Representative photo — may show another model year
Truck
2020 Toyota Tacoma SL
Independent review & score by Carivo
Price Range
$36,036–$43,763
Fuel Economy
19 MPG
Seating
5 passengers
Category
Truck
Est. Annual Fuel
$2,763/yr
Key Specifications — 2020 Toyota Tacoma SL
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
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| Body Style | Truck |
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| Base Price | $36,036–$43,763 |
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Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2020 Toyota Tacoma SL
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma SL is a truck that earns a Carivo score of 7.7/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.8/10, while Technology at 7.1/10 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. Reliability stands out at 8.8/10. The Tacoma SL nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety lands at 7.7/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
With 7.3/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. At 7.1/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $36,036–$43,763, 19 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota Tacoma SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. At 7.1/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2020 Toyota Tacoma SL will scare a sensible buyer off. It scores consistently across the board, and it does what a good truck should — quietly and competently.
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 2020 Toyota Tacoma SL ranks #97 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 81% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $36,036 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $35,138.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking → · Best Trucks under $50k →
Which Tacoma SL Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Toyota Tacoma SL scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.7 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
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| 2025 |
7.9/10 | $42,178 |
Read review → |
| 2024 |
7.9/10 | $40,950 |
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| 2023 |
7.9/10 | $39,721 |
Read review → |
| 2022 |
7.8/10 | $38,493 |
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| 2021 |
7.7/10 | $37,264 |
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| 2020 (this review) |
7.7/10 | $36,036 |
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| 2019 |
7.6/10 | $34,807 |
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| 2018 |
7.6/10 | $33,579 |
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| 2017 |
7.5/10 | $32,350 |
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| 2016 |
7.6/10 | $31,122 |
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| 2015 |
7.5/10 | $29,893 |
Read review → |
Pros & Cons — 2020 Toyota Tacoma SL
✓ What it does well
- Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
- Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
- 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
- Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
- Fuel economy at 19 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
Common Questions — 2020 Toyota Tacoma SL
Is the 2020 Toyota Tacoma SL reliable?
We rate the 2020 Toyota Tacoma SL's reliability 8.8/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
Is the 2020 Toyota Tacoma SL worth buying?
It scores 7.7/10 overall, ranking #97 of 515 trucks in our database (better than 81% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2020 Toyota Tacoma SL cost?
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma SL starts at $36,036 and ranges up to $43,763 across trims (MSRP when new). At 19 MPG, expect roughly $2,763/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
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