The 2009 Tacoma offers three advantages for Canadians: a new model, added value of additional standard features and a lower overall price

(TORONTO) – Toyota Canada today introduced the 2009 Toyota Tacoma with an MSRP of $21,100. With a new 4-cylinder 4x4 Access Cab model plus numerous safety and comfort enhancements to standard equipment, the 2009 models once again demonstrate why the Tacoma is a popular choice with Canadian drivers looking for power, performance, style and utility in a compact pick-up truck.

“For the 2009 model year, we offer new added value to eight different Tacoma models featuring a range of cab sizes and power trains to ensure there’s a Toyota for everyone who values the convenience and usefulness of a compact pick-up truck,” explained Tony Wearing, Managing Director of Toyota Canada Inc. “Moreover, we offer Tacoma buyers additional standard equipment, including additional airbags, active headrests, vehicle control systems, LED tail lamps, and amenities such an upgraded audio system. There’s never been a better time to make a Tacoma compact pick-up your ready partner for work or play.”

For 2009, the Tacoma is available in eight models:

• The Tacoma 4x2 Access Cab with 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic;
• The all-new Tacoma 4x4 Access Cab with 5-speed manual, a new model for 2009;
• The Tacoma 4x4 V6 Access Cab with 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic;
• The Tacoma 4x4 V6 Double Cab with 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic;
• The sport-tuned Tacoma X-Runner 4x2 V6 with 6-speed manual.

Regardless of model, all 2009 Toyota Tacoma compact pick-ups feature additional standard equipment compared to previous years. 2009 upgrades include the following:

• Front seat mounted side airbags;
• Roll-sensing curtain side airbags;
• Active Front Headrests with Whiplash Protection;
• Vehicle Stability Control (VSC);
• Traction Control (TRAC) on 4x2 models / Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) on 4x4 models;
• LED combination tail lamps;
• Upgraded audio systems with MP3/WMA capability, audio auxiliary input jack, and satellite radio antenna.

The Tacoma 4x2 Access Cab seats four adults, delivers the fuel-efficiency of a 2.7-litre 4-cylinder engine, and features a generous suite of standard features. In addition to the new features standard on all models, 4x2 Access Cab models include the following:

• Six-speaker AM/FM Stereo/CD sound system with MP3/WMA capability with 6 speakers, including rear speakers relocated from door to ceiling for superior sound quality;
• Four-spoke steering wheel on tilting/telescoping column;
• A tire pressure monitoring system;
• An accessory power outlet;
• Front tow hook;
• 15” tires on styled steel wheels with a full-size spare;
• Six-foot double-walled composite cargo bed with tie-downs and tie-down cleats;
• Removable tailgate;
• Dual exterior mirrors;
• Generous in-cab storage space, including overhead sunglasses storage, door map pockets, a front centre console box, a rear seat centre console box (new for 2009), an overhead console box, a compartment under the rear seat, and front and rear cup-holders;
• Rear splash guards and rear step bumper;
• Two-speed wipers with mist feature.

Canadians shopping for the Tacoma 4x2 Access Cab can add available air conditioning, or a full SR5 Power Package which includes air conditioning plus:

• Driver’s seat lumbar support;
• A fold-down seat back on the front passenger seat;
• Power windows with driver’s side auto down, a sliding rear window, and privacy glass;
• Cruise control;
• Power door locks with keyless entry;
• Power remote mirrors;
• Dual vanity mirrors;
• Variable intermittent wipers;
• A 400 watt (115 volt) cargo bed power outlet;
• Leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob;
• Metallic dash accents;
• Chrome rear bumper and grille and colour-matched front bumper.

The all-new Tacoma 4x4 Access Cab, a new model for 2009, also seats four adults and delivers the fuel efficiency of Toyota’s 2.7-litre 4-cylinder engine. It includes the same generous features found on the standard 4x2 Access Cab, plus the sure-footed capability of four-wheel drive and the following standard features the following:

• Air conditioning;
• 50/50 split rear bench seat;
• Four-wheel drive indicator;
• Front splash guards and fender flares;
• 16” tires on styled steel wheels with a full-size spare.

