Sticks and stones may scuff paint and cause dents, but words never hurt the Toyota Tacoma. Critics love slamming this truck with negative comments, but it doesn’t matter. Drivers still love the 2022 Toyota Tacoma, and it’s one of the most popular options. 

Is the 2022 Toyota Tacoma worth buying? 

Yes, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma is an excellent mid-size truck to consider. It’s one durable, hardworking beast. Plus, its off-roading capabilities can’t be beat. 

Some may say the Jeep Gladiator is better for off-roading, but it’s larger than the Tacoma and can’t get through narrow trails as easily. 

Anyways, drivers are all in. According to Pickup Truck Talk, the Tacoma is still the best-selling truck. It moved 55,466 units in the second quarter of 2022, while the Jeep Gladiator sold about 20,845 models and the Honda Ridgeline sold 10,068 models. 

But critics such as Consumer Reports rank other trucks ahead of the Tacoma. On the list of best trucks, the Tacoma is in sixth place out of nine, while the Honda Ridgeline is in first place. 

Maybe these results are a little off. The Ridgeline is a unibody truck with SUV-like handling and lower towing capabilities than rivals. Sure, it has a smooth ride and quiet interior, but it’s also super expensive. 

What do critics hate about the 2022 Tacoma? 

Spoiler alert, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma is starting to age. It hasn’t been redesigned since 2016 but did get a few updates here and there to improve its comfort and ride quality. However, rivals have more innovative storage features and updated tech. 

The base engine is pretty lackluster, and critics recommend avoiding it. The 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine provides 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. We recommend upgrading to the 3.5-liter V6 engine for 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. 

While the Limited trim provides a more comfortable daily driving experience, the Tacoma TRD Pro is rougher. It may not provide the smoothest ride or the quietest interior, but it can dominate the wild. It’s common to trade comfort for capability. 

Critics feel like the cabin is pretty utilitarian. It’s basic yet durable and includes tons of plastics and other hard materials. Also, the back seat is tight with limited legroom. The Jeep Gladiator has the biggest backseat if you need more space for kids and passengers. 

What do critics like about the 2022 Tacoma? 

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma is highly configurable to meet a variety of needs. It can even be equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. You can also go for the six-speed automatic transmission. 

You can equip the Tacoma with a 5.0- or 6.0-foot bed. Plus, the composite truck bed is extremely durable. It comes with tie-down cleats and a power outlet. The Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 lbs, which falls short compared to rivals, though. 

The 8.0-inch touchscreen has crisp graphics and a fast operating system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, plus you can opt for a wireless charging pad. 

Standard features include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and drowsy driver alert. 

So, the Tacoma isn’t the most comfortable truck in the world and could use a bigger backseat. But it’s reliable, incredibly capable, and loaded with standard tech.