The amount of options and trims for the 2nd Gen Taco making my head spin

Hi guys,

I'm looking for the following:

2005-2015 2nd Gen Taco
White exterior
4-door
Short bed
V6 (this is the bigger engine from what I understand)

I don't like chrome, so I would like the door handles and side mirrors to be white.

What model/trim package should I be looking for? Also, were any of those trim packages available with leather, with the options above?

Thank you!

 

Trd sport double cab short bed

 

And no no leather options

 

Thank you for the reply. Can I assume that model/trim is consistent all the way from 2005-2015?

 

Hmmmm, which of the items above would I be losing if I went with a trim that offers leather (i.e. limited right?)

 

Yes, Limited comes with leather, but also chrome bumpers, chrome grille, and some other chrome trim.

You could also look at the SR package. I believe they started in 2012 and have color keyed bumpers and grille like the TRD Sport.

 

And you can always get katzskin leather seat covers for cloth seats...

 

I thought Sport was the only trim that came with color matched bumpers, grill, handles, mirrors, etc.?
If Limited comes with Leather, you can always paint the chrome or change them out (I have an SR5 with chrome and this is my current project).

 

I don't think any Taco offers leather I think that's a custom thing you'd have to ask a dealer to install or do it yourself

 

The x-sps packages have leather. Its a Southeast dealer package.

 

My 2015 Sport premium has leather. DCLB.

 

So if we look at the 2005-2015 Trd sport double cab short bed, what changes were made each year to that particular model? I'd like to understand if it's worth going up to a particular year.

 

Slight redesign in the 2012 and up front end. Cosmetic.

A bunch of electronic stuff added in 2009 for safety purposes (traction control to keep you from spinning out, etc. ), and I think that's also when they added bluetooth handsfree.

My 2013 Sport had heated seats but I'm not sure if that's available on US models or just snow-mexican models.

I recommend that you consider the TRD off road double cab short bed. If you off-road at all or you may get into it at some point, that model comes with a rear locker. Then you can just paint your rear bumper and grill to match the paint if you wish. The TRD packages have a lot of great options, but between Sport and OR, the main differences are Sport: hood scoop, painted rear bumper and grill, limited slip rear differential, slightly stiffer suspension and 17" wheels for on road performance. Off-Road: electronic locking rear diff, slightly softer suspension and 16" wheels for better off road performance.

Just saying, differences are not extreme, so don't rule out a good deal on one or the other.

Add Katzkin leather or Wet Okole seat covers to improve seating in any model.

 

Found some really good info here for you

All 2nd Generation Model Year Changes
Since we're now in the last year of production for the 2nd Generation Tacoma, I thought I'd post this list of changes for each model year. I compiled it in the process of shopping for a 2015.

2005
First production year

2006
• Added a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to all five wheels (including spare) using direct-sensing valve stem assemblies
• Occupant-classification system for front passenger airbag added to bench-seat models
• An air filter (called the "cabin air fliter") was added on the intake path for the HVAC blower. The filter can be replaced by the owner; it's located behind the glovebox.

2007
• 4-cylinder engine: improved tailpipe emissions, changed exhaust manifold design, optimized three-way catalytic converter (TWC), new generator pulley with one-way clutch
• 6-cylinder engine: optimized TWC, new generator pulley with one-way clutch
• Computerized brake control system (ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, TRAC, VSC, Auto LSD) available as an option on X-Runner models
• On models with VSC, the Auto LSD switch has been discontinued, and a VSC OFF switch has been added
• TPMS improved to relay more information through flashing warning light (on solid for system error, blinking slowly for low pressure)
• Rollover-Sensing Curtain Airbag (RSCA) added for models with side curtain airbags, along with RSCA OFF switch and indicator light
• VSC/TRAC indicator light has been discontinued
• Radio speakers changed to models with neodymium to reduce overall weight
• Motor mounts redesigned on frame for added strength

2008
• TPMS logic changed: time required to detect a malfunction reduced to 20 minutes, improved detection for judging when engine is running, light is on solid after blinking for one minute if a transmitter ID is not detected
• Audible seat belt warning chime logic changed for both driver and passenger