The Tacoma 4x4 Access Cab may also be ordered with the SR5 Power Package, which adds the following:

• Aluminum alloy wheels and wheel locks;
• Driver’s seat lumbar support;
• A fold-down seat back on the front passenger seat;
• Power windows with driver’s side auto down, a sliding rear window, and privacy glass;
• Cruise control;
• Power door locks with keyless entry;
• Illuminated entry system;
• Power remote mirrors;
• Dual vanity mirrors;
• Variable intermittent wipers;
• Leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob;
• Metallic dash accents;
• Chrome rear bumper and grille, colour-matched front bumper, and colour-keyed fender flares.

For more power, the Tacoma 4x4 Access Cab V6 is equipped with Toyota’s 4.0-litre V6 engine and space for four adults. It features all the standard features found on the 4-cylinder edition of the Tacoma 4x4 Access Cab. In addition, the 4x4 Access Cab V6 may be equipped with a choice of two options packages.

The first, the SR5 Power Package, adds the same features found in the SR5 Power Package for the 4-cylinder model. The second, the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Off-road Package, includes all of those features found in the SR5 Power Package, but also increases the towing rating to 6,500 pounds and adds the following:

• Engine oil cooler, upgraded alternator and (on automatic models) a transmission cooler;
• Rear differential lock;
• Fuel tank and transfer case protector plates;
• Raised white letter mud and snow tires;
• A-TRAC cutoff switch;
• Improved suspension tuning;
• In-dash six-disc CD changer and steering wheel-mounted audio controls;
• Front sport seats with seat-back pockets;
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror with integrated back-up camera;
• A digital compass and outside temperature gauge;
• Class IV weight distribution trailer hitch with seven-pin trailer wiring harness;
• 400-watt/115 volt cargo bed power outlet;
• Fog lamps;
• TRD decals.

The Tacoma 4x4 V6 Double Cab seats five adults in comfort, is powered by Toyota’s 4.0-litre V6, and is available in two configurations: A six-speed manual with a five-foot bed, and a five-speed automatic with a six-foot bed. In addition to those standard features found on the 4x4 V6 Access Cab, the Tacoma Double Cab models feature the following:

• Air conditioning with rear-seat heater ducts;
• Lumbar support adjustment on the driver’s seat;
• A 60/40 split folding rear seat;
• Power door locks and power windows with driver’s side auto down;
• Behind-seat storage instead of a rear-seat centre console;
• Dual exterior power remote mirrors;
• Map lamps;
• 16” tires on styled steel wheels with a full-size spare.

The Tacoma 4x4 V6 Double Cab driver may choose from three options packages that add convenience, utility, and comfort features. The first, the SR5 Power Package, includes the following:

• 16” aluminium alloy wheels with wheel locks;
• Sliding rear window and privacy glass;
• Cruise control;
• Chrome grille and rear bumper;
• Colour-keyed fender flares and front bumper;
• Dual vanity mirrors;
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror with integrated back-up camera;
• Variable intermittent wipers;
• Leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob;
• Keyless, illuminated entry;
• Metallic dash accents.

Canadians shopping for the Tacoma 4x4 V6 Double Cab can also choose the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Sport Package, but also increases the towing rating to 6,500 pounds and adds the following:

• Engine oil cooler, upgraded alternator and (on automatic models) a transmission cooler;
• Limited slip differential;
• 17” mud and snow rated tires on aluminium alloy wheels;
• In dash six-disc CD changer with steering wheel-mounted audio controls;
• Front sport seats with front seat back pockets;
• Digital compass and outside temperature gauge;
• Colour-keyed bumpers, mirrors, grille and door handles;
• Hood scoop;
• Class IV weight distribution trailer hitch with seven-pin trailer wiring harness;
• A 400 watt (115 volt) cargo bed power outlet;
• Fog lamps;
• TRD badging.

