2008 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Trim Level Overview

2008 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner Access Cab V6

Tacoma's PreRunner trim includes an enhanced appearance, giving this 4x2 the look of a durable off-road machine. The PreRunner also includes more-rugged suspension tuning, but four-wheel drive is not available. The PreRunner itself is not a separate trim level, and interior features are consistent with the rest of the Access Cab Tacomas. Access Cab adds air conditioning, an upgraded CD audio system, full power accessories, and higher-quality upholstery.

PreRunners are powered by the 4.0-liter V6, which produces 236 hp and 266 lb-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a new six-speed manual transmission, but a five-speed automatic is also available. Mixed-driving fuel economy averages about 20 mpg. The inclusion of the V6 engine allows buyers to add the TRD Sport and SR5 option packages.

2008 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab 4WD

The four-wheel-drive Access Cab is available with both engine options. This trim houses the 2.7-liter DOHC inline four, which provides 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. The 4x4 models add larger tires, but towing capacity remains at 3,500 pounds. If enthusiasts desire Toyota's TRD Off-Road package, they will have to upgrade to the V6.

All Access Cab Tacomas come standard with a six-speaker CD audio system and air conditioning. Almost all available safety features are standard, including Toyota's Advanced Airbag System, ABS, and child restraints. Options on the 4x4 include the SR5 appearance package, automatic limited-slip rear differential, and Hill Start assist Control.

2008 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab V6 4WD

This well-equipped Access Cab model comes with the recently added 4.0-liter V6 and a six-speed manual transmission. The 4WDemand system is also standard. The engine provides 236 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The addition of the manual transmission will lift highway mpg up around 20, but a five-speed automatic is also available. Towing capacity is estimated at 6,500 pounds.

Standard safety features include ABS, front airbags with Toyota's Advanced Airbag System, and a child restraint system. All Access Cab Tacomas come standard with a six-speaker CD audio system and air conditioning.

2008 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab

Tacoma's "Access Cab" features smaller rear doors that open in the opposite direction from the front doors to offer easier access to the back seats. Access Cab Tacomas are only offered with the full 73-inch bed.

While there are a couple of engine options, this variant includes the 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, which produces 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The EPA mixed-driving mpg average for the four-cylinder Tacoma is estimated to reach into the low 20s.

This lower-level trim is not eligible for all Tacoma options packages; availability increases on the V6 and 4WD models. Buyers may opt for a Convenience Package, which adds some additional features like power windows and door locks, a keyless entry system, cruise control, and a sliding rear window. An appearance-oriented SR5 Package includes a chrome grille surround and rear bumper, metallic-tone instrument-panel trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter.

2008 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner Access Cab

Both the Tacoma and Tundra pickups offer a variety of niches to satisfy the needs of all possible truck buyers. The Tacoma PreRunner is designed to offer the aesthetics and suspension of a durable 4x4 truck, but it's powered by a two-wheel-drive powertrain. The PreRunner package is available with all three cab layouts.

The PreRunner Access Cab houses the 2.7-liter DOHC inline four, which is good for 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. The inclusion of the smaller engine and front-wheel drive improve fuel economy, and this truck will achieve a mixed-driving miles-per-gallon average in the low 20s.

Upgrading from the Regular Cab to the Access Cab adds standard features like a six-speaker CD audio system and air conditioning. The 4-cylinder and front-wheel-drive Tacomas are not eligible for any TRD packages.