Vehicle Profile: 2013 Toyota Venza

The Toyota Venza is back for 2013! This crossover was created to provide SUV capability with luxury car refinement. It delivers the perfect combination of performance, luxury, versatility and bold design.

What’s New?

For 2013, the already stylish Venza sports a refreshed front fascia with foglamps, new upper and lower grilles, and new taillamps. A new 19-inch wheel design and three new exterior colors – Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl and Cosmic Gray Mica – round out the visual changes.

Trims

The 2013 Toyota Venza (MSRP $27,700) is available in 3 different trims: LE, XLE and Limited.

The LE comes equipped with a Display Audio system with 6.1-inch touch-screen, Bluetooth® wireless technology and dual-zone climate control. An available Convenience Package adds a power liftgate and rear back-up camera. There is also a Preferred Package, which gives the Venza LE a panoramic glass roof and adds navigation and Entune® to the Display Audio system.

The Venza XLE offers a little more luxury with the addition of a leather-trimmed steering wheel, seats and shift knob, multi-stage heated front seats and the Display Audio system complete with Entune and navigation as standard equipment. An anti-theft system with alarm, the Smart Key System with Push-Button Start and the power liftgate with back-up camera are also standard on the XLE. The only option package available for the XLE is the Premium Package, which adds the panoramic glass roof and a JBL® audio system with 13 JBL Synthesis speakers including subwoofer.

The top Limited trim comes standard with the panoramic glass roof, Premium HDD Navigation with Entune and the JBL speaker system, and adds High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with LED daytime running lights.

All Venza trims are available with a choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and all models come equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. LE and XLE models offer your choice of a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 hp or a 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 268 hp. The Venza Limited is available exclusively with the V6.

Performance

Fuel economy for the FWD four-cylinder Venza is EPA-estimated at 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway, with the AWD model coming in at 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. V6 models return 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway for FWD and 18/25 for AWD.

For those of you looking to lug some stuff around, the 2013 Venza offers an optional Tow Prep Package for V6-equipped models, which provides a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. That is nearly the full weight of the Venza itself.

Safety

The 2013 Toyota Venza is equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System™ which includes safety features such as Traction Control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) combined with advanced airbags. Antilock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop brake override technology (SST) are also included in the Star Safety System.

Conclusion

The 2013 Toyota Venza received substantial improvements in entertainment and connectivity from its predecessor, while remaining a comfortable, practical, and stylish pick for those who are not looking for a super rugged SUV.

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2013 Toyota RAV4 Revealed

Redesigned RAV4 Debuts at Los Angeles Auto Show

Toyota gave us a tease last week, letting us know that the 2013 RAV4 was coming better than ever. The company made good on its promise last week at the Los Angeles auto show, when the company officially unveiled the redesigned soft roader.

The 2013 RAV4 will be the fourth-generation RAV4 since 1994 and is an all-new model redesigned with the latest Toyota styling, in order to bring the RAV4 back on top of its class.

2013 RAV4

Under the hood, Toyota is no longer offering the 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, opting to bring back the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine instead. Expect this engine to produce 176 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque.

Front wheel drive models of 2013 RAV4 are expected to receive EPA ratings of 24/31 mpg city/highway, improving on the 22/28 mpg rating for the outgoing model. Expect the all-wheel-drive RAV4s to achieve 22/29 mpg, a slight improvement over the third-generation model.

Trims

The 2013 RAV4 will be available three trims: LE, XLE, and Limited.

The LE trim will come equipped with 17-inch steel wheels, a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat, power windows, power side mirrors, eight airbags, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, and 60/40 split/folding second-row seats.

Those who opt for the RAV4’s XLE trim will add on 17-inch alloy wheels and bucket seats with side bolstering.

At the top of the 2013 RAV4 lineup is the Limited model, which will equip the vehicle with bigger 18-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a programmable power liftgate (for added convenience at the store), and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The RAV4 Limited will also offer heated front seats, and the driver's seat has memory settings and power lumbar. The 2013 RAV4 Limited also adds on a more modern center console, featuring a standard 6.1-inch touch screen.

