(continued from the previous page)
Exterior Design
The 2012 Tacoma has a new look from the
A-pillar forward, with new front grilles on all grades. In addition to a new
hood, Tacoma also receives new headlamps, new upper and lower bumper areas,
including an updated fog lamp housing.
Tacoma configurations are based on
three cab types: Regular Cab, Access Cab, and the four-door Double Cab. The rear
doors on Access Cab models open to 80 degrees to give passengers easy ingress
and egress. Bold overfenders distinguish PreRunner and 4x4 models. PreRunner
models combine the 4x2 drivetrain with the 4x4's raised riding stance and
styling. Double Cab models offer a roof rack system with crossbars that deploy
from the roof rails.
Tacoma Regular Cab models are built on a 109.6-inch
wheelbase; 4x2 Access Cab models (including PreRunner and 4x4) ride on a
127.4-inch wheelbase. The Tacoma Double Cab with the standard five-foot bed
shares the 127.4-inch wheelbase, while the Double Cab long-bed models use a
140.6-inch wheelbase.
The Tacoma Regular Cab and Access Cab models
feature a 73.5-inch-long bed. The Double Cab is available with a choice of a
60.3-inch bed or the 73.5-inch bed. The Tacoma's composite inner bed is made
from a sheet-molded composite (SMC) deck and tough and durable walls that are 10
percent lighter than steel. The bed deck features two-tier loading and an
integrated deck-rail utility with four standard adjustable tie-down cleats. The
rails are compatible with Genuine Toyota Accessories, including cargo bed cross
bars, a fork-mount bike rack, and diamond-plate storage boxes. An available
115V/400W powerpoint further extends the bed's utility.
Interior
Design
A redesigned instrument gauge panel lends a sporty look in all
models for 2012. The center console (standard on Access Cab and Double Cab
models) flows into the instrument panel for a unified appearance. The console
integrates three cupholders, two of which can accommodate extra-large
containers.
Tacoma's interior provides durability and comfort with
high-grade fabric and generous standard equipment. Sound absorption material in
the headliner and behind the rear seats, along with insulating carpeting, help
to provide a quiet cabin. All Tacoma models provide dual bottle holders in
driver's- and passenger's-side doors. Audio controls are mounted high for easy
access.
Higher-grade models feature fabric-covered sun visors and an
overhead console with map lights, as well as compartments for sunglasses and a
garage door opener. Interior storage is maximized in Access Cab models with fold
up rear seats and underseat storage. Double Cab models feature 60/40 split rear
seats with adjustable headrests and under-seat storage.
Engines
The 2012 Tacoma line offers two engines: a 2.7-liter Dual Overhead Cam
(DOHC) four-cylinder that produces 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft. of torque, and
a 4.0-liter DOHC V6 that provides 236 horsepower with 266 lb-ft. of torque. In
both engines, variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) provides strong
low-end and mid-range torque.
An Electronic Throttle Control System with
intelligence helps optimize performance and fuel economy. The V6 can be teamed
with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission.
Four-cylinder models offer a choice between a five-speed manual and a four-speed
automatic transmission. When equipped with a V6 Tow Package, Access Cab models
boast a maximum tow capacity of up to 6,500 pounds.
New Audio Choices
for 2012
Toyota has upgraded audio options for some 2012 Tacoma
models. 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. Built-in
Bluetooth allows hands-free phone, and a USB port enables connection of an iPod,
MP3 player or flash drive with music files.
The DoubleCab V6 models offer
a more advanced display audio system with today's most in-demand connectivity
features. These include navigation, Toyota Entune services, SiriusXM Satellite
Radio (with 90-day trial subscription), HD Radio with iTunes tagging and
text/e-mail-to-voice. This premium infotainment system plays through a JBL
GreenEdge audio system with seven speakers. GreenEdge technology helps reduce
fuel consumption by lowering the electric power demand on the vehicle.
The Toyota Entune system is a collection of popular mobile applications and data
services, with three years of complimentary access. Once a smart phone is
connected to the vehicle using Bluetooth wireless technology or a USB cable,
Entune's features are operated using the vehicle's controls or, for some
services, by voice recognition. Entune includes Bing and Pandora; real-time info
including traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports and stocks. Apps available in
spring 2012 at no charge include iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com and OpenTable.
See toyota.com/entune for details.
Capability, Handling and Ride
The TRD Off-Road Package available for 4x4 V6 automatic models includes
Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC). HAC operates
by independently controlling the brakes at each wheel as needed to help prevent
the vehicle from rolling backward or slipping sideways during a transition from
a stopped position to climbing a grade. An Automatic Limited-slip Differential
(Auto-LSD), which uses brake intervention to help reduce tire slippage at the
rear wheels, is standard on all Tacoma models.
