2023 Toyota Tacoma in Waynesville, NC - $40,286

Rebuilt inside and out with an all-new powertrain and enhanced suspension tuning back in 2016, the Toyota Tacoma retains its throne on the mountaintop for dirt stomping adventurers. The Tacoma shares big brother Tundra’s more chiseled face, with a hex grille. From there, Tacoma expresses its own identity with a front end that portrays an aggressive attitude with its bold upper grille and a taller, more muscular hood. Slim high-tech headlights are mounted high above the redesigned front bumper and feature projection beam lamps with available LED Daytime Running Lights.

Available in Access and Double Cab configurations, short and long cargo box offerings and SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off Road, TRD Pro and Limited models; power for the Tacoma is generated by one of two powerful engines: a 2.7L four-cylinder and a 3.5L Atkinson cycle V6 with VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligent Wider Intake) and equipped with Toyota’s D-4S technology, featuring both direct and port fuel injection. Motorists have a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed automatic transmission for both engines. Four-wheel drive is an available option for both engines.

Built tough, Toyota engineers started by adding high strength steel to the frame to help enhance rigidity and overall strength. Ultra-high strength steel was integrated into the body shell using a hot stamping process that reduces weight. To create a truck to meet the needs of active drivers on a variety of tamed and untamed surfaces, the suspension was fine-tuned to help deliver a smooth on-road ride, while making it even more capable off-road.

All Tacoma models are equipped with a coil-spring double wishbone front suspension and stabilizer bar combined with a leaf spring rear suspension with staggered outboard-mounted gas shocks. Brakes are power-assisted ventilated front disc and rear drum brakes with a tandem booster.

Inside the passenger cabin, Tacoma’s tough exterior is complemented by an interior that conveys a sport truck image reflecting an athletic, go anywhere, off-road feel. Drivers will notice a sporty design theme in the instrument panel for a driver-focused experience. Soft-wrapped trim and metallic accents set the stage for a high-quality look and feel that is a starting point for an array of available premium features.

All Tacoma models feature a four-way driver’s seat with lumbar support and four-way adjustable front passenger seats. The SR and SR5 grades are equipped with fabric-trimmed seats with a fun and youthful look. Seating for the TRD Sport and Off-Road grades are uniquely upholstered with embossed fabric that conveys a dynamic and rugged feel. The premium Limited grade features a rich, yet sporty leather.

Interior storage is maximized in Access Cab models with fold-up rear seats and under-seat storage. Double Cab models feature 60/40 split rear seats with adjustable headrests and under-seat storage.

Dimensions & specifications
Tacoma Access Cab
Wheelbase: 127.4; overall length: 212.3; width: 74.4; height: 70.6

Tacoma Double Cab/short cargo box
Wheelbase: 127.4; overall length: 212.3; width: 74.4; height: 70.6
Tacoma Double Cab/long cargo box
Wheelbase: 140;6; overall length: 225.5; width: 74.4; height: 70.6

All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 2.7L four-cylinder – 159 hp at 5,200 rpm and 180 lbs-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm; 3.5L Atkinson cycle V6 – 278 hp at 6,000 rpm and 265 lbs-ft of torque at 4,600 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed manual; six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 2.7L four-cylinder – 17 city/21 hwy. (manual 4x4), 19 city/24 hwy. (automatic 4x2), 18 city/23 hwy. (automatic 4x4); 3.5L V6 – 19 city/24 hwy. (automatic 4x2), 17 city/21 hwy. (manual 4x4), 18 city/23 hwy. (automatic 4x4)
Payload capacity: 1,620 lbs.
Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs. (four-cylinder); 6,800 lbs. (V6)

Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, dual front knee airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, smart stop technology, vehicle stability control, traction control, automatic limited slip differential, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with sway warning system, automatic high beams, high-speed dynamic radar cruiser control, side-impact door beams, hill start assist control (automatic transmission), engine immobilizer, tire pressure monitoring system, daytime running lights, and integrated backup camera display. SR5 adds Bluetooth hands-free phone system, remote keyless entry, and Connected Navigation Scout.

TRD Sport adds Smart Key System, LED daytime running lights, and wide-angle fog lights. TRD Pro adds rear parking assist sonar, HomeLink universal transceiver, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.

Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile Comprehensive
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 2-year/25,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck starts from $25,130 for the SR Access Cab, upto $44,420 for the TRD Pro Double Cab 4x4. Destination charges add $995.