Yet Another Critic Missed the Point of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma
Car and truck reviewers (or critics) serve an important consumer function: they represent how the average consumer might experience a certain vehicle. Reviewers should be basing their reviews of cars, SUVs, and trucks objectively. However, reviews can be skewed for or against certain cars and trucks for various reasons — getting paid to write favorable reviews, for example.
A few experts who reviewed the 2020 Toyota Tacoma perfectly exemplify how their “expertise” tends to be out of touch with the general consumer. Let’s have a look, shall we?
Truck reviewers seem out of touch with real consumers
In certain industries like research and development (R&D), there is something called “data bias” or “biased data.” Data bias can be derived from countless sources, whether perceived expertise or information from “trusted” people (such as mentors). This biased data can be seen in some reviews published about the 2020 Toyota Tacoma.
Reading over the reviews written by critics of the Tacoma, it seems though data bias has consumed them. It’s also another example of how critics in the automobile industry don’t always get it right. This either happens due to some sort of misconceived understanding of the market or because they’re getting paid by an automaker.
Only after reading and watching thousands of vehicle reviews is one capable of differentiating honest, objective reviews from skewed, subjective ones. But that’s what we here at MotorBiscuit do for you since the average consumer doesn’t have the time.
With that said, one thing is evident when it comes to critics’ reviews of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma: they’re amazingly out of touch with real consumers.
Real truck buyers don’t care much about interior comforts
A certain number of truck owners might drive a heavy-duty pickup truck for show and, thus, want it to be comfortable. They probably expect high-end tech as well.
Nevertheless, considering the actual number of people who either drive or own mid to full-size pickups for work or business, it’s no surprise that auto manufacturers aren’t worried about interior comforts.
Automakers usually offer top-grade trim levels for those who are seeking a pickup for more than work. Take the 2020 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition for example.
Of course, these more luxurious models come at a higher price. Base models and mid-range trims are priced for private contractors, small businesses, and organizations buying fleet vehicles. The last thing they want to do is invest $60,000 to $70,000 for creature comforts.
Most people want durability, good gas mileage, towing capacity, hauling capacity, plenty of room for passengers, and good standard safety features. The better the safety features, the more organizations can save on insurance premiums.
Lastly, imagine if every Dodge Charger trim was built for luxury and comfort. Dodge would have never been able to sell it to law enforcement or private security companies. However, for buyers looking to purchase a sporty, comfortable, and super fast Charger, Dodge offers the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat.
But since most law enforcement institutions operate on a budget, it’s very unlikely you’ll see a Hellcat police cruiser any time soon.
Critics are judging the 2020 Toyota Tacoma based on biased data
So, why are critics from websites like CNET even surprised that a mid to full-size pickup isn’t necessarily comfortable? It’s because they’re relying on biased data that suggests that more consumers expect comfortable and luxurious pickups.
While true in a sense, this biased data is causing them to overlook one crucial fact: more trucks are still sold to self-employed contractors and organizations than regular consumers.
Other types of truck buyers include farmers, ranchers, and people living in rural areas. Pickup trucks get dinged, dented, and interiors muddied. Why on earth would luxury be a concern for these truck buyers?
When looking at the mid to full-size pickup truck purchasing demographic, you won’t find many concerned with infotainment systems. They most likely don’t care one bit if it’s “unremarkable” or even easy to use.
The only thing most midsize pickup owners expect (possibly) is that their truck’s tech is “adequate for the job.” After all, trucks are designed to do just that — a job.
Summing up the 2020 Toyota Tacoma
We’ve written a lot about the Toyota Tacoma over the years. What we do know is that Toyota designed the Tacoma to be the most reliable midsize pickup on the market.
Thus far, Toyota succeeded in doing so, and that’s why buyers love the Tacoma. And while the number of casual pickup truck owners steadily increases, they’re still not enough to influence comfortability over durability. Not at this point at least.
Owners will likely expect their trucks to be workhorses capable of getting stuff done in rough conditions for decades to come. If the Toyota Tacoma continues to deliver on that expectation, it looks to have a long, successful future.
