2012 TACOMA MEGA-THREAD

I have very little doubt that we will see the dual VVT-i V6 in the 2012 Tacoma (the Tacoma is the only vehicle that still uses the single VVT-i 4.0, the 4Runner, FJ Cruiser and Tundra have all be updated).

Really curious to see if Toyota changes the automatic transmission to a 6 speed for the V6.

Also, I believe it's well past time to update the 2.7 liter I4 and it's archaic 4 speed automatic. If you look at a 4X4 4Runner with the updated 4.0 it's rated at 17/22 mpg. The 2.7 I4 4x4 Tacoma is rated at 18/21 mpg. The two vehicles are basically the same for mpg, which in part defeats one of the main reasons people would chose a 4 cylinder verses a V6...fuel economy.

 

A 6 speed auto would be one of the deciding factors for me

 

Same here. A few hundred less RPM on highway means wayyyy better highway fuel economy. A very easy 10% could be squeezed there, surely more.

My guess is it's because of the 6Speed auto that the full size F-150 4X4 6cyl gets better fuel economy than our tacomas:

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/comp...rd&model=F150 Pickup 4WD&hiddenField=Findacar

 

Its nice to see this thread come back to life!

 

The 3.7 liter V6 in the 2011 F150 4x4 is 16/21, which is better than the current Tacoma. I think it's pretty bad that full size trucks are close much less beating the Tacoma in fuel economy.

I really like the Tacoma and I'm currently in the market for a new one, however my major complaint is the fuel economy.

Keeping my fingers crossed that they make some real improvements in fuel economy for the 2012 model.

 

The new F-150 Eco-Boost motor is money, better MPG than the Tacoma and can pull over 11k LBS.

 

Yeah I can't imagine them sticking with a 5 speed, most companies have moved to 6's and toyota needs to keep in line with them. I drive the new 4runner alot, the engine is good, with a 6 speed it would be a great improvement.

 

Howdy all:

I have to agree with alot of Taco owners change is necessary to fix some creature conforts like:
1. Sunroof
2. Longer seats
3. Glove box light
4. Better quality seats ( hate the cheap cloth & they rattle like hell)
5. Stop putting cheap tires on
6. Leaf springs suck
7. Stiffer frame
8. Better brakes
9. More technology Ipod etc.

Just my 2 cents however still love the truck & I have had 7 of them.

 

I didn't even dare to compare the eco-boost in my first post since it's not in the same league at all (turbo, 400hp...). I was just talking about the N/A 6 cyl.

 

I have Not seen any test mules rollin around in Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Az like the Tundra a few years back. With the testing grounds here it would be a good place to run it. Most likely way past that phase by now. Just hope the looks aren't Butchered up as it is a Sweet lookin rig. How bout the option for a FJ type floor for easy cleanups, sunroof, pwr rear window. Entune sounds cool though and may signify a major yet quite Taco update. No big Auto Show preview either...

 

but it's twin turbo'd

 

Here's a good article today regarding the 4.0 dual VVTI engine in the Tundra (which hopefully we'll see for the 2012 Tacoma). Remember this is the same engine and transmission (5sp auto) that's found in the 4Runner, FJ Cruiser as well.

The article states several times that the truck would really benefit from a 6sp aut0, right on point with what some of us are requesting.

Toyota I hope you've been listening!

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2011/0...11-toyota-tundra-double-cab-40-liter-v-6.html

 

We will see the engine, that is confirmed. I'll try to find out about the tranny though...

 

Great I look forward to that, thank you.

Could you also inquire about any updates to the 4 cylinder and it's automatic transmission (4sp auto is very dated).

Thanks again

 

There will be a design and engine change showing up near the end of this year. This is from someone at Toyota corporate.

FYI - a dealer does NOT want you to think any changes whatsoever are coming as they fear you'll wait for the new model. Not to say they're lying - it's just I'd trust little of what they tell you.

 

Comparing technology, was talking about the motor not the size of the vehicle.

 

You and I both. I'm surprised Hyundai hasn't already, to be completely honest.

Although, one could argue that because the compact truck segment has been on the decline for the last ~10 years (according to the last car issue of Consumer Reports), no one sees the point in dumping money into that segment and focusing on hybrid/alternative fuel R&D.

 

Agreed, I'm about to have my 4th ac blower motor installed on my 2011. And if one more thing starts rattling I'm going to have to upgrade my stereo.

 

Okay, so is the 2012 Tacoma really going to be an all new design or not? I see stuff all over the web about it maybe being 2012 or 2013 or 2014. I read stuff saying 2012 will just be a continuation of the 2nd gens, etc.

I even asked a salesman at one of the local Toyota stealerships and he said he thought 2012, but didn't have any info to back it up.

Reason I am asking is because, I am in the market for a Tacoma 4x4 and in all of Phoenix (through searching inventories on the web at all the various stealerships in the Phoenix metro area) I have only found 1 in the config I am looking for (I4, 5spd, 4x4, Access Cab). So while I am trying to wait out the summer to see what the 2012s will bring/look like, I don't want to just wait till someone else snatches up this one I found (it's even white... perfect out here for the AZ heat!) or till the 2012 price increase comes along (assuming it's just another 2nd gen model year).

Also, if whenever they redesign it I get the impression from reading on here and elsewhere online that it will be a "bigger" truck (at least bigger appearing if not much bigger in actual dimensions)... and this is the antithesis of what I want. I miss the days of the compact truck (ie, not "mid-size"). IOW, if the next gen Tacoma is going to be bigger then I definitely want a 2nd gen!

What do you all think?