2013 Toyota Tacoma Overview

2013 Toyota Tacoma Overview

Overall User Score

3.5⁄5

Based on 2 reviews

The 2013 Toyota Tacoma changes very little from the 8th-generation version that debuted in 2005. Following a freshening that took place in 2012, the only changes in place for 2013 include making daytime running lights standard and offering a multimedia display audio system for all trims.

The 2013 Toyota Tacoma is available in four body styles—Regular Cab, Access Cab, Double Cab and X-Runner—and 14 distinct trim levels. Regular Cab trims are available with 4-wheel drive (4WD) and a short bed (SB); Access Cab trims are available with 4WD, SB, V6 4WD, PreRunner SB, PreRunner V6 SB, and X-Runner V6; and Double Cab trims are available with a long bed (LB) V6 4WD, SB, V6 SB, PreRunner SB, PreRunner V6 SB, and PreRunner V6 LB.

Regular Cab trims come equipped with a 2.7-liter DOHC 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine with intelligent variable valve timing (VVT-I) that makes 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. The Regular Cab is available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. Access Cab and Double Cab trims are also available with either the 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The rear-wheel drive (RWD) trims are all equipped with the 2.7-liter engine, except the PreRunner V6 SB and X-Runner V6, which are manufactured with a 4.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine with VVT-I that achieves 236 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The RWD Double Cab trims also come with the 2.7-liter engine, except the PreRunner V6 SB and PreRunner V6 LB, which are packaged with the 4.0-liter engine. All 4WD Double Cab trims also have the 4.0-liter engine.

All 2013 Toyota Tacomas run on regular gasoline. Depending on trim choice, the RWD trims are estimated to achieve between 16 mpg city/21 highway and 21/25. The 4WD trims are estimated to achieve between 16/19 and 18/21. The Tacoma is rated to haul up to 6,500 pounds with a trailer, with a payload capacity of nearly 1,600 pounds.

SB trims come with a 5-foot bed that can be matched with all cab styles. The Double Cab can be configured with either a 5-foot or 6-foot bed (LB). There are a number of standard features found on the 2013 Toyota Tacoma, depending on trim level. These features include air conditioning, cloth seating surfaces, a 4-way adjustable front bench seat, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, 4-speaker audio system with 6.1-inch touchscreen, AM/FM CD player with iPod connectivity and Bluetooth capability, multi-reflector halogen headlights and 15-inch steel wheels.

Upgrades that can be added, depending on trim, include cruise control, fog lights, power exterior mirrors, power windows, power locks, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, 4-way-adjustable individual front seats, a leather-trimmed tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with mounted audio controls, sliding rear window, front and rear mudguards, 16-inch steel wheels and 16-, 17- or 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Several of these upgrades are available together in a number of packages that Toyota offers, such as the Extra Value and Off-Road packages.

The 2013 Toyota Tacoma comes fully stocked with both safety and security features, including an advanced airbag system for the driver and front passenger, which includes seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side-curtain airbags. Other safety and security features include daytime running lights, side-impact door beams, 4-wheel antilock brakes, driveline traction control, stability control and a tire pressure monitoring system. Available upgrades for the 2013 Tacoma include a keyless entry system, hill start assist, downhill assist control and an engine immobilizer.

For buyers looking to purchase a small, dependable pickup, the 2013 Toyota Tacoma is an optimal choice. The competition in the compact pickup market is in upheaval, as the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon are in transition, and production of the Ford Ranger has ended altogether. The Honda Ridgeline and Nissan Frontier remain as the main competition to the Tacoma. Although fuel mileage is somewhat lacking, and the base trims offer few amenities, the Tacoma is a workhorse and a decent value for those looking for something smaller than a full-size pickup.