2012 TACOMA MEGA-THREAD

Ok so I’ve received the ordering guide for the 2012 Tacoma from several Canadian dealers. It states the cosmetic changes including but not limited to front bumper, hood, grill, head lights. Also the dash will be new with new controls there will be USB audio input for example, see below.

I was really hoping and holding out for the dual VVT-I 4.0 however everything I’ve received states single VVT-i. Why would Toyota make a bunch of changes for 2012 but leave out the dual VVT-I 4.0 that is use in the 4Runner, FJ Cruiser and Tundra. This makes no sense to me, and actually pisses me off that they wouldn’t make the change to improve fuel economy! It seems like a very simple change!
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Effective Date: Friday, June 03, 2011

Changes to Standard Equipment
For 2012MY the Tacoma is MMC model. Changes include (for all models):
- New front fasica including grill, headlamps, hood, bumpers
- New Steering wheel and shift knob designs
- New revised center stack with piano-black accents
- Black carpeting now standard on all models
- Standard All-Weather Floor Mats included
- Two additional cargo tiedown hooks added (floor level)
- Rear head rest design changed (folding type)
- Cigarette lighter/ashtray has been deleted
- Cloth door trim has been replaced with PVC trim
- On models equipped with the rear console box the lid has been deleted
- Overhead sunglasses storage has been deleted
The following equipment is now optional in SR5 grades and above:
- Windshield top shade, LED brake lamps

In addition for 4x4 Models:
- All 4WD models include a new audio system featuring an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary audio input, upgraded display, Bluetooth, USB audio input, integrated satellite radio, steering wheel mounted audio controls, and easy-grip knobs

In addition for 4x4 Access Cabs and Double Cabs
- Sliding rear privacy glass, cruise control, and keyless entry are now standard equipment

 

I wouldn't want bigger motor, for me the V6 is a perfect mix of power and mileage. I get 22ish to work and back which is great. Any bigger motor and I think we would drop to below 18.

Options I would pay for:

Leather
Sunroof
Better stereo incl. Blutooth
Color matched parts ie: Grille/Handles (I know a sport....)
Better quality interior dash parts .. the plastic looks the same that was on my dad's 88
A-Trac

 

There are also some changes to the optional equipment:

4x4 Access cab models:
SR5 Package (B-Suffix) now includes engine oil cooler, upgraded alternator, 7-pin towing harness, auto-dimming rear view mirror with integrated backup camera and compass, as well as a Class IV weight distribution trailer hitch for uprated towing capacity (6500lbs)

TRD Off-Road Package (C-Suffix) now includes a front skid plate, water-repellent seat material, and a garage door opener. The subwoofer has been deleted from this package.


4x4 Double Cab
SR5 Package now includes engine oil cooler, upgraded alternator, 7-pin towing harness, a Class IV weight distribution trailer hitch for uprated towing capacity (6500lbs)

TRD Package now includes garage door opener and integrated turn signals into the outside rear-view mirrors.

 

That article was written over a year ago ... before an earthquake. 2012's are already rolling. Only thing I've seen is a recent article saying 2014, which seems reasonable. IMO we'd be hearing about 2013 changes right now.

 

I'm not asking for a bigger motor, it's the same 4.0L V6, it just has Dual VVT-i instead of Single VVT-i which increases horsepower AND increases fuel economy. The 4Runner 4X4 went from 16/20 with the single VVT-i 4.0 V6 to 18/22 with the Dual VVT-i 4.0 V6.

 

black only carpet? Thats nuts. With these changes, I am glad I got my 11

 

Also for 2012
Added Exterior Colors:
06V4 - Spruce Mica
08S6 - Nautical Blue Metallic

Deleted Exterior Colors:
08P1 - Speedway Blue

This seems to make sense since both Spruce Mica and Nautical Blue Metallic are offered in the Tundra as well. Both the Tundra and Tacoma are being produced in the same plant (Texas).

 

I thought the newer 4runners came with 270 hp and 22-23 mpg hwy depending on trim.

 

Where the fuck will I put my sunglasses!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No new engine or transmission, no deal. And deleting the sunglasses holder was them spitting in my face.

