The 2022 Toyota Tacoma is set to come out sometime next year with a redesign. However, Toyota has been pretty hush about what the future of the beloved Taco will look like. We do know that it’s very likely whatever this Japanese car company throws at us will be around for a while. The last Tacoma redesign we saw was in 2016 and the Tundra redesign is set for 2022.

So what’s in the future for the 2022 Toyota Tacoma? No one is really sure. That’s part of what makes speculating so fun. Based on what we know about the upcoming 2022 Toyota Tundra redesign, we are wondering whether or not any of these updates will trickle down to the smaller 2022 Toyota Tacoma.

What engine options will we see for the 2022 Toyota Tacoma?

We don’t expect an all-new generation until 2024, according to sources like Gear Patrol. But the Toyota Tacoma may borrow some updates from the Tundra redesign for 2022. There is a range of possibilities in terms of what we might see for the 2022 Tundra, as reported by MotorTrend.

There’s certainly the possibility for a hybrid powertrain. Considering Toyota’s promises to hybridize or electrify its fleet in the coming years, it’s not wild to imagine hybrid powertrains rolling out for Toyota trucks and SUVs. Especially considering Toyota’s recent press release announcing three upcoming electrified models.

The TNGA platform that the all-new Tundra will sit on will likely be seen as the foundation for future models as well. The 2022 Toyota Tacoma, Sequoia, and 4Runner could all benefit from whatever new tech redesigned Tundra puts out. However, Toyota is notorious for keeping things under wraps until the actual release dates of new models. So until the actual 2022 Toyota Tacoma release, there’s no telling what we might see.

It’s doubtful we will see anything larger for the Tacoma. A V8 is virtually impossible. It’s rumored that even models like the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser might release without a V8 option. New turbocharged engine options, however, aren’t totally off the table.

Taco Tuesday musings: new standard features

We certainly think that a hybrid option is possible. Also, technical tweaks and the addition of more standard features will be welcome. The 2021 Toyota Tacoma has a pretty hefty list of standard equipment. Still, that doesn’t mean new additions can’t turn up on that list. There are some features the Taco could benefit from.

While the Toyota Tacoma standard features are already pretty satisfying, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma may add missing security features or updated tech for the infotainment. Additionally, an interior redesign would be seriously welcome. But we don’t want too much.

Simplicity suits the Taco

While the Taco is in need of updates, Toyota will probably not get crazy with it. Simplicity suits the Toyota Tacoma. While the 2022 Tacoma may see updates––like new editions and standard features added to the lineup––we don’t expect to see a major redesign yet.

The reliability and durability of Toyota Tacoma compact pickup trucks are both important factors for most Taco buyers and fans. The simplicity of this pickup truck is an integral part of those elements that make this truck popular. Longevity and off-road performance will undoubtedly remain staples in the 2022 Toyota Tacoma recipe. One thing we can’t wait for is the 2022 TRD Pro color.