Car shoppers are turning away from pickup trucks in droves, but the midsized Toyota Tacoma has held its own. Where full-sized trucks saw sales drop upwards of 45 percent last month, the Tacoma dropped just 5.7 percent. The Tacoma has survived the tumultuous market with its just-right-size, decent fuel economy, smooth performance, and reliability reputation.
And for 2009, Toyota is making several minor upgrades to increase the truck line’s appeal. A slight exterior freshening brings a painted grille, LED tail lamps, and four new colors. Smoked headlamp trim is featured on X-Runner and models with the optional TRD Offroad and TRD Sport packages.
The interior sees an upgraded standard stereo: AM/FM tuner with satellite radio capability, MP3-capable CD player, and auxiliary audio input. Access and Double Cab models add two ceiling-mounted speakers for a total of six.
Other interior tweaks include a new front door trim panel on all Tacoma models, and a new rear seat design that features a center storage area and under-seat storage. A new backup monitor is offered as an option on Access and Double Cab models.
On the safety front, all Tacomas will feature electronic stability control, as well as roll-sensing curtain and seat-mounted side air bags, and front active headrests.
All this goodness comes at a price; the overall average MSRP for all Tacoma models increases $1,104, or 5.1 percent. The line ranges from $15,170 for the Regular Cab with a four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission to $25,285 for the X-Runner Access Cab V6 with a six-speed manual transmission. PreRunner models start at $16,055 and continue up to $24,000 for the Double Cab Long Bed V6 with five-speed automatic transmission. Off-roaders being at $19,130 for the Regular Cab with a four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission to $27,075 for the Double Cab Long Bed V6 with a five-speed automatic transmission.
The 2009 Tacoma is now available at Toyota dealerships.
Research pickup trucks in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries. Read our 2008 Toyota Tacoma review.
