2020 Tacoma Teased

Thanks, anytime.

Makes more sense, you're welcome. By the way, the N400 Tacoma entered planning over a year ago. Current gen is N300 and 2nd gen is the N200. The N400 is a TNGA-F truck, starting full work next year until 2022 (ideally). This means in 2020, the next generation looks will be known (finalized), but not really public of course until 2022.

Everything seems to be coming together finally, where the 4Runner and Tacoma will be redesigned within the same year for once. Which hasn't happened since 1995, even though the N200 Tacoma ('05) and N210 4Runner ('03) were very similar.

It's being planned. The Tundra program has a chance with that, in the form of turbo diesel 6-cylinder against the Ram Ecodiesel and F-150 diesel.

This is correct.

Well, Ford didn't help themselves much, by letting the cat out of the bag so soon 2 years ago, plus the fact the industry leaked plans for a Ranger as early as 2016, when Toyota started working on these updates.

Toyota has reached an agreement with Google and Android Auto will be offered by next year in several Toyota models. MY 2021, but some MY 2020s might end up with AA by chance of build date.

No, not at all. Read up on TNGA-F, as surely some info is public. This is the next generation of body-on-frame Toyota vehicles, company-wide. From October 2020 to December 2025, every body-on-frame Toyota will shift to this modular architecture. Lexus will refer to it as GA-F.

Diesel is on the table for the Tacoma like the next Tundra, but I don't know about MY 2020 in the N300.

As I mentioned, updates are coming. No redesign until 2023ish for the 4Runner, as I haven't seen a manufacturing timeline for the 4Runner like the next Tacoma (N400/N4XX). One more N280 update, then finito.

The N200 Tacoma had 3 refreshes/facelifts, unlike the N300 that will only have 2. One minor and one major.

• October 18, 2004 launch for '05 MY.
• October 2008 for '09 Tacomas with new headlights and taillights (aftermarket had clear lights during 05 to pre-2008, then Toyota copied it to become OEM.
• September 2010: 2011s got new grille, switch to J150 related frame, T/X Pro.
• October 2011: 2012s got major facelift inside out; in parallel, development of N300/Gen 3 begins in 2011. No more major changes to N200 through 2014.
• 2014: 2015 TRD Pro.

Not really true, a diesel Tacoma is in planning. No joke on this. However if it showed up for 2020 or 2021, I'll be shocked, because I have no confirmation on 2020. Other stuff is happening from what I know, for 2020.

Yep, we have 3.5 more years until an all-new Tacoma enters production, barring any delays!

Not to mention, Ford is deeply at work on the P703 Ranger, which debuts in 2021 and maybe in USA for MY 2023 by spring 2022. The final design choices are being whittled down at Dearborn as we speak, if not already final now.

The good news is, an all-new Tacoma on TNGA-F has been in development over a year now.

Why 2025? Expecting bugs, that would make you wait 2 years?

Not really true at least with the Tacoma. 2020 takes care of some issues, then folks can stop fretting for the next 3 model years. After MY 2020, no one should expect much until 2023.

As for the Frontier, yes that is coming next year. December 2020. Being delayed many times, but it's almost done now.

The "new" 2019.5 Ranger IS a refresh. The next Ranger is the P703, finishing up styling at Dearborn with input from Australia. It appears in 2-3 years, stateside maybe for MY 2023 at latest. P375 is a truck from 2011, which was a stop-gap rushed into action back in 2015 by Mark Fields, after seeing GM's midsizers had a successful 2014-15. Ditto for the U725 Bronco, but for different reasons related to the Wrangler.

As for FCA, well that midsizer is coming, but surely you guys here care more about the Gladiator than that?

Shockingly, I wouldn't hold your breath on that never happening. Both diesel and hybrid are in the cards, particularly for TNGA-F, if not pre-TNGA refreshes. For the Gen 3 Tundra, in the form of a 6-cylinder turbo diesel.

It's been delayed, but it is the leading tophat on the new architecture, the next 6-cylinder Ranger will be riding on. U725 prototypes will start coming off Ford pilot plants in April, but you'll see nothing out of camo until next year. January 2021 is the launch date, up to Feb 2021 in case of hiccups with December 2020 SOP. 6-cylinder will be offered.

I did my first internship at Toyota USA, when the MY 2012 Tacoma appeared at Torrance HQ in 2010, as a mockup (99% the real thing). 2010 was a very rough time for Toyota financially, as well as early 2011. Considering the 4.0 power plant of the N280 4Runner, it made no sense to change things as they were. The 2012s started appearing in October 2011.

Dead inaccurate. Debuts new midsize T6 frame, with V6 in January 2021. Reveal is in 2020. Not sure where that came from.

Thanks for correcting that. Coming to a Ford showroom in January 2021. Production starts at Wayne Plant on December 1, 2020. Was originally July 1, 2020 SOP, for late August delivery, but things changed twice. I heard February 2021, but it's definitely January 2021.

