Trims and Powertrain Specs

Besides the TRD Pro and Trail Special Edition we just mentioned, Toyota makes the Tacoma in these trim levels: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited. The cab choices are regular (seats four and gets a 6-foot bed) and extended (seats five and has either a 5-ft. or 6-ft. bed). The extended cab with the 6-ft. bed can be ordered on any trim except the base SR, while the Limited can only be had with the extended cab.

The powertrain choices consist of the base 159-horsepower 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, which comes standard on the SR an SR5, and the available 3.5-liter V6, with an output of 278 hp and 265 lb.-ft. of torque. That larger powerplant is optional on the two lowest trims and standard on the others. Only the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road are available with a six-speed manual transmission; every other trim gets a six-speed automatic. And while rear-wheel drive is the default, most Tacoma buyers opt for the available four-wheel drive. When it’s properly equipped, this midsized truck can tow as much as 6,400 pounds.

Ready to Tackle the Trails

All Tacomas are rugged – for instance, the two lowest trims are equipped with skid plates for the engine and front suspension – but the TRD trims are really built to take on the rocky trails. The TRD Sport has a specially tuned suspension, while the other TRD versions add more. An electronically controlled locking rear differential and Bilstein shocks differentiate the TRD Off-Road, which also has Crawl Control with Multi-Terrain Select when it’s ordered with 4WD. This feature maximizes traction control off the pavement, with specialized settings for challenging terrain and crawling over rocks. The optional multi-terrain camera system will add the ability to see obstacles all around the vehicle.

Modern Features for Comfort and Capability

Even the most no-nonsense trim, the SR, is well planned out with gear like frost-busting heated exterior mirrors, a durable composite bed with four tie-down cleats (adjustable), and a trio of USB ports. When it’s ordered with the engine upgrade, more features are added: dual-zone automatic climate control and remote keyless entry (this feature can also be ordered in conjunction with the base powertrain). The remote entry system comes standard on the SR5, along with fog lights, projector-beam headlights, exterior accents in chrome, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Once again, some features are added along with the V6 powertrain: a power driver’s seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and alloy wheels (a power sliding rear window is also included when the extended cab is ordered). That list of V6 upgrades becomes standard equipment on the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road, which also get wireless smartphone charging and a 120V outlet in the truck bed. As mentioned, the TRD Pro and Trail Special Edition get additional off-roading features and a distinct grille. The Limited is loaded up with LED headlights, leather seats (heated in front), and a moonroof.

Safety and Technology

Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) is included on all ’22 Tacoma trims, adding automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and lane departure alert with steering assist. The SR5, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road are eligible for the optional blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, which all come standard on the Limited. A surround-view monitor is also available on the Limited.

The base infotainment system in the SR trim has a 7-inch touchscreen, smartphone connectivity (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), Bluetooth (for phone calls and audio streaming), six speakers, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The other trims move up to an 8-inch touchscreen, and the Limited receives navigation and an audio upgrade to a JBL system. Some features that are standard on higher trims are available on lower trims for an added cost.