The Tacoma is a tried-and-true legend
The Toyota Tacoma has been around for decades, earning its reputation as one of the most rugged pickup trucks on the market, regardless of size. It embodies everything people love about a truck: tough, sporty, and remarkably utilitarian. In today’s crowded pickup segment, that reputation matters more than ever, and competition from Ford, Chevrolet, Nissan, and Honda has pushed Toyota to modernize.
For 2025, the Tacoma offers either a turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a hybridized version of the same. Both powertrains deliver more than enough punch, and an Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD) comes standard on most 2WD models. This system improves traction by applying brake pressure to a slipping wheel, sending power to the one with grip. More on that in a moment.
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2WD Double Cab is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four making 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It tows up to 6,400 pounds and carries a max payload of 1,510 pounds. With an entry price around $39,000, it sits one step above the base trim.
We had a choice of various 4WD Toyota Tacomas and Ford Broncos. For some reason, the other journalists and influencers stayed away from a certain pickup, which is the one I ended up with. Interestingly, while most double-cab buyers opt for four-wheel drive, I stumbled upon a rare two-wheel-drive (2WD) Tacoma in the middle of the desert, no less.
Behind the wheel: desert testing with Kumho
Deep in California City, CA, there’s a desert proving ground often used by Hyundai for secret testing. Occasionally, other OEMs get access, and as part of a Kumho Tire program, I was assigned a rear-drive Tacoma SR5 Double Cab fitted with their new Road Venture RT tires. My role? Chauffeur a Kumho executive during evaluation. The pressure was on—every move I made behind the wheel was being watched.
At first, things weren’t smooth. Dropping the rear axle into a silty dirt bed exposed the limits of Toyota’s traction control system. Instead of letting the truck dig in, the system panicked—bucking, hopping, and cutting power in a frustrating start-stop cycle. A few seconds felt like an eternity.
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Once I disabled traction control, the Tacoma transformed. Suddenly, it felt alive. The rear end broke free predictably, and the truck became playful and eager to dance in the dirt. What started as a tense test session quickly turned into pure fun. Momentum became my best friend—blasting through loose terrain, carrying speed over obstacles, even hanging the back end out in sandy corners, rally-style.
The tires impressed as well, finding grip and self-cleaning as I pushed harder. The Tacoma bounced along happily, begging for more throttle even when it wasn’t needed. It proved that with the right tires, a rugged platform, and some determination, 2WD can more than get the job done. In fact, many winners of the grueling Dakar Rally have done it in 2WD.
Final thoughts
I had a blast, and I found the drive educational—not only in evaluating the tire but in pushing the Tacoma in a rugged environment. It proved, yet again, that 2WD trucks (and less expensive trucks) can be a rewarding drive in the right conditions. Yes, high-feature pickups are becoming astronomically expensive, but there’s still hope for those who see the value in simplicity.
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the Reviews section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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