The Toyota Tacoma remains the most popular compact truck around, benefiting from constant refinement and a supremely loyal following from those who refuse to cater to today's "bigger is better" mentality among pickup trucks drivers. With lots of configurations, it also is a practical fit for many buyers.
What's New for 2015
To stave off forthcoming competition from GM, the 2015 Tacoma gets the new TRD Pro Series trim with the 2014 Baja Series' beefed-up body, off-road wheels and tires and suspension. For the four-cylinder Access Cab model, the new Utility Package improves interior storage by removing the rear seats. This essentially replaces the two-door Regular Cab, which is discontinued.
Choosing Your Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma comes in two configurations: Access Cab has two rear-hinged doors and Double Cab with four full doors. Both models are available in similar configurations.
Access Cab
The Access Cab comes with a base 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine with 159 horsepower and a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission, in rear- or four-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes a 73.5-inch bed, 15-inch wheels, air conditioning, a 6.1-inch touchscreen radio with the Entune infotainment system, USB input, iPod connectivity, Bluetooth streaming, a fold-up bench seat with storage, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, power windows and locks and overhead console.
The optional Utility Package removes the rear seat and headrests and storage box. The Convenience Package adds power mirrors, remote keyless entry, a sliding rear window with privacy glass and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The SR5 Package goes further with upgraded fabric, metallic dashboard inserts, sun visor mirrors and extenders, and a backup camera. Entune Audio Plus with satellite radio and navigation is also available.
The Double Cab offers four-door functionality to make the Tacoma more spacious for people. The bed length is now 60.3 inches, although some configurations can be had with the 73.5-inch bed. The 4x2 four-cylinder gets a standard automatic transmission, as well as the black fender trims, power mirrors, driver's side lumbar adjustment and 60/40 split rear seat with under-seat storage. Options include satellite radio, navigation, the Convenience Package and the SR5 Package.
The PreRunner Double Cab adds 16-inch wheels, front and rear mudguards, and skid plates. In addition to other PreRunner options, it's available with the V6 and five-speed automatic. The V6 model is also available as a long bed version.
V6 Double Cabs come in 4x4 trim only, with a standard six-speed manual. A five-speed automatic is optional, and is also available with a long bed. Options include alloy wheels, satellite radio, navigation, JBL audio, and the TRD off-road package, among other Tacoma option packages.
The automatic transmission is also available with the Limited Package, which adds leatherette upholstery with heated front seats, 18-inch chromed wheels, color-keyed trim, a 115-volt outlet, a Homelink transmitter, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, JBL audio with navigation, and the Entune app suite.
Tacoma prices get expensive quickly. The Double Cab is decently spacious, and the obvious way to go if you plan on carrying more than one passenger. Also, the strong V6 is a good choice over the over-matched four-cylinder.