By: Aoun Syed
September 7, 2026
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport+ is a pickup truck for the true driving enthusiast. It delivers a unique driving experience that few new pickups on the market offer, while still being able to handle most of the “truck stuff” one would expect from a pickup of this size. While it is no sports car, the experience it delivered during my week with it was something I did not expect from a modern-day pickup truck.
The closer you get to the Mudbath-coloured exterior, the more apparent it becomes that this is not your ordinary Tacoma. It is all in the details for the TRD Sport+, with a bold hood scoop and sporty two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels complemented by black badging that really drives home the point that this is not your ordinary mid-size pickup truck. There is a lot going on with the front fascia in particular, but for the most part it is done in a clever way that gives the Tacoma a suitably bold North American presence. The front air dam does seem like a bit of an afterthought by comparison and reduces clearance for those looking to hit the trails.
Step inside the cabin and you are presented with a no-nonsense interior that gets the job done and then some. The interior is mostly composed of plastics that carry a more rugged feeling, with certain areas such as the grab handle next to the shifter receiving an additional textured treatment to really drive the point home. The climate controls are easy to operate and feature large knobs and switches that are intuitive and satisfying to use. Meanwhile, the steering-wheel buttons are contoured in a way that helps guide your finger to the desired button without requiring too much guesswork while keeping your eyes on the road.
The Tacoma gets up and goes with no fuss at all despite its relatively small-displacement engine. The turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. of torque in this manual configuration. The turbocharger seems very eager to kick in at a moment’s notice, although the exact timing can be difficult to predict at times, and the distinct, satisfying sound of the turbo spooling can sometimes be heard even during everyday driving. The combination of the engine and turbocharger works together effortlessly to fill in the gaps when power is required, even when you do not specifically ask for it.
It is at this point that I would like to point out the main highlight of this powertrain, which is the six-speed manual transmission. A manual gearbox has become a rarity in today’s pickup market, and the Tacoma delivers a truly unique and engaging driving experience that should make most old-school enthusiasts very happy without feeling like a chore. The clutch has very long travel without being too heavy or overly cumbersome in stop-and-go traffic, while the shifter has satisfying long throws between gears.
The 1-2 shift takes some time to nail down perfectly, while the 2-3 shift requires a slightly more intentional throw. Meanwhile, the included iMT mode allows for smoother downshifting and flawlessly takes care of rev-matching should you require some assistance. When operating this transmission, you have to practise a level of patience and ease into the gears rather than rushing them in order to achieve a smooth driving experience.
Driving dynamics feel on par for a truck of this size. The large proportions can feel intimidating at first, but after a few minutes they become second nature. The sport-tuned suspension delivers a driving experience that makes the truck feel alive, with imperfections in the pavement and even some powertrain vibrations being noticeable from behind the wheel. The steering feels firm, with increased resistance at higher speeds, while the brake pedal is quite stiff and requires some familiarization to judge exactly how much braking force is needed.
All this being said, the Tacoma still feels up to most of the truck-oriented tasks one would expect from it. The five-foot bed uses a durable composite surface that feels well suited to regular truck use, while the adjustable tie-down cleats and built-in bed tie-down loops make it easy to secure loads without having to get too creative with your straps. The rear seats also flip up to provide additional storage inside for more fragile items, although certain objects might be tricky to fit due to the contours of the built-in cargo trays. While I was unable to do any towing during the week, our tester also came equipped with a trailer hitch as well as a trailer brake controller.
Occupant comfort is also one area where the Tacoma excels. Included with the TRD Sport+ package are eight-way power-adjustable seats with four-way lumbar adjustment for both the driver and passenger, providing a welcome level of adjustability at this price point. The front seats do an exceptional job of providing support around the occupants’ sides while remaining comfortable during extended periods of driving. The rear seats are adequate and provide a reasonable amount of legroom for most occupants, but taller passengers might struggle a little depending on how far back the front seats are positioned.
In terms of technology, you get most of the everyday essentials expected from a modern vehicle. The eight-inch multimedia screen is large enough for day-to-day use, with all the functionality most drivers would need without trying to do too much. The 10-speaker JBL sound system delivers clear audio, while the centre removable speaker doubles as a portable Bluetooth speaker. Once removed, it operates as its own Bluetooth speaker rather than remaining part of the truck’s audio system. A full suite of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 safety features is also standard and helps out in everyday use.
Natural Resources Canada rates the Tacoma at 13.2 L/100 km city and 10.3 L/100 km highway for a combined rating of 11.9 L/100 km. During our testing, we achieved a combined 11.4 L/100 km with a mix of city and highway driving. Admittedly, the Tacoma TRD Sport+ with the manual transmission is happiest around the middle of the rpm range and does not particularly like being hypermiled.
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab with the six-speed manual starts at $50,470 before options. Our tester added the $3,799 TRD Sport+ package and came to $56,347.92 before taxes, licence and registration.
The 2026 Tacoma TRD Sport+ is the truck for enthusiasts who want a simple but engaging driving experience. This is a truck that requires your full attention when driving but, in return, delivers a very rewarding experience. I would highly recommend it to someone who wants a truck that feels less like a couch and more like a raw driving experience, while still being able to handle light- to medium-duty truck stuff.
