2012 Toyota Tacoma Review and Prices

Styling: The 2012 Toyota Tacoma styling will be a repeat of the 2011 Tacoma’s. This pickup is too deep into its sunset years to change again, especially since Toyota was positioning the 2011 model for one final facelift. That nip and tuck wasn’t to go beyond subtle revisions to grille and trim. The 2012 edition’s basic shape and dimensions will continue as they have since this eighth-generation Tacoma debuted as a 2005 model. The regular-cab body style represents only about 15 percent of Tacoma sales but it’s almost certain to return for 2012. Also back will be Access Cab extended-cab; it makes up about 31 percent of Tacoma sales. The 2012 Double Cab crew cab will account for some 54 percent of Tacoma sales. Offering three cab styles gives this Toyota an edge over much of the compact-pickup competition, where regular cabs are rare. Tacoma also stands apart by offering three wheelbases, the longest a 140.6-inch span for the Double Cab long-bed that’s unmatched by any pickup outside the full-size class. Three available bed lengths also are an asset. The 2011 Tacoma regular-cabs will again seat up to three. Access Cabs add small, rear-hinged back doors and seat four courtesy of two forward-facing rear jump seats. The 2011 Tacoma Double Cabs will again have four conventional side doors and a rear bench seat for five-passenger capacity.

Mechanical: Toyota should continue dialing in this truck’s powertrain combinations to better suit the evolving tastes of compact-pickup buyers. But don’t expect major mechanical alterations to the 2012 Tacoma. Tacoma shoppers again will be able to choose a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine or a 4.0-liter V-6. The four should return with 159 horsepower and again be mandatory for the Tacoma regular-cab and standard on the Access Cab. Expect the V-6 to retain 236 horsepower and be standard on the Double Can and available on the Access. A factory-developed supercharger kit available through Toyota dealers boosts the V-6 to 304 horsepower. Both engines can be mated with manual or automatic transmission. Toyota has been expanding availability of the automatic to a greater variety of four-cylinder Tacoma models. It’s also expanded the cab-style and trim-level combinations that are available with the four-cylinder engine and four-wheel drive (4wd). An alternative to the standard rear-wheel drive, Tacoma’s 4wd system is not for use on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing for off-road use. Off-roading is one of this pickup’s strengths and about half of Tacoma buyers choose a 4wd model. A rugged frame, high ground clearance, and availability of the popular TRD Off-Road package contribute to plenty of credibility. Available on 4wd V-6 Access or Double cabs, the TRD package includes a fortified and raised suspension, a locking rear differential, and hill-start and hill-descent control. Manual-transmission 4wd Tacomas are among the few modern vehicles that can be started in gear without depressing the clutch – an advantage on radical inclines. The 2012 Tacoma’s trailer ratings should again max out at 6,500 pounds, its payload capacity at around 1,570. Though Tacoma was not cited for sticking gas pedals during Toyota’s sudden-acceleration controversy, 2005-2010 models were recalled to replace the driver’s-side floormat. And beginning with 2010 models, all automatic-transmission Tacomas have a brake-override system that reduces engine power if the accelerator and brake are applied simultaneously.

Features: The 2012 Toyota Tacoma isn’t likely to add features as much as liberalize availability of some of the more popular ones. The 2012 Tacoma lineup will again build around two main trim levels, base and the SR5 upgrade. In addition to TRD trim for 4wd Access and Double Cabs, 2wd Tacomas will again offer PreRunner editions, which mimic the high-suspension look of 4wd models. They’ll also return as X-Runner versions with a urban-style lowered suspension. Expect a wider range of 2012 Tacomas to be available with features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, and bucket seats. Toyota might finally make leather upholstery and an USB iPod interface available, but it probably won’t reconfigure the dashboard to accommodate a navigation system. Otherwise, the 2012 Tacoma should continue to cover the essentials, offering cruise control, remote keyless entry, power mirrors, sliding rear window, and steering-wheel audio controls as standard or optional, depending on model. Same goes for a rearview camera that displays on a portion of the inside mirror; it shows objects behind and is useful when backing to a trailer hitch. Again included with the premium audio system will be Bluetooth hands-free cell-phone connectivity. And all 2012 Tacomas will return with inner cargo bed walls made from sheet-molded compound for durability and resistance to dents and scratches.