TORRANCE, CA – Toyota announced details of its 2012-MY Tacoma, which features a restyled exterior and upgraded interior for the new model-year.

The 2012 Tacoma has a new look from the A-pillar forward, with new front grilles on all grades. In addition to a new hood, Tacoma also receives new headlamps, new upper and lower bumper areas, and updated fog lamp housings.

The Tacoma comes in three cab configurations, Cab, Access Cab, and the four-door Double Cab. All 2012 models have a redesigned instrument gauge panel. The center console (standard on Access Cab and Double Cab models) flows into the instrument panel for a unified appearance. The console integrates three cupholders, two of which can accommodate extra-large containers. Tacoma offers new heavy-duty all-weather flooring in the 2012 Tacoma Access and Double Cab models.

Additional interior changes include a higher-resolution display for the available back-up camera (3.3-inch vs. 2.4-inch), a new temperature gauge, available rear-view mirror with compass and HomeLink, vanity lamps added to sun visors, an additional overhead storage compartment and, on Access Cab models, a new rear-console storage box. All models now feature two front-deck “D” rings. Other features include a new black high-contrast center console, new witch plate covers, dash and upper door trim.

The 2012-MY Tacoma lineup offers two engine options, a 2.7L dual overhead cam (DOHC) four-cylinder that produces 159 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque and a 4.0l DOHC V6 that provides 236 horsepower with 266 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines feature Toyota’s variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) for improved torque at the low end and mid-range of the power band.

The V-6 engine can be equipped with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder models offer a choice between a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission.

As in previous model years, the 2012-MY Tacoma offers the Toyota Star Safety System, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop brake override technology.

Other safety features include three-point seatbelts for all seating positions on all Tacoma models, front seat-mounted side airbags, roll-sensing side curtain airbags, including a cutoff switch, and a front advanced dual-stage airbag system. A front passenger cutoff switch is standard on Access Cab models.

All Access Cab and Double Cab models feature standard active headrests for the front seats. These headrests move up and forward in the event of certain rear-end collisions. This feature is designed to help reduce the distance between the occupant's head and the headrest.

In addition, Toyota announced new retail pricing for this vehicle. The base MSRP for the 2012-MY Tacoma will range from $16,875 for the Regular Cab 4x2 equipped with a 2.7L four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission, to $27,835 for the Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 long bed with a 4.0L V-6 and five-speed automatic, reflecting price increases ranging from $10 to $645.

Updated: 9/8/2011