 

for me this "and easy-grip knobs" translates to tundra style knobs *i think i just threw up* = fat drivers

sunglasses holder is useful for other things not only glasses, shouldn't have delete it...

rear console lid delete, lol they must have read all the complaints about being in the way, about time...

nautical blue will be a nice color, but you'll have to be on top of it, probably hardest color to maintain...swiiiiirls

blinkers in the mirrors on the double cabs, i can see first mod as being that for everyone hahah it'll be the new satoshi....

the only real positive thing is that they finally realized homelink should be included with auto dim mirrors...abouuuuut time

it'll be interesting to see if they go for the Highlander look or 4Runner look up front...

 

Good to see that the "made especially for Canadian winters so it's more expensive" version will continue to be pretty much the only Toyota left that doesn't offer heated mirrors

Depending how the prices work out on the 2012s, I can see myself looking for a deal on a 2011 DC Sport leftover if the engine remains the same.

 

To be honest the new 4runner has a larger shift knob and to me it says "Stand back women, this is a mans truck" but thats just me.

 

woodygg,

Any more recent info to counteract the single VVT-i information I have from the Canadian ordering guide? I'm just in disbelief that Toyota would make all these changes and not make the most important and probably easiest change...Dual VVT-i.

Why would Toyota want to continue to make two variants of the 4.0 liter V6. Especially when they could offer their customers better performance and more fuel economy.

Sorry for my rant, I'm just pissed off that the 2012 is looking like it will still be single VVT-i.

 

I have reason to believe that they may still incorporate the dual VVT-i. I would hope that they wouldn't pull a Ford and introduce the new model like Ford did with the new mustang in the early 2000's and the next year give a bigger motor. Toyota to me seems to have a big change then subtle changes over the next couple years as the generation moves on. Not a large change every year. That seems to be why they hold their value so much. They make a good product and make slight modifications on the good product. If you buy an older one, it is still a great product with a few less standard options. No biggie. Not a new body style one year a new motor the next and different interior later. Am I wrong?

 

Toyota is currently having its' national dealer meetings this week in Las Vegas. I'm sure they are briefing the dealers what to expect for the 2012 models and beyond.

Does anyone know someone attending this meeting that could provide us some insight on the 2012 Tacoma?

I'm still holding out some hope that we will see the updated 4.0 V6 for the 2012 Tacoma.

 

I agree, I just hope it holds true for 2012 and we do see the dual VVT-i 4.0. It would be an absolute shame if we don't (and IMO it wouldn't make ANY sense!)

Keeping my fingers crossed!

 

I can only speculate that the reason they are switching to black carpet is b/c the Tundra in the same plant has black carpet in most of their models and perhaps they can use the same supplier now and cut costs that way possibly.

But it would absolutely escape me and escape common sense if Toyota did not put the Dual VVT-i 4.0 V6 in their Tacoma's for 2012 when the Tundra they are making in the same plant has had the Dual VVT-i 4.0 V6 as it's base engine already (which I think they introduced into the Tundra for 2011 if I'm not mistaken?).

I really hope a Dual VVT-i 2.7 liter 4 banger is on the program too - any news that way?

 

My Bro-in-law Knows of this but isn't attending. He told me he would let me know if he gets more info. The local dealer in my neighborhood said he saw a picture of the new camry given to him by some high ups and it was a car with a sheet over it so you couldn't tell what it was anyway...needless to say, I'm not sure anybody thats not at that meeting would get any real info until closer to the release whenever that is.

 

good point. The only other reason I could think of is maybe for 2013 they have an all new engine planned (toyota twin turbo ecoboost killer anyone?!) and and dont want to add a new 4.o for only one year when it will be replaced the following year.

 

Good point regarding the same carpet as the Tundra. Everything is volume and commonality if possible especially for automotive companies.

Yes they introduced the dual VVT-i 4.0 V6 in the Tundra for the 2011 model year. Toyota put it in the 4Runner and FJ Cruiser for the 2010 model year.

The Canadian ordering guide has both engines and transmissions as unchanged for 2012.

It would smart for Toyota to do something with the 4 cylinder. Dual VVT-i would help, and so would 2 more gears for the automatic!