2015 Toyota Tacoma serving Colorado Springs in Pueblo CO

Toyota's Versatile Mid-Size Truck: The 2015 Tacoma

For many buyers, the Toyota Tacoma is sized "just right." Larger than old-school compact trucks but notably smaller than full-size pickups like the Toyota Tundra and Ford F-150, the mid-size Tacoma offers lots of utility in a manageable, easy-to-live-with package. While drivers who need to tow very heavy loads or regularly haul large quantities of gear will be better served by a full-size truck, the average homeowner looking for a daily driver should take a long, hard look at the versatile 2015 Tacoma.

Exterior

This year's Tacoma remains largely unchanged. The biggest news is that the regular cab model has been dropped from the lineup. Most buyers opted for one of the two roomier cab options anyway, though, so this likely won't be a big deal for the majority of potential Tacoma owners. Last year's TRD TX Baja package has been replaced by the fairly similar TRD Pro package. Other than that, the 2015 version of Toyota's venerable truck is the same as the 2014. Toyota also offers an number of special packages on 2015 Tacomas. The popular SR5 package adds body-color fenders and bumpers, chrome exterior trim, fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, metallic interior trim and a rear-view camera.

Interior

The 2015 Tacoma is available in two different cab configurations: Access Cab and Double Cab. Access Cab -- which is Toyota's term for extended cab -- models feature small, forward-hinged rear doors and a compact but usable rear seat. The larger Double Cab (crew cab) model features full-size, conventional rear doors and a roomier rear seat. The Access Cab model comes with a 6-foot, 1-inch cargo bed. The Double Cab version can be had with either the same 6-foot, 1-inch bed or a smaller 5-foot bed. Buyers looking for maximum luxury in their mid-size truck should check out the Limited package. Available only on V-6 Double Cabs, it includes everything in the SR5 package plus 18-inch chrome wheels, extra chrome trim, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a seven-speaker JBL sound system and GPS navigation.

Mechanical

Then entry-level Tacoma -- the Access Cab, rear-wheel-drive model -- comes standard with the following features: 15-inch steel wheels, a composite bedliner, a bed utility rail system, a limited-slip rear differential, cloth upholstery, power door locks and windows, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, air conditioning, and fold-up rear seats with underseat storage compartments. Impressively, Toyota's Entune infotainment system also comes standard on all 2015 Tacomas. Entune includes a large, 6.1-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, an in-dash CD player, an iPod/USB interface and an auxiliary audio jack. A sliding rear window is optional on base Tacomas. Upgrading to the Double Cab body style adds adjustable lumbar support for the driver's seat, a 60/40 split rear bench, a rear bulkhead storage compartment, power mirrors and black fenders. Upgrading either cab style to four wheel drive adds 16-inch steel wheels, an increased ride height, front mud guards and a protective engine skid plate for off-road driving. The PreRunner package includes these same, off-road focused options, but pairs them with a two-wheel-drive layout. The TRD Off-Road package is ideal for drivers serious about attacking challenging terrain. It includes everything in the SR5 package, plus 16-inch alloy wheels, a heavy-duty suspension with Bilstein shocks, Hill-Start and Downhill Assist four four-wheel-drive, automatic models, sport seats, aggressive TRD exterior graphics and a 115-volt power outlet in the bed. The TRD Pro package is essentially a further upgrade for TRD Off-Road models. It adds a cat-back exhaust system, unique paint colors and side graphics, and an increased front ride height. The focus of the TRD Sport package is on-road -- rather than off-road -- performance and style. It features unique 17-inch wheels, a responsive sport suspension for better handling feel, a hood scoop for a head-turning road presence, body-color (rather than chrome) exterior trim and the same bolstered sport seats and bed-mounted power outlet as the TRD Off-Road package-equipped truck.

Powertrain

The 2015 Toyota Tacoma features two engine choices: an economical 2.7-liter inline-four and a powerful 4.0-liter V-6. The four-cylinder engine produces 159 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 180 foot-pounds of torque at 3,800 rpm. It is available paired with a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. Buyers looking for additional towing power should consider the muscular Toyota V-6. The engine puts out an impressive 236 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 266 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. Power is sent to the ground via either a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. Regardless of engine or transmission, 2015 Toyota Tacoma buyers can choose between rear-wheel drive and part-time four-wheel drive.

Safety

The 2015 Toyota Tacoma features a full complement of contemporary safety features. It comes standard with anti-lock brakes, as well as front, side-impact, and side-curtain airbags. All 2015 Tacoma models also include stability control and active front headrests. The truck performed well in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's industry-standard crash tests. It received a "Good" rating the highest score possible -- in every category except for roof strength. As one would expect, the most fuel efficient version of the 2015 Toyota Tacoma is the two-wheel-drive, four-cylinder, manual transmission model. It received an enviable EPA rating of 25 miles per gallon on the highway and 21 mpg in the city. The thirstiest 2015 Tacoma is the four-wheel-drive, V-6, manual transmission version. It was rated at 19 mpg on the highway and 15 mpg in the city. All other configurations slot in between those two extremes.

DISCLAIMERS
*The above information is regarding the base model 2015 Toyota Tacoma. Standard specs and features may change from year to year. Contact Pueblo Toyota with any questions regarding the new or used vehicle you're inquiring about.