Design is done and looks good allegedly, will start rolling off pilot plant in April. Spy shots maybe by May or June, but no reveal until next year.

Coming next year, 100%. Allegedly a heavily reworked D40 like the H61L Titan is a heavily reworked TA60 (2003-15).

Again, I'm not sure where you even heard that honestly. The two (Ranger and Bronco) have been tied together since, that only trashy blogs report such hearsay regarding unibody. The only change was, from old T6 (current Ranger P375) to the Bronco now debuting the T6 replacement w/V6 (P703 Ranger) and thus some delays. VW wants in on that next Ranger, not the current P375 Ranger.

Bronco was never going to be unibody, maybe the FWD "Baby Bronco" below it.

An agreement has already been reached, so Android Auto is coming, but mostly for MY 2021 or in CY 2020. I'll be surprised if it will be squeezed into this so late. I mean, it is January 2019, but the Job 1 dates for some MY 2020 Toyotas might leave allowance to add this somehow and just showcase it now on prototype 2020s.

Unlike the 4Runner, both the next Tundra and Tacoma have manufacturing timelines, which put them being redesigned with Job 1 dates of August 3, 2020 and August 1, 2022. TNGA-F is working on redesigning all mid-sizers into the 2023 calendar year at latest. Large BOFs are in 2020 and 2021.

I wouldn't say that, but it depends on what you're referring to of course. Diesel is coming.

Maybe, maybe not. Hilux will always have it, so easy to offer in the Tacoma on this basis. TNGA-F is having new manual transmissions and powertrains developed for it, so...

Yep Everything has been held over, while Toyota got the modular RWD, FWD compact, FWD mid-large TNGA architectures readied. Now efforts are being put towards for BOF redesigns, planned during 2020-2023, with some additions through 2025. I am referring to real time, not model years. No 2020 models are on TNGA-F.

Well, there were no plans to redesign nor continue the 4Runner 4 years ago. That changed upon review of 2014 MY sales jump and even worse with 2015 MY increases. The refresh in September 2013, was a swan song quickly developed during early 2011 to mid-2013, meant to focus resources elsewhere until a plan could be figured out. If not for the uptick in sales, 4R would've died in 2016.

Truthfully, the Land Cruiser Prado is the golden child of the 150 frame, against the 4Runner and Lexus GX. It got updates over a year ago, while the other two got held up and pushed back into this year.

He's been busy working at Toyota HQ in Japan on the TNGA-F for the next Tundra, Sequoia, 4Runner (N350), and Tacoma (N400) since 2017!

Never going to happen, as the BOF Tacoma will die on TNGA-F in the 2030s at earliest. Diesel is coming though (and hybrid for 954A Tundra), but forget about superchargers and 7-speed manuals.

Sorry, that's not accurate. Not sure where you read that, but it has been confirmed that the diesel P375 Ranger Raptor introduced during 2018 to global markets, will not be offered in the United States.

What I nickname "New T6", is what the U725 Bronco rides on and will debut in January 2021, then underpin the next Ranger (P703) from late 2021/2022 and Ranger Raptor by 2023.

I have said it elsewhere many times, but a V6 cannot fit in the current Ranger nor the Raptor variant. This is why the new Bronco will make be designed with allowance for a 6-cylinder, ditto for the next Ranger which VW wants a piece of. In Dearborn, final design of the P703 Ranger is finishing up at the moment. Bronco is locked-in, so you'll see the real deal in camo soon.

 

More killer info! Thanks!

Please continue to hang out here.

 

Any whispers of the "300" Series Land Cruiser?

 

Should've been redesigned next year and should be despite some odd rumblings about "delays". I don't see why that should change, especially how the 2020 Heritage Edition is unchanged compared to the 2016 Land Cruiser.

There have been concept clinics for the 300 Series since spring 2014. The outgoing Land Cruiser started that process in early 2002, being released in November 2007.

I guess this one will take much longer to develop than the 200, as the 100-Series began development in 1991. 80-Series around 1983.

 

Don't know who you are of if your information is correct.

Seems to agree with my own speculation though.

TNGA tacoma is coming sooner rather than later. Tundra/Landcruiser/Sequia will be first, and then Hilux/Tacoma and 4runner will follow shortly after.

The TNGA platforms have been rolling out quickly for their other vehicles, so I sensed an accelerated redesign of the Tacoma.

I have been saying this on this site for a while now.

 

Yep, an accelerated redesign of the Tacoma will happen this time. The market forces in 2011, made for what ended up happening with the current model feeling so off the shelf and minimal effort. The 4Runner having undergone a revolutionary redesign in October of 2002, as did the Tacoma 2 years later, both have remained relatively similar since then.

TNGA-F makes the leap, but I believe they will be evolutionary judging by the other TNGA redesigns for FWD architectures, C and K. Only the RWD GA-L Lexus cars have been somewhat revolutionary, which some have yet to be even revealed until next year (IS and LQ).

 

That Heritage Edition is comical, wheels, a retro badge, removal of cool box and 3rd row and some stitching.

