Contents
Overview
The 2022 Toyota Tacoma offers a unique combination of robust work capability and off-roading excellence, but its interior is quite cramped for the mid-size class. Furthermore, performance from both the anemic four cylinder engine and 270 hp V6 powertrain are far from extraordinary; you have to option in an unrefined six speed automatic if you want anything better. What does make this pick up special? Well it’s backed by reliable Toyota engineering and optimized for extreme conditions so that drivers can explore unknown terrain without worry!
The 2022 Tacoma is a powerhouse, flourishing through mud and mines alike – boasting resilient suspension and equipment that rival the heavy-hitting Jeep Wrangler and its pickup counterpart, the Gladiator. It may not be as customizable or drive as well as competitors like Chevy Colorado or GMC Canyon but with superior standard driver-assistance technology combined with its formidable capabilities, it cements itself in legend alongside legends such as Jeeps.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Tacoma’s V-6 engine delivers satisfactory power and towing strength, but the base four-cylinder is underpowered – better skip it. The six-speed automatic transmission should also be avoided with either engine – we recommend choosing the six speed manual variant in combination with the V-6 instead. With its automatic tranny, even the bigger engine seems hesitant sometimes. For a city drive opt for TRD Sport or Limited models while adventurous off roaders may prefer TRD Off Road and Pro versions of this awesome truck.
Despite the fact that none of these options is especially swift, don’t underestimate the Tacoma’s handling and ride quality. It has what it takes to tackle trails or rough roads with ease – be they outfitted for off-roading or smooth road cruising. The Limited version offers a much more satisfying drive than its off-road counterparts; it is smoother, quieter and far less jarring on your everyday journey. We’ve taken our own TRD Pro model westward across some gruelling terrains where we found its lifted suspension, hefty shock absorbers and large tyres gave an unparalleled performance when tackling difficult tracks – however not so great for regular driving!
Towing and Payload Capacity
The Tacoma’s impressive towing capacity stands at 6800 pounds with rear-wheel drive, and a maximum payload of up to 1685 lbs can be attained on two-wheel drive models with the four-cylinder engine. However, should you opt for four wheel drive paired with the V6 engine, your capacities will be significantly diminished.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The V-6 Tacoma’s EPA-rated fuel economy ranks in the middle of the pack, but in our real-world highway testing, it falls short of more efficient competitors. Although the manual transmission with the V-6 has the worst fuel economy, it’s way more fun to drive. In our real-world fuel-economy test, the Tacoma matched its EPA highway estimate of 23 mpg. Still, this was 5 mpg less than the Honda Ridgeline and the diesel GMC Canyon. For more information about the Tacoma’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Tacoma might have only average crash-test ratings, but it has the most standard driver-assistance technology in its class. While the Ridgeline maintains its class-leading status here (thanks to excellent crash-test scores), the mid-size Toyota has more impressive tech than its other rivals. For more information about the Tacoma’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
