The All-New 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport V6: A Solid Performer with Style

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport V6 is a midsize pickup that’s been a favorite among adventure seekers and urban dwellers alike. With Toyota’s legendary reliability, great off-road capabilities, and eye-catching design, it’s no surprise that the Tacoma continues to dominate its segment. But does the 2022 TRD Sport V6 live up to its predecessors? Let’s dive into all the details from performance to potential drawbacks to help you decide if this truck is the right fit for you.

Overview of the 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport V6

Toyota built the 2022 Tacoma TRD Sport V6 to be a versatile truck for both daily driving and outdoor exploration. The TRD (Toyota Racing Development) Sport trim adds a touch of sportiness to the rugged Tacoma with features designed for improved handling and a more aggressive look. It’s powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Key Features of the 2022 Tacoma TRD Sport V6

• 3.5L V6 engine with 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque
• Available in 4WD or 2WD options
• 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission
• Bilstein shock absorbers for enhanced off-road performance
• Entune infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• LED daytime running lights and fog lights

While these features make the Tacoma TRD Sport a well-rounded truck for many buyers, let’s break down its performance, design, and how it stacks up against the competition.

Performance: A Reliable Powerhouse

When it comes to performance, the 2022 Tacoma TRD Sport doesn’t disappoint. The 3.5-liter V6 engine provides more than enough power for everyday driving and light towing tasks. While it’s not the most powerful engine in its class, it’s known for its reliability. The available 4WD system offers impressive traction in off-road situations and snowy weather, making it a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts. The Bilstein shocks on the TRD Sport trim also offer a smoother ride when off-roading compared to the base model.

Pros of Tacoma TRD Sport’s Performance

• Reliable V6 Engine: The 3.5L V6 engine is not only powerful but also built to last.
• Off-Road Capabilities: With available 4WD, crawl control, and terrain management, the TRD Sport handles rough trails confidently.
• Towing Capacity: Can tow up to 6,800 pounds when properly equipped – enough for a small boat or trailer.
• Responsive Steering: The truck has good on-road manners with responsive steering and solid braking.

Potential Drawbacks of the Tacoma’s Performance

• Fuel Economy: While the Tacoma performs well, its fuel economy isn’t class-leading. With an EPA rating of 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway, it's decent for a V6-powered truck, but competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado offer slightly better efficiency.
• Acceleration: Some drivers may find the Tacoma’s acceleration a bit sluggish, especially with the automatic transmission. It’s not as quick off the line as trucks like the Ford Ranger or Jeep Gladiator.
• Suspension Stiffness: Even with the TRD-tuned suspension, the ride can feel a bit stiff over rough pavement. This is a truck built for toughness, but the comfort on city roads might not be ideal for everyone.

Design: Rugged Yet Sporty

Toyota has given the 2022 Tacoma TRD Sport V6 a more aggressive look with unique styling elements like a hood scoop, body-colored fender flares, and 17-inch machined alloy wheels. The truck looks sharp whether you're cruising around town or tackling rugged trails. The TRD Sport package enhances the Tacoma’s appearance without making it look too bulky or imposing.

Exterior Highlights

• Hood scoop: Adds a sporty flair and makes the truck stand out.
• LED headlights and fog lights: Provide excellent visibility, particularly in low-light conditions.
• Composite bed: The lightweight bed is dent-resistant and features adjustable tie-down cleats to secure your gear.
• Bed outlet: A 120V outlet in the bed makes it easy to power tools or other equipment, making the Tacoma a practical work companion.

While the exterior design is undeniably attractive, some of the interior features deserve attention as well.

Interior Comfort and Technology

The cabin of the 2022 Tacoma TRD Sport is functional, though not as refined as some competitors. It comes with a comfortable set of fabric-trimmed seats and easy-to-reach controls on the center console. The 8-inch touchscreen comes standard and integrates with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone connectivity.

However, some drawbacks arise here too.

