DecodedCars2018 Toyota Tacoma
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- Access Cab L/Box 4WD, Access Cab L/Box 4WD V-6, Access Cab L/Box RWD, Double Cab L/Box 4WD (Auto)
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl, 2.7L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 278 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 4
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 20 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 212.2–225.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,913–4,374 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 278 hp, versus about 395 hp for similar 2018 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Toyota Tacoma is a small pickup truck offered with 2 engines (3.5L 6-cyl and 2.7L 4-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 212 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 128-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,129 lb (Access Cab L/Box 4WD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (20 city / 24 highway), 0% better than the 2018 small pickup truck average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 209 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Tacoma — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Tacoma →
Trims, performance & features
Engine278 hp3.5L 6-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating4 seats · 2 rows
Trims
SR/SR5/TRD Off Road/Pro/SportSR5/TRD Off Road/TRD Sport
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Built in: San Antonio, Texas
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Tacoma configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access Cab L/Box 4WD | 212.2 in | 74.8 in | 70.5 in | 127.6 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 4,129 lb | 58/42 |
| Access Cab L/Box 4WD V-6 | 212.2 in | 74.8 in | 70.5 in | 127.6 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 4,248 lb | 58/42 |
| Access Cab L/Box RWD | 212.2 in | 74.4 in | 70.5 in | 127.6 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 3,913 lb | 58/42 |
| Double Cab L/Box 4WD (Auto) | 225.2 in | 74.8 in | 70.5 in | 140.6 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 4,354 lb | 58/42 |
| Double Cab S/Box 4WD (Manual) | 212.2 in | 74.8 in | 70.5 in | 127.6 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 4,374 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | 0% | $3,200 | 431 |
| Tacoma 2WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | 0% | $3,200 | 422 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 22 / 20 | +3% | $3,350 | 452 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 22 / 20 | +3% | $3,350 | 441 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 21 / 18 | -7% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Tacoma 4WD Double Cab Off-Road | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 20 / 18 | -7% | $3,700 | 483 |
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.1 MPG2018 Small Pickup Trucks 2WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Toyota Tacoma PU/EC 4WD | Not rated | Not rated | –★ / –★ | Not rated | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 19.1% |
| 2018 Toyota Tacoma PU/EC 2WD | Not rated | Not rated | –★ / –★ | Not rated | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 14.7% |
| 2018 Toyota Tacoma PU/CC 2WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.7% |
| 2018 Toyota Tacoma PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 19.1% |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Similar 2018 small pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Toyota Tacoma (this car) | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Ford F-150 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 18 |
| 2018 Nissan Frontier | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 Honda Ridgeline | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
Recalls (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Nov 4, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V682000 · 1,525,742 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jan 13, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V012000 · 1,830,752 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder · Dec 13, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V888000 · 44,121 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tacoma vehicles. Improper machining of the brake master cylinder may result in internal damage of one of the seals, affecting brake performance.
- Risk
- Reduced brake performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began January 28, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J16/J06.
Not every 2018 Toyota Tacoma is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
209Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
7Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
14,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Toyota Tacoma buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 44 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 42 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Power Train — 29 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 14,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Tacoma years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Tacoma | 23 | 213 in | Not rated | 0 | 12 |
| 2025 Tacoma | 23 | 213 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 114 |
| 2024 Tacoma | 24 | 226.4 in | Not rated | 6 | 154 |
| 2023 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 54 |
| 2022 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 59 |
| 2021 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 81 |
| 2020 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 90 |
| 2019 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 219 |
| 2017 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 243 |
| 2016 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 324 |
| 2015 Tacoma | 22 | 208.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 100 |
| 2014 Tacoma | 22 | 221.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 79 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →