Trims and Powertrain

From a basic work truck to a rugged off-road cruiser, the 2022 Tacoma spans seven trims: SR, SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro. The body styles on offer are the Access Cab (seating for four and a six-foot bed) or the Double Cab (seating for five and either a five-foot or six-foot bed). The SR only comes in the Access Cab or Double Cab with the shorter bed. The Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, and Limited are Double Cab only (either bed length), while the TRD Pro comes in just the Double Cab with the shorter bed.

Power for the SR and SR5 comes from a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine making 159 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque. The others get a 3.5-liter V6 producing 278 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft.; this powerplant is optional for the SR and SR5). Rear-wheel drive is standard and four-wheel drive is available on all but the Trail Special Edition and TRD Pro, which are strictly 4WD. Most 2022 Tacomas come with a six-speed automatic transmission, but any 4WD-equipped TRD trim is available with a six-speed manual gearbox. The Trail Special Edition and the TRD Pro are differentiated by their lifted suspensions, all-terrain tires (Goodyear), and upgraded skid plates.

The fuel economy rating for the smaller engine has been determined by the EPA to be 20 mpg city/23 mpg highway with RWD and 19 city/22 highway with 4WD. For the V6 with the automatic transmission, the ratings are at 19 city/24 highway (RWD) and 18 city/22 highway (4WD). The V6/manual tranny combo achieves an estimated 17 city/21 highway.

Standard Features by Trim Level

The SR proves that a base-model truck doesn't have to be spartan, as it gets heated power side mirrors, automatic high beams, a front skid plate, a sliding rear window with privacy glass, 16-inch steel wheels, a composite inner cargo bed, and a deck rail system with movable cleats. When the SR is upgraded with the optional V6, it also gets remote keyless entry and dual-zone automatic climate control. Some standard-equipment highlights of the SR5 are remote keyless entry, chrome exterior accents, fog lights, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Once again, there are upgrades in conjunction with the larger engine: alloy wheels, a power-sliding rear window (Double Cab), and a ten-way power driver's seat. The Trail Special Edition gets the off-pavement upgrades mentioned in the previous section, along with a unique grille featuring TOYOTA written out instead of the oval T logo.

The TRD (Toyota Racing Development) lineup begins with the TRD Sport, which gets an upgraded suspension, a hood scoop, body-colored fender extensions, 17-inch alloy wheels, and wireless device charging. The TRD Off-Road is distinguished by 16-inch alloy wheels, Bilstein shocks, an electronically lockable rear differential, and an upgraded traction management system (4WD only). The TRD Pro takes Tacoma capability to the max with a lifted off-road suspension enhanced with FOX shock absorbers, an upgraded front skid plate, all-terrain tires on 16-inch black-finish wheels, and a modified body that allows for easier off-road travel, and an all-terrain camera monitor. It also gets LED headlights, a power sunroof, and trim-specific leather upholstery. The Limited trim drops the offroad-oriented upgrades in favor of black exterior accents, 18-inch black-finish alloys, rear parking sensors, and a different style of leather-trimmed seating.

Safety and Technology

Every 2022 Tacoma is set up with Toyota Safety Sense (automatic high beams, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control). Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is available on the TRD Sport and TRD Off-road, but it comes standard on the TRD Pro and Limited. The Limited is also eligible for the available surround-view monitor.

The base infotainment system has a 7-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, access to a Wi-Fi hotspot, and three USB ports. The SR5 and higher trims get an 8-inch touchscreen. Navigation and a six-speaker JBL audio system are standard on the Limited and available on the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road.