2012 Toyota Tacoma Review
The 2012 Toyota Tacoma midsized pickup is available in Regular Cab, Access Cab, Double Cab and the high performance X-Runner, with 2 available bed sizes depending on configuration. All Tacoma’s are offered in a choice of 2WD or 4WD, and there are 2 different engines available as either standard or optional: A 2.7 liter 4-cylinder producing 159hp/180lb-ft of torque and a 4.0 liter V6 generating 236hp/266lb-ft. The Tacoma is available as a no-frills work truck all the way to a comfortable, very well equipped family transporter.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
With its wide array of configurations and trim levels, the 2012 Toyota Tacoma should be a top consideration for buyers in the market for a capable and versatile mid-sized truck.
What’s New For 2012:
2012 brought updated styling to the Toyota Tacoma’s interior and exterior, along with numerous new high-tech entertainment features.
What is the Predicted Reliability:
In J.D. Power’s initial quality study the Toyota Tacoma received an overall initial quality score of 3 out of a possible 5; features/accessories design quality received a score of 4, body/interior design quality along with features/accessories mechanical quality rated a 3.5, with powertrain mechanical/design quality rating a 2. In a separate independent survey of current Toyota Tacoma V6 owners an overwhelming majority of 70% responded that if they could do it all over again they would still buy the Toyota Tacoma.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
In safety testing by IIHS the Toyota Tacoma received a high score of “Good” for frontal and side crash testing and “Marginal” for roof strength tests. The NHTSA awarded the Toyota Tacoma Double Cab an overall safety rating of 4 Stars out of a possible 5. The Tacoma’s safety equipment includes traction/sttability control, antilock brakes with brake assist, front-seat side-impact/side curtain airbags (full length) and active head restraints in the front. 4WD models are equipped with the automatic transmission have hill-start assist and downhill assist available.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Diverse body-styles and trim levels
+ Well-appointed cabin
+ Engines provide a good balance of fuel economy and power
Cons
– The V6 engine can get a bit noisy
– While comfortable and supportive, seats are mounted low
– Cabin could use more storage bins
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Toyota Tacoma has a lower starting price than the Nissan Frontier and is substantially less expensive than the Honda Ridgeline. The Tacoma also offers the better fuel economy rating with 21MPG city/25MPG highway compared to the Frontier with 19/23MPG and the Ridgeline with ratings of 15/21MPG. The Tacoma offers max towing capabilities of 3500lbs and a max payload rating of 1350lbs compared to the Frontiers same max towing capabilities, but much lower max payload rating of 971lbs. The Ridgeline comes in with max towing of 5000lbs and max payload capacities of 1546lbs.
What Others Are Saying:
"Like a dodo that rules at calculus, the Tacoma is among the best of a nearly extinct species: the mid-size pickup." – Car and Driver
“Seven trucks were tested, quite a few for a segment so small – and a reason it’s hard to make money selling midsize pickups, having to split a modest market so many ways . . . Their collective view: Toyota Tacoma was the clear winner.”- USA Today
“In fact, the Toyota Tacoma does such a good job of combining interior features, performance and price that we named it the 2012 Best Compact Pickup Truck for the Money.”-US News
Read more about the 2012 Toyota Tacoma,at the Toyota manufacturer site.
