2012 Toyota Tacoma: Restyled Interior & Exterior — What Changed?
Toyota refreshed its best-selling small pickup for 2012 with sharper styling outside and meaningful usability upgrades inside—while keeping the proven chassis and powertrains that made Tacoma a favorite. Ready to shop one? See our best prices on 2012 Toyota Tacoma.
Quick Highlights
New look up front: redesigned hood, grille, headlamps, and front bumper
New colors: Nautical Blue Metallic and Spruce Mica (Speedway Blue and Timberland Green discontinued)
Updated cabin: new center stack & HVAC/audio controls, revised gauges, new steering wheel, added storage
Tech & audio: 6-speaker system, CD, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, USB; larger 3.3" backup camera display
Powertrains: 2.7L I4 (159 hp/180 lb-ft) or 4.0L V6 (236 hp/266 lb-ft); manual or automatic transmissions
Available TRD upgrades: mirror-integrated turn signals; TRD Sport 18" split 5-spoke aluminum wheels; optional TRD supercharger (~304 hp/334 lb-ft)
Exterior Updates
The 2012 Tacoma gets a crisper “swooping” face with a reworked grille, hood, bumper covers, and headlamp design. Wheel openings and side panels remain familiar; tailgate and quarter-panels are largely unchanged. TRD packages add turn-signal mirrors, and TRD Sport offers 18" aluminum split-spoke wheels. Explore the palette: Toyota Tacoma colors.
Interior Updates
New center-instrument panel with relocated power points and revised HVAC/audio controls
Revised gauge cluster and newly designed steering wheel
Black high-contrast console, switch plates, dash, and door trim
Added storage: overhead bin (certain trims) and rear console box (Access Cab)
New heavy-duty all-weather flooring; available water-resistant seats (TRD Sport/Off-Road)
Tech add-ons: larger 3.3" backup camera display, compass, Homelink, Bluetooth & USB
Powertrain & Performance
2.7L DOHC I4: 159 hp / 180 lb-ft — 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
4.0L DOHC V6: 236 hp / 266 lb-ft — 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic
ETCS-i: Electronic throttle control optimizes response and efficiency
TRD Supercharger (accessory): approx. 304 hp / 334 lb-ft for V6 models
Driving impression: The V6 feels strong and refined; the chassis remains composed and confidence-inspiring.
Cab / Bed Configurations
Key Dimensions
Regular Cab length: 190.4 in
Access Cab & Double Cab (short-bed): 127.4-in wheelbase / 208.1-in overall length
Double Cab long-bed: 140.6-in wheelbase / 221.3-in overall length
Shop 2012 Toyota Tacoma
As a leading used Toyota Tacoma dealership in Long Beach, Car Plus Finance stocks multiple Tacoma cab/bed combos and trims. Have questions or want to schedule a test drive? Contact us.
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