The Tacoma 4x4 V6 Double Cab may also be ordered with the TRD Sport and Leather Package. This includes all items in the TRD Sport Package, plus:

• Leather seat surfaces and simulated leather door trim;
• Heated driver and front passenger seat with low and high settings.

Finally, the Tacoma X-Runner adds V6 power to the 4x2 Access Cab model, then loads up on many performance and styling features to create the ultimate compact pick-up street machine, including the following:

• A six-speaker AM/FM Stereo sound system with MP3/WMA Audio capability with in-dash six-disc CD changer, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and, new for 2009, a subwoofer (seventh speaker);
• Leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob;
• Cruise control;
• Air conditioning;
• Front sport seats with adjustable driver’s seat lumbar support and seat back pockets;
• Power door locks with keyless entry;
• Power windows with driver’s side auto down, sliding rear window, and privacy glass;
• New for 2009, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with integrated back-up camera;
• Dual exterior power remote mirrors;
• Dual vanity mirrors;
• Metallic dash accents;
• Performance summer radials on 18” aluminium alloy wheels with wheel locks and a full-size spare tire;
• A 400-watt/115 volt cargo bed power outlet;
• Variable intermittent wipers;
• A colour-matched full skirt package, plus colour-matched bumpers, hood scoop, grille, mirrors, door handles, rear splash guards and rear step bumper;
• Chrome tail pipe;
• Fog lamps.

The 2009 Toyota Tacoma is on sale in Canada now. The Tacoma 4x2 Access Cab starts at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $21,100, while the new Tacoma 4x4 4 cylinder Access Cab starts at an MSRP of $25,765. The Tacoma V6 Access Cab starts at an MSRP of $28,150. The Tacoma X-Runner comes in one well-appointed way at an MSRP of $30,660, and the Tacoma 4x4 V6 Double cab starts at an MSRP of $32,380. As always, dealers may sell for less.

2009 TOYOTA TACOMA – PRODUCT DETAIL

Two proven engines

The 2009 Toyota Tacoma is built around two proven Toyota engines. Those looking for fuel-friendly performance may opt for the mighty but efficient 2.7-litre 16-valve four-cylinder engine found in the Tacoma 4x2 Access Cab and Tacoma 4x4 Access Cab models. This engine produces up to 159HP @ 5,200RPM and up to 180lb-ft of torque @ 3,800RPM.

The Tacoma 4x2 X-Runner, Tacoma 4x4 Access Cab V6 and Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab models feature the impressive and rugged 4.0-litre 24-valve six-cylinder engine equipped with an electronic throttle control system with intelligence (ETCS-i). This engine produces up to 236HP @ 5,200RPM and up to 266lb-ft of torque @ 4,000RPM.

Both engines are equipped with dual overhead cams, variable valve timing with intelligence, sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection, a heavy-duty battery, starter, alternator and heater, and a stainless steel exhaust system, and both achieve a Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions rating.

An engine undercover is included on 4x4 models for off-road protection.

Power to the wheels

The rear-wheel-drive 2009 Tacoma 4x2 Access Cab is standard equipped with a five-speed manual transmission with overdrive, which delivers a fuel efficiency rating of 10.1L/100km city and 7.7L/100km highway. An available four-speed automatic electronically controlled transmission features overdrive and a lock-up torque converter, and delivers a fuel efficiency rating of 11.1L/100km city and 8.0L/100km highway.

For the rear-wheel-drive 2009 Tacoma 4x2 X-Runner, Toyota has fitted a six-speed manual transmission with a close-ratio gearbox, overdrive and a limited slip differential. Combined with its V6 power plant, the X-Runner has a fuel efficiency rating of 13.5L/100km city and 10.1L/100km highway.

The five-speed manual transmission found in the four-cylinder Tacoma 4x4 Access Cab features overdrive and delivers a fuel efficiency rating of 12.0L/100km city and 9.1L/100km highway.

Tacoma 4x4 models powered by Toyota’s V6 engine are available with either a manual or automatic transmission. The 4x4 Access Cab V6 features a six-speed manual transmission with overdrive, which has a fuel efficiency rating of 14.4L/100km city and 10.9L/100km highway. It is also available with a five-speed automatic super electronically controlled transmission with overdrive and lock-up torque converter that is rated at 13.4L/100km city and 10.1L/100km highway.

The Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab with five-foot bed features a six-speed manual transmission with overdrive with a fuel-efficiency rating of 14.4L/100km city and 10.9L/100km highway, while the Double Cab models with a six-foot bed are equipped with a five-speed automatic super electronically controlled transmission with overdrive and lock-up torque converter that is rated at 13.4L/100km city and 10.1L/100km highway.

All 4x4 Tacoma models benefit from on-demand four-wheel drive at the touch of a button, a two-speed transfer case and automatic disconnecting differential. Tacoma 4x4 Access Cab V6 models equipped with the TRD Off-road and Towing Package also feature a rear differential lock plus fuel tank and transfer case protector plates, while Double Cab models equipped with the TRD Sport Package include a limited slip differential.

Suspension and handling

All Tacoma models benefit from Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). Tacoma 4x2 models, including the X-Runner, feature Toyota’s Traction Control (TRAC) technology, while Tacoma 4x4 models are standard equipped with Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) and Automatic Disconnecting Differential (A.D.D.).

All Tacoma models feature an independent double wishbone front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar, and gas shock absorbers fitted all around.

Tacoma 4x2 models ride on a leaf spring rear suspension, while 4x4 models feature multi-leaf spring rear suspensions and the Tacoma X-Runner benefits from a sport-tuned rear suspension with stabilizer bar. The X-Runner and all 4x4 models are standard-equipped with upgraded, Bilstein shock absorbers front and rear.

Ample stopping power

Regardless of model, the 2009 Toyota Tacoma delviers ample stopping power, thanks to power assisted front ventilated disc and rear drum brakes, coupled to a full suite of braking technologies including Toyota’s antilock braking system (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA).

Serious rubber

Tacoma 4x2 models ride on P215/70R15 all season radials, while the X-Runner benefits from P255/45R18 performance summer radials. The 4x4 Tacomas are standard equipped with P245/75R16 all season radials. The Tacoma 4x4 Access Cab V6 may also be fitted with available P265/70R16 mud and snow tires with raised white lettering, while 4x4 Double Cab Tacoma models may ride on available P265/65R17 mud and snow tires with raised white lettering.

All Tacoma models come with a full-size spare tire.

Comfort and safety

They may be rugged and ready on the outside, but inside all Tacoma models one finds class-leading comfort and many safety systems offered as standard equipment. These include dual stage driver and front passenger airbags and – new for 2009 models – standard-equipped front seat-mounted side airbags and roll-sensing curtain side airbags.

All Tacoma models now feature front seats with Toyota’s Active Front Headrest technology, which helps to lessen whiplash injury in the event of an accident. Three-point lap and shoulder belts are fitted in all positions, with pre-tensioners and force limiters and adjustable “B” pillar shoulder belt anchors for the front seatbelts, and – for younger occupants – anchor points for child restraint seats.

Make it your own

All Tacoma models are very well equipped, but Canadians may choose from several option packages that allow buyers to tailor their 2009 Tacoma 4x2 or 4x4 to suit their lifestyle. Buyers may customize their Tacoma online at www.customizeyourtoyota.ca or in any Toyota Dealership across Canada.

Peace of mind

The 2009 Toyota Tacoma is provided with Toyota's no deductible, no transfer fee, comprehensive warranty that covers the entire vehicle for three years/60,000 kilometres. Power train components are covered for five years/100,000 kilometres, major emission control components for eight years/130,000 kilometres and corrosion perforation for five years with unlimited distance.

Toyota also provides 24-hour Roadside Assistance for all models. Help is just a phone call away at 1-888-TOYOTA-8. Roadside emergency services include battery boost, lockout service, fuel delivery, tire change, winching, and even towing. Optional Extended Care Protection (ECP) is also available, which includes travel planning and trip interruption assistance, vehicle rental help, lubrication maintenance, and mechanical protection of 17 major mechanical component groups for up to six years/200,000 km.