Thinking About Upgrading: Is the 2025 Tacoma Really That Much Better Than the 2020?

Hey everyone,

I’ve been driving a 2020 Tacoma (Off-Road, double cab) for a few years now and it’s been solid... reliable, fun off-road, no major complaints. But I’ve been eyeing the 2025 model and starting to wonder if it’s worth making the jump.

The new interior looks like a big step up, and I’m curious about the i-FORCE MAX hybrid, especially if there’s any real-world MPG improvement. I mostly use my truck as a daily driver with some light off-roading and road trips mixed in, so I’m not necessarily looking for a beast, just something that’s a bit more refined.

Anyone here made the switch from a 2020 to the 2025? Or even just test-driven both? Would love to hear how they compare, especially in terms of ride quality, interior comfort, and overall feel. Also curious if the hybrid is worth it or if it’s better to stick with gas.

Appreciate any input!

 

No experience with a 3G or 4G but overall there can't be much difference other than the 25 is the latest version of the truck you already have, I'm sure it performs better overal than the 3G, but if you took a 2020 Pro and compared it to a 2025 SR I think most people would still say the Pro is better truck. These are midsize trucks and they are all going to ride and perform like a midsize truck. All midsizes trucks don't offer much to begin with when it comes to ride or performance. Non of them are Cadillacs or Corvettes, and none of them have a SFA like a Wrangler.

 

Hybrid is a bit more efficient but the extra monthly payment for the 2025 cancel it out or worse.

Everything else is cosmetic or personal preference. I just hate the monthly payment. I say keep driving your 2020 until it stop working.

 

I detest car payments. But I wanted a good 4WD offroader so ditched my fully-paid 2007 Corolla.

Long-term reliability of the 4-cylinder is still a question mark. 4G is gadget-heaven, which bothers me. Especially the 40 in TV they like to put in the cabin.

Drive a 4G, maybe rent one if you can for a couple of days to get a better experience, then decide for yourself. The dealer might jump at an extended test drive if they think you are really serious about buying.

 

Have had both - had a '24 SR5 DCLB 4x4; now have a '22 SR5 DCLB 4x4. The 4G seating position with ergos are better than the 3G, but I think the 3G seats are more comfortable (a bit softer than the seats in the '24). I think the ride on the 3G is a bit softer than the 4G, IMO. My 3G has the light grey headliner, and lighter grey seats, and it makes the cab more airy and bright - the '24 was just a sea of black and dark grey plastic everywhere. I also think the design of the center console on the 3G makes the cab seem more open than the '24 with the big grab handle in the middle of the console on the pass side.
The 4cyl makes diesel like torque at lower RPMs so the '24 drove more "lazy" than my 3G, which requires more throttle get to its torque curve. My '24 had some issues though, and guessing most of them were just first year glitches for the most part. My door panels rattled, the drivers door hinges started to squeak all the time when opening/closing the door, my integrated brake controller only worked sometimes, the LED light in the bed would pop out when I was hauling junk to the dump sometimes, and the transmission had issues (mine fell within the TSB that was issued for the 4G's).
Can't speak for the hybrid, as I haven't driven one, but if Toyota ever makes it available on a long bed model below the TrailHunter trim level, I may be tempted to give that a try.
I swapped to a 3G because that's really what I wanted in the first place but couldn't buy at the time due to a stop sale on them, but the 4G was a good platform - I think I just had some first year issues and my heart was really set on a 3G.

 

I've heard plenty of complaints about the 4th gens feeling cheaper on the inside despite the bigger screen and redesign; not that the 3rd gen is perfect but more creaky plastic is really unacceptable at the price point. Thats the other thing to consider. The off road trim increased $10k from 2023 to 2024 and it's not a $10k better truck by any means. So, if you're looking to spend the same amount you spent on your 3rd gen you'll have to go down a trim likely. The turbo 4cyl isn't proven yet, however I suppose I'd trust Toyota to get it right if anyone could. Honestly, a "bit more refined" might be a newer 3rd gen PRO model. Suspension is great and you get the leather seats and JBL system. If interior is a big factor, I'd look closer because it doesn't seem that different from the 3rd gen at least to my eyes.

Toyota has made hybrids for a while so you can probably rest easy on the reliability. You won't get better fuel mileage despite the claims but you'll have more power.

 

Is your 2020 paid off?

 

The new 4 cyl turbo engine in the 4th gen is an unknown. The 3.5 in the 3rd gen is well documented and is a reliable engine. That said, I'd buy a 4th gen 10 times out of 10 to get the new engine. The 3.5 is reliable, but it has no business in a truck.

 

The biggest improvements are the shifting characteristics and the low end acceleration power thanks to the turbo. 4 wheel disc brakes and fully boxed frame are nice improvements too. A few have claimed the gas tank is too small and would prefer a larger tank. It's still a midsize truck and it will always be limited to that.

Sure it's an upgrade. A Porsche would be a much nicer upgrade.

 

I'd also like the new taco to drive 8,000,000 miles even though I plan on trading it in at 43k