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2012 Toyota Tacoma review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Toyota Tacoma highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Mileage (EPA estimate)

15 city, 19 highway, 17 combined

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.3 out of 5

20 customer reviews
The 2012 Toyota Tacoma is praised for reliability, cost-effective fuel economy (especially with the 4-cylinder engine), and practical cargo space. However, reviewers note limited interior space, occasional cabin noise, and uneven fuel efficiency compared to expectations. Its solid design and overall satisfaction make it a well-rounded option for compact truck shoppers.

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Toyota Tacoma an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Toyota Tacoma 1st out of 8 among Midsize Trucks.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Toyota Tacoma

Toyota Tacoma features and specs

Curious how Toyota Tacoma trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base 2D Regular Cab 2WD

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Cloth Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • CD Audio

Optional Features

  • Cruise Control
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Bed Cover
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Satellite Radio Ready

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.7L

Horsepower

159

Torque (ft-lbs)

180

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

21.1

Wheelbase

109.4"

Overall length

190.4"

Width

72.2"

Height

65.7"

Leg room

F 41.7"

Head room

F 40"

Front tires

P215/70R15

Rear tires

P215/70R15

Seating capacity

3

Max towing capacity

350/3500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2012 Toyota Tacoma FAQ

Toyota Tacoma articles

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Most Reliable Trucks

To help out in your search for your next pickup, we've compiled this list of the most reliable used trucks for 2024 shoppers. This list includes trucks with the highest reliability ratings from our partners at RepairPal.
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Ask the Expert: Toyota Tacoma vs. Toyota Tundra

The Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra are from the same brand but offer distinct attributes. Our editors help you pick between the two in this article.
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Ask the Expert: Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger

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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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