Is the 2026 Tacoma’s coil-spring rear suspension worth it for daily driving around Glen Burnie, MD?
Jones Toyota - Is the 2026 Tacoma’s coil-spring rear suspension worth it for daily driving around Glen Burnie, MD?
Ride comfort matters as much as capability for many midsize truck shoppers. Toyota’s latest Tacoma adds an available rear coil-spring setup on upper trims, and that change is more impactful than it might sound. If you split time between errands, highway miles, and weekend projects, the coil-spring configuration can make the truck feel more composed, helping reduce fatigue on imperfect pavement and adding a layer of polish you notice immediately in a back-to-back drive.
Across the lineup, the Tacoma retains body-on-frame strength, a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, and trims suited for everything from jobsite utility to trail exploration. What the coil-spring option adds is a calmer, more settled reaction to bumps and expansion joints when unladen. Where traditional leaf springs can feel busy over rough sections, coil-spring models track straighter and keep the rear more planted, which improves both comfort and driver confidence in traffic and on long trips.
On top of the suspension choice, you will find useful tech that makes every drive easier. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard for quick, cable-free connection. Shoppers can opt for a larger 14.0-inch touch display, a 12.3-inch all-digital gauge cluster on select trims, and even a JBL audio system with a detachable Bluetooth speaker for time at the campsite or jobsite. These upgrades complement the Tacoma’s refined seating position and increased headroom, making daily duty feel more welcoming. Standard driver-assist features—forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams—round out a safety-forward package.
If you are weighing coil springs vs. leaf springs, think about how you use your truck most. Regularly carry substantial bed weight or tow heavy trailers? Leaf springs still shine for certain work scenarios. Spend most of your week unladen, with occasional loads and towing on weekends? Coil-spring trims could be the sweet spot for comfort and control without giving up the Tacoma’s core toughness. Either way, take both setups for a spin on the same route to feel the differences in steering stability, rear-end composure, and cabin quietness.
When you are ready to test the setups, schedule a visit with Jones Toyota. Our product specialists can line up two comparable trucks—one with leaf springs and one with the available coil-spring rear suspension—so you can evaluate the ride on a mix of city streets, highway, and a rougher side road. We can also walk through towing needs, cab and bed choices, and available technology to build a truck that fits your life today and the adventures you are planning next.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do coil-spring Tacoma models still tow confidently?
Yes. Tacoma configurations with the turbocharged four-cylinder maintain a strong tow rating—up to 6500 pounds when properly equipped. Coil-spring models provide a more settled feel when unladen and remain composed with appropriate tongue weight and trailer setup.
Will I notice a difference without cargo in the bed?
Most drivers do. Coil-spring trucks feel less busy over broken pavement and speed humps, with fewer rear-end hops. Steering settles more quickly, which can make commutes and long highway drives less tiring.
Which trims offer the coil-spring rear suspension?
Upper trims feature the coil-spring setup, while select versions such as the SR, SR5 XtraCab, and TRD PreRunner retain traditional leaf springs. Ask our team to prepare both setups for a same-day test drive so you can compare on your local roads.
Can I still get a manual transmission?
Yes. The Tacoma uniquely offers an available six-speed manual on select configurations, pairing the truck’s turbocharged four-cylinder with driver-focused control. It is a great match if you prefer to pick your own gears on hills or in mixed terrain.
Ready to feel the difference in person? We are serving Westminster, Glen Burnie, and Perry Hall with side-by-side drives that focus on what matters to you—ride quality, technology, and capability—so you can choose with confidence.
