2026 Tacoma vs 2025: Should You Get a 2025 Model Instead?
The 2026 Tacoma vs 2025 model year debate is here, and a new price hike for the 2026 truck is raising the question of whether the outgoing model offers better value. The 2026 Tacoma gets mild updates but also higher pricing across the board.
Toyota doesn’t seem worried about its grip on the midsize pickup segment, and for good reason. Through Q3 of 2025, the Tacoma posted 204,464 sales – nearly triple what the second-place Chevrolet Colorado managed. That lead isn’t narrowing, but the truck’s momentum meets a small wrinkle for 2026: higher prices.
A Slightly Pricier 2026 Tacoma
The 2026 price increases are modest but widespread. The entry-level SR XtraCab climbs $555 (from $31,590 to $32,145), though this is almost entirely offset by a newly standard tow hitch that was a $540 option.
Other trims see clearer increases. The SR5 is up by just $15, while most of the popular TRD trims (Sport, Off-Road) and the high-end Limited, Trailhunter, and TRD Pro models all climb by $215 to $615, depending on the configuration. Since the 2026 upgrades are subtle, is the smarter buy sitting on a dealer lot wearing a 2025 sticker?
2025 Inventory Is Still Strong and Deals Are Active
While inventory levels are tightening, 2025 Tacomas are still available on dealer lots, and pricing reflects a desire to move them. Dealers are advertising 2025 SR5 and TRD models below MSRP, and Toyota is offering aggressive incentives to clear them out.
Active November 2025 deals are very strong. Toyota is offering low APR financing, such as 2.99% for 48 months, plus $1,000 cash incentives on some 2025 models. Lease deals are also tempting, with 2025 SR5 models advertised as low as $229-$269 per month in some regions.
The Value Math Tilts Toward 2025
For those who prize value over the latest model year, the math clearly tilts toward 2025. Even a modest $615 price difference on a TRD Off-Road becomes much more meaningful once you factor in a $1,000 cash incentive or a 2.99% APR deal compared to standard financing on a 2026. With good 2025 selection still available, working a better deal is expected.
What You Give Up (and Whether It Matters)
Choosing a 2025 Tacoma means skipping some minor cosmetic and trim-specific features. The 2026 updates are minimal:
- A blacked-out front logo on TRD Off-Road, TRD Sport, and PreRunner trims.
- The Limited model now gets Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) as a standard feature (it was optional in 2025).
- The TRD Pro gains a new exclusive color, “Wave Maker,” which replaces last year’s “Mudbath.”
- There’s a new wheel-and-tire package for the TRD Off-Road i-FORCE Premium Package.
Mechanically, the Trucks Are Identical
This is the most important point in the 2026 Tacoma vs 2025 comparison. Mechanically, both model years are the same. They share the identical i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo (up to 278 hp) and i-FORCE MAX hybrid (326 hp) powertrains. The output, chassis, and core off-road hardware are all unchanged.
The Final Verdict: 2025 Is the Value Play
If you prioritize getting the newest “Wave Maker” color or must have AVS standardized on the Limited trim, the 2026 premium makes sense. Otherwise, the 2025 lineup delivers the exact same substance at a much lower transaction price.
If you’re in the market for a Tacoma, you should take a close look at the 2025 inventory and the attractive November lease and finance deals before committing to a 2026 model. The updates are mild, the savings aren’t, and the selection is still wide enough to find the exact truck you want.
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