Toyota interiors are generally tops in class, and the Tacoma cabin is no exception.
Base model standard cab passengers ride on a bench seat, which gets a split/fold
feature in the Xtracab. A pair of bucket seats are installed in the SR5 Xtracab; these
are the most comfortable of the three varieties.
Though the Xtracab's rear jump seats ostensibly make room for two more passengers, the
available space is far better suited to cargo or small children, for whom a special
restraint system is provided. The tilt-out rear quarter windows and folding table are
welcome additions to the extended cab features list.
A car-like dashboard provides basic information--augmented by a tachometer on the
SR5--and carries radio and heat/vent controls. What it lacks (at least for this year)
is a passenger's-airbag. Controls are laid out well, a pair of cupholders are
conveniently located, and everything is covered in good (if not exactly lavish)
fabrics and plastic.
To go beyond the basics costs more, the key factor in Toyota's relatively high
pricing. Only the top-line SR5 has a radio as part of its list of standard equipment
features; its AM/FM/cassette unit (or a simpler AM/FM radio) is optional on all other
versions.
Air conditioning is an extra on all Tacomas, as are power assists for windows,
mirrors, and door locks. Many of the 34 individual or package options Toyota lists are designed to upgrade base models to SR5 levels. While they give the buyer a great deal of leeway in configuring the Tacoma to suit his or her needs, they also drive the price up quickly.
On the highway, the V6 Tacoma exhibits fine manners. It is reasonably quiet and copes
well with passing maneuvers and grades. Though nowhere near as economical (17 mpg
city, 19 highway in our test truck) as either of the less powerful engines, its
increased performance makes it attractive nonetheless.
For a pickup truck, the Tacoma rides well. The coil-spring front suspension copes well
with all but the worst potholes, and has enough travel to deal with off-road
obstacles. Like almost all pickups, the Tacoma's rear axle's leaf springs do best when
there's a load in the bed; with only a driver on board, the rear tends to react
noticeably to freeway expansion joints and similar small bumps, and hops up and down
over rough surfaces off road.
Tacomas with power steering (all V6s, and available with the 4-cyl. models) are easy
to drive. Maneuverability is good, but it's prudent to remember that Xtracab Tacomas
have a considerably larger turning radius (40.0 vs. 34.4 ft.) than their shorter
stablemates--not quite as handy in close quarters like parking lots.
Once again, options play an important role in preparing Tacomas for their intended
use. ABS is recommended for all versions, while the 4x4's off-road capabilities are
much improved by ordering the 31-in. tires. Standard-cab Tacomas can be ordered with a new Off-Road package that adds a rear differential lock to the larger tires plus a shift-on-the-fly 4wd system (with V6 engine).