2009
• Color changes: added Magnetic Gray Metallic, deleted both shades of red and introduced one new shade of red, deleted dark blue, deleted beige, added Pyrite Mica (bronze color)
• Inner grille design changed
• Headlight extensions on TRD models tinted smoke color
• LED’s used for all rear lighting with smoke-tinted lenses
• Rear-view camera added to tailgate handle assembly
• Interior side door panels re-designed for appearance and safety
• Lumbar support added to rear-seat back panel on Access Cab
• Rear console storage box added to Access Cab
• Chrome-plated emblem added to the base steering wheel
• Privacy glass added to the optional Convenience Package and all higher packages
• Fuel cap changed from a “quick-turn” design to a screw-on design
• 6-cylinder engine: changed exhaust manifold design
• The LSD rear differential has been discontinued in favor of Auto LSD (using ABS to mimic the function of a mechanical LSD)
• The oil viscosity was lowered (to SAE 75W-85) in both front and rear differentials
• The characteristics of the shocks on 4WD and PreRunner models have been changed for improved driving performance
• The shape and strength of the rubber rear spring bumper on 4WD and PreRunner models have been improved for riding comfort
• Safety braking features TRAC, VSC, and Auto LSD are standard on all models
• The spare tire changed from a standard wheel to a temporary spare wheel, and the TPMS sensor has been removed from the spare tire
• Frame structures have been redesigned for better performance in a collision
• Improved design of door latch for Access Cab rear doors in order to improve performance in a collision
• Bucket seats are no longer available on Regular Cab (bench seat only)
• Active headrests (for whiplash prevention in a collision) are standard on Access Cab and Double Cab
• Headrests have been added to the rear seat on Access Cab
• The middle seat belt in the rear seat on Access Cab is 20mm longer to accommodate design changes in the seat cushion
• An A-TRAC indicator light is added for models with that feature (4WD TRD Off Road only)
• The ambient temperature sensor for the overhead console has been eliminated, and the overhead console now uses the data coming from the air conditioning system’s sensor
• The clock changed from a vacuum fluorescent display to an LCD display
• Variable intermittent wipers are no longer an option on 2WD Regular Cab
• A “Max A/C” mode and other logic changes were made to the HVAC controls
• Power windows are standard on Access Cab and Double Cab
• Power door locks are standard on Access Cab and Double Cab
• A separate buzzer has been added to the keyless entry system for audio feedback
• Side airbags and side curtain airbags are standard on all models
• A 2.4-inch LCD display is added to the rear view mirror for models with a rear view camera
• Specifications for all radios have changed, including an Aux input jack and MP3/WMA media file playback
• Bluetooth hands-free phone integration is available as an option on Double Cab as part of the JBL premium audio system

2010
• A smaller engine starter (1.4 kW instead of 2.0 kW) is standard for models manufactured for Mexico, Hawaii, Guam, and Puerto Rico, and the battery has also been changed
• The horn changed from a double horn with two different pitches to a single low-pitched horn
• Additional material to dampen noise and vibration is added to Regular Cab
• The adjustable front-seat cup holders have been redesigned with a removable style of insert

2011
• Some combinations of engine, cab, and frame length were discontinued, and some 4-cylinder, 4WD models were added
• The front grille has been redesigned
• TMPS eliminated from models made for Mexico
• Satellite radio service added as an option on models other than the JBL Premium audio system

