The next-generation Toyota Tacoma enters its third year with a safety enhancement: all 2018 Tacoma models gain Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P). This equips the Tacoma with Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Sway Warning System (SWS), Automatic High Beams (AHB) and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). Toyota leads the auto industry in making automatic emergency braking systems standard on most of its vehicles.

Other changes to the best-selling mid-size pickup for 11 years running include a minor grille update to the SR and SR5 grades, a darker mesh grille for the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road grades, and the Tacoma Limited features an updated Satin Chrome grille and offers a new black leather-trimmed interior. The 5-speed manual transmission is discontinued for 2018, though the 6-speed manual transmission remains available on certain models.

Ready for Pavement or Dirt

Extensive use of high-strength steel in the frame and hot-stamped ultra-high strength steel in the body gives the Tacoma a strong foundation for hard work, hard play, and durability. All Tacoma models are equipped with double wishbone coil-spring front suspension and leaf spring rear suspension with staggered outboard-mounted gas shocks. This setup delivers a steady on-road ride, yet also bolsters the truck’s off-road driving capability.

There’s strength under the hood, too. The 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder with VVT-i produces 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of peak torque. Those wanting more power can opt for the segment-first Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6 featuring Toyota’s innovative VVT-iW technology. The engine also utilizes Toyota’s D-4S injection system, which incorporates both direct injection and port fuel injection. This efficient engine cranks out 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of peak torque.

Each of the engines can be teamed to a six-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i), or the V6 can also be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. When equipped with an optional V6 Tow Package, the Tacoma can pull up to 6,800 lbs. (per the SAE J2807 tow standard).

Designed in the U.S.A.

CALTY designers in Newport Beach, California, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, helped give the new-generation Tacoma an unmistakably athletic and stylish identity that retains everyday functionality and ruggedness. They took some inspiration from Toyota’s legendary desert race trucks. The overfenders look tough and also serve to accommodate the suspension’s generous wheel travel. The Tacoma’s high-lift image reflects its go-anywhere capability. Seven available wheel designs range in diameter from 16 to 18 inches.

Tacoma’s chiseled face is anchored by a bold, hexagonal grille and a tall, muscular hood. Its slim, projection beam headlights can be outfitted with available LED daytime running lights. The tailgate has an easy-lowering feature, which allows it to retract slowly to prevent it from slamming down. An available factory-installed tri-fold hard tonneau cover secures gear out of sight.

The Tacoma’s exterior color palette includes Midnight Black Metallic, Blazing Blue Pearl, Barcelona Red Metallic, Inferno, Quicksand, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Silver Sky Metallic, Super White, Cement and Cavalry Blue (TRD Pro only).

Tacoma may be tough, but its interior treats the driver and passengers gently. Soft-wrapped trim and metallic accents set the stage for a high-quality look and feel. Comfort and durability come together in Tacoma’s seating, which varies by model grade. All Tacoma models feature a driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support and four-way adjustable front passenger seats. The SR and SR5 grades are equipped with fabric-trimmed seats. Seating for the TRD Sport and Off-Road grades is uniquely upholstered with embossed fabric that conveys a dynamic and rugged feel. The TRD Pro comes with leather-trimmed seating plus heated front seats, and the premium Limited grade offers seats trimmed in rich leather.

Seating colors include:

• SR: Fabric in Cement Gray
• SR5: Fabric in Cement Gray; Black with Caramel or Red accent stitching
• TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road: Fabric in Graphite; Black with Orange accent stitching
• Limited: Leather in Hickory or Black
• TRD Pro: Leather in Black

Tacoma can get downright luxurious with available premium features such as:

• Qi wireless charging
• Smart key with push-button start
• Leather-trimmed seats
• Power tilt/slide moonroof
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Enhanced touchscreen audio
• Blind-Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Tacoma rides along quietly thanks to enhanced door seals, a multi-layer acoustic windshield, sound-absorbing headliner, and a floor silencer pad. Interior storage is maximized in Access Cab models with fold-up rear seats and under-seat storage. Double Cab models feature 60/40 split rear seats with adjustable headrests and under-seat storage.