Updates

In a break with tradition, the new RAV4 has a conventionally top-hinged tailgate for the first time (which can now be power-operated for the Limited trim), over the awkward side swinging door that used to make it slightly inconvenient to users.

The 2013 RAV4 retains its predecessor's 104.7-inch wheelbase, but it is 2 inches shorter than the outgoing model (179.9 inches) and about an inch lower (65.4 inches). The 2013 Model is slightly wider, offering 72.6 inches of width versus the 2012 model's 71.5. The maximum passenger capacity drops from seven to five via the elimination of the third row.

Conclusion

Since it was launched 18 years ago, Toyota has sold more than 4.5 million RAV4's in 150 countries.

While the 2013 Toyota RAV4 faces more competition than ever in the market, we'd say the new model’s redesign will give it a nice edge over competitors.  We expect the RAV4 to maintain its place as a leader in the market.

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Toyota Motors Develops New Collision Avoidance Assist System

System Effective in More Than 90% of Speed Ranges in Rear-end Collisions

Toyota City, Japan— You are on your commute home from work when you suddenly rear end a driver. In the words of Homer Simpson, Doh!

Research has shown that speeds between 40 km/h to 60 km/h during the time of a rear-end collision is the range in which most fatal and injury-causing accidents increase. In response to this, Two days ago, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announced it had developed a Pre-collision System (PCS) with collision avoidance assist that is effective in helping mitigate even high-speed collisions.

The newly developed PCS uses a millimeter-wave radar to detect the risk of a rear-end collision with a vehicle ahead of you. The system works by sending a system warning to the driver via sound and display alerts advising the driver to brake when such a risk is detected.  When the driver applies the brakes, PCS enables deceleration of up to 60 km/h by increasing the vehicle’s braking force up to twice the force of what an  that of the average driver. 

One cool feature to this PCS system is that even If the brakes are not applied, automatic deceleration is possible at speed of 15 km/h to approximately 30 km/h.

Toyota’s research found that more than 90 percent of rear-end collisions occur when the difference in speed between the preceding and following vehicle is within 60 km/h, thus aiming to produce a brake assist system based on real-world collision data. Toyota’s new PCS will be able to achieve rear-end-collision reducing-effects at the highest level in the industry. 

On top of releasing this PCS system and in order to help eliminate fatal traffic accidents, Toyota Motors is also conducting research and development on individual onboard safety devices and systems based on its Integrated Safety Management Concept.

Toyota’s Integrated Safety Management Concept is TMC’s approach to safety that links each individual safety technology system equipped on vehicles together to increase overall vehicle safety.  Toyota Motors has been hard at work developing safer vehicles and technologies, as well as increasing its traffic-safety initiatives by participating in the development of traffic environments and participating in educational traffic-safety activities for drivers.

The new PCS was developed to be used in a wide variety of models, and is expected to be rolled out starting with soon-to-be-launched 2013 models.

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2013 Toyota Sienna

Whats New?

The Toyota Sienna returns for the 2013 minus the four-cylinder engine it offered for the past two years. For the 2013 model year Toyota is adding more features to the Sienna’s most popular version.

Styling  and Under the Hood

Toyota does a great job at giving the Sienna into a modern look. The front end features a low grille and a smooth rectangular roofline that offers better utility since it increases interior space.

Since the four-cylinder engine is no longer offered, all 2013 Sienna’s now come standard with a 3.5-liter V-6 with 266 horsepower engine that comes mated to a six-speed automatic. Gas mileage figures for the 2013 model year are 16 – 18 mpg city and 23 – 25 mpg highway. The 2013 Sienna offers electric power steering and independent suspension.

Interior

At more than 200 inches long and more than 78 inches wide, the Sienna offers plenty of interior space, even in the third row. The front seats include an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat and four-way power passenger throne and the second row can be equipped with a pair of available airline-style reclining bucket seats.

