In the overlooked mid-sized pickup division sits 2011 Toyota Tacoma. Full size trucks tend to get the glory, but Tacoma has no Napoleonic issues; it’s at peace with its placement among economic, capable haulers. Officially upping to midsize in 2005, Tacoma delivers workman-like hauling and towing prowess like its big brothers, if at a slightly lower capacity.
Toyota’s wheelhouse
What’s the benefit of having a smaller truck such as Tacoma? There are many. 2011 Tacoma packs a lot into its midsized bed. Dodge, Ford, and Chevy love to shine at going big, so the mid-size department is Toyota’s to conquer.
Let’s get on with it then.
2011 Toyota Tacoma Trims
Tacoma will make you sift through a party platter of combinations. Buyers get Regular, Access, or Double cabs, and short, standard, or long bed lengths.
Powertrains
2011 Tacoma packs just 4 cylinders at base with a 2.7L 159 HP engine with 180 lb.-ft. of torque. There is a V6 option for Tacoma’s Access and Double trims, a 4.0L job with 236 HP and 266 lb.-ft. of torque. Tacoma’s V6 may sit well with power heads, but, truth is Toyota equipped a decent engine in their mid-size baby. Tacoma’s 2×4 regular cab 4-cylinder is capable enough to for a 1380 lb. payload and a 3500 lb. towing capacity when properly equipped; it’s not an earth mover but it’ll make the trip to Home Depot and back.
Tacoma’s V6 ups tow capacity to 6500 lbs. with the tow package.
2011 Tacoma regular cab trims are handed 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto transmissions, while Toyota goes with either 5-speed auto or 6-speed manual for the V6 on higher trims.
Take note that the V6 is unavailable for 2011 Tacoma Regular cab.
And don’t let Tacoma’s mid-size demeanor give reason to stay in bounds: 4×4 capability counters a rear wheel drive option for any and all 2011 trim levels.
2011 Toyota Tacoma Fuel economy
2011 Tacoma isn’t going to suffer from frequent embarrassing stops at the pumps, at least not like V8 counterparts. There are a lot of Toyota EPA numbers to spit out, so take a breath: 4-cylinder 4×2 MPG are 21/25 manual, 19/25 auto, go 4×4 and its 18/20 manual and 18/21 auto. Tacoma V6 numbers are: 17/21 for 4×2 auto, (no manual option); 16/20 for 4×4 auto, 14/18 manual.
Life with the 2011 Toyota Tacoma
Simplicity sells for Tacoma, and Toyota’s brand of practicality highlight interior points. An uncluttered dash awaits pilots with plenty of stow room all around. Toyota lays out a number of accessory packages that include niceties like keyless entry, backup camera, bucket seating, and even an bed mounted electrical outlet to light up the sky.
Toyota Care gets owners a 2 year/25,000 mile complimentary maintenance plan, which includes 24 hour roadside assistance.
All Toyota’s care has given 2011 Tacoma a Kelly Blue Book 10 Best Resale Value award. Starting at $16,365, it’s a value that keeps on giving.
Bottom line
If you’re a light hauler and need the pickup structure for daily wear and tear, check out 2011 Toyota Tacoma for adequate pickup economy and Toyota branded reliability.
