The Toyota Tacoma gets refreshed for 2012

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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The Tacoma has been a staple in the Toyota lineup since 1995. Despite most other manufacturers either dropping out of this size segment of pickup trucks or up-sizing them, Toyota reaffirms its commitment to the small – although now called mid-size – pickup truck segment with a revised 2012 Toyota Tacoma.

For 2012, all Tacoma models come standard with Toyota’s STAR safety system which incorporates vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and smart stop technology.

Upgraded safety represents good value for money considering the slightly increased starting price for the new Tacoma, now at $22,100 compared to $21,895 for the 2011 model. At the top end of the line however, Toyota prices the 4×4 V6 Double Cab with TRD Sport & Leather package for $37,125. The outgoing model in similar trim cost $39,190, representing a drop in price of $2,065 for a fully equipped 2012 Tacoma- a pleasant surprise for 2012 Tacoma shoppers.

As today’s technology filled cars have saturated the market with USB/auxiliary audio, Blue-tooth phone support, and satellite radio amongst other things as standard kit, pick-up trucks have been slow to adapt. With the 2012 model Tacoma, Toyota has made a lot of these features standard on most models and options on others; a little late, but we’re glad to see it.

2012 Toyota Tacoma interior

Pick-up trucks however, aren’t exactly hot beds for new tech; we look to them for utility more than anything else. The 2012 Tacoma, although new, isn’t breaking ground like the current generation Ford F-150 did a couple years ago when it introduced side-steps, a rear tailgate step, and stowable bed extender, but the Tacoma builds on a tradition of building solid trucks that are as capable working as they are playing.

The Tacoma has always appealed to the young and young at heart, and Toyota hopes to continue this trend with design upgrades to the exterior and interior of the truck.

As an added bonus for fans of Toyota’s bullet proof 2.7L 4-cylinder base Tacoma engine, the truck features an 8.9L/100km combined fuel economy rating (4×2, manual transmission) that won the 2011 ecoENERGY Award for most fuel-efficient pickup truck. The ecoENERGY Awards are annually presented by Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency.

One of the highlights of the 2012 model Toyota Tacoma is choice. Both the 4×2 and 4×4 trucks are available with both 4 and 6-cylinder engines, and either access or double cab. Coupled with the safety, tech, and design upgrades for 2012 there’s plenty of motivation for pick-up truck buyers to get out there and start shopping for their new Tacoma.

2012 Toyota Tacoma in motion

Photographs courtesy of Toyota Canada.

Kanishka Sonnadara is a member of AUTOMOTIVE.alliedfusion.com and can be found on Twitter here.

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1 Comment

  1. Always been a fan of the Tacoma, especially the 4cylinder one. Don’t like the new front grille design however, it’ a bit awkward. See the Toyota site for a front facing angle.

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