Toyota has spruced up its entry-level pickup, the Tacoma, for the 2012 model year. While the outside has been tweaked some, the inside has been modernized in terms of fit and finish and technological doodads.
The 2.7-litre, four-cylinder mill (159 hp, 180 lb-ft of torque) and the 4.0-litre V6 (236 hp and 266 lb-ft) are back, mated to a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed autobox.
At first glance, only minor details set the 2012 Tacoma apart from the outgoing model. The grille, headlamps and bezels have been refreshed in a subtle, non-revolutionary way.
The engineers really shook things up inside, however. The main changes include redesigned gauges in the instrument cluster, a new steering wheel and a contrasting centre console that now houses the HVAC controls.
The screen for the rear-view camera is also larger (3.3 inches instead of 2.2), the sunshades now include vanity lighting, and a storage compartment has been added near the rear-view mirror, featuring a compass for the first time.
The Access Cabin version inherits a six-speaker AM/FM/Satellite radio sound system with Bluetooth and iPod and MP3 player compatibility. The Double Cab models boast the new Entune infotainment system with seven speakers.
Standard and safety equipment remain unchanged for 2012, and TRD accessories are still available.
The 2.7-litre, four-cylinder mill (159 hp, 180 lb-ft of torque) and the 4.0-litre V6 (236 hp and 266 lb-ft) are back, mated to a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed autobox.
At first glance, only minor details set the 2012 Tacoma apart from the outgoing model. The grille, headlamps and bezels have been refreshed in a subtle, non-revolutionary way.
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| Photo: Toyota |
The engineers really shook things up inside, however. The main changes include redesigned gauges in the instrument cluster, a new steering wheel and a contrasting centre console that now houses the HVAC controls.
The screen for the rear-view camera is also larger (3.3 inches instead of 2.2), the sunshades now include vanity lighting, and a storage compartment has been added near the rear-view mirror, featuring a compass for the first time.
The Access Cabin version inherits a six-speaker AM/FM/Satellite radio sound system with Bluetooth and iPod and MP3 player compatibility. The Double Cab models boast the new Entune infotainment system with seven speakers.
Standard and safety equipment remain unchanged for 2012, and TRD accessories are still available.
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