2013 Toyota Tacoma

Changes for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma:

 The little truck that could still does, as the 2013 Toyota Tacoma remains the best-selling entry in the admittedly tiny compact pickup segment. It’s a record of success that’s unlikely to end this year, since the truck—which received a noticeable refreshing in 2012—adds a new Limited trim for the current selling season. Designed to showcase “a sense of refinement, while also adding a more sophisticated exterior appearance,” the 2013 Toyota Tacoma Limited welcomes:

• Heated front sport seats, trimmed in high-comfort SofTex material
• A four-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
• New cabin accents, including metallic-tone panel trim and a leather-trimmed steering wheel (with audio controls)
• An auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated backup camera display
• Variable-speed windshield wipers
• Dual sun visors enhanced by mirrors and extenders
• A HomeLink universal transceiver

Model Lineup:

The 2013 Toyota Tacoma prides itself on offering an extensive range of cab and powertrain configurations, with both two- and all-wheel drive, as well as multiple bed choices, and it does so by offering three basic models in multiple trims:

The Regular Cab model of the 2013 Toyota Tacoma gets things started with a standard Display Audio system that combines a 6.1-inch touchscreen, AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA playback, a USB port and Bluetooth technology for audio streaming and hands-free calling. Yes, air conditioning is standard, too, as are truck-friendly exterior cues such as rear mudguards, four fixed cargo-bed tie-downs, and Toyota’s Deck Rail System, featuring four movable tie-down cleats.

Along with its two rear-hinged access doors, the 2013 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab model also adds two more, performance-oriented trims: PreRunner and X-Runner. The offroad-style 2013 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner provides a black fender bar up front, bigger (16-inch) wheels, underbody skid plates, sport seats, second-row under-seat storage, power windows and locks, and overhead and center storage consoles. Taking things to ye olde next level, the 2013 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner leverages a six-speed manual transmission, the Tacoma’s powerful V6 engine, a full body kit (and functional hood scoop), fog lamps, and a sport-tuned suspension—and 0-60 times of under seven seconds.

The 2013 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab roster includes the same models as the Access Cab lineup, but swaps in a long-bed version of the PreRunner and swaps out the X-Runner.

Numerous upgrades also are available for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma lineup, ranging from the TRD and T[temp]>X performance packages that offer even more offroad performance and style to premium features that deliver more comfort and convenience—like Toyota’s Entune connectivity/infotainment system, a navigation system, JBL GreenEdge speakers, and a leather interior.

Engines and Transmissions:

Both 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines are available for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma, with the former able to extricate 159 hp and 180 lb.-ft. of torque from its 2.7 liters of displacement. The truck’s 4.0-liter V6 ups those ratings to 236 hp and 266 lb.-ft. of torque. The larger powerplant offers a larger number of gears, too, with five-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmissions, while the 4-cylinder engine can be paired with either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual.

Fuel Economy Ratings:

Four-cylindered, two-wheel-drive 2013 Toyota Tacomas are EPA-certified at 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway/23 mpg combined with the five-speed manual, and 19/24/21 with the four-speed automatic transmission. When configured with the V6, the rear-wheel-drive Tacoma can achieve 17 mpg city/21 mpg highway/19 mpg combined while using its five-speed automatic or post a line of 16/21/18 with the six-speed DIY unit.

Adding four-wheel-drive to the 2013 Toyota Tacoma results in fuel-economy ratings of:

• 4-cylinder, 4AT—18/21/19
• 4-cylinder, 5MT—18/21/19
• V6, 5AT—16/21/18
• V6, 6MT—16/19/17

Safety Ratings:

Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2013 Toyota Tacoma is a 4-star overall safety performer. In Top Safety Pick testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2013 Toyota Tacoma earned “Good” grades in three of the four traditional IIHS evaluations (for moderate front-impact, side-impact and rear-crash protection).

Technology Highlights:

Along with its cutting-edge Entune technology, which offers a full range of infotainment and connectivity benefits, the 2013 Toyota Tacoma can be configured with some serious offroad hardware that bears mentioning. This includes Toyota’s advanced A-TRAC traction-control system, an electronically controlled locking differential, and Bilstein shock absorbers.