2012 Toyota Tacoma

Toyota has always been a favorite when it comes to pick-up trucks. They are sturdy, efficient and provide the right performance required by these trucks. The Toyota Tacoma was first introduced in 1995.

It was adjudged the pick-up truck of the year in 2005 by Motor Trend Magazine. The 2012 version of this truck is designed in such a way that it can be used as an extended cab.

Significant restyling was done and the headlights were revised. The grills as well as the bumpers also went through significant modifications. Because of its performance and vast number of configurations, the 2012 Toyota Tacoma version is a top choice when it comes to pick-up trucks.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Pick-Up Truck Base Price: $16,875.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.1 gallons (80 liters) MPG: 21 city / 25 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 190.4 in. (483.6 cm) Wheel Base: 109.6 in. (278.3 cm)
Height: 65.8 in. (167.1 cm) Width: 72.2 in. (183.4 cm)
Curb Weight: 3250 lbs (1474 kg) Ground Clearance: 8.1 in. (20.5 cm)
Luggage Capacity: NA Maximum Seating: 3 people
Performance
Engine: 16 Valve, 4 Cylinder DOHC Displacement: 2.7 Liter
Horsepower: 159 HP Max RPM: 5200 RPM
Torque: 180 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Max Towing Capacity: 3500 lbs (1588 kgs) Maximum Speed: NA
Available Trims & Engine
Option:Access Cab MSRP: $20,565; MPG: 19 city / 24 hwy
Option:Double Cab 4.0L 4×4 V6 MSRP: $27,335; MPG: 16 city / 21 hwy
Option:X Runner 4.0L V6 MSRP: $26,380; MPG: 16 city / 21 hwy

Engine

The base version of this pick-up vehicle comes with a 2.7 liter, 4 cylinder engine with an option for a 6 cylinder. It comes with a standard manual with an option for an automatic transmission; you can also choose either the 2WD or 4WD.

Interior

The interior is quite impressive with satellite navigation, MP3 players, stability control and traction control. In fact, the interior luxury is something that makes this pick-up truck popular among customers.

The Toyota Tacoma continues to be a customer choice in terms of luxury and performance. It is trendy and sporty, equipped with the necessary package for off-roading.

Workhorse

However, the sporty and rugged nature of the truck does not prevent it from being used as simple truck, for commercial purposes. It is also widely used as a family truck for driving your day during a weekend or for short distance travelling.

Acknowledging the superiority of this vehicle, the 2012 version of the Toyota Tacoma was awarded the best compact pick-up truck award. Some of the Access Cab Models of this vehicle is equipped with additional distractions like side and curtain airbags and Bluetooth facility.

Challenges

The new Toyota Tacoma is not without its drawbacks. Many test drivers feel that the vehicle has a low seating position and that the brake pedals seem to be a little bit spongy. If you get the vehicle with a V6 engine, then you could be in for a noisy ride, which contradicts Toyota’s promise about this vehicle being a regular cab or a family truck, suitable for a weekend ride.

Seats at the back are quite jumpy and tiny in the Access Cab version. Hence, riding as a passenger in one of this can be not that comfortable as you expect.

Trims

Despite such minor faults, the Toyota Tacoma still continues to be one of the most popular pickup trucks because of Toyota’s reputation of building quality trucks. It comes in four different trims, the Regular Cab version, the Double Cab version, the High Performance X Runner Trim version and the Access Cab version.

In addition to the two base models of this vehicle there is also the PreRunner (also available in V6 version) and the X-Runner V6 versions. Reports from Toyota say that customers can expect more updates on Toyota Tacoma this year.

Competition

Other pick up trucks that may be compared to the Tacoma include the Colorado (MSRP $18,555; 18 city / 25 hwy) from Chevy and the Nissan Frontier (MSRP $19,565; 19 city / 23 hwy).

Overall Rating
65 out of 100

What others say:

“If you want a compact truck, it might be a good idea to raise your hand now. Although the Tacoma is here to stay for the foreseeable future, it’s one of few compact models remaining in a seemingly dwindling corner of the market; and with the discontinuation of the Ford Ranger this year,”Car Connection

“Among models made available for testing, X-Runner has almost sporty-car moves, with little body lean in fast corners and strong brakes. PreRunners and 4WD Tacomas exhibit comparatively more body lean and less braking prowess, but are easily on par with class rivals.”Consumer Guide

“The freshened Tacoma remains a workhorse compact pickup. Fuel economy is competitive, and handling is secure but not agile. The 4.0-liter V6 provides strong performance and sounds polished.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Engines offer a good balance of power and fuel efficiency; wide variety of body styles and trims; strong safety scores; impressive build quality; well-appointed interior.”Edmunds

“America’s best-selling compact pickup just keeps getting better, which is bad news for the competition, but great news for lovers of the 2012 Toyota Tacoma pickup.”KBB

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