Ending the Madness, Part One: The 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport

Forget the price of imported goods, orange juice, and health insurance.

Okay, we can't do that, but let's set them aside while we talk about the price of pickup trucks.

It's madness out there. We're in an era where if the sticker price on a pickup truck doesn't start with a 7, it's a win. The King Kong Toyota Tacoma TRD PRO I reviewed last year, with its price adjustment for 2026, just barely squeaks in under $68k.

If that's nosebleed territory for you, if you'd prefer to avoid $1,000 monthly payments or a 96-month car loan, you have two options: Get a higher paying job (In this economy, Mike?) or scale back on the bells and whistles a bit.

The good news is that $50,000(ish) can still buy one helluva truck.

The Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport is one of eight trim levels of Tacoma and it is the entry point for the TRD (Toyota Racing Development) trims.

Under the hood, it's the Toyota 2.4-liter i-Force turbocharged four-cylinder making 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It's mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual and the TRD Sport can be had in either two-wheel or four-wheel drive. This one's an automatic 4x2.

The EPA fuel economy estimate is 19 mpg city/23 highway and the range on a full tank of fuel is 382 miles.

In TRD Sport trim, this is really more of an appearance package than anything. The hardcore TRD pieces show up in the TRD Off-Road, the Trailhunter and the TRD PRO.

Still, the TRD Sport 4x4 is fairly capable when the pavement ends, with good ground clearance and drive modes. If you want dedicated off-road components and all-terrain tires, the good news is that the TRD Off-Road has a starting price only a few hundred dollars higher than the TRD Sport.

The TRD Sport is towing-friendly up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped.

There is no "King Cab" for the Tacoma line. The biggest available is the Double Cab, and rear seat legroom is in line with the backseat of a subcompact car---33.7 inches.

The base price of the 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 4X2 Double Cab is $40,015---$41,610 with destination. That money buys a solid batch of standard equipment (see the window sticker at the end of the review).

This truck did come with some extra-cost options: The TRD Sport Premium Package added synthetic leather heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats, a leather-trimmed heated steering wheel, an upgraded 14-inch touchscreen with a JBL premium audio speaker, JBL Flex portable speaker, panoramic view monitor, wireless device charging, a moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, a digital rear-view mirror with Homelink, an integrated trailer brake controller, power tailgate, an AC power inverter and a power horizontal rear window ($8,465). Beyond that, it was a bed mat ($200), black tailgate insert ($89), a spare tire lock ($75) and wheel locks ($105).

All told, the bottom line on the window sticker reads $50,544.

The midsize pickup market has some strong contenders in this price range if you can contain your desire to have a truck that can run the Rubicon Trail. The Tacoma is the best-selling of the pack, and that has to count for something. Strictly on its own merits, the 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport is a truck I could see myself owning and enjoying.

2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 4X2 at a glance:

Price: $40,015 base/$50,444 as tested

Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

Horsepower: 278

Torque: 317 lb-ft

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic (six-speed manual available)

Curb Weight: 4,200 lbs.

0-60 Acceleration (manufacturer data): N/A

EPA Fuel Economy Estimate: 20 mpg city/24 highway

Fuel tank capacity: 18.2 gallons

EPA Range Estimate: N/A

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