If you chose to go with the basic interior, it offers a comfortable and roomy removable second row bench that slides on an elongated track so that either second- or third-row leg room can be expanded, as well as to aid passengers get into the third row. The third-row seat is able to fold flat into the ground. Fold the back seats and push the middle seats pushed forward and the 2013 Sienna has 150 cubic feet of cargo space.

Features

Standard features for the 2013 Toyota Sienna include safety features such as curtain airbags and stability control, a rearview camera and available Bluetooth. For 2013 all upper trims come standard with blind-spot monitors.

Standard on every 2013 Sienna models are dual sliding side doors; power mirrors, windows, and locks, cruise control; a CD player with an auxiliary jack, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel; and three-zone climate control.

Higher trims of the Sienna will come equipped with power sliding side doors and a power tailgate as well as leather upholstery, heated front seats, steering-wheel audio controls, a dual sunroof, a 16.4-inch-wide LCD screen and a DVD player to keep the two back rows of passengers entertained, and which can even be split side by side so that one side can be dedicated to one source such as a video game, and the other one to a movie.  

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Vehicle Preview: 2013 Toyota RAV4

 

The Toyota RAV4 has remained one of our favorite small SUV’s in the market. Its responsiveness and roomie interior makes it one of our usual top choices to bring to our events. For the 2013 model year Toyota announced a complete redesign for the RAV4, and we cannot wait to have one in our hands.

So what can you expect from the 2013 Toyota RAV4?

We don't expect it to grow much in size or look radically different. The Toyota RAV4 seems to have found the perfect balance of size and maneuverability, and after all if the shoe fits wear it, right?

For the 2013 Model year expect to see sharper creases and some chunky styling cues from the FJ Cruiser and Toyota's trucks. Under the hood, expect to RAV4 to come equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 engines as a carry-over from last year. The current 2.5-liter returns 28 mpg on the highway, so look for the new four-cylinder to reach towards the 30 highway mpg line.

While we have heard rumblings of a hybrid RAV4 at some point, one confirmed report is that for the 2013 model year we will see the return of the RAV4 EV.

The RAV4 EV is powered by batteries and some powertrain components from Tesla Motors. Expect the second-generation RAV4 EV to see a range of about 100 miles. The last RAV4 EV was released in 2004.

The 2013 Toyota RAV4 EV will go on sale late this year however the non-electric RAV4 is coming soon. Keep checking back for a full review of the 2013 Toyota RAV4, including specs, driving impressions and car battles as it becomes available.

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JERRY’S AUTO GROUP ANNOUNCES CAR GIVE AWAY

Teams with Make-A-Wish Foundation to Make a Marylander’s Dream Come True

Baltimore, MD- May 30, 2012- On Monday May 28^th, 2012 Jerry’s Auto Group announced plans to hold a contest where the winner will win a brand new vehicle. The beneficiary of this promotion is the Make-A-Wish foundation in Maryland. 

When reached for comment, Dave Warder, General Manager of Jerry’s Auto Group stated: “This is a unique opportunity for us at Jerry’s Auto Group to give back to the Maryland community. Our motto at Jerry’s is ‘It’s About You’ and this contest is just about that, our faithful customer base.”

Every day this summer, from June 1st through Labor Day (September 3^rd), Jerry’s Auto Group will hide a key in their Primary Market Area.  Once hidden, Jerry’s Auto Group will release clues to win that day’s key every hour, from 8am to 1pm, on their group website, JerrysItsAboutYou.com. The clues will also be given to each store’s Facebook Fans, Twitter Followers, and Google+ Circles.

In order to claim that day’ key, be the first to contact Jerry’s with the location of the Key found and the serial number.  Those who successfully claim that day’s key will be eligible to win a new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic or a new 2012 Scion iQ. (Valued at $17,500 MSRP).

2012 Scion iQ



2012 Chevrolet Sonic



Instructions on how to claim a Key, that day’s clues, etc. will be found at JerrysItsAboutYou.com prior to June 1, 2012.

“We look forward to wrapping up the contest with a grand finale for our key winners”, said Warder.

