the model's maximum payload capacity of 1,860 lbs. — around 150 lbs. more than the payload capacity of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. The Ranger SuperCrew 4x4 variant, on the other hand, has the least payload capacity of any Ranger variant for the 2020 model year, at only 1,560 lbs.
Model
2019 Ford F-150
2020 Ford Ranger
2024 Toyota Tacoma
Towing Capacity
13,200 lbs.
7,500 lbs.
6,500 lbs.
Payload Capacity
3,300 lbs.
1,860 lbs.
1,709 lbs.
Buyers that need even more towing capacity and payload capacity but don't mind a bigger truck can consider the bestselling 2019 Ford F-150. The F-150's maximum towing and payload capacity are around double those of the 2024 Tacoma's maximum towing capacity.
It is important to note that only certain trim levels of the redesigned 2024 Toyota Tacoma will have the maximum cargo carrying and towing capacities, thus buyers can't have the best of both worlds. According to Toyota, only the 2024 Tacoma TRD Off-Road trim level possesses the 1,709 lbs. maximum payload capacity while only the Tacoma SR5 and TRD PreRunner XtraCab trim levels possess the truck's 6,500 lbs. maximum towing capacity.
For buyers looking for an alternative to the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter for off-roading adventures, the underrated 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is not far behind in terms of equipment and hardware despite being three years older.
The ZR2 is the highest trim level of the Colorado midsize pickup truck, featuring off-roading equipment straight out of the factory. It boasts lifted suspensions, wider front and rear tracks, exterior protective hardware like skid plates, and other off-roading hardware. Furthermore, Chevrolet says that the 2021 Colorado ZR2 is the first off-road application of Multimatic dynamic suspension spool valve damper technology — tech that is commonly found in high-performance sports cars like the breathtaking Aston Martin One-77.
The serious off-roader Tacoma Trailhunter, on the other hand, also boasts numerous off-roading hardware and software.
One of the highlights of the exciting redesigned 2024 Tacoma Trailhunter is its Old Man Emu 4x4 suspension that renowned Australian aftermarket off-roading accessory manufacturer ARB created and tuned for the pickup truck's off-road performance and cargo-carrying capability. Other highlights include Toyota's multi-terrain monitor, Trailhunter-specific exterior hardware, and off-road protection.
RELATED: Off-Road Truck Capabilities: Ford Raptor Vs Chevy ZR2 Vs Toyota TRD Pro
For buyers attracted to the 2024 Toyota Tacoma's newly redesigned exterior, there are a number of used pickup trucks that feature modern exterior styling for a fraction of the cost of a new Tacoma — which the Kelley Blue Book estimates to be $29,000 for the base Tacoma SR.
While Toyota hasn't released the list of standard equipment that comes with each trim level of the Tacoma, it has confirmed that the SR is the only trim level of the 2024 model that comes with a weaker 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and 243 lb.-ft. of torque. All the other Tacoma trim levels have a much more powerful engine that produces 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft for automatic transmissions and 270 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque for manual transmissions.
Model
Starting Used Market Price
Original MSRP
2019 Honda Ridgeline
$19,490
$31,110
2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Limited
$25,000
$23,990
2024 Toyota Tacoma SR
Not Available
$29,000 (KBB Estimate)
For example, the criminally underrated 2019 Honda Ridgeline features a sleek modern look at a starting used market price of around $19,000 according to the Kelley Blue Book. It features various standard creature comforts including an 8-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, LED headlights, 3-zone automatic climate control, an 8-way power driver's seat, and ambient interior lighting. It also features a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque — more powerful than the powertrain on the entry-level 2024 Tacoma.
RELATED: How The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Will Make You Forget About American Pickup Trucks
The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Limited is another sporty pickup truck that features modern looks at a discount — with a used starting price of $3,000 under the Kelley Blue Book estimated starting price for the Tacoma. According to the Kelley Blue Book, the starting used market price for a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Limited is around $25,000.
The 2019 Silverado was the first model year of its generation, featuring an entirely redesigned exterior, a power tailgate, a bed-mounted 120-volt power outlet, a drive mode selector, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Buyers considering the premium 2024 Toyota Tacoma Limited trim level can also look toward the used pickup truck market for alternatives. One strong contender is the great 2021 Ram 1500 — which many owners have praised in reviews on the Kelley Blue Book for its ride quality and interior luxury.
The features available on used 2021 Ram 1500s include active-level air suspension that provides a smoother and more fuel-efficient ride, a spacious interior, heated and cooled seats, and an immersive 19-speaker premium audio system.
The 2021 Ram 1500's interior appointments match some of the available features on the most luxurious trim level of the 2024 Tacoma. Some premium features available on both the 2021 Ram 1500 and the 2024 Tacoma Limited pickup trucks include a head-up display, a premium audio system, and a power moonroof or sunroof.
The Tacoma Limited will also feature more premium features including a smooth-riding adaptive variable suspension, digital rearview mirror, power retractable sidesteps, and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display.
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Jacob is a Philippine-based car enthusiast and writer. From a young age, he has always been fascinated by all cars ranging from the most common Toyota sedans to the rarest Ferrari hypercars. And he enjoys writing everything about cars and the automotive industry. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games and tennis.
2024 Toyota TacomaToyotausedpickup trucks