2012 Toyota Tacoma gets a refreshed exterior, upgraded interior

Toyota has upgraded the Tacoma for the 2012 model year with a refreshed exterior, an updated interior and some additional features.

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma gets a new front fascia with a redesigned hood, grille, headlamps and front bumper, among other minor changes. On the inside, the 2012 Tacoma gets a new center-instrument panel design with a revised gauge cluster, new steering wheel and a redesigned center stack.

The new Tacoma also offers new heavy-duty all-weather flooring in the Access and Double Cab models, while the more specialized TRD Sport and Off-Road models offer new water-resistant fabric protection seats. The TRD Sport Package for the 2012 Tacoma adds side mirrors with turn-signal lamps for 2012, as well as optional chrome-clad 18-inch wheels. The inside also gets a higher-resolution display with an available back-up camera, available rear-view mirror with compass  and the new Toyota Entune infotainment system.

Two engine options are available including a 2.7 liter Dual Overhead Cam 4-cylinder making 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, and a 4.0 liter DOHC V6 that makes 236 horsepower with 266 lb-ft of torque. When mated with a V6 Tow Package, Access Cab models boast a maximum tow capacity of up to 6,500 pounds.

Toyota sold more than 106,000 Tacoma models in 2010, outselling its closest competitor by nearly two-to-one.

– By: Omar Rana