When buying a used car, you want to ensure it’s not only affordable but also reliable. Thanks to its reputation for dependability, one of the most popular trucks is the Toyota Tacoma. U.S. News created a lengthy list of compact trucks you can find for under $20,000 this year. Here are the most reliable used Toyota Tacoma years in the roundup. 

The 2015 Toyota Tacoma is a highly reliable sub-$20K truck

According to U.S. News, the 2015 Toyota Tacoma sits at #4 on “Best Used Compact Trucks under $20K for 2023.” With an overall U.S. News score of 8.7 out of 10, this truck is tied with the Chevy Colorado. The 2015 Tacoma has an average used price of $19,011 but could go as high as $28,910 for a well-maintained range-topping model. 

J.D. Power awarded the 2015 Tacoma a perfect reliability score of 5 out of 5. This model is included in four recalls. They might have poor adhesive on the hood scoop, improper information posted about the tires, incorrectly installed accessories, and an incorrect load-carrying label posted on the truck. 

You can find 2015 Tacoma models with a manual or automatic transmission. Toyota also offered a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine or a 4.0-liter V6 in these trucks. 

The 2013 Toyota Tacoma has an excellent (but not perfect) reliability rating

Coming just behind the 2015 model is the 2013 Toyota Tacoma. It also ties for #4 due to its 8.7 overall score. But because this model is two years older than the 2015 model, the average price paid is only $13,881 to $20,796. 

As for reliability, the 2013 Tacoma received 4.5 points from J.D. Power. This model had some minor issues in NHTSA crash testing. It received four stars in the rollover category and five stars in the side crash tests. But the Access Cab body configuration got three stars in the frontal crash category. 

Like the 2015 model, the 2013 Toyota Tacoma has four recalls, one of which is the same issue regarding poor adhesive on the hood scoop. It also has information posted on the vehicle with the incorrect spare tire size, a defective electrical component triggering warning lights, and faulty valve springs in the engine. 

The 2010 model and a few others rank farther down on the list

The 2013 and 2015 Toyota Tacoma are tops in reliability, but they aren’t the only Tacomas on U.S. News’ list. Five other model years rank farther down. The 2010 model ties for 12th place with the Nissan Frontier and Honda Ridgeline. This Tacoma received an overall 8.4 and has an average price of $8,545 to $16,686. 

Also in the #12 spot with a score of 8.4 is the 2009 Toyota Tacoma. It’s relatively affordable, with an average used price of $8,290 to $13,955. Down a bit farther in the roundup is the 2012 model, an overall 8.3 from U.S. News. It lands in the #16 spot and can be found for about $11,403 to $19,830.

The last two Tacoma years on the list are the 2014 and 2011 models. The 2014 Tacoma ranks 24th with an 8.0 overall score and can be found for $15,811 to $23,987 on average. The 2011 model has a 7.8 and falls into the #31 spot. You can find this version for approximately $10,405 to $18,304. 

So if you’re looking to get a used Toyota Tacoma on a budget, the 2013 and 2015 models are highly reliable.