The all-new redesigned 2022 Toyota Tundra has been the star of Toyota's truck lineup this year. But Toyota isn't giving the mid-sized Tacoma the cold shoulder. It's added some updates this year ahead of its full redesign expected for the 2023 model year. Case in point, the back-for-2022, but updated Tacoma SR5 Trail Edition which arrived for review with less than 50 miles on the odometer. Toyota introduced the Trail Edition last year, but new for this year, it's available as a 4X4-only. This year it also adds equipment upgrades, new design elements, along with new storage features.
Exterior
My 2022 Tacoma SR5 Trail Edition 4×4 Double Cab is in Army Green. Interestingly, on the Tacoma build page it's the only color listed as available for the Trail Edition right now, though a new 2022 color is listed as Lunar Rock. (Toyota also notes quite a few other lineup colors as "out of inventory" right now.)
The Trail Edition is updated with new 16-inch bronze wheels with a bronze-accented TRD Pro heritage-inspired grille to match. The 2022 Trail Edition wheels are also 0.5 inches wider track width for 2022 and fitted with new Goodyear all-terrain tires. Other features include a unique trail badge on the rear tailgate and color-keyed rear bumpers that match the exterior paint color. The optional TRD Performance Exhaust looks great, too. The SR5 is equipped with projector beam headlights and I hope the next-gen model expands LEDs standard across lineup.
Powertrain
Under the hood, a 3.5-liter V6 delivers 278-horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Power feels fine for a 4,400+ pound pickup once in traffic, but it doesn't sprint off-the-line. It’s mated to a 6-speed automatic as opposed to the Tundra's new 10-speed automatic. (Read more about the Tundra powertrain in Jerry’s review here.)
Interior
The inside of the Trail Edition is rugged and sporty with quite a bit of plastic on the door panels and a semi-soft dash. The center console bin is more cushiony.
Black fabric seats feature unique tan stitching. They're on the flat and firmer side with not a lot of side bolstering so I can't say they were particularly comfortable for me, but it's subjective. A 10-way power driver's seat with lumber support is standard. In terms of roominess, while there is plenty of headroom, there is not so much in the way of driver legroom if you are tall. This is in line with a midsize, not full-size pickup. A cool new feature is an insulated driver's side storage area that doubles as a cooler.
The leather-trimmed steering wheel sports a mute button, thank you Toyota. While the 4.2-inch digital driver display flanked by traditional analog dials is on the smaller side, it's still useful and easy to see because it's bright and the text is thankfully not too small.
The center stack hosts 4X4 controls and standard dual-zone climate. The console area is home to a TRD Pro red accented gear shift knob and a hand parking brake.
The rear seats resemble stadium seating, sitting slightly higher than the front. Seats are also flat and on the firmer side. The back seat afforded more legroom, but passengers will have to make do without a drop-down armrest.
Terrific all-weather floor mats are standard on the Trail Edition.
Utility and Towing
A great upgrade for 2022 are new lockable storage bins in the pickup bed. The tailgate isn't fancy, but it's easy to operate. The Tacoma Tow package is standard on V6 models, and the Double Cab can tow up to 6,400 pounds.
Equipment Upgrades
The Tacoma Trail Edition adds more lift both in the front and rear for 2022, with a 1.1-inch Front and 0.5-inch rear suspension lift. Designers also removed the front air dam found on the SR5 to help improve ground clearance. It's also up-fitted with standard locking rear differential and undercarriage skid plates are borrowed from the TRD Off-Road Grade.
Ride and Drive
The Tacoma delivers a comfortable ride that I found surprisingly quiet minus engine noise upon initial acceleration. It also delivers great ride height that's to be expected given its added lift. Keep in mind this also means a bit of a step up and step down. Interior front door grab handles are a nice feature.
Technology
My model is equipped with the optional Parking Sonar and Premium Audio with 8-inch touchscreen/navigation. The multimedia screen is responsive as expected with all Toyota's. Voice command worked well and I liked the fact navigation worked without connecting to an app as it not always the case in Toyota vehicles.
Toyota's multimedia system features non-wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, along with SiriusXM capability and more. There are three USB ports, but sorry, there's no wireless charging on this model.
Options
As equipped my test model adds about $10,000 to the base SR5 price. The priciest option on this model is the Trail Edition package ($3,765.) Other options include a Technology Package ($600), Parking Sonar and Premium Audio with 8-inch touchscreen/navigation ($1,710), roof rack ($399), bed step ($300) and door edge guard ($140.)
TRD options include theTRD Shift Knob ($140), TRD Performance Exhaust ($799) and TRD air filter ($90.)
Safety
Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) is standard on the Tacoma. It includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and Automatic High Beams. My model's optional tech package adds Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Verdict
At just shy of $45,000, the Tacoma Trail Edition is a great value for an off-roading capable midsize pickup. The Trail Edition 4X4 also has some great updates, but colors look limited at this time. Also keep in mind the next-gen Tacoma is expected in 2023.
- What I Liked Most: Exterior Looks.
- What I would change: Upgrade to LED headlights and to a more fuel efficient transmission.
- MSRP: Base price $35,655; as equipped $44,813 with destination.
- Official Color: Army Green.
- Fuel Economy: 18 city/ 22 highway/20 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 48 miles.
- Weight: 4,445 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Full Size.
- Length-Width-Height: 212.3” long/ 74.4” wide/70.6” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.1 gallons with the filler on the driver's side.
- Towing Capacity: 6,400 pounds.
- Payload: 1,155 pounds.
- 2022 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition in a few words: A stylish mid-sized off-roader with some great updates for 2022.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000 mile Basic Warranty; 5-year/60,000 miles Powertrain warranty.
- Final Assembly Location: Baja California, Mexico.
- Manufacturer's website: Toyota
