Toyota Road Tests

April 26, 2009
2009 Toyota Tacoma V6 TRD Sport Review (video)
by Justin Pritchard , Auto123.com

There's something undeniably charming about trucks like the Toyota Tacoma 4x4. Capable like a full-sized rig but more economical and easier to maneuver, it's designed to give owners the utility of a small pickup, access to remote locations, and a stylish, street-smart presence on the road more traveled.

The entire package rides a tall, lean and sporty stance that's set off by an expressive and friendly fascia.

Tacoma is available from the factory in a variety of setups from a simple four-cylinder work truck to a powerful weekend mud-flinger. Shoppers can easily specify the ideal balance of sensibility and excitement for their needs.

Aftermarket support is plentiful, too. In fact, numerous retailers would love to overnight you a suspension lift, bush-bars and a set of Super-Swampers, if you're so inclined. If you're not, the Tacoma still leaves the factory happy to play ball when it comes to tackling some trails.

Ready-for-action looks
Get into a higher-end Tacoma model, and you'll get surprisingly frequent looks from passers-by-- especially very young ones. Something to do with the Tonka-esque styling and friendly face, probably.

The TRD Sport tester's tuner-style LED taillamps, fog lamps and sheet-metal musculature work for an easily-identified and well-respected look. The entire package rides a tall, lean and sporty stance that's set off by an expressive and friendly fascia, and the hood scoop looks pretty cool too, even if it doesn't actually do anything.

Mainly flexible and upbeat inside
Designers specified a two-tone cabin brightened up by various textured metallic accents and dotted with handy storage compartments. These include cupholders in each door, a sunglasses holder, and three dash-cubbies within the driver's reach. Rear seating flips up and allows owners to ready the Tacoma's cabin for just about any job.

There's a bit of a hop required to get on board, but a great view of the road comes quickly thereafter. Lane-change visibility is very good, and everything feels tight, solid and well put together.

Some of the dash and door trimmings are nicely textured, though there are no soft-touch materials to be found albeit a patch of fuzzy cloth on each door panel. Some plastics appear to scratch easily, and some may find the dull-ish orange instruments difficult to read at night.

Designers specified a two-tone cabin brightened up by various textured metallic accents.

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