 

Good info sir! I work in engineering development, not for passenger vehicles but with large mobile off highway equipment with many companies. Some that rhyme with Bat or Phon Beer or Domatsu lol. New models are 5-7 years typically and that is usually new from ground up.
Your info is excellent and there are several here who appreciate it. Keep me posted!

 

There is an economic downturn on the horizon and everyone knows it.

All the automakers need to prepare for it, and I think having good Gross margins thanks to a focus on CUVs/Trucks and modular platforms are steps towards a safer long term position.

 

Yeah, it's nothing new . Remember the 1997 40th Anniversary edition? Then came the 1998 100-Series, in March 1998. Ironically around that time, the first gen Sequoia got its finishing touches at Toyota design studios. Much of the mid-1990s was spent on 100-Series, 1st gen Tundra and Sequoia. Now back at it again, the 3rd time (barely).

Interesting. I already figured it out (the names). Are you referring your industry's timelines? It never occurred to me that CAT, John Deere, Komatsu ran such a similar product cadence as passenger automobiles. Also, thanks by the way. It's appreciated.

Yup, Toyota didn't get to the top for no reason. I just have to wonder which OEMs are losing the plot too quickly? TNGA-F is going to be greatness and I think the refreshes right now, allow some more money in the pocket of Toyota, to fund it fluidly. The full investment on midsizers starts next year, so the bulk of it is being spent now for the Tundra and Land Cruiser, plus Lexus derivatives (ie LX)

 

Would love to see the Tundra built to the same standards as the Land Cruiser, essentially offering one model in either ute or trayback / bed configuration. I think Toyota could easily capture much larger market share by slightly rethinking the positioning of these two nameplates. Build a better Tundra, offer a more utilitarian Land Cruiser, and let the Lexus version play in the posh realm as that brand was intended to do. Market is there, just look at Expedition, Escalade, Tahoe etc sales figures. Would be easy to capture sales by offering an alternative that isn't a total pos.

 

So Beno was right about a diesel coming for the Tacoma, but the time frame we expected was wrong (2019-2020). Very interesting.

 

Beno said a diesel was coming to a mid-size, but couldn't confirm whether it was the Tacoma or 4Runner getting it (or perhaps both).

It will be interesting to see how successful diesel sales are compared to gassers when/if this happens.

 

Well we will see if all the info you are presenting is correct. Not trying to discredit you but to me most of what you are saying is speculation based material.

Frankly something such as a diesel in the US is all just talk until there is actual proof. As for me, I’m still waiting for next week to at least see what changes are being announced for the Tacoma and taking it from there.

Anyone can speculate and state previously known facts. I want proof which is when speculating can stop and actuality is in place.

One more thing... After reading that whole message you posted, I still have no clue what you are saying should be expected for the 2020 Tacoma. You mentioned diesel in the future multiple times... What do you expect for changes in 2020? You seem like you want us to believe you have info... What you got?

 

Until they fix that transmission I’m not buying. Father got an 18 and has that shifting issue around 40mph. I almost got a 19 until Toyota themselves told him they don’t have a fix, hasn’t been corrected in current models, and told him to look at a $700 aftermarket product to resolve it (gives 3 power modes). Told him it has been an issue the dealer was seeing regular enough for them to know it is happening.

They need to resolve that before I would trade my 2015 4.0 that hasn’t been a problem at all even though I like the third gen look.

 

There’s nothing wrong with the transmission in a mechanical sense. It’s the programming of the computer that controls it.

 

If you can drive a manual this transmission is not a problem. It’s not a sports car but it’s definitely fun to drive. Also the manual is even cheaper. Just don’t want you think that there are no good options if you really want a Tacoma.

 

I'm not saying the diesel ranger raptor will come here but I'm sure they will make a version of it here.

I called a trd pro on the 2017 tacoma and i was right...but i could be wrong but I'd be extremely surprised.

I still don't understand everyones obsession with diesel. They are so choked up now with all epa emissions and they cost so much more overtime to maintain. Fuel economy isn't worth it in my opinion.

People buy diesels for work, towing and hauling. The idea of having it in a midsize truck doesn't make sense for me.

Pretty sure there have been tons of problems in the colorado and it doesn't sell.

I mean if they do end up offering a diesel i hope they at least have other power train options.

 

Well aware of all the changes through the years, I've had 7 of Tacomas. 2008-2010 had incremental changes, such as removal of the clock/temp in the ovehead console, reverse camera in the mirror, side curtain airbags, 2011 also got an updated instrument cluster, 2011 we saw the T/X packages 2012 we saw the Baja packages, 2012 wasnt really a major inside out update. The face was changed, hood was changed, interior remained almost identical minus plastic coloring, carpet and updated headunit. Still good insight, thanks!

Good choice on the 802A Raptor, Dad bought his 18 last year since it was the last year for Lightning Blue and before they add the new suspension system, he didnt want all the electronics, had a hard enough time letting go of his 14.

 

Mike Sweers, is that you? Awesome info, thanks!