As I drive by the Southpointe Toyota Tower each day, decided to stop in and get more information on the Tacoma. The 2014 Toyota Tacomas compact dimensions make it more easily maneuverable than a full-size pickup. The SR replaces the road-hugging X-Runner, which is no longer available. The two kids we sentenced to the rear of our Access Cab are 5-feet and 5-feet, 5 inches tall, and they were okay back there for a short ride but would rather have ridden in the bed with the dog. The TRD Sport Package starts with SR5 equipment and adds or substitutes P265/65R17 tires, sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers, water-resistant sport seats, overhead console and with compass and outside temperature, rearview camera, and turn signals integrated into the outside mirrors; plus a hood scoop, lots of body-color trim, and its own graphics package. Lorraine Complains: Licence plate tom-foolery, courtesy of Doug Ford, News Roundup: Hondas hybrid CR-V and 2023 Mazda CX-5 Canadian pricing, Reader Review: 2022 Subaru BRZ Sport-Tech, Somebody just bought Tom Hanks 1975 Fiat 128 in a charity sale, tap here to see other videos from our team. The seat is split 60/40. A colleague of mine and I had to drive to a sales appointment in the northeast. Legions of satisfied owners have used their Tacomas for working hard and playing hard, and its popularity just keeps on growing. The Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts right around $18,000 for a base 2WD Regular Cab. The truck has a cross bed toolbox, (Craftsman). If youre in the market for a compact truck your search should begin, and will likely end, with the 2014 Toyota Tacoma. Took the vehicle out to do a little fly-fishing. A drop down menu will appear. The Tacoma's brakes are smooth and easy to modulate, and they can bring the truck to quick halt without drama. His two observations were that the vehicle has a bigger feel to it from a driving position, feeling higher up than it looks. I love my 2013 Tacoma TXPro 4x4. The rear windows even go all the way down. The 6-speed manual transmission is easy to shift, but first gear is a very low ratio, leaving a broad stretch to second. The base engine is a 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder mated to a five-speed manual transmission; a four-speed automatic is optional ($900). The Tacoma doesn't seem to generate as much head toss as earlier 4WD compact pickups, an important consideration when driving long distances over rugged terrain, because you don't want to arrive to your backcountry camp fatigued from driving. But ads are also how we keep the garage doors open and the lights on here at Autoblog - and keep our stories free for you and for everyone. The audio upgrade includes steering wheel controls. The base version has black bumpers and grille, the PreRunner has the off-road look, and the option packages, from SR5 Extra Value to TRD Off-Road to Limited, add their own details. Essentially, it will do most of what the larger trucks will do, and without the bulk, fuel consumption or cost. Ads can be annoying. Toyota truck shoppers are getting some new fashions to choose from. Overall, the Tacoma provides the driver with a good driving position, and big mirrors afford a good view to the rear. The Tacoma Double Cab delivers rear-seat comfort for two additional passengers with enough room to rival a small sedan. It's a good, solid truck transmission, without a lot of room for error; you have to press the clutch pedal all the way to the floor when shifting gears or you'll hear a crunch. The TRD Sport Package is available only with the V6, and only PreRunners and 44's with Access Cab ($3190) or Double Cab ($3055). It handles well and feels relatively refined. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited. Handling is quite good on curvy roads. The rear brakes are drums, however, less desirable than the rear disc brakes that come on so many other vehicles these days. A slightly protruding inner grille of black plastic echoes and emphasizes this Toy-truck hallmark. Now having driven it around for a day or two, I too cant help but feel youre driving a bigger truck than it appears. A Convenience Package for Access Cabs ($1,005) and Double Cabs ($835) adds rear privacy glass, a sliding rear window, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, cruise control, power mirrors and remote keyless entry. Off-road models offer commendable capability over rugged terrain and good ride comfort, as well. Having a mid-size pickup never has you second-guessing the overhang going into underground parking. According to the experts at Kelley Blue Book, the 2014 Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab scores 3.7 out of 5 stars. Day 6 More snow has fallen but roads are just wet, the Tacoma tracks well and gives a driver confidence in these conditions. Subscribe to our Blind-Spot Monitor newsletters to catch up on all the top automotive stories of the week. Since the Mustang, Ruskin has driven plenty of vehicles, including Ford Explorer, Freestyle and Edge models, plus several Dodge Caravans. Read more about cookies here. It handles well on rough dirt trails, something we learned while charging up a ski run at Alyeska. There are four available transmissions, 2- or 4-wheel drive (2WD or 4WD), three cab configurations, two cargo bed lengths and numerous other choices. Here, the Tacoma is in its element, sitting