2012 Toyota Tacoma

We just got the chance to play with a brand new 2012 Toyota Tacoma and we gotta give it to you Toyota; You just prove to us why the Tacoma is still the #1 selling compact pickup.

The Toyota tech team did well on the 2012 Tacoma. It now features a restyled exterior look and a redesigned interior with many upgrades implemented to increase comfort, audio performance and make it more user friendly.  

So without further ado we introduce the 2012 Toyota Tacoma.

Exterior Design

2012 Toyota Tacoma Extended Cab 

The 2012 Tacoma looks like a whole new Tacoma from the outside. It is equipped with new front grilles for all trims as well as a new hood, headlamps, upper and lower bumper areas and updated fog lamp housing. The Toyota Tacoma comes with three available configurations: Regular Cab, Access Cab, and the four-door Double Cab.

Models equipped with the Regular Tacoma Cab have a 109.6-inch wheelbase. Models with the 4x2 Access Cab have a 127.4-inch wheelbase. Models that come equipped with the Tacoma Double Cab model have the option of either a 5 foot bed (60.3 inches) or a 6 foot bed (73.5 inches). The Double Cab models that come with the standard five-foot bed have a 127.4-inch wheelbase, while the Double Cab long-bed models with the 6 foot bed use a 140.6-inch wheelbase.

The Tacoma's composite inner bed was built using a sheet-molded composite (SMC) deck and walls that are about 10 percent lighter than steel.

Interior Design

The 2012 Tacoma offers a sportier design than previous models, and some of that is thanks to its redesigned instrument gauge panel. The Access Cab and Double Cab models have a standard center console that flows right into the instrument panel. The center console can fit 3 cup holders, two of them being for extra-large containers (Big Gulp cups anyone?).

One of the Tacoma’s best (and smartest) features is the Sound absorption material in the headliner and behind the rear seat that help provide a much quieter cabin than previous models.

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a considerably bigger (3.3 inches vs. 2.4 inches on old models) higher-resolution display screen for the available back-up camera. It also has an extra overhead storage compartment and an available rearview mirror that features the addition of a compass (for all of your travelers).

 Access Cab models of the 2012 Tacoma offer a new rear-console storage box.

Regular Cab Automatic 4x4 models feature standard bucket seats. Tacoma Access Cab and Double Cab models have power windows and door locks, bucket seats and a center console. In Double Cab models come standard with power mirrors and adjustable lumbar support for the drivers seat.

New Audio Choices for 2012

The Access Cab models of the 2012 Tacoma now offer a new optional six-speaker system with an AM/FM/ radio that has a single-disk CD player and Satellite Radio. It also has Bluetooth which allows for hands-free phone usage, as well as USB port to connect your IPod or flash drive directly to the car.

The Double Cab V6 takes it a step further by having an even more advanced display audio system that is powered by 7 speakers and comes equipped with navigation, Toyota Entune services, SiriusXM Radio and HD Radio complete with iTunes tagging. The system plays through a JBL® GreenEdge audio system. The GreenEdge system is an awesome addition because it lowers the amount of electric power consumed by the vehicle, thus reducing fuel consumption.

Performance

The 2012 Tacoma has two available engines: first up is a 2.7-liter 4 cylinder Dual Overhead Cam that produces 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft. of torque. The second choice is a 4.0-liter DOHC V6 that provides 236 horsepower with 266 lb-ft. of torque.

The Tacoma also has optimized its fuel consumption and performance by including a Electronic Throttle Control System in the 2012 models. The V6 can either be partnered with a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission, while the four-cylinder models offers either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

Access Cab models also have the option of a V6 Tow Package, which then increase their maximum tow capacity up to 6,500 pounds. 

Safety

Every Tacoma model comes equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Smart Stop brake override technology.

2012 Tacoma’s can also boast that they have standard three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, front seat-mounted side airbags, roll-sensing side curtain airbags and a front advanced dual-stage airbag system.

One cool feature that can be found in the Tacoma’s front head rests is that they are designed to move up and forward almost instantly in the event of certain rear-end collisions, in order to help reduce the distance between the occupant's head and the headrest.

Handling

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma offers a TRD Off-Road Package available for 4x4 V6 automatic models which includes Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC). These two features are great for those of you that have to drive in icy conditions as it will help your vehicle from sliding down a hill. Every Tacoma model comes standard with an Automatic Limited-slip Differential (Auto-LSD), which helps reduce tire slippage at the rear wheels.

Warranty

We know truck buyers like to have their fun, and for this a top warranty is very important to the long term safety of your vehicle. With the Tacoma’s warranty, Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance for 2 years and 25000 miles. They will also pay for oil changes, tire rotation, lubrication and any other scheduled maintenance.

Options

Both the Access and Double Cab models have several optional packages. The SR5 Package equips your Tacoma with color-keyed over-fenders and front bumper, a chrome grille surround and chrome rear bumper, intermittent wipers and upgraded interior features and trim. This package also includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever for the automatic transmission.

The TRD Sport Package features its own suspension tuning and equips your Tacoma with lower-profile 265/65 R17 tires and 17-inch alloy wheels. This package also gives the 2012 Tacoma a sportier look by including fog lamps, a hood scoop and TRD graphics. This package also includes color coordinated rear bumper, mirrors, door handles and the surrounding areas of the grill.

The Tacoma also has a TRD Big Brake system available to provide effective braking performance under continuous use. The Big Brake system uses 13 x 1.25-inch semi-floating vented rotors that come with directional internal fins, forged aluminum four-piston fixed calipers, bigger brake pads made and braided steel lines. This system drastically improved the braking in your Tacoma, and gives it a much better feel.

Verdict

The Toyota Tacoma has everything that truck lovers will love and enough extras to make some new fans. It has many available options that make it a very customizable driving experience, giving drivers the option to make it whatever kind of pick up they want. Combine that with a great warranty, excellent safety features and a great entertainment system and the 2012 Toyota Tacoma becomes a must drive in our book.

Jerry’s Auto Group is comprised of its Chevrolet, Toyota, Mitsubishi and Scion stores, and is dedicated to providing customers with the best service possible. To check out our selection of Toyota’s visit Jerry’s Toyota at 8001 Belair Rd, Baltimore MD 21236 or check us out on the web at http://jerrystoyota.com. You can also follow us on Twitter at @jerrystoyota or visit us on facebook at facebook.com/jerrystoyota.