Best-In-Class Comfort: 2022 Toyota Tacoma Interior Review
The 2022 Toyota Tacoma is one of the most popular midsize trucks out there and for good reason. While many focus on its rugged off-road capabilities the interior often gets overlooked. However the inside of the Tacoma is where you'll spend most of your time and it has a lot to offer. From the layout of the dashboard to the feel of the materials Toyota has designed a cabin that balances practicality and style for drivers who need both functionality and comfort.
First Impressions: Comfort and Design
When you first step into the 2022 Toyota Tacoma you'll notice that its cabin is driver-focused. The seating is higher compared to many trucks in the same category giving the driver a commanding view of the road. While the dashboard is minimalistic it's intuitive—there are large dials for the climate controls making them easy to adjust even with gloves on. This is something a lot of drivers overlook until they're actually on the road but Toyota has thought ahead.
Materials and Build Quality
One of the most talked-about aspects of the Tacoma's interior is its durability. The materials used inside are designed to withstand the wear and tear of active use which makes sense given the Tacoma’s off-road reputation. You'll find that most surfaces are covered in hard plastics which may not be as luxurious as leather but are much easier to clean after a long day on the trail. This is a conscious design choice—Toyota wanted a truck that could easily transition from work to adventure without feeling too fancy for either.
However some potential drawbacks come up here. While the interior is durable some might say it feels less premium compared to competitors like the Chevy Colorado or Ford Ranger which offer more upscale finishes in their higher trims. But for those who prioritize functionality over aesthetics the Tacoma shines.
Seating: Comfort for Long Hauls
Let's dive into one of the most important aspects of any vehicle’s interior—the seats. In the 2022 Toyota Tacoma the front seats are generally supportive and well-cushioned. For shorter drives they're perfectly comfortable but some drivers have reported that on longer road trips the seats can become a bit stiff. The lumbar support is adjustable but not as robust as what you'd find in a more luxurious model.
In terms of space the Tacoma isn’t the roomiest midsize truck on the market. Alex Collantes who’s been driving the Tacoma for the past two years had this to say: “While I love how tough the Tacoma is the back seats can be a bit cramped especially on longer trips. It’s fine for short rides but if you’ve got taller passengers they might not love being back there for a long haul.”
- Front seats: Supportive for shorter drives but could be better for long trips
- Rear seats: Cramped for taller passengers especially for longer rides
Cloth vs Leather Upholstery
The Tacoma comes with two primary seating materials—cloth and leather. The cloth seats are standard on the base models and they do a good job at being durable and easy to clean. For those looking for more of a premium feel the leather option found in the TRD Sport and higher trims adds a level of comfort and style. But again for those who prioritize comfort some find the seats to be on the firm side.
Technology: User-Friendly but Not Over the Top
Toyota has made strides in incorporating modern technology into the 2022 Tacoma without overloading it. The infotainment system features a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen depending on the trim. It’s responsive and easy to navigate which is great news for those who aren’t particularly tech-savvy. Plus it comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across all models which is a huge plus.
However the infotainment screen can feel a bit small when compared to the larger displays found in rival trucks like the Ford Ranger or Honda Ridgeline. While the Tacoma's system is simple to use it doesn’t offer the same level of customization or high-tech features as some of its competitors.
Audio System
The base model comes with a six-speaker sound system that gets the job done but if you're an audiophile you may want to upgrade to the available JBL premium audio system. The sound quality is noticeably better especially at higher volumes. That said some drivers have found that the bass can be a bit lacking even with the JBL system.
Storage and Practicality: Smart Use of Space
One of the things Tacoma drivers love most is how practical the cabin is. There are multiple storage cubbies spread throughout the cabin that make it easy to store small items like phones keys and snacks. You’ll find storage under the rear seats which can be folded up for extra space when you're hauling gear.
However this is another area where the Tacoma faces some criticism. While there’s enough storage for most people’s day-to-day needs the interior doesn’t offer as much space as other midsize trucks. The rear seating area is where the Tacoma starts to feel a bit tight.
Alex Collantes weighs in again saying “The storage is fine for me but if you’ve got a family or plan on carrying a lot of gear regularly you might feel like there’s not enough space inside. That’s probably the biggest drawback for me.”
Climate Control: Keeping Things Cool (or Warm)
The 2022 Tacoma features a simple and easy-to-use climate control system. Most models come with manual air conditioning but the higher trims like the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro come equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control. This is a nice touch because it allows both the driver and passenger to set their own temperature preferences which is ideal for road trips or if you tend to run hot while your passenger feels cold.
One thing to note is that some drivers have found the air vents to be a bit small which can make it take longer to cool or heat the cabin compared to larger vehicles.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Safety is one area where the 2022 Toyota Tacoma excels. All models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) which includes a host of driver-assistance features:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert
- Automatic High Beams
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
These systems are intuitive and not overly intrusive—a problem some vehicles have when it comes to lane departure systems. They can alert you when you're drifting but they won’t take over the driving experience.
Drawbacks in Safety Features
While Toyota Safety Sense is comprehensive some drivers have noted that the lane departure alert can be overly sensitive on curvier roads. Additionally the dynamic radar cruise control does a great job of maintaining distance from vehicles ahead but it can feel a bit jerky when coming to a full stop especially in heavy traffic.
Trim Levels: How the Interior Varies
The 2022 Toyota Tacoma comes in six main trim levels each with slight differences in the interior features:
- SR: Base model with cloth seats and a simple infotainment system
- SR5: Adds keyless entry and some upgraded materials
- TRD Sport: Leather seats become an option along with a sport-tuned suspension
- TRD Off-Road: Adds off-road-specific features like a locking rear differential
- Limited: Leather seats standard premium JBL audio system and a moonroof
- TRD Pro: Top-of-the-line with all the bells and whistles
Each trim level offers something a little different inside but even the base model comes with enough features to make it feel like a solid investment.
Final Thoughts: Is the 2022 Toyota Tacoma Interior Right for You?
The 2022 Toyota Tacoma has a well-thought-out interior that matches its rugged exterior. It’s designed for drivers who need a truck that can handle both work and play without sacrificing too much comfort. However it's not without its drawbacks. The rear seats can feel cramped for taller passengers and some of the materials might not be as upscale as those in rival trucks. Additionally if you plan to spend long hours behind the wheel you may want to consider how the seats feel over extended periods.
That said if you're looking for a reliable midsize truck with a cabin that's easy to clean loaded with tech features and designed to handle just about anything you throw at it the 2022 Toyota Tacoma is hard to beat.
As Alex Collantes put it best “The Tacoma might not have the fanciest interior out there but for someone like me who values toughness over flash it's the perfect truck. Sure it's not the roomiest but it's got everything I need. And when I'm out on the trails I never have to worry about the interior getting banged up. That’s worth more to me than leather and fancy screens any day.”
In conclusion the 2022 Toyota Tacoma is built to last and while it may not offer the most spacious or luxurious interior in the class it still delivers on comfort functionality and durability which is what many truck buyers prioritize.