For 2012, Toyota Tacoma shows a fresh face with a redesigned hood, grille, headlamps and front bumper, among other changes. Inside, customers will find a new center-instrument panel design with a revised gauge cluster, along with a new steering wheel. A redesigned center stack adds new air conditioner/heater controls and power point locations.
The 2012 Tacoma interior also gets a new look with a black high-contrast center console, switch plate covers, dash and upper door trim, while the SR5 grade features a new seat fabric design. With owners using their trucks for hard work and hard play, Toyota Tacoma offers new heavy-duty all-weather flooring in the 2012 Tacoma Access and Double Cab models, while the more specialized TRD Sport and Off-Road models offer new water-resistant fabric protection seats. The TRD Sport Package adds side mirrors with turn-signal lamps for 2012, as well as available chrome-clad 18-inch wheels.
The 2012 Toyota Tacoma is available in a wide variety of configurations and models, and this focus on customer choice has been instrumental in the vehicle’s continued market leadership. Many models offer a choice between four-cylinder and V6 engines, and 2WD and 4WD drivetrains.
The 2012 Toyota 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.
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 Toyota 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 lbs.-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.
The T|X and T|X Pro Packages, available in conjunction with the TRD Off-Road Package, add a concept-truck look to the Toyota Tacoma V6 Access Cab or V6 Double Cab PreRunner and 4×4 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.
