Through 45 years of compact pickup truck heritage, Toyota has
continued its sales dominance in this competitive segment with the
Tacoma. Starting with the Stout in 1964, followed by the Hilux in 1969,
Toyota Compact Pickup in 1976, and for the last 15 years the Tacoma,
Toyota's compact pickups have been a leader in the evolution of the
compact pickup segment.
The Toyota truck started out as basic and functional and through
the years became more powerful, with added roominess and
refinement. Throughout, it was always rugged and reliable. It has
defined, and redefined the meaning of a phrase that has become
synonymous with the Toyota brand, quality, durability and reliability.
Now in its eighth generation, Toyota has sold more than five and
one-half million compact pickups in the U.S. Presently, Tacoma
commands a nearly 40 percent market share in its segment, outselling
its closest competitor by more than 2:1.
After receiving extensive interior and exterior revisions in 2009, the 2010 model year Tacoma carries over unchanged.
Performance

The
2010 Toyota Tacoma line offers two engines: a 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder
that produces 159 horsepower with 180 lb-ft. of torque and a 4.0-liter
DOHC V6 that produces 236 horsepower with 266 lb-ft. of torque. In both
engines variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) provides strong
low-end and mid-range torque. An Electronic Throttle Control System
with intelligence (ETCS-i) helps optimize performance and fuel economy.
The V6 engine can be teamed with either a six-speed manual or a
five-speed automatic transmission. Four-cylinder 4x4 models come
equipped with a five-speed manual transmission and four-cylinder 4x2
models offer a choice between a five-speed manual and a four-speed
automatic transmission.
Capability, Handling and Ride
Tacoma
offers some of the most sophisticated dynamic control technology in the
segment. Standard on all Tacoma models is the Toyota Star Safety
System?, which includes the anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic
Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability
Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC). An Automatic Limited-slip
Differential (Auto-LSD), which uses brake intervention to help reduce
tire slippage at the rear wheels, is standard on all Tacoma models
(with the exception of models equipped with TRD Off-road packages,
which are equipped with a separate locking rear differential).
Safety
All
seating positions on every Tacoma model are equipped with three-point
seatbelts, and an advanced dual-stage airbag system. A front passenger
cutoff switch is standard on Access Cab models. Each model is equipped
with standard front seat-mounted side airbags and roll-sensing side
curtain airbags (including a cutoff switch). All Access and Double Cab
models feature standard active headrests on the driver and front
passenger seats. The active headrests move up and forward almost
instantly in the event of certain rear-end collisions to help reduce
the distance between the occupant's head and the headrest.
Comfort and Convenience
The
well-equipped 4x2 Regular Cab model includes a standard full-size spare
tire; AM/FM CD four-speaker sound system; tachometer; digital clock;
two instrument panel powerpoints with a lighter; dome lamp; and rear
mudguards. Air conditioning is offered as a standalone option on
Regular Cab models.
The Access Cab and Double Cab models add more standard features,
including power windows and door locks, bucket seats and a center
console. In Double Cab models, power mirrors and driver seat adjustable
lumbar support are also standard. For both Access and Double Cab models
the option combinations are built on five core packages.
Options
Toyota
offers a variety of performance parts and option packages for Tacoma.
The TRD Off-Road Package provides a carefully tuned balance of off-road
performance and on-road handling. Chassis modifications include
progressive-rate front springs, specially tuned Bilstein shock
absorbers, a 28-mm front stabilizer bar and 265/70R16 BF Goodrich
Rugged Trail tires on 16-inch alloy wheels. Fog lamps and TRD graphics
top off the package for a tough, sporty appearance.
The TRD Sport Package is road-focused and features its own
specific suspension tuning and lower-profile 265/65 R17 tires on
17-inch alloy wheels. This package also gives Tacoma a sporty street
look with fog lamps, hood scoop, TRD graphics and a color-keyed rear
bumper, mirrors, grille surround and door handles.
Exterior Design
The
2010 Tacoma line offers 18 different model configurations based on
three cab types: Regular Cab, Access Cab, and the four-door Double Cab.
With its big, bold headlights and grille, Tacoma projects a
strong, rugged appearance. Flush rear surface glass and surface
structures between the bumper sides and body give Tacoma a
sophisticated, clean look. PreRunner and 4x4 models are distinguished
by bold overfenders. PreRunner models combine the 4x2 drivetrain with
the 4x4's raised riding stance and styling. Double Cab models offer a
roof rack system with crossbars that deploy from the roof rails.
Interior Design
The
Tacoma interior provides durability and comfort with high-grade fabric
and generous standard equipment. Sound absorption material in the
headliner and behind the rear seats along with insulating carpeting
help to provide a quiet cabin. Exterior aerodynamic details help reduce
wind noise.
A three-pod instrument gauge panel lends a sporty look in all
models. The center console (standard on Access Cab and Double Cab
models) flows into the instrument panel for a unified appearance. The
console integrates three cupholders, two of which can accommodate
extra-large containers.