high up over the rough terrain and you can really feel the Bilstein shocks working as they should. Your first clue is the familiar, sturdy arch over the top and sides of the grille: brightly plated on SR5s, TRD Off-Roads, and Limiteds; body color on TRD Sports and the new SR; and argent-painted on base models. Tacoma PreRunner models are 2WD, but feature the high stance and general appearance of a 4WD truck. As you place the vehicle in four-wheel-drive low, you have confidence you can get out of anything. To find out if the 2014 Tacoma Regular Cab is the right car for you, check out the pros and cons, trims, specs and options at Kelley Blue Book. The setup is handy, functional and durable. I have enjoyed my time in this mid-size pickup. While I was looking through the manual on how to better program the navigation system, try as I might, I couldnt find how to activate the exterior temperature gauge. Standard equipment for the 2014 Toyota Tacoma includes the 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine of 159 horsepower and a 5-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, an AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD system, anti-lock brakes (ABS), front side-impact and side-curtain airbags, traction and stability control, tachometer, two instrument-panel powerpoints and rear mudguards. Entune is a media-savvy technology that links with your smart phone and allows you to access its apps through the Tacoma's audio controls. Packages include the SR5 Extra Value Package, four TRD Off-Road Extra Value Packages, and the Limited Package. But in a good way. Muted: The SX Packages The first option is for those who prefer an understated look. The shifter is well placed and having your hand on the shift knob is quite comfortable. Its time for an update of the trucks technology, he says. Nissan Frontier remains and all-new Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon models have been introduced, but Ford Ranger and Dodge Dakota have exited the stage. The Nissan Frontier comes close on power but doesnt offer a regular-cab model. Currently, two engines are offered, a 2.7L DOHC four-cylinder and a 4.0L DOHC V6, mated to either five or six-speed manual gearboxes, or four or five-speed automatic transmissions depending on model configuration. It deservedly tops the entire segment. In action, the V6 feels refined and delivers responsive performance. Getting into the Tacoma proved an easy proposition for Ruskin, who is 6-feet tall. As for resale, Kelley Blue Book expects the 4-cylinder base models to retain better-than-average residual values, and the V6 Access Cab and Double Cab models to do even better, so the 2014 Tacoma represents a very good long-term investment. Some folks feel the seats are somewhat close to the floor, but its a minor concern. Although the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon cost less, neither offers as much power, space or refinement. GreenEdge technology helps reduce fuel consumption by lowering the electric power demand on the vehicle. Fog light nacelles flair outward from the fish-mouth form. Toyota Racing Development, or TRD, offers myriad accessories to further improve on-road performance or off-road capability, including a comprehensive Off Road Package featuring high-performance Bilstein off-road shocks, locking rear differential, advanced ATRAC traction control and other electronic off-road assists, an engine skid plate, tow hook, many luxury and convenience items and special graphics. No complaints. EPA estimates for a Tacoma with 2.7-liter four-cylinder are 21/25 mpg with 2WD and the 5-speed manual, and 19/24 mpg for 2WD with the 4-speed automatic. Off-road, a 4WD TRD model is smooth and highly capable. An AM/FM radio head unit comes with a single-disc CD player and built-in Bluetooth for hands-free cellphone use. Please try again. All models include Entune Audio, which leverages a smartphone to provide fully integrated access to navigation, entertainment and information services. He figures the Tacoma is due for a sixth gear to help keep revs down on the highway, and that would also help quell some cabin noise. Owners of the vehicle give it 4.7 out of 5 stars. STRONG V6 ENGINEThe Tacomas available 4.0-liter V6 engine is powerful, smooth and responsive, and works well with either the 6-speed manual or the 5-speed automatic transmission. Double Cab V6 models offer a premium JBL system ($2,330) with amplified subwoofer, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Navigation, Entune, and App Suite. Among the major selections are the 4.0-liter V6 engine, the choice of a manual or an automatic transmission, and 4-wheel drive. For 2014, even this base unit adds a 6.1-inch touch-screen display and Entune; once a smart phone is connected to the vehicle using Bluetooth or a USB cable, Entune's features are operated using the vehicle's controls or, for some services, by voice recognition. Properly equipped Tacoma V6 models can to tow up to 6,500 pounds. Double Cabs have long, conventionally hinged rear doors that open 80 degrees for ease of entry or loading gear. The 4.0-liter V6 engine uses dual overhead camshafts and variable valve technology (Toyota calls it VVT-i, for Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) to optimize power and torque over a broad range of rpm. Both engines feature Toyotas Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) which