2010 Toyota Tacoma Overview Change Vehicle

This 2010 Toyota Tacoma overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2010 Tacoma, and includes Toyota Tacoma safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

Though nothing has changed in terms of styling and content, there’s news about the 2010 Toyota Tacoma nonetheless. Like other Toyota models, the Tacoma is included in a mass recall for floor mats that could potentially trap the accelerator pedal. In the months since, the company has launched the Toyota Care Free-Maintenance Plan, which backs every new Toyota with complimentary oil changes, tire rotations, visual inspections, and roadside assistance for the first two years or 25,000 miles of ownership.

When you think of buying a new vehicle, there’s a good chance that thoughts of special features or creature comforts come to mind. Unless, that is, you’re looking for a truck like the 2010 Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab Base with two-wheel drive. As its name implies, this little worker is less about frills and more about serving a need, whether the mission is carrying the rototiller to the small-engine shop or charioting its owner back and forth to work everyday. It does its thing with a four-cylinder engine, stylistically challenged 15-inch steel wheels, and a composite bed that stands up to some abuse without rusting like a traditional steel cargo box. Inside, you won’t find standard air conditioning though owners will enjoy a single-disc CD player, three months of complimentary satellite radio service, an auxiliary audio input jack, and a level of safety that comes with six airbags and stability control. In addition to the Base model, Regular Cab Tacomas are also available as the PreRunner model, distinguished by its added ground clearance, raised ride height, and 16-inch steel wheels.

If you want more space, as well as standard air conditioning, direct your focus to the Tacoma Access Cab. This iteration adds two rear access doors that allow entry into the cramped rear seating area (which is more useful as dry and secure cargo space), and can be ordered in Base, PreRunner, V6, and X-Runner trims. In addition to air conditioning, Access Cab models feature power windows and door locks and can be equipped with TRD (Toyota Racing Development) Off-road and Sport packages that deliver special suspension tuning and an assortment of content and visual tweaks.

That leaves the Tacoma Double Cab, a five-passenger variant that the majority of buyers find delivers the ideal balance between comfortable daily driver and, with its available five- and six-foot bed options, weekend workhorse. Trims include the PreRunner and the V6 models.

There are a dizzying number of ways to configure the 2010 Tacoma, a fact accentuated by the availability of two engines, two drivetrains and four transmissions. Efficiency-minded buyers will immediately gravitate to the 159-horsepower, 2.7-liter four-cylinder that boasts EPA ratings of up to 20 mpg around town and 26 mpg on the highway. That’s what you’ll get with rear-drive models paired with a five-speed manual gearbox; opt for the available four-speed automatic and those figures drop to 19-mpg city/25-mpg highway. Elect to purchase four-wheel drive, and you’ll feel pain at the pump thanks to 17-mpg city/22-mpg highway fuel economy ratings.

Move up to the Tacoma V6 and you’ll enjoy the benefits of 236 horsepower, 266 lb-ft of torque, and 6,500-lbs of towing capacity, but you’ll pay for the added muscle by way of fuel economy figures ranging between 14 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.

For the second year in a row, the Tacoma’s predicted reliability ratings are down dramatically from years prior. Consumer Reports is labeling the Tacoma’s predicted reliability as average overall, but specifically calls out the V6 model with two-wheel drive as faring much below average. J.D. Power and Associates is also seeing consumer dissatisfaction with Tacoma reliability, predicting that the 2010 model will provide slightly below average reliability.

The Tacoma has also held its ground on the safety front as it continues to earn top marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, with the single exception of a Marginal rating for roof crush strength.

Most every car company has a recall at some point, but Toyota took the cake this year with so many at roughly the same time. It was unfortunate for everyone involved, but shoppers reading this can take some comfort in knowing that the floor mat issue has been recognized and addressed. We think this situation has artificially depressed the Tacoma’s predicted reliability ratings, as upset owners take out their concerns in market research surveys. Because the Tacoma excels in almost every other regard, and has enjoyed a long-standing reputation for durability, we continue to recommend the Toyota Tacoma.

By Thom Blackett