30 Tacoma Configurations

The 2018 Tacoma is available in 30 models based on two cab types, the extended Access Cab and four-door Double Cab, each available in 4×2 or 4×4 configurations. Access Cab models offer under-seat rear storage space, and their fold-up seat cushions maximize carrying space. Double Cab models feature 60/40 split rear seats with adjustable headrests and under-seat storage.

Tacoma is available in six model grades, each with its own purpose and unique appearance:

• Work-ready SR
• High-style, high-value SR5
• Athletic TRD Sport
• Adventurous TRD Off-Road
• Top-of-the-line Limited
• Ultimate Off-Road TRD Pro

The Access Cab models ride on a 127.4-inch wheelbase and have a 73.7-inch-long bed. The Double Cab is offered in two versions: the 127.4-inch wheelbase with a 60.5-inch bed or 140.6-inch wheelbase with the 73.7-inch bed.

Both bed styles are designed to take punishment with an inner bed made from a sheet-molded composite (SMC) deck and tough, durable walls that are 10-percent lighter than steel. The bed deck features two-tier loading and an integrated deck-rail utility system with four standard adjustable tie-down cleats.

The deck rail system can carry just about whatever you need to. It’s compatible with Genuine Toyota Accessories, including a cargo divider that locks into the rails to help keep cargo from sliding around the bed, and mini tie-downs with hooks that also help to secure cargo.  An available 120V/400W power point further extends the bed’s utility.

The Adventure Machine

All Tacoma 4×4 models are equipped with 4WDemand part-time 4WD with an electronically controlled transfer case and Automatic Limited Slip Differential (Auto LSD). Auto LSD is an electronic, brake-actuated system that functions like a mechanical limited slip differential when activated at low speeds. Tacoma TRD Sport models are equipped with sport-tuned shocks. TRD Off-Road models include an off-road tuned suspension that feature Bilstein shocks.

The TRD Off-Road grade gives the driver even more control to explore off-roading adventures. A Multi-Terrain Select system (automatic transmission only) allows the driver to choose between settings for different types of terrain such as dirt, loose rock, mud and sand. Each input regulates wheel spin by adjusting throttle and brake pressure to provide maximum traction on almost any terrain.

The impressive array of off-road technology continues with a Locking Rear Differential, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), clutch Start Cancel (manual transmission only), Active Traction Control, and CRAWL Control. CRAWL Control automatically modulates the throttle and brakes on five low-speed settings so the driver can focus on navigating across difficult terrain.

The optional V6 Tow Package includes a Class IV Towing Receiver Hitch, ATF Cooler (not available on manual transmission), engine oil cooler, power steering cooler, 130-amp alternator, 4- and 7-pin connector with converter, and Trailer-Sway Control (TSC).

TRD Pro: Born to Go Off-Road

Emerging from Toyota’s long history of off-road racing success and knowhow, the TRD Pro vehicles are aimed squarely at diehard off-road enthusiasts. There’s no mistaking the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro for anything else. Its heritage-inspired “TOYOTA” front grille with color-keyed surround, blacked-out hood scoop and graphic, color-keyed power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, color-keyed door handles, black overfenders, and color-keyed rear bumper all distinguish it as the most adventurous Tacoma grade. Available TRD Pro exterior colors include Midnight Black Metallic and Super White and, new for 2018, Cavalry Blue.

The TRD Pro is more than a tough-looking truck. It’s designed to perform in the toughest of off-road environments. Based on the Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4×4 Double Cab short-bed model with either a six-speed manual transmission (with clutch start-cancel switch) or six-speed automatic, the Tacoma TRD Pro comes ready to conquer hill and trail. In addition to 4WDemand and all traction features of the TRD Off-Road grade, the Tacoma TRD Pro adds:

