Building off a heritage that started more than 40 years ago, Toyota has been the most successful import brand in America in terms of truck sales the past few years. Though its new full-size Tundra will receive a lot of attention this year, the midsize Tacoma remains closer to Toyota’s roots and is still an excellent choice for many consumers.
Shoppers who haven’t looked at compact pickups in a while might be surprised to learn that most aren’t really compact anymore. Based on a full redesign from two model years ago, the American and Mexican-built 2007 Toyota Tacoma is representative of a new breed of midsize pickup truck. Bigger and stronger than the traditional compact, the truck can take on a surprising amount of towing and hauling duties thanks to its stout frame and available 236-horsepower V6 engine.
One main advantage to the Tacoma is its diversity of cab configurations and styles. It’s available in regular, extended-cab (Toyota calls it an Access Cab) and crew cab (Double Cab) body styles in both two- and four-wheel drive. In addition, there’s the popular PreRunner version that offers the look and suspension of the four-wheel-drive trucks sans the actual four-wheel-drive running gear. Other specialized models include a long-bed version of the crew cab and a street performance-oriented X-Runner.
Also impressive is the Tacoma’s overall interior design. With plenty of room in every direction, the Tacoma avoids the claustrophobic feeling typically associated with previous compact pickup trucks. A composite cargo bed comes standard on all models and incorporates built-in storage units, adjustable tie-down anchors and even an optional 400-watt electrical outlet.
Having thoroughly tested the Toyota Tacoma, our editors have come away impressed. Versatile, powerful and off-road-worthy, the Tacoma has no major faults. It has won two successive Editors’ Most Wanted awards and ranks extremely high in Edmunds’ True Cost to Own (TCO) measurements. Though we also suggest taking a look at another favorite of ours, the Nissan Frontier, the 2007 Toyota Tacoma is an excellent choice for those shopping for a compact or midsize pickup truck.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
Generally, the larger the Tacoma you buy, the more features you get. Regular cabs are meant primarily for workhorse duty and are only lightly equipped; amenities include a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, twin auxiliary power outlets and a four-speaker CD stereo. The more popular Tacoma Access Cab comes standard with air-conditioning, an overhead console and a six-speaker sound system. The Tacoma Double Cab adds keyless entry, power windows and locks, and upgraded seat fabric. Additional convenience features are available only through a variety of optional packages. Most 4WD models can be equipped with an Off-Road Package. On all body styles, the PreRunner designation means the truck is RWD but has the buff look of a 4WD truck. There’s also a Tacoma Access Cab X-Runner that has special street performance-enhancing hardware, along with an in-dash CD changer and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter.
Powertrains and Performance
Safety
Interior Design and Special Features
Driving Impressions
Exterior | |
Length: 190.4 in. | Width: 72.2 in. |
Height: 65.7 in. | Wheel Base: 109.4 in. |
Ground Clearance: 8.1 in. | Curb Weight: 3180 lbs. |
Gross Weight: 4550 lbs. | |
Interior | |
Front Head Room: 40 in. | Front Hip Room: 53.6 in. |
Front Shoulder Room: 58.1 in. | Front Leg Room: 41.7 in. |
Maximum Seating: 3 |
Performance | |
Base Number of Cylinders: 4 | Base Engine Size: 2.7 liters |
Base Engine Type: Inline 4 | Horsepower: 159 hp |
Max Horsepower: 5200 rpm | Torque: 180 ft-lbs. |
Max Torque: 3800 rpm | Maximum Payload: 1370 lbs. |
Maximum Towing Capacity: 3500 lbs. | Drive Type: RWD |
Turning Circle: 36.7 ft. |
Fuel | |
Fuel Tank Capacity: 21 gal. | |
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway) | |
Manual: 20 mpg / 27 mpg | |
Range in Miles: (City/Highway) | |
Manual: 420 mi. / 567 mi. |