The 2010 Toyota Tacoma compact pickup truck offers good value for prospective buyers, delivering solid performance, competent off-road handling, a rugged exterior, and a long list of standard features, all at a relatively affordable price. The automaker makes only one minor change to the Tacoma for 2010, updating the front cupholder so it delivers "enhanced" functionality. Otherwise, the Tacoma retains all the attributes that have made it so popular with current owners.

The versatile, award-winning Tacoma comes in 13 trims for 2010, providing prospective buyers with a wide range of choices. Toyota offers the Tacoma with Regular, Access, and Double Cab configurations, as well as with two different engines, two bed lengths, and either rear-wheel or part-time four-wheel drive. In addition, buyers can opt for PreRunner trims at each cab level, which come equipped with black overfenders, a front skid plate, and front and rear mudguards, among other features. Toyota also offers an X-Runner high-performance trim, which includes a sport-tuned suspension, a lowered ride height, Bilstein shocks, a body-color hood scoop, an exterior body kit, and 18-inch wheels.

Engine choices include a 2.7-liter, DOHC four-cylinder powerplant, which drives the Regular Cab trims and some of the Access Cab trims. It produces 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, and pairs with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy numbers for the four-cylinder engine range from 20/26 mpg for rear-wheel-drive trims to 17/22 mpg for four-wheel-drive trims.

Owners requiring more power can opt for a 4.0-liter, DOHC V6 engine, which drives the remainder of the Access Cab trims and all of the Double Cab trims. It puts out 236 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, and pushes the Tacoma from 0-60 mpg in around 7.8 seconds, depending on the trim-specific configuration. The V6 mates to either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. Fuel economy numbers range between 17/21 and 14/18 mpg, depending on the drivetrain, wheel size, and other variables. When properly equipped, V6 Tacomas can tow up to 6,500 pounds.

The Tacoma's cabin can best be described as functional, rather than upscale or luxury-oriented, although most owners find it comfortable, with good overall fit and finish. The sparsely equipped Regular Cabins, which feature two doors and a bench seat, come standard with a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, LED-illuminated gauges, and a four-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system pre-wired for satellite radio.

Access Cab trims, which include rear suicide doors and second-row jump seats, add bucket seats, air conditioning, an overhead console with maplights and storage, rear cupholders, and power windows and door locks. At the top of the heap, the four-door, two-row Double Cab trims also include adjustable lumbar support for the driver's seat, a 60/40-split rear bench seat, under-seat storage, rear bulkhead storage, and rear-seat heater ducts. Owners can add such options as remote keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, a backup camera, and an upgraded audio system.

All Tacomas come standard with Toyota's Star Safety system, which includes stability control, traction control, and antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. Dual front, front seat-mounted, and front and rear side-curtain airbags also come standard.