2012 Toyota Tacoma

Basic Specs

Base Price TBA
Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 3315
City (MPG) 21
Hwy (MPG) 25
Horsepower 159@5200
Torque (lb-ft) 180@3800
Wheelbase 109.6
Length (in.) 190.4
Width (in.) 72.2
Height (in.) 65.7

Toyota ’s Tacoma pickup truck is one of the most popular offerings in the now shrinking mid-size truck segment, and for the latest model year has received a cosmetic refresh as well as new packaging.

Toyota has updated the front fascia and interior design for its latest Tacoma, added some new interior tech and a special new flooring for those that like to get dirty in their trucks.

The new front fascia consists of a handful of changes, including a redesigned hood, grille, headlamps, bumper and other minor stylistic changes. Despite the fairly extensive list of changed parts, don’t feel bad if you can’t immediately spot the differences – they’re fairly subtle at first glance.

Stepping inside the updated Tacoma will reveal a new center-instrument panel layout that features a new gauge cluster, as well as a new steering wheel, redesigned center stack with new HVAC controls and new power point locations.

Once seated, if you turn your head towards the center of the truck you will also notice a new black high-contrast center console, along with new switch plate covers, dash and upper door trim. Should buyers opt for the higher-end SR5 model, they will also enjoy a new seat fabric design.

Totally new is the addition of a new heavy-duty all-weather flooring option that can be had on Tacoma Access and Double Cab models. Taking it a step further even yet, trucks loaded with either the TRD Sport or Off-Road packages will now offer water-resistant fabric on their seats as well.

Other changes include the addition of turn-signal lamps in the side mirrors and available chrome-clad 18-inch wheels on the TRD Sport Package.

On the tech side, Toyota added new audio systems throughout with Bluetooth support, satellite radio and USB connectivity to bring the Tacoma into the 21st century. Access Cab models offer a new available six-speaker system with an AM/FM/ satellite radio-capable head unit with a single-disc CD player.

The larger DoubleCab V6 models offer a more advanced display audio system with navigation, Toyota Entune services, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (with 90-day trial subscription), HD Radio with iTunes tagging and text/e-mail-to-voice. Also part of this package is a JBL GreenEdge audio system with seven speakers. GreenEdge technology theoretically helps reduce fuel through the use of more efficient speakers that reduce the electrical load on the vehicle.

Buyers of 2WD models and off-road aficionados will appreciate the standard automatic limited-slip differential. Downhill Assist Control (DAC) helps to keep the shiny side of your Tacoma up.

All Access Cab models (extended cab, with rear-hinged rear half-doors) will come with power windows and locks and a rear seat with under-seat and central storage areas. Fresh seat fabric gussies up the interior in SR5 trims, while Regular cabs make do with a front bench seat for three-passenger seating. A back-up monitor for Access and Double Cab models is also available.

The Tacoma is available in up to 18 different configurations, based on three cab types: Regular Cab, Access Cab, and Double Cab. Depending on the cab of your choice, the buyer also has a choice between 60.3-inch or 73.5-inch bed lengths.

Drivetrains also run the gamut in this case: The Tacoma can be had in four- and six-cylinder models, 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, and as a PreRunner option which combines the aggressive stance of the 4x4 with the performance of the 236-horsepower engine in a two-wheel-drive package.

Engine choices throughout the line include a 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine pumping out 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Also included standard in the PreRunner, and PreRunner Double Cab, as well as the Access Cab is the 4.0-liter DOHC V6 with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), which puts down 266 lb-ft of torque.

The V6-powered Tacoma has a towing payload of up to 6,500 pounds. Power hits the pavement with P215/70R15 tires on steel wheels or P245/75R16 wheels on styled steel wheels, which are exclusive to the 4x4 and PreRunner models.

X-Runner street performance package
Toyota has seen fit to offer four different transmissions depending on which type of engine you select. A four-speed automatic and five-speed manual propel the four-cylinder engine, while a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual, both with overdrive, move the six-cylinder engine.

High-performance packages are available by ordering the X-Runner, which is equipped with a specially tuned and lowered chassis. The X-Runner name comes from its “X-brace,” which is installed for enhanced torsional rigidity. Exclusively available with a six-speed manual transmission, it stands apart with a full body kit and hood scoop. Alloy wheels shod with 18-inch 255/45R18 tires seize the road, and keep contact with Bilstein gas-charged shock absorbers.

T|X and T|X Pro packages
For those looking to add a bit of flare to their trucks, Toyota offers the T|X and T|X Pro packages, which come in conjunction with the TRD Off-Road Package. these packages add TRD 16-inch black-alloy faux bead-lock wheels wrapped in 265/70/R16 BFG Rugged Trail tires, side steps, stainless steel exhaust tip and unique exterior graphics.

The Pro package add a TRD cat-back exhaust system and is only available on V6-powered models.

Safety
All Tacoma models come with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), and Traction Control (TRAC) as standard equipment, adding to the already factory-fare ABS, EBD and Brake Assist. Passive safety features made standard for the new models include roll-sensing curtain and side airbags, along with active front headrests.

Key competitors
With each passing day there are fewer alternatives to the Tacoma to choose from with the discontinuation of Ford 's Ranger, but buyers can find a comparable product in the Nissan Frontier , and soon the Chevrolet Colorado when it arrives in its enlarged, new form.

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    • General
    • Body Style: Pickup Truck
    • Size: Midsize
    • Market Segment: Standard
    • Weight: 3315 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length: 190.4 in.
    • Width: 72.2 in.
    • Height: 65.7 in.
    • Wheelbase: 109.6 in.
    • Ground Clearance: 7.9 in.
    • Front Track: 61.0 in.
    • Rear Track: 61.0 in.
    • Weight Distribution: TBD
    • Drag Coefficient: 0.357
    • Interior - General
    • Seats: 3
    • Passenger Volume: TBD
    • Cargo Volume: TBD
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): N/A
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 41.7 in.
    • Head Room: 40.0 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 58.1 in.
    • Hip Room: 53.6 in.
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type: Gas
    • Engine Type: 2.7L I4
    • Power: 159 hp @ 5200 rpm
    • Torque: 180 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
    • Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
    • Highway Fuel Economy: 25 mpg
    • City Fuel Economy: 21 mpg
    • Forced Induction: None
    • Direct Injection: No
    • Chassis
    • Layout: Rear Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension: Double Wishbone
    • Rear Suspension: Solid Axle
    • Wheels
    • Front: 15" Steel
    • Front Tires: P215/70R15
    • Rear: 15" Steel
    • Rear Tires: P215/70R15
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight: 3500 lbs
    • Payload: 1335
    • Tongue Weight: 350 lbs

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