Available in Base, PreRunner and XRunner configurations, the 2012 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab provides a standard 6.1-foot bed, 4 doors (rear “suicide doors”), seating for 4 (on rear jump seats) and a slew of added cabin amenities. Voted the best of a declining breed of light-duty pickup trucks, this pint-size work pony boasts a choice of engines and transmissions, as well as available 4-wheel drive (4WD) in the Base and Base V6 trim levels.
The standard powertrain for the Base and PreRunner versions is a 2.7-liter, variable-valve-timed (VVT) inline 4-cylinder engine combined with either the standard 5-speed manual transmission or an available 4-speed automatic. With either gearbox, look for 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, not to mention 3,500 pounds of towing capacity with the proper equipment. The standard rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration means mileage in the range of 21 mpg city/25 highway with the 5-speed stick and 19/24 with the available automatic. In 4WD-equipped Base variations expect 18/20 with the stick shift and 18/21 with the automatic.
A potent 4.0-liter V6 powerplant is available to both the Base (Base V6) and PreRunner (PreRunner V6) trim levels, and comes standard on the XRunner sub-trim. Either a standard 5-speed automatic transmission or an available 6-speed manual gearbox provides the brains behind the power, which adds up to 236 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Look for some 6,400 pounds of towing capacity with the optional tow package, while variable valve timing provides fuel economy numbers of 17/21 in 5-speed automatic RWD versions, 16/21 in 4WD editions, and 16/21 in both 6-speed stick-shift and automatic-equipped 4WD variations. The part-time 4WD system, by the way, sports electronic hi-lo gear selection and auto-locking hubs.
Sporting rear jump seats, Toyota Access Cab trim levels start with the Base and PreRunner offering such standard amenities as trailer wiring and, in 4WD editions, skid plates. The Base and PreRunner Access Cab variants feature cloth upholstery, front bucket seats with fold-down passenger seatback, remote power door locks, power windows, telescoping tilt-wheel steering and a single-CD player with auxiliary audio inputs and 6 speakers. Cruise control, meanwhile, as well as 18-inch alloy wheels and a sport-tuned suspension are a couple of extra goodies standard with the XRunner.
A Convenience Package, featuring cruise control (automatics only), a sliding rear window, keyless entry and power-adjustable outside mirrors, is optional on Base and PreRunner Access Cab trims, as is the SR5 Package with various exterior and interior trim upgrades, as well as premium cloth upholstery and a rear-view camera. Satellite radio, meantime, not to mention floor mats, tubular side steps, upgraded wheels and, for V6-toting Access Cab trims, a towing package are all optional. Additionally, those 2012 Tacoma Access Cab trims equipped with 4WD are eligible for a number of TRD Off-Road and Sport packages with upgraded suspensions, wheels and tires, as well as unique decals and exterior chrome accents.
Safety-wise, the 2012 Tacoma Access Cab trim sports standard 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection, as well as front and rear head airbags. The XRunner sports standard front/fog driving lights, while Base Access Cabs and PreRunners are eligible for daytime running lights. PreRunner and XRunner trim levels can, furthermore, be delivered with an available remote antitheft alarm.
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