Every Key winner will receive an invitation to Jerry’s Auto Group’s Annual Fall Car Show and Festival, which will be located at Jerry’s Chevrolet, on Sunday September 16^th. There, key winners will trade their Jerry’s key for real ones. The key that successfully starts a vehicle will be the winner.

Dave Warder has been employed by Jerry’s Auto Group for over 33 years.

Jerry’s Auto Group operates Jerry’s Toyota, Mitsubishi, Scion and Chevrolet, all located in the Towson/Baltimore area. 

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Toyota Supra Successor in the Works Could Be a Hybrid

We have heard rumblings on this before, but once again the idea of a successor to the Supra has hit the news, and it looks like this time it will come into fruition.  

The original concept of a Supra successor was created in 2007 and was named the FT-HS. After a tough economic downturn in 2008 Toyota was forced to scrap the project, until now.

With the releases of the Lexus LFA Supercar and the Scion FR-S (based on the popular 80’s racing vehicle the Toyota AE86), the timing couldn’t be more perfect for Toyota to release its own sports vehicle.

The new Supra is expected to feature a mid-engine, all-wheel-drive architecture and it is  rumored that it will feature a 3.5-liter V-6 hybrid system that would receive some high-performance tuning to make it capable of generating over 400 horsepower. The way the vehicle will work is that the V-6 will power the rear wheels of the car, while in-wheel electric motors generate power to the front wheels. The engine will feature a CVT transmission similar to the new Lexus RX.

There is no clear word on what the Supra’s design will look like, however it will use the GRMN MRS (Gazoo Racing Meister of Nurburgring) prototype chassis, named after car developer Hiromu Naruse, which has been tested at Fuji Speedway.

While there has been no official approval from the higher-ups at Toyota, it has been speculated that this new Supra could see a release day in 2015. Pricing for this vehicle can only be speculated now, however it is expected to be placed over the Scion FR-S and it is likely to command about $60,000.

Stay tuned for more information on the possible return of the Supra!

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Toyota to Debut New Sedan

LOS ANGELES -- Toyota Motor Corp. announced that it will reveal an "all-new" sedan at the New York auto show next week. This new sedan has been rumored to be a likely replacement for the full-sized Toyota Avalon.

Those who saw the new sedan stated that it is a huge shift in the styling of the Toyota brand.

A teaser sketch of the mystery sedan released today shows a new fastback styling that is reminiscent to other coupe-sedan vehicles such as the Volkswagen CC, Audi A7 and Mercedes-Benz CLS.

In its press release Toyota called the new sedan "elegant yet athletic."

The new sedans debut will take place on April 5 at 10:30 a.m. EDT.

Below is the original press release sent out by Toyota.

PRESS RELEASE: Toyota to Debut a Stunning U.S.-Designed Sedan at the 2012 New York International Auto Show

TORRANCE, Calif., March 27, 2012 - Toyota Motor Sales, Inc. will debut an all-new U.S.-designed sedan at the 2012 New York International Auto Show. This global premiere will take place in the Galleria room within the Jacob Javits Center at 10:30 a.m. EDT on April 5, 2012.

The sedan's exciting new design features an elegant yet athletic look.

Media and the public will have the opportunity to participate in a live-streaming video chat with the designers of the new sedan by submitting questions via Twitter and Facebook with the #ToyotaDesign hashtag. The Toyota Design Live chat is scheduled for 2 p.m. EDT on April 5, 2012 and hosted on http://www.facebook.com/toyota.

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2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Who Needs Roads When You Have Dirt?

Introduction

The threat of snow can mean a lot of things for Baltimore residents. Some worry about road conditions during their commute to work and others -this one is for you kids- do their snow dances all night, hoping that school will be cancelled the next morning. At Jerry’s we did exactly what current FJ Cruiser owners do at the thought of a big snow storm. We put on our snow boots and hoped for the worst!

While we didn’t get the snow necessary to really have some fun with this bad boy, we did get to take it out on the road and play around with it. What we found is that the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser is not just fun to look at, it's also VERY fun to drive. Plus its dependability makes it fit right at home with the Toyota family.

