One year after a long-awaited redesign, the 2017 Toyota Tacoma continues where it left off: as the best-selling small pickup truck on the market. Closer in dimensions to midsize than compact, the current model welcomes back the TRD Pro, one of three such models attributed to Toyota Racing Development.
In all, six Tacoma models are available. Standard 4x2 and available 4x4 configurations, extended and double cab layouts, a pair of bed options, and two engine choices await buyers. Toyota offers five- or six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.
What's New for 2017
Fresh off its 2016 makeover, the significant news this year is the return of the TRD Pro, the Tacoma’s most capable off-road model. Offered previously only in 2015, the latest iteration is based on the Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4x4 Double Cab Short Bed and is outfitted with a TRD Pro aluminum front skid plate, 16-inch TRD black alloy wheels with Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain tires, and special lighting enhancements. Interior embellishments include TRD badging, a power sliding rear window with privacy glass, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.
Choosing Your Toyota Tacoma
Toyota no longer offers a regular cab Tacoma. You have a choice of extended (Access Cab) with a 60.5-inch bed and Crew Cab models with 60.5- or 73.7-inch beds. The Access Cab offers a pair of rear-hinged doors and a folding rear seat. The Double Cab offers four conventional doors and a rear bench seat. Seating is for four in the Access Cab and for up to five in the Double Cab.
All models come with a front skid plate, 16 inch or larger wheels, a deck rail system, a composite bed, and a sliding rear window. Also included is Entune audio, Bluetooth wireless technology, a rearview camera, a GoPro windshield mount, and power windows and door locks.
The standard engine is a 2.7-liter inline-four making 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. Also available is a 3.5-liter V6 making 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque.
A Class-IV towing hitch receiver is available, but comes standard with the TRD Pro. The four-cylinder offers a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds; the V6 up to 6,800 pounds.
Fuel economy for the Tacoma 4x2 equipped with the four-cylinder engine is 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Models equipped with the V6 engine make an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
With no fewer than 31 possible configurations to consider, Toyota offers a dazzling number of choices for Tacoma shoppers. Choose your model by first selecting your preferred cab layout, followed by your engine of choice. Narrow your list further to 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains and you’ll arrive at the right Tacoma for you.