2014 Toyota Tacoma — Carivo review carivo.co
Truck

2014 Toyota Tacoma

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $19,600–$23,127
Fuel Economy 11 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Truck
Est. Annual Fuel $4,773/yr

Key Specifications — 2014 Toyota Tacoma

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleTruck
Base Price$19,600–$23,127

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2014 Toyota Tacoma

With an overall Carivo score of 7.2/10, the 2014 Toyota Tacoma earns a Good rating among the trucks we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.0/10, while Technology at 6.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional truck — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 8.0/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.3/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance at 6.8/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.3/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $19,600–$23,127, 11 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota Tacoma sits in the budget-friendly tier of the truck market. Value lands at 7.0/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 12 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Bottom line: There's a case for the 2014 Toyota Tacoma, but it needs the right buyer. Its performance and technology scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Trucks

The 2014 Toyota Tacoma ranks #336 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 35% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $19,600 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $35,138 by about 44%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking →

Which Tacoma Year Should You Buy?

Across the Tacoma model years we've scored, the 2014 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 8.0/10$32,445 Read review →
2025 8.0/10$32,445 Read review →
2024 7.9/10$31,500 Read review →
2023 8.0/10$30,555 Read review →
2022 7.8/10$29,610 Read review →
2021 7.8/10$28,665 Read review →
2020 7.7/10$27,720 Read review →
2019 7.6/10$26,775 Read review →
2018 7.6/10$25,830 Read review →
2017 7.5/10$24,885 Read review →
2016 7.6/10$23,940 Read review →
2015 7.5/10$22,995 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2014 Toyota Tacoma

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
  • Fuel economy at 11 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2014 Toyota Tacoma (4 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Structure / Body / Hood / Hinge and attachments
03/07/2017 · 17V425000
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to…
Equipment
30/12/2014 · 14V828000
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or…
Equipment / Other / Labels
04/08/2014 · 14V475000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 FJ Cruiser and Tacoma vehicles equipped with accessory wheels and tires installed by Toyota or dealers prior to the vehicle's first sale. The affected vehicles may…
Engine
07/11/2013 · 13V557000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Tacoma vehicles manufactured July 1, 2013, through October 11, 2013. The engines of the affected vehicles contain valve springs that may break over time.

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

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