Why the 2022 Toyota Tacoma is Your Best Mid-Size Truck Choice
The 2022 Toyota Tacoma continues to hold its ground as one of the top contenders in the mid-size truck segment. With its rugged off-road capabilities, impressive towing capacity, and solid reliability, it's no surprise that this model is a favorite among adventure seekers and practical drivers alike. Let's break down the 2022 Toyota Tacoma models to help you understand which version fits your needs best.
Overview of the 2022 Toyota Tacoma Models
The 2022 Tacoma comes in several configurations to suit a wide range of drivers. Here’s a look at the main trims:
- SR: The entry-level model with basic features.
- SR5: Adds more convenience and comfort.
- TRD Sport: Geared toward sporty on-road performance.
- TRD Off-Road: Built for off-road enthusiasts.
- Limited: A more luxurious version with upscale features.
- TRD Pro: The most capable off-road model, packed with special features.
Each model has something unique to offer but choosing the right one depends on your lifestyle, needs, and driving habits.
SR: The Budget-Friendly Option
The 2022 Toyota Tacoma SR serves as the base model. While it might not be packed with fancy features, it offers great value for those looking for a reliable and tough mid-size truck at a lower price point.
Key Features:
- 2.7L four-cylinder engine
- 159 horsepower
- Six-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive (with optional four-wheel drive)
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Toyota Safety Sense P (Pre-collision system, lane departure alert)
Potential Drawbacks:
- The four-cylinder engine lacks the punch many drivers desire. It feels underpowered, especially when towing or during highway acceleration. However, if you don't need loads of power and want to save on gas, the SR is solid.
Alex Collantes, a Tacoma enthusiast, mentions: "I’ve driven the SR for over a year. It’s perfect for daily driving and light hauling, but if you’re into off-roading or towing heavy loads, you might feel the engine struggle."
SR5: The Popular Choice for Everyday Drivers
If you’re looking for more comfort and better performance, the SR5 might be the sweet spot. It adds more tech and convenience, making it ideal for those who want a little extra without going too high on the price ladder.
Key Features:
- Available with either the 2.7L four-cylinder or the 3.5L V6 engine
- 278 horsepower with the V6
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Fog lights
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
Potential Drawbacks:
- The SR5 is more of a commuter truck. It lacks the heavy-duty off-road equipment that comes with the TRD trims, so if you’re planning rugged adventures, this isn’t the model for you. The suspension is tuned more for comfort than tough terrain.
Alex Collantes shares: "The SR5 hits the sweet spot for daily commutes. I upgraded to the V6 engine, which made a world of difference in power. Still, it's not the truck you’d want to push to its off-road limits."
TRD Sport: Fun On-Road Performance
The TRD Sport trim brings a sportier feel to the Tacoma lineup. While it can handle some light off-roading, it's designed more for on-road performance, offering a smooth and engaging driving experience.
Key Features:
- 3.5L V6 engine
- Sport-tuned suspension
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Hood scoop (purely for looks)
- Wireless charging pad
- Keyless entry and ignition
Potential Drawbacks:
- The TRD Sport isn’t meant for extreme off-roading. The sport-tuned suspension is focused on comfort and handling, not rough terrain. If off-roading is in your future, you might be better off with the TRD Off-Road or TRD Pro.
Alex Collantes says: "I enjoy the TRD Sport for its sporty on-road performance. The suspension feels more refined than the base models. But when I tried taking it on a tough trail, it became clear this isn’t the off-roader I needed."
TRD Off-Road: Ready for Adventure
For those who love the thrill of off-road adventures, the TRD Off-Road is where it’s at. It’s equipped with everything you need to hit the trails without hesitation.
Key Features:
- Off-road-tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks
- Crawl control and multi-terrain select
- Locking rear differential
- Skid plates
- 16-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires
Potential Drawbacks:
- While the TRD Off-Road is fantastic off the pavement, its suspension feels a bit bouncy on the highway. The ride quality can be jarring for daily commutes, especially on uneven city roads. But if you're all about tackling rugged landscapes, this might not be a dealbreaker.
Alex Collantes adds: "The TRD Off-Road is incredible when it comes to trails. I love the crawl control feature for steep descents. But when I’m just running errands in town, the ride can feel a bit stiff."
Limited: Luxury and Style
If you’re looking for more luxury in your mid-size truck, the Tacoma Limited is your go-to model. It takes everything that’s great about the Tacoma and adds more upscale features for comfort and convenience.
Key Features:
- Leather-trimmed seats
- 18-inch polished alloy wheels
- JBL premium audio system
- Power moonroof
- Chrome exterior accents
- Blind-spot monitoring
Potential Drawbacks:
- The Limited is pricier than the lower trims, and many buyers might feel they don’t need all the extra luxury features, especially if they prioritize ruggedness over refinement. The higher price tag also might not justify the limited off-road capabilities compared to the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro.
Alex Collantes says: "The Limited feels like a luxury truck. It’s great for long road trips with the premium sound system and leather seats. But if you’re planning to do a lot of serious off-roading, the Limited isn’t built for that."
TRD Pro: The Ultimate Off-Roader
The TRD Pro is the pinnacle of off-road performance in the Tacoma lineup. If you’re an off-road enthusiast who wants the best of the best, this is the model to get.
Key Features:
- Fox internal bypass shocks
- TRD Pro skid plates
- 16-inch TRD black alloy wheels
- Rigid Industries LED fog lights
- Blacked-out hood scoop
- Multi-terrain monitor
Potential Drawbacks:
- The TRD Pro is expensive, and if you don’t plan to hit challenging trails regularly, you might not fully utilize the advanced off-road features. The TRD Off-Road provides similar capabilities for a lower price, so unless you’re doing extreme off-roading, the TRD Pro might be overkill.
Alex Collantes mentions: "The TRD Pro is hands-down the best off-road truck I’ve driven. It’s over-engineered for tough trails. But if you’re just driving around town most of the time, it might feel a bit excessive."
Performance and Towing Across Tacoma Models
Across the Tacoma lineup, you’ll find two engine options:
- 2.7L four-cylinder with 159 horsepower (standard in SR and SR5)
- 3.5L V6 with 278 horsepower (available in SR5 and standard in all higher trims)
Fuel Economy
The 2.7L four-cylinder engine offers better fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of about 20 MPG city and 23 MPG highway for the rear-wheel-drive models. Meanwhile, the 3.5L V6 delivers around 19 MPG city and 24 MPG highway in rear-wheel-drive configurations.
Towing Capacity:
- With the 2.7L four-cylinder, you get a max towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
- With the 3.5L V6, you can tow up to 6,800 pounds with the optional towing package.
Interior and Cargo Space
The 2022 Toyota Tacoma offers a functional interior with durable materials designed to handle everyday wear and tear. The cabin, though not as luxurious as some competitors like the Honda Ridgeline, is well-suited for truck enthusiasts who prioritize function over form.
Interior Highlights:
- Cloth upholstery in the SR and SR5 models
- Leather upholstery in the Limited
- 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system depending on the trim
- Available JBL premium audio system in higher trims
Cargo Space:
The Tacoma offers two bed lengths: 5 feet and 6 feet. If hauling longer items is a priority, the 6-foot bed is your best bet. The truck also comes with a composite inner bed with a deck rail system for securing cargo.
Safety Features
The 2022 Tacoma comes with Toyota Safety Sense P, a suite of safety features that includes:
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- Lane departure alert
- Automatic high beams
- Dynamic radar cruise control
Higher trims add extra safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, making the Tacoma a solid choice for safety-conscious buyers.