Options
The Toyota Tacoma comes in 3 different cabs (Regular, Access and Double Cab), 2 bed sizes (Standard and Long Bed), 2 engines (2.7L 4-Cylinder and 4.0L V6) and rear-wheel or part-time 4WD options. The 4-cylinder engine can be paired with either the 5-speed manual or the 4-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 can get the 6-speed manual or the 5-speed automatic transmission. For those who need to use the truck to haul and tow frequently, the V6 will work very well. As far as the trims are concerned, besides the base version, PreRunner which uses the look and suspension of 4WD trucks and X-Runner equipped with modifications for better street performance with the same amount of utility are also available, as well as a true off-road package for 4WD trucks.
New Additions to the 2009 Toyota Tacoma
The last major redesign of the Toyota Tacoma was back in 2005 and a newer version is definitely overdue. Even though it has remained a consumer favorite and offers steady and reliable performance, Toyota enhanced it by giving it traction and stability control as a standard feature. They also added active front head restraints, rollover sensors and automatic limited-slip differential to add to its safety features. Access and Double Cab owners can also get an optional rear view camera to improve visibility.
The 2009 Toyota Tacoma also includes an MP3-compatible CD player and MP3 jack, as well as optional Bluetooth capability and satellite radio. They also added a storage compartment below the jump seats at the back for Access Cabs. To enhance its appearance, Toyota added LED tail lights, a chrome grille surround and 4 new color options.
Styling
The 2009 Toyota Tacoma has a simpler and more conservative exterior than its competitors, but it has excellent build quality and exudes a road warrior appearance. Its design is also very practical in that the bed liner, built-in storage, tie-downs and an electrical outlet provides maximum utility.
On the other hand, its interior is made with high quality materials and an effective design. It has a low-slung driver seat which creates a car-like feel, it’s relatively roomy and more comfortable back seats especially in the double cab. The 2009 Toyota Tacoma offers the longest bed size in its class and the interior cargo room is just right. It also has a lot of available storage space. The Tacoma’s interior features are geared towards practicality and comfort. It has easy-to-read gauges and smooth switchgear, nice-sized audio and climate controls within reach and 6-disc CD player with satellite radio capability and auxiliary input jack as options.
Performance
The 2.7L 4-cylinder engine which produces up to 159 horsepower and 180 foot-pounds of torque is the practical choice with today’s economy. The 4.0L V6 produces 236 horsepower and 266 foot-pounds of torque. Customers prefer the smooth 4-speed or 5-speed automatic transmissions over the manuals.
Its EPA estimates are 19/25 MPG (city/highway) for the 2WD 4-cylinder A/T and 17/21 MPG for the 2WD V6 A/T, which are quite respectable numbers for the compact pickup segment.
Because the 2009 Toyota Tacoma performs quite well off-road, this can give a rougher ride for daily driving on the streets. Its towing and hauling capabilities are quite impressive though.
Safety
The 2009 Toyota Tacoma ranks very well in terms of safety. Its standard safety features include stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes and front, side and side-curtain airbags. The Tacoma was given 5 stars, the highest possible rating for driver and passenger protection in frontal and front-side crash tests and 4 stars for rollover prevention by the NHTSA. They also gave the Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 5 stars for rear passenger protection. The IIHS also awarded the 2009 Tacoma a “good” rating, also the highest possible grade for frontal-offset crash tests.
Unfortunately, the 2009 Toyota Tacoma was included in the massive floor mat recall in Toyota and Lexus vehicles because they were found to have caused a fatal accident. Toyota has issued instructions to their dealers to prevent it from happening.
Overall
The 2009 Toyota Tacoma ranks first among all its competitors in the compact truck segment. Since the Tacoma was introduced over ten years ago, it has consistently performed and people have responded very well to its build quality, reliability and durability. It has also been recognized so many times by respected publications, websites and other award-giving bodies, with the 2009 Toyota Tacoma getting Best in Class Compact Pickup from Truck Trend this year and Best Car for the Money in the compact pickup class from US News as well. The Toyota Tacoma is backed with a 3-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty.