2012 Toyota Tacoma Review

People still buy trucks, and this coming year's Toyota Tacoma is why. The Tacoma has had some major refreshments in exterior fascia styling, as well as interior driver refinements. Model options include tech upgrades like a rear view camera, Toyota's Entune, navigation systems, and satellite HD Radio with ITunes tagging.

Engine power options are somewhat lacking, but Toyota came through on developing and equipping the Tacoma with sophisticated accidence avoidance technology, and superb safety advancements.

Overview • MSRP Starts At: $17,685 • Fuel Economy: 21 city/35 hwy mpg • Pros: New bulky styling makes the truck look powerful, top of the line standard safety features, off-road umph of 4x4 trims, brand reliability and hold of value. • Cons: Off-road suspension roughens the smooth commute, lack of power from Inline 4-cylinder, and V6.

Exterior
The new styling of the 2012 Toyota Tacoma gives the truck more magnitude, and makes it look like a bigger vehicle. Major upgrades in front exterior styling include a new bumper, grille, hood, and headlamps. Various trims accent the vehicle nicely, and sporty modeled Tacoma X Version has a humble look for all its packed in power. Some cool exterior features and options of the 2012 Tacoma are: 18-inch alloy wheels, engine skid plates, Cargo bed with dent-resistant composite liner, and a 115-volt accessory outlet in the cargo bed with the TRD option.

Interior Now standard on 2012 Tacoma is a high-contrast center console, dash and upper door trim accents, and switch plate covers. Options on TRD and Off-Road models include water-resistent seat fabric, and heavy duty all-weather flooring. The technology has really been innovated for this year's Tacoma, and the truck will be one of Toyota's first vehicles to feature the Entune multimedia system. With three years of service, Entune combines loads of app and connection to media services like Pandora. When a capable smartphone with partner apps is connected to the Entune system, all the infotainment and media features are accessible and operated by vehicle console controls and even voice activation.

Engines and Performance
One negative to this year's Tacoma is the lack of optional engine power, and this year's model only offers two engine choices on all trims. The 2.7 Inline 4-Cylinder comes standard, and produces 159 horsepower. The slightly more powerful 4.0-liter V6 ups the power to 236-horses. If prospective Tacoma buyers are looking for more power, they should check out the 2012 Toytoa Tundra lineup.

Safety Features
As with media and infotainment innovation, this year Toyota has really pressed forward with cutting-edge safety technologies. The 2012 Tacoma brings standard side-impact and side curtain airbags with smart accident-avoidance technology, three-point seat belts for all passengers.

The Final Word
The style upgrades are something to be excited about, and may make the standard engine equipped model a bit more powerful than it is. Toyota has really delivered on optional upgrades and trims, and the Off-Road and XD models are more attractive than the base. Infotainment, Toyota's Entune system and the connectivity of 3rd party smartphone apps is also exciting, and still awaits consumer review. Finally, the safety features in the 2012 Tacoma are topnotch for light trucks in its class.