CHANGES FOR 2013:
- Upgraded audio system featuring 6.1-inch display, Bluetooth, and auxiliary and USB inputs.
- New Limited Package available on some Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab models.
If we find ourselves questioning the relevance of Toyota's big Tundra, we have no such reservations about the Tacoma. Toyota has considerable experience building compact trucks like this one. Granted, the Tacoma can't do big-truck stuff with its limited towing and payload capacities. It is, however, a simple, solid truck that's easy to live with and drive. It's also one of the few remaining trucks that can be had with a manual transmission, available with both four-cylinder and V6 engines. The only news for 2013 is an upgraded stereo with integrated Bluetooth, auxiliary inputs and a 6.1-inch display screen.
The Tacoma is available in several configurations. A 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine is available in the Access Cab in two- or four-wheel drive, with a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission.
A 4.0-litre V6 is available in the Access Cab in 4x4 configuration, with six-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic. It is also the only engine available in the Double Cab, in 4x4 only, where it comes with the six-speed manual or five-speed automatic.
The Access Cab features small, rear-hinged back doors that can only be operated when the front doors are open; the Double Cab uses four independently-opening doors. The Access Cab uses a six-foot box; the Double Cab comes with a five-foot or six-foot box. All of them are double-walled and made of composite material, and include a removable tailgate and tie-downs.
Features on the Access Cab 4x2 I4 include 15-inch steel wheels, 6-foot bed, 6.1-inch AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system with six speakers, Bluetooth capability, auxiliary and USB input, air conditioning, fabric seating, front bucket seats, rear jump seats with fold up seat cushion, power windows with driver auto-down, power locks, tilt/telescopic steering, carpeted and all-season floor mats, rear splash guards, manual mirrors, cargo bed tie-downs, tie-down cleats, TPMS, front tow hook, and airbags (front, front seat, side curtain).
The Access Cab 4x4 I4 adds 16-inch steel wheels, front and rear splash guards, and fender flares.
The Access Cab 4x4 V6 adds steering wheel audio controls, rear sliding window, keyless entry, cruise control, rear privacy glass, and dual power adjustable mirrors.
The Double Cab models add rear seat heater ducts, driver seat lumbar adjustment, front passenger seat fold-down seatback, and 60/40 split rear bench seat with fold down seatback. Manual models come with a 5-foot bed while automatic models are equipped with a 6-foot bed.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
