2022 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition 4×4

• 4×4-Only Trail Edition Features 1.1-inch Front and 0.5-inch Rear Suspension Lift

•Added Versatility with Bed Storage, Driver's Side Storage Doubles as a Cooler

•New Bronze-Finished 16-inch Wheels Fitted with Goodyear Tires

•Heritage-Inspired Grille Added, Touts Unique Bronze-Finished Lettering

•Lunar Rock added to Color Options for 2022

Modern times require modern vehicles and, arguably, one theme rises above the rest for vehicle attributes: versatility. One of the greatest multi-purpose vehicles on the market is the mid-size pickup truck leader, 16 years and running, the Toyota Tacoma. First introduced last year, the Tacoma Trail Edition returns with an emphasis on storage, styling, value, and a focus on off-road performance built around the Tacoma 4×4 Double Cab.

Take to the Trails

Tacoma owners love to get outside and explore, and the 2022 Trail Edition adds some key upgrades that make it the ideal travel companion. Based on the best-selling SR5 grade and only available in 4×4 Double Cab, Tacoma Trail Edition gets additional lift both at the front and rear of the truck to help tackle the road less traveled.

Toyota engineers lifted the front of the new Tacoma Trail 1.1 inches thanks to taller coil springs. The front air dam found on the standard SR5 is deleted to help improve ground clearance. With the air dam removal and the front suspension lift the approach angle of the truck improves to 34 degrees. The rear suspension receives attention too, and it is lifted 0.5 inches thanks to a spacer between the rear axle housing and leaf springs to help level the truck's profile and improve departure angle to 23.6 degrees. Breakover angle is also improved to 26.4 degrees.

Based initially on SR5 4×4, Tacoma Trail Edition gets upfitted with a standard locking rear differential to offer added traction when it's needed most in slow-speed four-wheel-drive situations. Reinforcing the fact that some of the most important parts are the ones you don't see, the undercarriage skid plates are borrowed from the TRD Off-Road grade to provide added protection.

Style and Function Collide

Tacoma Trail Edition offers distinctive styling to set it apart from the lineup. Four exterior color choices are available, headlined by new Trail Edition option Lunar Rock, but there's also returning colors Army Green, Midnight Black Metallic, and Super White in the mix. Regardless of paint choice, black exterior badging accents the truck, a new Trail Edition badge is fitted on the rear tailgate, and the rear bumpers are now color-keyed to match the exterior paint color.

Tacoma Trail Edition greets paved and unpaved roads with the heritage-inspired grille first found on TRD Pro, but this grille stands apart thanks to its unique bronze-colored lettering. The bronze-accented grille nicely complements the new bronze-finished wheels that are adorned with a Toyota center cap. More than just looks, the wheels offer a 0.5-inch wider track width both front and rear for a broader stance, and they are fitted with new Goodyear all-terrain tires that feature an aggressive sidewall tread pattern.

Added versatility in the truck bed comes in two forms: storage and power. Lockable bed storage means gear can be safely stored when in transit or away from the vehicle, and best of all, the driver's side storage includes insulation and can double as a cooler. Trail is also equipped with a 120V power outlet in the bed, adding additional power options for whatever needs arise away from home.

Tacoma Trail Edition comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. The engine features Toyota's VVT-iW technology and Atkinson-cycle combustion to help maximize efficiency, and it also employs Toyota's D-4S fuel injection system that incorporates both direct injection and port injectors.

The Tacoma Tow Package comes standard on V6-equipped models, like Tacoma Trail Edition, offering the Double Cab model a maximum towing capacity of 6,400 pounds (per the SAE J2807 tow standard). The package includes a Class IV towing receiver hitch, engine oil cooler, transmission fluid cooler (automatic transmission only), power steering cooler, 130-amp alternator, 4- and 7-pin connector with converter, and Trailer-Sway Control (TSC).

It's What's Inside That Counts

Tacoma Trail Edition will lead many owners to outdoor adventures, and the time spent in the vehicle can't be overlooked. A host of standard features await, including a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat featuring 2-way power lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control, and standard all-weather floor liners help catch the outdoor elements that occupants' feet bring in, just to name a few. Giving Trail Edition its personal flair, the black fabric seating features unique tan stitching.

The standard 8-inch multimedia touchscreen features Apple Carplay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Other features include a six-speaker sound system, hands-free Bluetooth® phone and music capability, a USB media port, two USB charge ports, and an integrated backup camera display. In addition, all Tacoma multimedia systems include Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM capability with a three-month All-Access Trial.

TSS-P: Standard Safety on All Tacomas

Although the Tacoma Trail Edition gains some added off-road performance thanks to its lift, that doesn't mean that Tacoma's standard safety features were forgotten. TRD engineers ensured the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) features are all standard. TSS-P includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and Automatic High Beams.