helps to reduce the compromise between higher-end horsepower and low-end torque. For me, its not tall enough to need running boards, and its not a struggle to get into the truck, he says. The five-speed automatic was a $1,550 option, and the $7,315 TRD Sport Premium Package brought the price as tested, including $1,690 freight and PDI, to $40,288.45. The vehicle is a delight pulling into any parking stalls. The 2014 Toyota Tacoma is offered with four levels of Entune audio, which leverages a smartphone to provide fully integrated access to navigation, entertainment and information services. And the excellent torque makes it easy to cruise in 5th and 6th gears, without needing to downshift to accelerate. Access Cabs feature large dual rear auxiliary doors, not good for people but very good for gear. All Tacomas come with air conditioning. You must be logged in to perform that action. By the time he was finished, he says it was too nice to use as a daily driver. This page is for personal, non-commercial use. Accordingly, all Tacoma audio systems now come with a 6.1-inch touch screen, where, incidentally, the view from the optional backup camera is now also displayed, rather than in the rear-view mirror as before. I liked the black plastic grille, the headlights and the hood scoop it looks rugged and I like it.. Also standard on all models is Toyota's Star Safety System, which includes anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC). Big rotary knobs make it easy to adjust cabin temperature even with gloves on; the knobs are electronic, so they're easy to twist. Great truck to drive in excellent condition. It never bottomed on the rough terrain even when we pushed it well beyond socially acceptable standards. Four-wheel-drive is available throughout the line, in Regular, Access and Double Cabs. Tacoma Regular Cab ($17,875) comes standard with cloth upholstery, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA four-speaker sound system, Entune, tachometer, digital clock, two 12-volt power points, fuel warning light, tire-pressure monitor, service reminder indicator, dome lamp, rear mudguards, 15-inch steel wheels and a full-size spare tire. It sure looks high-tech; whether it's actually more readable than other color schemes is another matter. If you'd be so kind as to allow our site, we promise to keep bringing you great content. Depending upon engine and drivetrain, maximum towing capacity is 6,500 pounds and maximum payload is 1,500 pounds. A new SR appearance package is available for the Tacoma PreRunner and 44 Access Cab and Double Cab base models. Excellent grab handles on both A-pillars. The rear seats in the Tacoma Double Cab are particularly comfortable for the class, offering good legroom and shoulder room and decent headroom. Do Not Sell My Personal Information (CA Residents Only). Moving around the airport parkade proved once again that having a mid-size really makes a difference when one is leaving a tight parking space. The prominent lower air opening is framed at the top by a body-color extension of the main grille arch (again, the arch theme) and by a gray pseudo-skid plate below. You must have JavaScript enabled to experience the new Autoblog. But he offers Toyota a suggestion. He bought the tundra new . Price varies ($3185-3585) depending on model. It is rated at 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, which is about average for the class. Ruskin was impressed with the size of the cab, the passenger room in the back seat, and the sliding rear window. You can only add up to 5 vehicles to your picks. Regular Cab 44 models with the automatic transmission add standard bucket seats. For 2014 the Tacoma continues on, still clearly on top of the segment and available in any configuration of cab, powertrain and trim level imaginable. CDs sound good through the JBL speakers. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Switching into 4WD and 4WD Lo is as easy as twisting a rotary knob. V6-powered Double Cabs can opt for the Entune Premium setup plus a JBL GreenEdge audio system with seven speakers ($2,330). The automatic delivers comparable gas mileage, according to the latest EPA estimates, with 17/21 mpg City/Highway vs. 16/21 for the V6 and manual with 2WD; and 15/19 for the V6 and manual with 4WD. And it does all that with only a relatively modest reduction in fuel economy. auxiliary audio jack, USB 2.0 port, iPod connectivity and control, iTunes Tagging, Gracenote album cover art, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability, phone book access, advanced voice recognition and music streaming, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, 90-day free trial, Entune App Suite includes Bing, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable, Pandora, Yelp and Facebook Places; real-time info including traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports and stocks, HD Radio, HD predictive traffic and Doppler weather overlay, Tires: P265/60R18, Limited Badge, Chevrolet Corvette Sedan Coming In 2025 With EV Power, Fernando Alonso Joins Aston Martin F1 Team From 2023, Jeep Is Leaving China Before It's Too Late, 2023 Ford Maverick Toughens Up With New Tremor Package, Chevrolet Will Void Owner's Warranty If They Flip Corvette Z06, Here's When The All-Electric Cadillac Escalade Will Arrive, 2010-2022 CarBuzz Inc. 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