Regular Cab, Access Cab, and Double Cab editions of the Toyota Tacoma are offered, with standard or long-bed (LB) lengths, with four- or six-cylinder engines, and they all have the same styling, albeit with different levels of stretch for the cab and bed.
Overall, ride and handling are a little disappointing in the Toyota Tacoma—even among pickups, which typically do trade off some ride comfort and nimbleness for heavy-hauling ability. The Tacomas payload is well into the 3/4-ton category, depending on the model, and its tow rating goes up to 6,500 pounds.
Compared with full-size trucks, the Toyota Tacoma disappoints for interior roominess and seating comfort, but compared with other mid-sizes like the Nissan Frontier its competitive. The 2011 Tacoma model line covers a wide range of needs in base form, especially if youre willing to add a few options, but two specialized models, the PreRunner and X-Runner, are focused for tough terrain and look the part.
For 2011, the Toyota Tacomas four-cylinder engine is a more practical choice now that its available with an automatic transmission. Air-conditioning is now standard on every Tacoma, while all but Regular Cab 4x4 models get bucket seats.
The 2011 Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup offered in Regular Cab, Access Cab (an extended cab with small rear-hinged doors) and Double Cab (crew cab with four full-size front-hinged doors) configurations. Both Regular and Access Cabs are joined to a 6-foot bed. All Toyota Tacoma body styles are available in either two- or four-wheel-drive form. As the base model, the lightly equipped Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab is ideal as a work truck; it actually has more standard amenities than other bare-bones pickups. When equipped with four-wheel drive and an automatic transmission, the Regular Cab gets front bucket seats. The Access Cab gains power locks and windows, upgraded cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, a rear bench (includes under-seat storage) and two more speakers. The Toyota Tacoma Double Cab adds 16-inch steel wheels, a front skid plate and driver lumbar adjustment.
The Convenience package adds power mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control, a sliding rear window and steering-wheel audio controls. The TRD Off-Road package includes 16-inch alloy wheels, fender flares, a heavy-duty suspension, a locking rear differential, skid plates and sport seats. The on-road-oriented TRD Sport package includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a hood scoop, a sport suspension and sport seats.
The 2011 Toyota Tacoma is available with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the Regular and Access Cabs, while a four-speed automatic is optional on those cabs and standard with the Double Cab. When properly equipped, the Toyota Tacoma can tow 6,500 pounds.
Standard safety equipment on all 2011 Tacoma’s includes stability and traction control, antilock brakes (disc front, drum rear) with brake assist, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and front active headrests. For better or worse, the 2011 Toyota Tacoma drives like a proper pickup truck.
Other changes include the addition of turn-signal lamps in the side mirrors and available chrome-clad 18-inch wheels on the TRD Sport Package.
Access Cab models offer a new available six-speaker system with an AM/FM/ satellite radio-capable head unit with a single-disc CD player.
Buyers of 2WD models and off-road aficionados will appreciate the standard automatic limited-slip differential. Downhill Assist Control (DAC) helps to keep the shiny side of your Toyota Tacoma up.
All Access Cab models (extended cab, with rear-hinged rear half-doors) will come with power windows and locks and a rear seat with under-seat and central storage areas. Fresh seat fabric gussies up the interior in SR5 trims, while Regular cabs make do with a front bench seat for three-passenger seating. A back-up monitor for Access and Double Cab models is also available.
The Toyota Tacoma is available in up to 18 different configurations, based on three cab types: Regular Cab, Access Cab, and Double Cab. Power hits the pavement with P215/70R15 tires on steel wheels or P245/75R16 wheels on styled steel wheels, which are exclusive to the 4x4 and PreRunner models.
X-Runner street performance package
Toyota has seen fit to offer four different transmissions depending on which type of engine you select. The Pro package adds a TRD cat-back exhaust system and is only available on V6-powered models.
