Interesting Idea for new Trim

So as most of us have heard, Toyota is releasing two new trims of the Tacoma for 2020, and this got me thinking. The trail package adds some storage bins in the back and a new grill, as well as some other new features. But what if we went in the other direction? By this I mean, why not make a truck with fewer features? I'm not sure of a good name for it, but I was thinking something along the lines of SuperBase. This truck would be manual only, with either 4cyl or V6 options and 4x4. Crank windows, very simple head unit (not touchscreen), no assists other than traction control, ABS and stability control, all of which can be turned off. My thinking is this truck would before the serious offroad guys, and the guys that want their trucks to last forever. Obviously the Instagram overlanders wouldn't like this because they need the most expensive TRD trim for the most overland clout. But maybe without all of the electronics, this truck could be just as bombproof as an 80's Hilux. Obviously Toyota wouldn't do something like this as it's just too far out, but it's fun to dream.

Feel free to add other ideas!

 

I think the Utility model many of us bought is about as base as is possible given that most parts are becoming standardized and unitized across the models. 2017 was the last year for the 2.7/5MT and I feel like I hit the jackpot by grabbing one.

 

That'd be the only trim line I'd consider on a new Tacoma. My '03 has manual everything, SR5 base trim. Absolutely love it. Just wish Toyota would pick up on that & offer a super base like you describe

 

I think there are a lot of potential buyers for a back to basics Taco. The reason why Toyota will never build one again comes down to profit... there simply isn't enough money to be made from the basic trucks. That's why the industry has creeped further and further towards luxury over the years, pushing people to spend more on stuff they really don't need but clever marketing convinces them that they want it anyway.

 

Because they would only sell you and five or six others these trucks. If there were a demand for a truck like that, Toyota would supply it. There is zero demand.

 

No. If there were serious demand, Toyota could make even MORE money on trucks like you describe. There simply is no demand.

 

Maybe, maybe not. The way I see it, there are only so many people who are in the market for buying trucks to begin with. If the only trucks available to these people are mid-range to luxury trucks, then guess what? They are ponying up the money and buying what is available to them (even if a fraction of them know they don't need all those features). On the other hand if the same people had the option to choose from cheap basic trucks all the way to luxury trucks, a sizeable number of them are going to go with the cheap trucks because, well, a lot of people are cheap and "It's all I need". The number of trucks sold is about the same in both cases, but in the first case, the manufacturers made more money/profit by upselling.

 

Dealers don't want people who walk on to the lot to know there is a cheaper alternative to a $35,000+ truck. I walked into my dealership with a printout of a Util model in my hand and asked to drive a MT Tacoma. I wanted to make sure the clutch reach would work for my short legs.

They didn't have any on the lot and agreed to order mine without me agreeing to even buy it when it arrived. The salesman told me "It doesn't matter if you buy it or not when it gets here. I could have that thing sold in one day."

 

This site is full of threads about people upgrading their trucks. Guys with an SR adding fog lights, cruise control, intermittent wipers, etc so I think the days of a Plain Jane truck are dead and gone. Even the Hilux trucks I saw in Africa had AC, power windows, power door locks, etc.

 

That truck is already available. It's called the Nissan Frontier.

 

At this point in history, how many are still produced without the electronics you speak of? Other than a Wrangler, can you buy any car without power windows? Rear view cameras are mandated by law now.

I found this link from 2015 including all the available "non modern" features you could still get, but this list is even old in 2020.
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a...ill-have-crank-windows-manual-locks-and-more/

In a lot of ways it is cheaper to use power locks, windows, and mirrors because of parts logistics of having to source and develop these to work with all of the other things that have to be there. It's like the bed lights, it's cheaper for Toyota to wire all the Tacomas the same, than it is to leave out options the harness on models without them.

 

2020 Toyota Tacoma Snowflake edition. Same aesthetics as Sport trim and AT only. Only available in Cement or Quicksand because this trim will be the most socially conscious and the least intimidating. Comes preloaded with your dealerships service center number on speed dial for all the shift point questions. Also a tissue box holder in the center console for all the crying that will be done in the cab. Available with a full faux leather lined bed, for knee comfort. And finally, a partnership that would be valid for one 100$ giftcard for Meso products with any Snowflake edition. Man this trim would be a hit here on TW!

 

Lol.
Here's the way it works:
Consumers drive demand. In this hypothetical case, the demand for a no frills truck.
Toyota notices demand. Determines how much demand there is.
If it is a large demand, Toyota supplies. HOWEVER, the demand would have to be strong.

What would happen, because... smart people.... Toyota would produce a stripped down version but do other value add things and the price would be the same as the Off road or Sport. They would give you manual windows for example but make the mechanism billet machined for super easy operation. Get it? They are never going to produce a CHEAPER truck. There is no demand. They COULD produce a no frills truck however, with extra quality in, oh, suspension or bed boxes or super tough interior. THIS could be something there would be a demand for, and Toyota would supply it.

Take a look at an ICON FJ build. Zero frills but it costs $300K. Machined badging, billet shifter and radio knobs, basically top of the line stuff in a no frills truck.

 

I’d buy one but few others would. I held off for years because they stopped making Regular Cabs but I had to finally give in and buy an extended cab, even though it’s too big for my liking. I did buy a Utility package as I wanted a 2 seater and that’s the only one that comes that way.

 

Man, I never thought my post would spark this much debate! So many cool ideas on here! I totally realize this is something Toyota would never do but it is cool to think about. I do like the idea of a super rugged base model, although the price wouldn’t get much lower. I just can’t stand getting in new vehicles and looking at all the buttons, screens and tech that is either annoying as hell or useless.
I actually thought up this idea because I crashed my beloved 2nd gen regular cab recently, nothing bad but it will be in the shop for a while. Since then I have been driving my moms new Outback, and let me tell you, that car has convinced me to never buy a car with all of that technology shit. The lane assist and sensors and screens are just miserable, and don’t get me started on the CVT lol.

 

That would be a cool idea except for the department of transportation is saying the SR is as basic you can get based on what's required on all new vehicles. Trim level under the SR might also have a negative impact on the reputation of the Tacoma's reliability and depreciation. But other than that, I'm all in on that idea.