Toyota Motor Sales USA has announced many performance, audio and esthetic upgrades to their industry-leading Tacoma for 2014.
With the X-Runner discontinued, those looking to hit the dirt hard can do so with the limited edition Toyota Baja Series Tacoma. Inspired by Toyota’s rich Baja racing heritage, the Baja Series Tacoma features increased suspension travel (1-inch front, 1.5-inches rear), Bilstein race shocks with TRD coil springs and BFGoodrich T/A KO tires (LT265/70R16) mounted on bead-lock-style off-road wheels. Power is enhanced with a TRD Cat-back exhaust system, and the truck comes with unique Baja Series graphics.
For a more friendly ride, the standard TRD Off-Road Package, available for 4×4 and PreRunner V-6, automatic-transmission-equipped models, features progressive-rate front springs, Bilstein shocks, a 28-mm front stabilizer bar and BFGoodrich Rugged Trail tires. Fog lamps top off the package that also features Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) driving modes and a locking rear differential.
The Toyota SR Package gives the Tacoma PreRunner, 4×4 Access Cab and Double Cab base models an infusion of off-road style with black 16-inch Baja wheels. Other elements include smoked headlight lenses along with color-keyed items such as fender extensions, turn signal-equipped side mirrors, door handles, bumpers and grille surrounds. Models with V-6 engines also get fog lights.
All in the 2014 Tacoma lineup are available with either a 4.0-liter DOHC V-6 (236 hp, 266 lb.-ft. of torque) or a 2.7-liter Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) four-cylinder (159 hp, 180 lb.-ft. of torque) engine. The V-6 comes with a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission while the four-cylinder models offer a choice between a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
Toyota’s Entune Premium Audio and Entune Premium JBL Audio systems connect a smartphone seamlessly into the stereo/navigation/information system and works with a host of mobile apps. The best part is that access to Entune services is subscription free.