Highlight: The rear-wheel drive, American-built, midsized Tacoma is currently the best-selling vehicle in the segment.
Test vehicle’s MSRP: $32,768 (Base Model Double Cab starts at $23,585)
Seating Capacity: 5
Standard Safety Features: airbags (driver, front passenger, seat mounted, front and rear side airbags); driver side emergency retractor; daytime reading lights; automatic emergency locking retractor; side-impact door beam in all doors; vehicle stability control; traction control; ABS; electric brake-force distribution; a tire pressure monitoring system; and brake assist
Standard Equipment: 15-inch tires; 4x2; a manual transmission; 60/40split rear bench seat with adjustable headrests and under seat storage; dual 12V auxiliary power outlets; fabric trimmed bucket seats; rear bulkhead storage; rear seat heater vents; sun visors with passenger-side vanity mirrors; a manual tilt/telescopic steering wheel; two fixed cargo bed tie-down points; a deck rail system with four adjustable tie-down cleats; full-size spare tire; power outside mirrors and rear mudguards
Suspension System:
Front: Coil-spring double wishbone suspension and stabilizer bar
Rear: Leaf spring suspension with staggered outboard-mounted gas shock absorbers stabilizer bar
Standard Audio: AM/FM/CD Player
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
Bluetooth Compatibility: Available
MP3 Compatibility: Yes
Standard Engine/Horsepower):
2.7-liter, 4-cylinder/159-horsepower (4x2)
4.0-liter, 6-cylinder/236-horsepower (4x4)
Recommended Fuel: Regular
Standard Fuel Mileage: 19-city/24-hwy (depends upon engine and other factors)
Payload:
1175 (4x2)
1330 (4x4)
Towing Capabilities:
3400 (4x2)
6400 (4x4)
Trim Levels:
Regular Cab 4x4 and 4x2
Access Cab 4x4 and 4x2
Double Cab 4x2
TRD (Toyota Racing Development) package
What’s New: While the second-generation midsized truck is basically a carryover, a new SR package is available for the 2014 model year.
Pros: The Toyota Tacoma is
available with a choice of three cabs, four transmissions, two engines and two
beds. The Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 we reviewed was equipped with a standard
6-cylinder 236-horsepower engine coupled with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
Our Tacoma 4x4 was also outfitted
with standard 16-inch wheels and the standard size bed. A longer 5-foot bed is
available. Moreover, the midsized Tacoma was outfitted with over $5,000 in
options. Those add-on features included a 6-speaker audio system with satellite
radio and HD, Toyota’s touchscreen infotainment system known as Entune, a
navigation system and a rear back-up system.
Moreover, our truck was
accessorized with an extra value package, which included a remote keyless entry
system, a cruise control system, fog lamps, a sliding rear window with a
privacy glass, bucket front seats, upgraded SR5 fabric, a leather trimmed
steering wheel and duplicate audio steering wheel controls. Furthermore, our Tacoma also included a
towing package, which included a class 4 hitch, a transmission and supplement
oil coolers, 130A alternator, and a heavy duty battery.
Now while our truck lacked the $7,000 Limited
package, buyers can enhance both the price tag and their interior comfort and
exterior appearance, adding a pseudo leather seats, 18-inch wheels, chrome
power outside mirrors with the European turn signal indicators, an auto dimming
exterior mirror, an outside temperature gauge and a home link universal system.
Cons: GM will reenter the segment soon with
two highly advanced midsized trucks, which will give Toyota a run for the
money. GM has plans on adding a diesel to the mix. We hear Nissan is
considering adding a diesel to the Frontier. Toyota is going to be forced to
step up their game, seeing that the only other player in this segment has been
the Nissan Frontier. Ford exited the segment several years ago. Unlike GM, who
also walked away from the segment, as of now, we don’t think Ford has plans to
reenter. Pricing for the Tacoma could send buyers running to the fullsize truck
segment, especially when loaded up pricing can tip over the $40,000 mark. A
number of today’s fullsize trucks not only offer more fuel-efficient engines,
but more car-like features, horsepower, and towing and hauling capabilities.
With the fullsize truck segment offering steep discounts, it’s hard to make a
case on why one should buy a midsize truck.
Lastly, the 4x4 system in the Toyota literally made this
vehicle ride like a truck. There was no mistake that this truck was designed
with both off-road and on-road capabilities in mine.
The Verdict: Unlike a number of fullsize trucks, midsize trucks like the Tacoma are capable of fitting in most home garages and commercial parking spaces. Midsize trucks are easier to navigate on the road, too. With only two players in the segment, the Tacoma has been leading the segment in new truck sales since both Ford and GM pulled out of the segment. However, with GM reentering the segment this fall, competition in this segment is about to heat up again, which is always great for consumers.
Although the Tacoma has been around since 1995 and it has been tried and tested in the market place, Toyota is going to be forced to step-up its game offering a 6-foot bed, more car-like features, fuel efficient engines and high-tech safety features like a lane departure system, just as they have done with their fullsize Tundra, to keep its loyal customer base from drifting over to GM.
Competition: Nissan Frontier Crew Cab
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