The Tacoma is powered by either a 2.7L 4-cylinder that makes 159 horsepower, or by a 3.5L V6 that makes 276 horsepower. Transmission options are either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, with power sent to the rear wheels, though four-wheel drive is optional.
The Tacoma is offered with a wealth of customization options but it comes in six trims: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited and TRD Pro.
The base SR version can be ordered with either the Access Cab, or with the 4-door Double Cab. The Access Cab comes with a standard length bed, while the Double Cab is only available with the short bed. Standard equipment includes 16-inch wheels, power windows and door locks, a backup camera, an Entune audio system with Bluetooth connectivity and a deck rail system to help secure loose objects in the bed.
The SR5 allows buyers to choose both the bigger cabin and the longer bed. SR5s include keyless entry, a 4.2-inch multi-information display in the instrument cluster, SiriusXM satellite radio, fog lamps and a bit more chrome on the exterior of the truck.
The TRD Off-Road version adds both style and off-road utility to the Tacoma. Special 16-inch wheels look mean and stylish while functional additions include a locking differential, crawl control and a multi-terrain select driving aid. Options on the TRD Off-Road include dual-zone climate control and a sunroof. The bigger V6 engine is standard.
Where the TRD Off-Road is rugged, the TRD Sport is slick and stylish. Like the TRD Off-Road, the TRD Sport is only available with the V6 engine. Wheels are 17-inch alloys, while the interior gets a premium sound system and a wireless smartphone charger. The bed features a 120V outlet while the daytime running lights use ultra-bright LEDs. A smart key is also standard on the TRD Sport.
The Limited comes only with the larger cabin and a V6. It adds color-keyed bumpers and additional exterior chrome, polished 18-inch wheels, automatic climate control, a powered moonroof and heated, leather-trimmed seats.
Finally, the TRD Pro offers LED headlights, 16-inch TRD Pro Black alloy wheels, unique exterior grille, badging, and hood scoop, leather-trimmed seats with a special headrest logo, a power sliding rear window with privacy glass, dual-zone automatic climate control, and blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. Standard off-road technologies include an electronically locking rear differential, front skid plate, FOX internal bypass shocks, a cat-back exhaust, multi-terrain selection and crawl control.
Following a full redesign for 2016, the 2017 Toyota Tacoma carries over largely unchanged. New this year is a TRD Pro trim with a double cab and short bed, representing the pinnacle of Toyota off-road performance.
The Tacoma starts at just above $24,000 and competes with other compact pickup trucks such as the Chevrolet Colorado and the Nissan Frontier. However, neither of these competitors has the reputation of Toyota. Unlike full-sized trucks, the Tacoma is small enough to make sense in both urban and suburban environments. The Tacoma can maneuver nimbly in tight parking lots, and its turning radius is kept reasonable. At the same time, the Toyota offers the kind of utility that compact SUVs can only dream of. With a broad range of customization options, the Tacoma offers a surprisingly amount of comfort, and even gives owners the kind of interior space normally found in sedans. The Tacoma is truly a "do-everything" vehicle.