Drawbacks of the Tacoma’s Interior

• Tight Rear Seats: While the front seats are spacious, the rear seats in the Double Cab can feel cramped for adults on longer trips.
• Outdated Interior Design: Some critics note that the Tacoma’s interior looks a bit dated compared to rivals like the Honda Ridgeline or Ford Maverick, which feature more premium materials and a more modern layout.
• Lack of Soft-Touch Materials: The interior is built to be durable, but it’s more utilitarian than plush. For those seeking a more luxurious feel, the Tacoma might fall short.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Toyota ensures that the Tacoma TRD Sport V6 is packed with safety features to give drivers peace of mind. It comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which includes:

• Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
• Lane departure alert
• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic high beams

These systems work well in most conditions, although the lane departure alert can feel a bit too sensitive at times.

Pros of Toyota’s Safety Features

• Comprehensive suite of safety features: Most safety tech comes standard across all trims.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Works smoothly on highways and reduces fatigue during long drives.

Drawbacks of Tacoma’s Safety Features

• Blind-Spot Monitoring: Available, but only as an option on the TRD Sport. It’s standard on some competitors.
• Lane Departure System: Can be overly sensitive, especially when driving on narrow roads or highways with minimal lane markings.

Off-Road Capabilities: Ready for Adventure

If you're looking for a truck that can handle dirt trails or uneven terrain, the Tacoma TRD Sport will exceed your expectations. While it’s not quite as off-road-focused as the TRD Pro variant, the TRD Sport is more than capable of handling moderate trails thanks to its Bilstein shocks, off-road traction control, and available 4WD with a low-range transfer case.

Off-Road Highlights

• Bilstein Shocks: Provide a smoother ride over rocks and bumps.
• Multi-terrain select: Allows you to optimize the truck’s performance for different driving conditions.
• Hill Start Assist: Prevents the truck from rolling back on steep inclines.

Off-Road Drawbacks

• Not as Rugged as TRD Pro: While the TRD Sport can handle most off-road trails, hardcore off-roaders might prefer the TRD Pro for its added features like skid plates and Fox shocks.
• Ground Clearance: With 9.4 inches of ground clearance, it’s good but not exceptional. Rivals like the Jeep Gladiator or Chevy Colorado ZR2 offer more ground clearance.

Technology and Infotainment

Toyota has improved the infotainment system on the 2022 Tacoma TRD Sport V6, making it more intuitive and user-friendly. The Entune system features a large 8-inch touchscreen and integrates with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is great for syncing your phone’s apps and navigation.

Alex Collantes, an outdoor enthusiast and tech-savvy driver, shares his thoughts:

“The Tacoma’s infotainment system is easy to use but could use a software update for faster response times. I like the fact that it’s not overcomplicated though – just plug in your phone and go.”

Pros of Tacoma’s Infotainment

• User-friendly touchscreen: The controls are easy to navigate even while wearing gloves.
• Smartphone integration: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work flawlessly.
• Multiple USB Ports: Keeps your devices charged on long trips.

Infotainment Drawbacks

• Slow Response: Some users find that the system can lag when switching between menus.
• Limited Premium Features: No wireless Apple CarPlay, and the sound system is decent but lacks the premium feel of what you get with trucks like the Chevy Colorado or Ford Ranger.

Pricing and Trim Options

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport V6 starts at around $34,000 for the base model with rear-wheel drive. Adding 4WD and additional packages can bring the price up closer to $40,000. It’s competitively priced compared to other midsize trucks in its class but doesn’t offer as many premium options as some of its rivals.

Available Trims

• SR: Base model with minimal features for those on a budget.
• SR5: Adds some creature comforts like a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
• TRD Off-Road: Similar to the TRD Sport but more focused on off-road performance.
• Limited: Offers more premium features like a sunroof and leather seats.
• TRD Pro: The ultimate off-road model with exclusive features like Fox shocks and skid plates.

Conclusion: A Capable and Reliable Midsize Pickup

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport V6 is a truck that delivers on many fronts – reliability off-road capability and sporty design. Its V6 engine is solid its handling is predictable and its technology is functional even if not groundbreaking. For drivers who need a versatile midsize truck that can handle both city streets and weekend adventures, the Tacoma TRD Sport is a top contender.

However, if you’re looking for the most luxurious interior or the highest towing capacity in its class, there are a few alternatives worth considering like the Chevy Colorado or Ford Ranger.

But at the end of the day the Tacoma’s long-standing reputation for reliability and resale value makes it a great investment for anyone who needs a durable truck that can take them anywhere.