2012
• The design of the front bumper, front grille, headlights, fog lights and front spoiler (for X-Runner) has been changed
• Additional tie-down hooks are provided on the floor in the front area of the cargo bed
• A double-handle lever has been provided on the hood latch
• Colors: shades of green and blue have changed
• The instrument panel shape, switch designs, backlight colors, steering wheel, and shift lever knob have changed
• The shape of the power window switch panel has changed in conjunction with changes to the door trim design
• The overhead console (temperature and compass) has been discontinued
• The compass and temperature readings have been integrated into the rearview mirror in the 3.3-inch LCD display
• The rear console box on Access Cab has changed
• A vanity light is provided on both front visors with the SR5 optional package or higher
• The TWC has been optimized for higher emission standards
• On models with a towing package, the oil cooler has been changed to a smaller unit
• Seat fabric has changed to increase water repellence
• On Double Cab, rear seat headrests are larger and foldable
• On Access Cab, the child seat restraint system has been changed
• Shock absorbers have been optimized to improve ride comfort
• An option package is available with 4-leaf springs (instead of 3) and tuned shocks to improve ride under load
• The VSC warning buzzer has been discontinued
• Trailer sway control has been added to the brake control system
• Except for certain option packages, the rear lights have changed from LED lights to bulb lights
• The speedometer signal for the combination meter has changed from analog to CAN-BUS
• Seat belt warning light and buzzer logic has changed
• Homelink garage door opener is available as an option (integrated into the rearview mirror)
• A Display Audio head unit with JBL and Bluetooth is available as an option
• Navigation is available as an option (requires the JBL Display Audio head unit)
• The Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and towing light relays have been eliminated and combined into the standard flasher relay (meaning DRL is now standard)
• The spare tire hoist cable has been replaced with a chain. A length of excess chain is visible from underneath the spare tire when it’s in the normal up/stored position.

2013
• A “Limited” option package is available, including chrome Limited emblems, side mirrors, fog lights, and door handles; Softex seats; JBL Premium Audio with Navigation; heated front seats; unique wheels and other features
• A heater has been added to the air pump on both 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines
• The steering wheel button panel has been changed to accommodate additional features of the radio system
• A “DRL OFF” position has been added to the light control switch (except in Canada)
• A Display Audio head unit is standard on most models

2014
• The fit and finish of the Display Audio head unit in the dashboard has been improved
• The steering wheel button panel has been redesigned
• Logic changes were made for the recirculate setting in the HVAC controls
• The LCD display has been eliminated from the rearview mirror, which also eliminates the outside temperature display
• A Display Audio head unit with Entune is standard on all models
• The rearview camera output is displayed on the Display Audio head unit instead of the mirror
• A Display Audio head unit without JBL but with Navigation is available as an option

2015
• A “TRD Pro” option package is available
• Regular cab models have been discontinued
• Access Cab can be ordered without rear seats for increased storage capacity
• Colors: Orange has been added for TRD Pro models only; green has been discontinued
• Reinforcements were made to the front seat brackets, as well as rear seat floor mounts on Double Cab
• The energy absorption pad on the front door panels has been changed
• The clock has been eliminated; time is displayed on the Display Audio head unit
• The shape of the side curtain airbag for Double Cab models has changed
• Side airbag logic has been changed to allow them to deploy in a frontal collision
• The satellite radio antenna and GPS antenna are combined in an external antenna on the roof

 

Wow, great info thank you. Couple questions.

I know on the 06-09 4runners, you cannot turn traction control off. Can you on the Tacomas?

Also, I assume the off-road TRD is a 4x4? I'm specifically looking for a 2wd. But having an actual rear diff locker would be sweet!

My 2006 4Runner is a "2wd" but of course it's an open rear, so really a 1WD :-/

 

if I'm reading this right, the 2008 and older actually had a true LSD? And after that it had the BS "auto LSD" which just pulses the brake to mimick a true LSD?

 

true. I had an 06 and a 13. both trd sports with true mechanical and then silly LSD. The traction control system in my 2013 was phenomenal. Especially if you're going 2wd... that limited slip, limited output will be a huge benefit to you driving up slippery icy slopes. Also... no mechanical parts to break. It uses systems already in place. It's a good setup.

Also, the benefit of this system, is that the 09+ Off Roads benefit from the same electronic lsd as the sport does. so you have locker (Yes.... available in 2wd models of off road) and you also have the electronic led which will apply brakes to the spinning wheel to send more torque to the wheel that has traction, and is not spinning.

A locker on a 2wd truck is a huge asset. It means that all of a sudden, you can drive up wet grassy hills. You could literally drive the length of a par 5 hole in the rain without getting stuck!!! Talk about potential hoooooweeee

Get an 09+ OR or Sport. Can't go wrong.

 

I really like my '13 TRD Sport, but if you plan on off roading much I'd say go with the OFF ROAD

 

I mentioned that too but if he's planning on buying 2wd, well.... I don't think he will be.