First Look: 2012 Toyota Tacoma
Astute PickupTrucks.com readers know that the 2012 Toyota Tacoma just a few weeks ago, when images of the new face and front end were leaked on the Internet. And if your response to the new styling is any indication, this new look is likely to create quite a stir for Toyota fans.
The redesigned hood, grille and bumpers give the new Tacoma a more stylized, "swooping" face. And when combined with the new headlights and housings, it’s clear that Toyota engineers are looking for a new look. (In fact, it wouldn’t surprise us a bit if this 2012 Tacoma was the test bed for a more expressive Tundra design language.)
Wheel openings and side body panels are largely unchanged and the rear tailgate and quarter-panels are also likely to look very similar to the 2011 models. No doubt Toyota will describe this model year change as “minor,” possibly identifying it as a simple facelift.
Two new colors will be added to the 2012 lineup, and will now include a dark green, (called Spruce Mica) and a dark blue (called Nautical Blue Metallic). Gone are the colors Timberland Green and Speedway Blue. Overall mechanical changes do not exist, although all TRD packages will include turn signals in the side-mirrors; the TRD Sport package will offer 18-inch aluminum five-spoke split wheels.
Interior changes are more pronounced. The 2012 Tacoma will have a new center stack design and entirely new gauge cluster, as well as several new steering wheel choices on select models. The redesigned center stack will have revised HVAC and audio controls and will include several newly located power point plugs and storage cubbies. A new black console and switch plate cover look will flow throughout the dash and around to the upper door trim. New audio options will be offered for both Double Cab and Access Cab models and will include as standard equipment a new six-speaker design, single CD player, SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth and USB ports. Top-of-the-line Double Cab V-6 models will also offer a new visual audio and navigation setup with Toyota's answer to Ford Sync, called Entune. Entune includes SiriusXM, HD radio, GreenEdge speakers, plus certain Internet-enabled wireless apps are included such as Bing, Pandora, MovieTickets, OpenTable, iheartradio, real-time traffic, sports, stocks, fuel prices and more.
Other interior details include a larger backup camera display (now 3.3 inches from 2.4), new temp gauge, compass, new Homelink system, rear console box (on all Access Cabs), new overhead storage, and an available water protection package for TRD Sport and Off Road models.
Pricing has not been announced yet but don’t expect much change. Look for more information, details, and driving impressions as we get closer to the new Tacoma’s production date.
[Images: Toyota via Motor Trend, Full Specs]
