Extras, options drive all-new 2012 Toyota Tacoma

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Toyota has loaded lots of options and extras onto its family of 2012 Toyota Tacoma compact pickup trucks to make each of them an enticing buy.

How those choices break down for buyers:

Access and Double Cab extras: They include five core option combinations. The SR5 Package mixes styling and comfort cues that include color-keyed overfenders and front bumper, chrome grille surround and chrome rear bumper, intermittent wipers and upgraded interior features and trim. The new features showcase a leather-wrapped steering wheel and automatic transmission shift lever.

TRD Sport package: Motorheads and enthusiasts will like this one. It's not for the average person. The package offers suspension tuning and lower-profile 265 / 65 R17 tires on 17-inch alloy wheels. It's the sportiest Tacoma, with cool fog lamps, a hood scoop, TRD graphics and color-keyed rear bumper, mirrors, grille surround and door handles. The TRD Big Brake system was developed by Toyota Technical Center and TRD engineers to improve pedal feel. In motorhead-speak, Toyota explains that the system uses "13 x 1.25-inch semi-floating vented rotors with directional internal fins, forged aluminum four-piston fixed calipers, larger pads with high coefficient-of-friction material and braided steel lines." That's what she said.

T|X and T|X Pro packages: These are for the "hardcore pickup fan." You've got to get this with the TRD Off-Road Package. Here's the intent: Toyota markets the package as "a concept-truck look to the Tacoma V6 Access Cab or V6 Double Cab PreRunner and 4x4 models." T|X ups the boldness of the TRD because Toyota labels the look "menacing." But ask yourself: is that the look you want when a cop is deciding whether to give you a speeding ticket? TRD 16-inch black alloy bead-lock wheels and 265 / 70R16 BFGoodrich Rugged Trail tires boost the sportiness quotient. Plus: Black tube-side steps, a stainless steel exhaust tip and unique exterior graphics give the T|X the aesthetics of a custom truck. The Pro package is performance-driven. Toyota includes a TRD cat-back performance exhaust system that gives the V6 a great growl and power to rock. Both packages offer a strong content and great value. They are covered under Toyota's standard warranty.

TRD Off-Road package: This extra that drives both T|X editions "provides a carefully tuned balance of off-road performance and on-road handling." Toyota sells it this way: "Chassis modifications include an electronic locking rear differential, progressive-rate front springs, specially tuned Bilstein shock absorbers, a 28-mm front stabilizer bar and BFGoodrich Rugged Trail tires." Let's just say it makes the Tacoma one tough truck. The package includes fog lamps, a 400W/115V powerpoint in the bed, sport seats with adjustable lumbar support, an overhead console with a compass and outside temperature display.

You can reach TN's Hawke Fracassa at hawkefracassa@aol.com or on Twitter @HawkeFracassa.

Image source: Toyota

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