Why the 2025 Toyota Tacoma Is the Best Truck for Rural Drivers

The 2025 Toyota Tacoma is a popular midsize pickup truck, but recently it has gained traction in more remote areas like rural Missouri. Why? Many reasons, but drivers are often drawn to its available rear coil-spring suspension that minimizes bumps on and off the road. Plus, an improved, more comfortable seating position gives the driver a better view of those remote roads.

Toyota offers a variety of configurations to suit different needs, with both gas- and hybrid-powered models. With all of these upgrades, it is no surprise it has been rated among the very best in Car and Driver's Editors' Choice list for 2025. This guide explores what makes the Tacoma so popular for rural drivers, including its safety systems, towing abilities, and interior features.

Built for Missouri Backroads: Rugged Capability of the 2025 Tacoma

The 2025 Toyota Tacoma features a completely redesigned suspension system with advanced options on different trim levels, including a rear coil-spring suspension system with control arms and a live axle that provide robust ground clearance for gravel and dirt roads in rural Missouri. The TRD PreRunner features a lifted front suspension and 32-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, making it one of the best trucks for rural areas.

An advanced TRD-tuned FOX® suspension includes innovative shocks to ensure high-speed performance, and Quick Switch 3 (QS3) technology allows you to adjust the level of damping to match the terrain. The optional 4WD system is designed to maximize traction on uneven and muddy ground, so you will feel at ease taking back roads or handling mud when it rains, storms, or even floods in Missouri.

Off-Road and Towing Power When You Need It Most

For the toughest terrain and heavy-duty tasks, the Tacoma offers specialized off-road trims like the TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road with exceptional capability. The truck boasts a maximum towing capacity of up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped, which is more than enough for hauling campers or boats to campgrounds in places like Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Its towing technology includes an optional integrated trailer brake controller (standard in TRD Pro) and a Class IV towing hitch receiver on all models to make towing for rural work or recreation safer and more stable.

Smart Tech Meets Tough Jobs

The Tacoma comes packed with technology tailored for rural utility. Features like a 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor give drivers a comprehensive view of surrounding terrain. Crawl Control helps you navigate obstacles at low speeds, while Downhill Assist Control helps you handle steep, muddy, or slippery roads. Multiple safety systems, including a Backup Guide Monitor and Blind Spot Monitor, give you more control when driving in bad weather or heading to remote properties like farms or hunting land.

Fuel Efficiency Without Sacrificing Strength

All gas-powered Tacomas come with an i-FORCE 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbo engine that produces 228 horsepower on the base model or 278 horsepower with the more powerful i-FORCE variant. It pairs with either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission, which offer either quick gear shifts or greater driver control. Rear- and four-wheel drive are both available; the former for better driving dynamics and the latter for maximum traction off-road. Hybrid models (TRD Pro) feature a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to improve performance and fuel economy

Rural drivers benefit from these fuel-efficient pickups, especially when traveling long distances in remote areas where fuel stations may be scarce. Drivers can expect an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with two-wheel drive. Opting for four-wheel drive reduces these numbers to 20 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.

Interior Comfort for Long Drives and Daily Work

The 2025 Tacoma offers various cab configurations, including an extended cab called XtraCab and a crew cab called Double Cab. The XtraCab pairs with a six-foot cargo bed, while the Double Cab is available with either a five- or six-foot bed. The interior has also received recent upgrades.

You can expect an 8-inch standard infotainment system (a larger 14-inch option is available on higher trims), an optional wireless charging pad, and an optional JBL sound system. These features, along with the upgraded suspension that smooths out bumps, make the Tacoma enjoyable for drivers in Kirksville who spend hours commuting along Highway 63, running errands in town, or hauling gear to nearby farms, lakes, and hunting land.

Durability You Can Count On Year-Round

The Tacoma is known for Toyota's reliability, with the latest model rated 82/100 overall and 79/100 for reliability by J.D. Power. The new Tacoma is built to withstand Missouri's diverse weather conditions and heavy use in rural areas. It is built well to handle tough roads, ensuring long-term performance and resistance to wear and tear. Overall, the Tacoma is a trusted vehicle for year-round utility, farming, and outdoor work.

Shop the 2025 Toyota Tacoma at Kirksville Motor Company

The best way to decide if the new Tacoma is right for you is with a test drive to experience its off-road capability firsthand. Kirksville Motor Company offers the 2025 Toyota Tacoma in a range of trims that are well-suited for rural needs. Browse the inventory online or give us a call to schedule a test drive and learn more about local availability. Our team can walk you through the truck's many off-road features and give you personalized advice to help you find the best Tacoma configuration for your lifestyle.