
The 2012 Toyota Tacoma hasn't been updated significantly in many years, and this year is no exception.
But the Tacoma's improved connectivity and audio systems are a significant leap, and more advanced than what's been offered in other compact trucks.
GM's mid-size pickups, the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon, offer an available V-8, but their interiors feel particularly chintzy.
The Nissan Frontier is a strong alternative; it's not quite as strong a contender with its base four-cylinder engine but has a substantial, strong feel in V-6 forms, as well as some innovative storage solutions.
The Frontier handles a bit better, too, and has better seats.
Otherwise, the Ford Ranger is gone for 2012, replaced by base models of the F-150 that, if you ask us, don't really have the same basic, frugal appeal.
All considered, Toyota has an enviable, long-standing reputation for reliability and durability that makes it well worth considering for business owners who want strong resale value a few years from now.
Get FREE Dealer Quotes
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
---|---|---|---|
Quick Specs | |||
The 2012 Toyota Tacoma's affordable price, fuel-efficiency, and simplicity make it a good, capable alternative for those who don't need a full-size truck. |
The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado soldiers on as the only truly compact truck on the market (with its Canyon twin), but are you sure you don't really want a mid-size truck instead? |
Efficient and burly, the 2012 Ford F-150 shares the lead in full-size trucks thanks to extreme capability and extreme high-tech features. |
You may not need to go full-size--the 2012 Nissan Frontier pickup truck can cover a lot of the same ground a bigger pickup can. |
MSRP From | |||
$17,125 | $17,475 | $23,500 | $19,260 |
Gas Mileage | |||
15 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 14 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 11 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 14 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||
Gas I4 | Gas 4-Cyl | Gas/Ethanol V6 | Gas 4-cyl |
EPA Class | |||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Style Name | |||
2WD Reg Cab I4 MT (GS) | 2WD Reg Cab Work Truck | 2WD Reg Cab 126" XL | 2WD King Cab I4 Manual S |
Drivetrain | |||
Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||
3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Passenger Doors | |||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||
Regular Cab | Regular Cab | Regular Cab Pickup | King Cab |
Transmission | |||
Manual | Manual | Automatic | Manual |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
2012 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2012 Chevrolet Colorado | 2012 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2012 Ford F-150 | 2012 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier |