The 2010 Toyota Tacoma: The Best Compact Truck For You?
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The 2010 Toyota Tacoma has been receiving wide critical claim from both reviewers and drivers. Benefiting from a low entry price, good workhorse capabilities and all-around good driving dynamics, the Tacoma is certainly one of the better compact trucks of the year. Review specs, features and mpgs of the new 2010 Toyota Tacoma to determine if it is the right pickup for you.
New 2010 Toyota Tacoma Styling
The Toyota Tacoma boasts a confident exterior that delivers the overall rugged look that most truck drivers are looking for. A variety of cab configurations help ensure there is a Tacoma model for everyone. Available models include a regular cab, extended Access Cab and double cab that offers improved rear-seat real estate.
Open the doors and slide inside, and you'll be greeted by a build quality that is tops in its class. The streamlined décor offers a good fit and finish and the standard list of interior features is superior to most competitors. The base Tacoma serves largely as a work truck, and comes with a composite bedliner, limited-slip differential, bed utility-rail system and stereo with CD player and MP3 player input. The Access Cab is a little more family friendly, and starts with air conditioning, power accessories and a rear bench seat.
In terms of seating, the front passenger seats do a great job of making sure you feel at home. While some truck fans may sour at the low seating position, many others will find the car-like positioning more comfortable. If you're looking for rear seat comfort, go with the Double Cab body style.
In terms of cargo capacity, the Tacoma offers the longest truck bed in its class. Inside, an under-seat storage area is available on the Double Cab body style.
New 2010 Toyota Tacoma Performance
The base engine for the Tacoma is a 2.7-liter four-cylinder that delivers 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft. of torque. If you simply need a truck for light hauling, then opting for this engine will net you some of the best fuel figures in the truck class. The EPA estimates that the four-cylinder delivers 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway (22 mpg combined).
For improved performance, many shoppers choose to go with the 4.0-liter V-6 engine that outputs 236 horsepower and 266 lb-ft. of torque. If you plan on heading off road or loading up that payload, then the V-6 is almost certainly a better choice.
Regardless of which engine you choose, the Tacoma drives more like a truck than other options in its class. While this can make on-road manners seem a little harsh at times, it works in your favor for off-road purposes.
New 2010 Toyota Tacoma Safety
The Toyota Tacoma proves superior in the category of safety as well. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, brake assist, traction control, stability control and four airbags. Four-wheel drive models also come with hill assist and downhill assist. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) considers the 2010 Tacoma a "Top Safety Pick."
New 2010 Toyota Tacoma Pricing
Starting at $15,345, base price for the 2010 Toyota Tacoma is the lowest in its class. Extended cab models start around $19,000. If you're looking for a vehicle that offers comparable value and improved on-road performance, then consider the Nissan Frontier. For maximum fuel efficiency in the compact truck class, take a look at the Ford Ranger.