DAC uses engine braking to
regulate downhill speed and independently control the brakes at each wheel to
help improve directional control. DAC automatically de-activates if the driver
depresses the brake or accelerator pedals, presses the DAC button, or shifts
into neutral. TRD Off-Road Packages feature a locking rear differential that can
be activated by a switch in the cab. An electronic rear differential is
available on 4x4 models and the PreRunner.
Comfort and Convenience
The well-equipped 4x2 Regular Cab model features standard air conditioning;
a full-size spare tire; AM/FM CD four-speaker sound system; tachometer; digital
clock; two instrument panel powerpoints with a lighter; dome lamp; and rear
mudguards. Regular Cab 4x4 models with the automatic transmission feature
standard bucket seats. Tacoma Access Cab and Double Cab models add more standard
features, including power windows and door locks, bucket seats and a center
console. In Double Cab models, power mirrors and driver seat adjustable lumbar
support are also standard.
Options
For both Access and
Double Cab models, the available option combinations are built on five core
packages. The SR5 Package bundles styling and comfort features, including
color-keyed overfenders and front bumper, chrome grille surround and chrome rear
bumper, intermittent wipers and upgraded interior features and trim, including a
leather-wrapped steering wheel and automatic transmission shift lever.
The TRD Sport Package is road-focused and features its own specific suspension
tuning and lower-profile 265/65 R17 tires on 17-inch alloy wheels. This package
also gives Tacoma a sporty look with fog lamps, hood scoop, TRD graphics and
color-keyed rear bumper, mirrors, grille surround and door handles.
The
available dealer-installed TRD Big Brake system was developed by Toyota
Technical Center and TRD engineers. Engineered to provide effective braking
performance under sustained heavy use, the Big Brake system dramatically
improves pedal feel. The system uses 13 x 1.25-inch semi-floating vented rotors
with directional internal fins, forged aluminum four-piston fixed calipers,
larger pads with high coefficient-of-friction material and braided steel lines.
2012 Tacoma X-Runner: A Unique Sport Truck
The Tacoma X-Runner
performance truck, unique in the entire compact truck category, returns for 2012
and features the 4.0-liter V6 engine with a specially tuned chassis. Featuring a
six-speed manual transmission, the X-Runner can accelerate from 0-to-60 mph in
less than seven seconds. Just as impressive, the Tacoma X-Runner can achieve
lateral acceleration in excess of 0.9-g - comparable to many performance cars.
The X-Runner's Access Cab design incorporates a full body kit, a hood scoop and
integrated fog lamps. The color-keyed monochromatic exterior comes in three
colors - Barcelona Red, Black Sand Pearl and Nautica Blue Metallic, which is new
for 2012.
To take performance even higher, TRD offers a 4.0-liter V6
supercharger kit capable of generating 304 horsepower and 334 lb-ft of torque
also available for other Tacoma V6 models). The design uses Eaton Roots-type
rotating components in a one-piece supercharger plenum/manifold casting. The
supercharger is fully warranted for up to five years or 60,000 miles or the
remainder of the powertrain warranty at the time of installation when installed
by a Toyota dealer.
2012 Tacoma T|X Packages for the Hardcore Pickup
Fan
The T|X and T|X Pro Packages, available in conjunction with the
TRD Off-Road Package, add a concept-truck look to the Tacoma V6 Access Cab or V6
Double Cab PreRunner and 4x4 models. The T|X Package gives the Tacoma a menacing
look and additional sportiness with TRD 16-inch black alloy bead-lock wheels and
265/70R16 BFGoodrich Rugged Trail tires. Black tube-side steps, a stainless
steel exhaust tip and unique exterior graphics give the T|X the aesthetics of a
custom truck.
The T|X Pro is the performance-oriented package by also
including a TRD cat-back performance exhaust system that gives the V6 a
throatier sound and a bit more power. The T|X and T|X Pro Packages offer a
strong value compared to offering the contents as separate accessories,
especially considering that they are covered under Toyota's standard three
year/36,000-mile comprehensive vehicle limited warranty and can be financed.
The TRD Off-Road Package underlying both T|X editions provides a carefully
tuned balance of off-road performance and on-road handling. Chassis
modifications include an electronic locking rear differential, progressive-rate
front springs, specially tuned Bilstein shock absorbers, a 28-mm front
stabilizer bar and BFGoodrich Rugged Trail tires. Fog lamps top off the package
for a tough, sporty appearance. Both the TRD Off-Road Package and TRD Sport
Package have a 400W/115V powerpoint in the bed; sport seats with adjustable
lumbar support and unique fabric, and an overhead console with a compass and
outside temperature display. Double Cab and Access Cab models also offer a
back-up monitor system.
Toyota Tacoma V6: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications