carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Truck |
| Base Price | $37,311–$46,148 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 8.0/10, the 2026 Toyota Tacoma S earns a Recommended rating among the trucks we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.8/10, while Technology at 7.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Toyota Tacoma S's reliability at 8.8/10 — among the strongest in our truck database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. On safety it earns 8.1/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.6/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.4/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $37,311–$46,148, 22 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota Tacoma S sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. Value lands at 7.6/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Bottom line: Think of the 2026 Toyota Tacoma S as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
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 →
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma S ranks #1 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 100% of the segment. Its 8.0/10 overall score is 0.6 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $37,311 starting price is about 6% above the segment's median of $35,138.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking →
Across the Tacoma S model years we've scored, the 2026 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (this review) | 8.0/10 | $37,311 | |
| 2025 | 8.0/10 | $37,311 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.9/10 | $36,225 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.0/10 | $35,138 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.8/10 | $34,051 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.7/10 | $32,964 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.7/10 | $31,877 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $30,791 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.6/10 | $29,704 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.5/10 | $28,617 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.6/10 | $27,530 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.5/10 | $26,444 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.