Every Tacoma is also equipped with the Star Safety System, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop brake override technology (SST). Tacoma also features the driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger knee airbags, and front and rear Roll-sensing Side Curtain Airbags. Active head restraints for the Tacoma's front seats are designed to move up and slightly forward during a rear-end collision to help reduce the risk of whiplash. Additional standard safety features include a Tire Pressure Monitor System.

A North American Story

CALTY Design Research, Toyota's American design studio in Newport Beach, Calif., and Ann Arbor, Mich., helped give the Tacoma an unmistakably athletic and stylish identity. The Toyota engineering team at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor takes great pride in the role it played helping to develop the current generation Tacoma pickup. The Tacoma is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Baja California (TMMBC), in Baja California, Mexico, and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Guanajuato (TMMGT), in Guanajuato, Mexico.

by Toyota

Since 1995, the Toyota Tacoma is a compact pickup truck both manufactured and produced by the Toyota Motor Corporation. For 2005 the second generation Tacoma was named Motor Trend Magazine's Truck of the Year. The Tacoma received its name after the City of Tacoma, Washington, USA. The Tacoma name originated from the worldwide Hilux, and prior to this the Hilux was marketed in the US, under the name Toyota Pickup. Three engines were available for the Toyota Tacoma; the 2.4 L four cylinder which was rated at 142 hp and 160 lb/ft of torque, the 2.7 L four cylinder which was rated at 150 hp and 177lb/ft of torque and finally the 3.4 L V6 rated at 190 hp and 22 lb/ft of torque. The 2.4L offered the highest MPG at 29, the 2.7L gave 26 miles per US gallon, and the 3.4L gave only 22 miles per US gallon.

5-stud wheel lug patterns were found on Two-wheel drive Tacoma's, while the 2.4 L and 3.4 L engines were available depending on options. Both automatic and manual transmissions were available. Four-wheel drive Tacoma's came with six-stud wheel lug patterns, which had been used early on pre-Tacoma trucks. The frame of the Tacoma is fully boxed until promptly transitioning into a c-frame section after the front leaf spring mount bracket. The automatic transmission was an A340F while the 3.4 V's manual transmission was an R150F. Single cab Tacoma's came with the option of a manual transmission with the 3.4 V6 engine from 1995 until 1997. Following 1998 the single cabs only received a 2.7 or a 2.4 4-cyl from factory. Also in this year TRD packages began.

Pre-runner models also began in this year and they shared the same front and rear suspensions parts and geometry, styling, frame and engine options as 4X4 Tacoma's of this year range. These models also had the options of the TRD Off-Road package which received a rear differential locker if it was a V6 model. The main downside was there wasn't an option of a 5-speed transmission.

The Toyota Tacoma sold quite well in the first few years of production, appealing to many young buyers. During the first generation the Tacoma underwent two cosmetic facelifts, the first in 1998 and the second in 2001. The revisions involved new headlights and new grilles. Mechanically the changes included a switch to distributor-less ignitions in 1997 and in 1998 longer rear leaf springs. Also in 1998 a passenger-side airbag was added to the Tacoma, while the driver's side air bag was 'depowered'. Following the 2000 model year all 4X4 models came with Toyota's Automatic Differential Disconnect system.

In 2001 the main revision for the Tacoma was a new crew cab (four door) model being added to the lineup. The crew cab came with four doors, while the Tacoma extended cab continued to open with two doors. A 6 foot bed came with the extended cab while the crew cab came with a 5 foot 5-inch bed. Unfortunately many customers were not happy with small crew cab beds, but there wasn't much of a market for larger truck beds with competitors. Toyota rolled out their new S-Runner trim package in 2001 which came with a 3.4 liter V6 engine, 16-inch alloy wheels and a 5 speed manual transmission with Tokico gas shocks. Only 200 units were produced from 2001 until 2004. The Toyota Tacoma went up 16.5 percent in sales from its earlier years and it continued to only rise in popularity. The Tacoma was ahead of the Nissan Frontier and the Dodge Dakota in 2004, only 2.2 percent behind in sales to the Ford Ranger.

The second generation of the Tacoma was unveiled at the 2004 Chicago Auto show. This generation was assembled in Tijuana, Mexico and Fremont, California, while the plastic/composite beds were all constructed in Mexico. This continued until August of 2009 when Toyota announced that it would relocate Tacoma production from Fremont to San Antonio, Texas, therefore consolidating with it's Toyota Tundra production line and having all American made Toyota pickups manufactured at one facility.

