The 2013 Toyota Tacoma is offered in three different cab types: Regular Cab, Access Cab and Double Cab. The Double Cab are true 4-door trucks with more back-seat space, while the Access Cab models have smaller back seats as well as smaller rear doors that open up 80 degrees for easier ingress, egress and loading. With the Regular Cab models, you get a 109.6-inch wheelbase and 73.5-inch-long (6-foot) bed, making these models closer to true compact trucks and much easier to park. Access Cab models have the same bed length but a longer 127.4-inch wheelbase. Double Cab models get either a 5-foot (60.3-inch) bed or the 6-foot bed--making their wheelbase a much longer 140.6 inches.

Two different dual-overhead-cam engines are offered in the Tacoma: a 2.7L 4-cylinder or a 4.0L V6. The four makes 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque and has adequate power if towing is not required; others will want the 236-horsepower and more so its 266 pound-feet of torque--much of it at available at lower revs--for its stronger yet more easygoing nature and its better towing and load ability. When properly equipped, the Tacoma in Access Cab form can tow up to 6,500 pounds.

Several specialty models give the Tacoma a more focused look and purpose--especially for those looking for more performance or off-road ability. Pre-Runner and X-Runner models have a performance-truck look, with the X-Runner maximizing the Tacoma's on-road abilities with a special 6-speed manual gearbox, suspension, wheel and tire upgrades and the capability to get to 60 mph in less than seven seconds or to pull up to 0.9g in lateral acceleration.

On V6 models, there's also a fully warranted dealer-installed supercharger kit available, which boosts engine output to 304 horsepower and 334 pound-feet of torque. Other performance options include a dealer-installed Big Brake system with forged-aluminum 4-piston calipers, braided steel lines and larger, higher-friction pads.

T|X and T|X Pro models give the Tacoma a sportier off-road look, including black Alloy bead-lock wheels and BFGoodrich Rugged Trail tires, as well as a stainless steel exhaust tip and exterior graphics. The T|X Pro gets a special TRD cat-back exhaust system for a throatier sound plus more power. Both versions get special Bilstein shocks, fog lamps, and a 28-mm stabilizer bar--plus water-resistant seats inside.

All Tacoma models come with a composite inner bad that's 10-percent lighter than steel yet more durable. There's also an integrated deck-rail utility with four adjustable tie-down cleats. Cargo accessories include diamond-plate storage boxes, cargo cross-bars and a fork-mount bike rack.

An SR5 Package is offered on the Access Cab and Double Cab models; it's mostly an appearance package, with more chrome brightwork and color-keyed overfenders, and some upgraded trim inside. Infotainment systems have been kept up-to-date in the Tacoma, with Double Cab V6 models offering a Display Audio system with a 6.1-inch touch screen, backup-camera display, JBL Synthesis speakers, subwoofer and amplifier, plus HD Radio with iTunes Tagging, a USB port, iPod controls, voice recognition and Bluetooth music streaming. Also offered is Toyota's Entune system, with apps for Bing, Pandora and more.

Gas Mileage In The 4-cylinder

Affordability

Parking Ease And Maneuverability

Simple, Straightforward Interior

Wide Range Of Models

For 2013, a Limited Package is newly available on some models in the lineup. It adds SofTex-trimmed heated front sport seats, a 4-way-adjustable driver's seat, variable-speed wipers, a metallic-tone instrument panel trim, a leather steering wheel with audio controls, a HomeLink universal garage-door opener and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with rear camera display and outside temperature gauge. On the outside, the package also steps up to 18-inch chrome-clad wheels, a chrome grille surround and rear bumper, chrome door handles, chrome mirrors with integrated turn-signal indicators and fog lamps.

Spanning the range from basic work truck to well-equipped off-road or sport truck, the Toyota Tacoma gives truck enthusiasts what they need or want, without having to get a full-size pickup. Compared to full-size trucks, the Tacoma is more maneuverable and especially in Regular Cab versions it can be parked in places a full-size truck never could. And with the base 4-cylinder engine, the Tacoma is one of the most fuel-efficient pickups available.
In one of its specialty performance (Pre-Runner or X-Runner) or rugged off-road (T|X Pro) forms, it's a good-looking sport truck serving a specialized task. While the interiors of Tacoma models are hardly luxurious, Toyota has managed to keep sound systems and infotainment up-to-date.