2012 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4X4 V6

Choices in this segment have diminished to just a few, and for all intents and purposes boil down to this Tacoma and the Nissan Frontier. Though neither has undergone a redesign in a number of years and won’t again until 2014, I’ve test-driven them both this year and found they still provide shoppers the best midsize truck experience.  The Tacoma I have as my tester is a high trim Double Cab 4X4 V6 with the TRD Sport Upgrade Extra Value Package.  That extensive grouping of options adds $3,975 to the price, most notably specific road-focused suspension tuning underpinned by Bilstein shocks working lower profile 18” Bridgestone all-season tires wrapped around chrome-clad alloy wheels.  The rest of the package adds myriad convenience and comfort features including a sliding rear window, deck mounted A/C power, fog lights, remote keyless entry, cruise control, new sport water resistant seats and a backup cam – which in this case displays on the optional Navi system with Entune.  This is Toyota’s music/entertainment/connectivity suite giving the Tacoma some fresh technology that works easily and works well.  Through is the tow package with trailer sway control, the tube steps and this handy bed step and you’re looking at a $35,664 Tacoma.  In case you were wondering, a V8-powered Tundra Double Cab 4X4 starts at about $1,500 less.  But as I said before, for some a big truck is simply too much truck.  Now in the case of this Tacoma and its 5-foot bed, you could image this being not enough but a 6’ bed is also available.

New to the Tacoma for 2012 is a refreshed front-end design and an upgraded interior featuring heavy-duty all weather flooring, a new steering wheel and the aforementioned infotainment system.  Carrying on is the 4.0-liter V6 making 236 horsepower mated to a 5-speed auto with a part-time 4-wheel drive system with low range.  The Tacoma’s ruggedness is legendary and nothing I experienced in this truck would have me believe otherwise.  The TRD Sport suspension makes the ride more livable as your everyday commuter’s truck yet you still bob around quite a bit – just without the harshness.  Thinking back to my last Frontier test-drive, the Tacoma feels, well, truckier – a little louder, a bit less refinement from its powertrain and not quite as smooth overall, though still satisfyingly suited for easy everyday motoring.  This V6 always sounds like it working hard.  Gas mileage is rated at 16mpg city/21mpg highway.  The Nissan provides more of a pleasing on-road ride quality and noticeably more power.  That said, this Tacoma shines with its upscale interior feel, clever touches everywhere you look and excellent rear seat room that can be configured to provide a flat load area.  It personifies solid and exudes an indestructible aura.  And on top of that, it just looks great aided by this new Nautical Blue Metallic paint.  These Toyota and Nissan trucks are like 1 and 1a  – you can’t go wrong either way.  The Tacoma is available in a vast number of configurations to suit a wide range of tastes and budgets.