This new Tacoma was a bigger, meatier, more powerful Tacoma for 2005 available in eighteen various configurations that included three cab configurations, four transmissions, two engines, and two different bed lengths. The 4.0-liter 1GR-FE V6 replaced the original 3.4-liter V. The new Tacoma V6 had many enhancements that included a new 6500 pound tow rating and a payload capacity of 1650 pounds. It produced 236 horsepower and 266 foot-pounds of torque. The brand new smaller 2.7-liter 2TR-FE 4-cylinder alternative in cheaper models was rated at 159 hp and 180 lb/ft of torque.

An X-Runner trim was also introduced this year which replaced the slow selling S-Runner trim from the earlier generation. This model features the 1GR-FE was mated to a six speed manual transmission, 18 in alloy wheels which were lowered two inches from the factory and included an X-Brace suspension package. Also included on the X-Runner trim was a Down-Hill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) on models that were outfitted with the optional Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Off-Road package. HAC prevents the car from rolling backwards on hills while DAC automatically applies braking during downhill descents. Optional features included limited-slip differential or a rear locking differential. All Tacoma's were manufactured with a composite inner bed that included a deck rail system with four tie-down cleats, storage boxes, hook-pins, and a power outlet. The tie-down cleats were rated to hold up to 220lbs.

The 2006 Tacoma rolled out with a bit more flair than the previous year. This year featured some options standard. For 2007 the Tacoma added 2 all-new interior colors. Not much changed aesthetically for the 2008 model year. For 2008 Toyota announced a 15 year, unlimited mileage corrosion warrant for 1995-2000 models because of insufficient rust-proofing and frame corrosion issues that affected a small amount of Tacoma's. Toyota offered to either repair the frame or buy back the truck for 1.5 times its KBB retail value.

Safety features were implemented for 2009 and the Tacoma no longer offered a mechanical limited slip different instead of an open differential which uses individual wheel braking to simulate a mechanical LSD or 'Auto-LSD'. Off-road TRD models continue to arrive equipped with a locking rear differential. For this year a slightly improved grill was added on some models, along with LED taillamps. The X-Runner, TRD Sport and TRD Offroad models included smoked headlamp trim. Now standard were auxiliary audio input. Four new exterior colors were added to the Tacoma and the Access/Double Cab trucks received two new ceiling mounted speakers and available backup monitor.

Following GM's bankruptcy, GM abandoned the NUMMI venture. Toyota killed all Corolla and Tacoma production. For 2010 all Tacoma production was relocated to Toyota's Texas plant in San Antonio. The Tacoma was build alongside the Tundra, and by doing this, Toyota now has all of its NA truck production in one plant. In 2012 the Tacoma is expected to be redesigned and re-engineered, two years following the release of the new 4Runner.

The Tacoma arrived standard with brake assist, anti-lock brakes, and electronic brakeforce distribution. A rollover sensor was added in 2008 which deployed the side curtain airbags in the event of a rollover in Tacoma's equipped with the optional side airbags. Starting in 2009, all Tacoma's featured Toyota's Star Safety System which added traction control and Vehicle Stability Control. Also standard were front row side torso airbags and side curtain airbags for both rows, along with active head restraints. With active head restraints, in 2009 the Tacoma was given the IIHS's Top Safety Pick award. The Tacoma Access Cab received standard power windows and door locks along with redesigned rear seats for passenger comfort and convenience. Higher trim levels offered optional Bluetooth enabled Premium JBL 6-CD audio systems with integrated XL satellite radio.

A limited production trim, the Toyota X-Runner was only available in three colors each year and only four colors today. The X-Runner was available in Speedway Blue, Black San Pearl and Radiant Red from 2005 until 2008.The Radiant Red was discontinued in 2009 and replaced with Barcelona Red Metallic. The main difference between the X-Runner and other packages were the updates to the suspension, a 3.15 Final Drive ratio and ground effects. To stiffen up the back end, the Toyota added a rear mounted X-Brace. The chassis was also stiffened more by adding two additional support braces to the frame. One could purchase an optional big brake kit by TRD available on the X-Runner which consisted of a 332 mm slotted rotor and 4 piston caliper. This big brake kit was designed by StopTech.

The 2010 Tacoma appealed to drivers who needed a mid-size car or compact pickup loaded with latest media amenities and top of the line safety features in addition to fuel efficiency and hauling capabilities. The outside remained basically unchanged from the previous year. The '10 trucks came in three cab styles; the Tacoma Regular Cab, Double Cab with four side doors and extended Access Cab with hinged rear doors. The 2010 Tacoma was equipped with the most advanced DynamicControl technology and Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence. The Tacoma is a popular seller in the mid-size pickup truck category.

by Jessican Donaldson