Are you interested in buying a new Toyota Tacoma? As one of the most popular midsize pickup trucks in the U.S., the Tacoma is a staple in the segment. Moreover, the automaker just announced the big changes for the 2023 model year. They’re underwhelming, to say the least. As a result, we suspect Toyota might be repeating the past with the evolution of the popular pickup. Here’s why you could be waiting until 2026 for a new Toyota Tacoma. The past tells all, and the next generation could be a long way out.

All-new 2023 Toyota Tacoma packages

According to Toyota, for the 2023 model year, Toyota offers new packages for the Tacoma. Available on SR5 models, each 2023 Tacoma can use the new SX Package and Chrome Packages. Furthermore, the 2023 Tacoma SX Package is available only on V6-powered SR5 models with an Access or Double Cab. You’ll find black over-fenders, black wheels, blackout trim, and black badging within the package. Additionally, mirrors and lugnuts are blacked out, and finally, a unique bed graphic marks the package.

Next, the Tacoma Chrome Package is only available for the V6 SR5 Double Cab with a five-foot bed. Firstly, it sits on 18-inch chrome-finished alloy wheels. In addition, the outer door handles, the exhaust tip, and the tailgate “TACOMA” insert all bear the chrome finish. Inside the truck, owners get a leather-wrapped shift knob.

Outside of those packages, there isn’t much else going on for the Tacoma in 2023. The same trim levels are returning, and a few new colors enter the lineup, but that’s about it. Most importantly, there’s no proper redesign of the outdated pickup. Many experts scored the Tacoma low in 2022 due to an outdated ride, interior, and exterior design. However, Toyota isn’t giving us a new generation for another year. How long will we have to wait?

The last generation Tacoma lasted 10 years

Toyota’s most popular pickup truck began production in 1995. Its first generation lasted until 2004, giving it a long nine-year span. Next, the Tacoma evolved into the N220 variant or second generation. From 2005 to 2015, Toyota sold the same body, design, and everything else. Adding one more year than the previous generation, the second-gen Tacoma lasted ten years. Finally, in 2016, Toyota released the current Tacoma design, the third generation.

From 2016 to the present day, we’ve had the N300 version of the Tacoma. Although it received a facelift in 2019, it’s still the same classic Tacoma with a slightly different look. How long will the N300 version of the Toyota midsize truck last? If history tells us anything, we could be waiting until 2026. With another model year announced and no significant changes coming, are we in for another 10-year generation of Tacoma?

You could be waiting until 2026 for a new Toyota Tacoma

The new fourth generation of Toyota Tacoma could be a few more years away. Although we’ve spent some time with the third-gen N300 model, it’s excellent, but is ten years too long to wait? We’re only speculating; for all we know, Toyota could announce the next-gen model for 2024. However, the automaker can take its time with so few changes and EVs taking over. We know the Japanese automaker is slowly going electric. Do we have to wait for a rechargeable Tacoma to see a new design?

Toyota’s most popular truck is in its third generation. There won’t be significant changes until the pickup enters its fourth generation. If the current N300 third-gen model is anything like the first two, it should last Toyota about ten years. If that’s the case, you could be waiting until 2026 for a new Toyota Tacoma.