• 16-inch TRD black alloy wheels
• Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Kevlar-reinforced tires
• TRD-tuned front springs with a 1-inch lift
• TRD-tuned rear suspension with progressive-rate off-road leaf springs
• FOX 2.5-inch Internal Bypass shocks tuned by TRD
• TRD Pro 1/4-inch thick aluminum front skid plate
• Rigid Industries LED fog lights
• Projector-beam headlights with black bezels, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and auto on/off feature
• Taillights with black bezels
• TRD Pro badge on front door with diamond-pattern knurled finish
• Unique TRD Pro hood
• Black TRD Pro and 4×4 rear tailgate badging
• Standard V6 Tow Package

Inside, the Tacoma TRD Pro blends toughness with comfort, incorporating black leather-trimmed heated front seats with TRD Pro logos on the headrests, TRD shift knob, and TRD Pro floor mats. It is also equipped with a 4-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and a 4-way adjustable front passenger seat, leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth hands-free phone controls, Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite, Rear Parking assist sonar, and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA).

The TRD Pro instrument panel integrates a 4.2-inch color Multi-Information Display with an inclinometer and tilt gauge, plus displays for outside temperature, odometer, trip meters, and average fuel economy.

Multiple Entune Multimedia Choices

The Tacoma SR grade comes standard with the base Entune Audio system featuring the Entune Multimedia Bundle, which includes:

• 6.1-inch touchscreen display
• AM/FM CD player
• 6 speakers
• Auxiliary audio jack
• USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control
• Advanced voice recognition
• Hands-free phone capability
• Phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology
• Siri Eyes Free
• Integrated backup camera display

Tacoma SR5 models get Entune Audio Plus, which adds a 6.1-inch high-resolution touchscreen display, Connected Navigation Scout GPS Link App, SiriusXM All-Access Radio (includes 3-month complimentary trial) and HD Traffic and Weather (major metro areas).

Entune Premium Audio features integrated navigation, entertainment and information services. The Entune Premium Audio and Entune Premium JBL Audio systems feature engaging mobile apps, including Destination Search, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable, Pandora, Yelp, Facebook Places and Slacker Radio plus real-time traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports and stocks. Access to Entune services is subscription-free.

Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite is standard on all three TRD grades. This system adds the Entune Multimedia Bundle with a 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen featuring split display, Entune App Suite, HD Radio, HD predictive traffic and Doppler weather overlay, AM/FM cache radio, and Gracenotes album cover art.

At the top of the line, the Tacoma Limited comes standard with the Entune Premium JBL Audio system, which adds 6 JBL speakers and a subwoofer, providing excellent sound quality.

Getting Personal(ized)

Toyota offers a wide variety of optional packages to personalize the 2018 Tacoma: the Utility Package (SR only), SR Convenience Package, SR5 Appearance Package, Parking Sonar & Navigation Package and three levels of Premium & Technology Packages.

The Utility Package creates a work-truck configuration by removing the rear seats and cup holders for added utility space, and adds black door handles, black mirror caps, black rear bumper, and a fixed rear window. The SR Convenience Package adds cruise control and remote keyless entry, while the SR5 Appearance Package includes 16-inch silver alloy wheels and color-keyed overfenders.

The Premium & Technology Packages bundle comfort and technology features including dual zone climate control, heated front seats, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, auto-headlamps, power tilt/slide moonroof, Entune Premium JBL Audio, and more. Toyota dealers offer a wide array of accessories, including TRD performance components, that expand Tacoma’s utility, comfort, and driving fun.

Safety Standout

The Tacoma’s Star Safety System includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop brake override technology (SST). Every Tacoma has driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger knee airbags, and front and rear Roll-sensing Side Curtain Airbags.

Standard active headrests for the front seats move up and forward almost instantly in the event of certain severe rear-end collisions to help reduce the distance between the occupant’s head and the headrest. Additional standard safety features include a Tire Pressure Monitor System (with individual tire location alert on most grades).

A North American Story

The Toyota engineering team at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., takes great pride in its role helping to develop the latest generation Tacoma pickup. The Tacoma is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX), in San Antonio and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Baja California (TMMBC), in Baja California, Mexico. The Tacoma has maintained the highest resale value in its class for the past 11 years, according to Kelley Blue Book.

Limited Warranty and ToyotaCare

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. The Tacoma also comes standard with ToyotaCare, a complementary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.