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Toyota has added a load of aggressive off-roading options to the Tacoma pickup, making it a very desirable midsize truck.
The Tacoma is a pillar of the midsize truck market as well as the off-roading scene. Toyota has been progressively adding more and more aggressive off-roading options to the Tacoma lineup, providing customers with a capable canvas for limitless off-road improvements.
Toyota has made some visual and mechanical improvements to the relatively new Trail Edition for 2022. The unique suspension components make the TRD Pro even more capable. Toyota based the Trail Edition (released in limited quantities last year) on the low-cost SR5 trim level and had a few off-road and valuable features, such as lockable bed compartments.
To provide the Tacoma a bit more capacity and clearance when off-roading, Toyota has included a locking rear differential as standard equipment for 2022 and slightly raised the truck's suspension compared to earlier models. Additionally, it incorporates bronze writing and adopts the TRD Pro's heritage grille. It also has modern wheels that are bronze in hue. The TRD Pro receives new wheels and tires, in addition to a slightly greater suspension lift than the Trail Edition.
Let’s have a closer look at the 2022 Toyota Tacoma.
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Compared to its rivals, the Toyota Tacoma tends to be more straightforward, and its interiors favor functionality over luxury. You can tell you're in a midsize truck, even in the best Limited model. It has an outdated appearance, although everything is neatly put together and simple to use.
Although the front seats are roomy and comfortable, the low seating posture might be slightly uncomfortable. The Tacoma's Access Cab variants have fold-up seat cushions and under-seat storage. Rear seats in double-cab Tacomas split 60/40 and offer adjustable headrests, as well as under-seat storage.
A Tacoma Access Cab with plenty of lockable cargo space will easily accommodate two adults. The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon offer a roomier back seat, but the Double Cab Tacoma can accommodate five adult passengers in a pinch. With the back seat in use, there isn't much lockable inside storage, which is a problem with midsize trucks generally.
Although the Tacoma's base four-cylinder engine is inadequate and people should avoid it, the optional V6 engine offers respectable performance and hauling power. Additionally, critics advise buyers to stay away from the finicky six-speed automatic transmission and instead opt for the V6's six-speed manual.
The automatic supports the larger engine, which occasionally struggles. While the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro versions seek out harsher roads, Toyota designed the TRD Sport and Limited trims for city driving. None of these are, however, especially speedy.
The Tacoma is not the best option for handling and ride quality, but it can easily navigate rugged back roads and trails. One can configure it to take advantage of opportunities for pavement cruising or dirt-treading. The Limited provides a comfortable ride that is quieter and smoother than the off-road models. The Tacoma TRD Pro's strong shock absorbers, beefy tires, and raised suspension make it one of the greatest trucks for off-roading.
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The current Tacoma has a good selection of technological elements. In contrast to earlier models, Toyota's new screen is larger, has sharper map images, and responds more quickly.
You also get Amazon Alexa and smartphone connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If you frequently go outside the cellular range, built-in navigation is a cheap upgrade option that is probably worth getting.
The way Toyota handles standard active safety technology is commendable. All grades come equipped with adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam control, and even a driver fatigue detection system.
In the majority of trims, the Toyota midsize pickup is a good bargain. People prefer the V6 variant over the $26,650 standard Tacoma SR four-cylinder. The base vehicle is well-equipped for work or daily use and has standard active safety technology as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. However, the SR5 adds a convenient power-adjustable driver's seat and has somewhat more upscale alloy wheels.
The cost of a Tacoma SR Access Cab with the V6 and four-wheel drive is approximately $32,000. One can spend an extra $2,500 or more for the SR5's flashier styling, power seat, and access to more excellent options. One thing to keep in mind is that neither configuration is currently available on Toyota's configurator website, indicating that limited supplies have reduced the number of vehicles they can provide.
A TRD Off-Road crew cab with the six-speed manual is the enthusiast's pick, costing $40,320 with the required $800 Technology package. Expect to pay an additional $1,000 or so for an automatic, but beware of how the optional sunroof reduces headroom.
Although it costs over $43,000 and has the more popular crew cab form, the Limited isn't very plentiful.
Marcus is a car enthusiast who loves writing about them. He travels frequently and always seeks out the best driving roads to really test a car's limits. His favorite cars are anything with a manual transmission, and he's been known to spend hours just shifting through all the gears.