The FJ Cruiser has maintained many of the same features that made us like it back in '07. It features a thick chassis, as well as a wide angle of approach and departure (which indicates a vehicle's ability to drive off a ramp or obstacle without damaging it’s body). The 2012 FJ Cruiser also has an available locking rear differential, to help make it a great off roading vehicle.

Body Styles and Trim Level

The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser is a four door, five-passenger SUV. It features two regular front doors and two half-sized hinged doors in the rear.

The 2012 FJ Cruise is offered in one trim level and it comes standard with 17-inch black steel wheels. On the inside of the vehicle there is an eight-way manually adjustable driver seat, a tilt-only steering wheel, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, water-resistant cloth upholstery and heavy-duty vinyl flooring.

As far as entertainment goes the 2012 FJ Cruiser is equipped with a six-speaker sound system that you can be used to blast music out of the CD player or from the iPod/USB audio interface or auxiliary audio jack. Lastly the FJ Cruiser is equipped with Bluetooth, satellite radio and steering wheel controls.

Under The Hood

Each 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser comes equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 that is able to produce 260 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. It has standard rear-wheel drive and can be equipped to feature a five-speed automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential.

The FJ Cruiser features two available 4WD systems. The first is a part-time system that comes on the five-speed automatic, while the other is a full-time system attached to a six-speed manual along with a locking rear differential.

The FJ Cruisers EPA-estimated fuel economy as an automatic with 4WD is 17 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined -- typical for off-road SUVs. The manual 4WD FJ Cruiser gets 15/18/16, and the rear-drive FJ gets 17/20/19.

Options

What the 2012 FJ Cruiser lacks in trims it makes up with its optional packages.

The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruise is offered with a number of available packages, depending on your region.

The Convenience package does exactly what the title suggests, make it more convenient and easier to use. This package adds power mirrors, a rear wiper, keyless entry, cruise control, a rearview camera as well as adding an auto dimmer to the rearview mirror. Other additions include a rear privacy glass, a rear wiper and a spare tire cover.

Next up we have the Upgrade package which adds an upgraded traction control system for the four-wheel-drive models as well as an electronically controlled locking rear

differential, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, extra gauge and trip computer functions and an 11-speaker JBL sound system that is equipped with a six-CD changer.  The Upgrade package also adds 17-inch alloy wheels, which are also available separately.

The Off-Road package adds Bilstein shock absorbers, the locking rear differential and the upgraded traction-control system and the extra gauges mentioned above.

The TRD package adds special 16-inch alloy wheels, BFGoodrich off-road tires and different Bilstein shock absorbers.

Aside from the above mentioned packages the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser has a number of noteworthy dealer-installed accessories including a large roof rack, a cargo cover and rock rails. Other additions include accessory driving lights and a passenger armrest. The incredible optional packages and additional accessories makes the FJ Cruiser a very customizable vehicle, that can be made to suit the driver.

Safety

The 2012 FJ Cruiser is standard equipped with antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, front seat side airbags, active front head restraints and side curtain airbags.

Interior Design and Ergonomics

The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruise has an awesome retro-themed dash that is color-keyed to match the car’s exterior. Controls are placed within easy reach and are easy to find and see which makes the vehicle very ergonomic. It offers a generous 67 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Driving Impression

The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser is able to drive over most obstacles with ease, making it a wonderful off road vehicle. However driving it is not strictly an off roading vehicle, as it was surprisingly good on pavement. The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser offers precise steering and a very smooth ride, which by comparison, puts the Jeep Wrangler to shame.

One thing that we noticed is that the 2012 FJ  did not have the greatest outward visibility, however after driving it for a while it was hardly noticeable. Still, for the next models Toyota should look into expanding visibility.

Verdict

This is a vehicle unlike many other off road ready SUV’s. It offers a perfect balance in comfort and off roading power and has enough features to make comparable vehicles, such as the Jeep Wrangler, look basic.

If you love having a little fun off the pavement, are looking for a comfortable ride with great options then look no further than the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser. We promise you, this is a car for sport, not kids.

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.