2022 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition
Class: Compact Pickup Truck
Miles driven: 326
Fuel Used: 18.3 gallons
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B- |
| Power and Performance | B+ |
| Fit and Finish | B- |
| Fuel Economy | C |
| Value | B+ |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | C |
| Tall Guy | B- |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 278-horsepower 3.5-liter |
| Engine Type | V6 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drive Wheels | 4WD |
Real-world fuel economy: 17.8 mpg
Driving mix: 65% city, 35% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 18/22/20 (mpg city/highway/combined)
Fuel type: Regular gas
Base price: $35,655 (not including $1215 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Parking assist with premium audio ($1710), Trail Edition package ($3765), Technology Package ($600), door edge guards ($140) door sill protector ($79), bed light ($149), TRD air filter ($90), TRD Performance Exhaust ($799), TRD shift knob ($140), bed step ($300), running boards ($795)
Price as tested: $45,437
Quick Hits
The great: Serious off-road potential, plenty of power
The good: Good handling for a pickup, useful in-bed storage
The not so good: Disappointing fuel economy, limited cabin space
CG Says:
Despite being the smallest and lowest-tech midsize pickup on the market, Toyota’s resilient Tacoma remains the best-selling truck in the class. Credit a reputation for quality, legit off-road prowess, and bullet-proof resale value for much of the Tacoma’s appeal. There’s more to the story, though. Once you get past the somewhat odd driving position—the Tacoma body is uniquely narrow as measured from the floor to the roof—and begin driving, you realize the Toyota’s little pickup is rather rewarding to pilot. More on that in a moment.
For 2021, Toyota added the Trail Edition package to the Tacoma lineup. The off-road oriented equipment group is available only on the SR5 trim level, and only with the V6 engine and on the Double Cab (crew cab) body.
The package includes a number of specific trim elements, as well as skid plates, a limited-slip rear differential, suspension upgrades, and a useful, lockable bed-storage system. A 110-volt in-bed outlet is also part of the group, as are 16-inch bronze-tone alloy wheels.
The Trail Edition package slots neatly in terms of price and content between the trail-ready TRD Off-Road (starting around $37,000) and the topline TRD Pro (around $48,000 to start).
Note that the for 2023, the Trail Edition is promoted from package to trim level, though net prices only increase slightly. In other big Tacoma news, all trim levels move to push-button engine start. Finally, you can keep that key in your pocket.
Though we can never bring ourselves to award the Tacoma a Consumer Guide Best Buy—mostly because of tight cabin space and some old-school tech, we genuinely appreciate the truck—especially in Trail Edition guise. To elaborate, here are 6 Cools Things About the Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition.
6 Cool Things About the 2022 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition
Fun to Drive: Part 1
Tacoma makes do with just a 6-speed automatic transmission, a thing which drags down fuel economy, but it’s an awfully good 6-speed automatic. Count on any V6 Tacoma to provide smooth acceleration and plenty of passing and merging power. The torquey six also provides significant low-speed grunt, useful should you venture off road.
Fun to Drive: Part 2
Tacoma handles well for a truck. We especially appreciate the quick, direct steering, and solid feeling brakes.
Test Drive Gallery: 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road
Nice Price
We’re not calling the Trail Edition cheap, we just appreciate its position in the Tacoma lineup. Most folks don’t need all the off-road prowess of the TRD Pro, or it’s higher price tag. Also, we really like these wheels, which are exclusive to the Trail Edition.
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Cool Bed Storage
The in-bed storage system that comes as part of the Trail Edition package includes two bedside compartments, one which locks, the other which works well as an ice chest. If you don’t generally need all the space in the bed of your truck, these stout-looking cubbies should prove handy.
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Rumble
Fun Colors
Toyota’s truck color pallet is among the most entertaining in the industry. For 2023, the Trail Edition Tacoma can be had in Magnetic Gray, Super White, Midnight Black (which looks spectacular with the bronze wheels), and, our favorite, Lunar Rock, as seen here. Regardless of the paint color, all Trail Editions come with bronze-trimmed black fabric upholstery.
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2022 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition Gallery
Click below for enlarged images.
