Auto reviewers and critics provide useful feedback to car companies, but the best indicator that designers and manufacturers are getting things right comes from the satisfaction of real owners. In spite of the rather lackluster performance scores by the 2020 Toyota Tacoma on Consumer Reports’ road tests, real owners have nothing but praise for one of the most consistent, best-selling import trucks in America. Improvements to its 2019 Tacoma allowed this truck to maintain its spot in the midsize truck class, turning haters into lovers.

Overwhelmingly positive reviews given for 2020 Toyota Tacoma

Consumer reviews on Cars.com rated the 2020 Toyota Tacoma 4.5/5, ranking it as the No. 5 most popular truck. Exterior styling took the top rating among owners with a perfect 5/5 rating.

Owners love the reliability and value of the Toyota Tacoma. Though not receiving a perfect score for reliability and value, the 2020 Tacoma continues the tradition of Tacoma’s in these areas. In the case of reliability, owners are considering past model durability and resale value and applying their level of satisfaction to the current model as well. Along with their projections and expectations, they recognize that the included features of the Tacoma cost a lot more when included in other makes and models.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma’s interior design and comfort are additional areas providing owners with a high level of satisfaction. A smooth ride and comfort are attributes highlighted by proud Tacoma owners. A major attribute they point out is the surprising amount of roominess offered by this midsize truck. Those who opt for the double cab option give even higher ratings in relation to this model’s spacious interior.

A third area rated among reviews by owners includes performance. Owners find its payload, towing capacity and torque more than adequate for a midsize model. The off-road capabilities of this model continue to impress owners, who talk about how its relaxed handling in rough terrain is little different from it is on smooth roads.

There are a few complaints

In a perfect world, auto manufacturers would design and build a perfect truck. In spite of the glowing reviews and comments given by owners, there are a few owner complaints related to the four-cylinder base model Tacoma, which simply does not have the power many truck owners expect. Owners are also a bit disappointed with the warranty on the 2020 Tacoma, asking for increased bumper-to-bumper coverage.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma took its worst beating in recent years from professional reviewers and critics. Consumer Reports gave average to slightly below-average scores for comfort, convenience, handling, and fuel economy and a subpar rating of 47 overall, which is slightly lower than the previous year model.

Their road test reports a stiff ride with clumsy handling from a driving position that is too close to the floor as major drawbacks along with an outdated exterior/interior design and automated 4×4 technology. However, CR admits that its off-road capabilities, standard safety, and high resale value are redeeming features.

Real owners praise the 2020 Toyota Tacoma

Critics provide necessary insight into what buyers can expect from certain automobiles through knowledgeable evaluations based on experience and comparisons with similar makes and models within the same vehicle class. Though the information they provide has great benefit, predicting owner satisfaction is one of the most difficult areas to get things right.

In spite of failing to impress many critics, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma has impressed owners with satisfying design features, reliability and value, roominess, and off-road performance and handling. Because the Toyota Tacoma has proven reliable and consistently maintained a high resale value, shoppers considering a midsize truck might want to ignore the critics and pay attention to the praise real owners have given the 2020 Tacoma.