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Everything About the Toyota Tacoma Submodels (2005-2019)

Everything About the Toyota Tacoma Submodels (2005-2019)

Every truck on the modern market has a submodel. A dedicated trim level that has specific features tailored to a particular lifestyle of the vehicle. With the Toyota Tacoma as one of the leading trucks in the world, it’s important to understand exactly what truck you’re reading into. Is the submodel you’re looking at cut out for work? Is it destined to hit the trails? Will it keep you comfy while you motor along to the office every morning? These are all questions you need answers to before you purchase your Tacoma.

Shop Tacoma Exterior Parts

Modifying your Tacoma to handle the great outdoors is usually the first step towards completing your overlanding project. Parts like fender flares and brush guards will help keep your truck's body from acquiring more scratches and dings than necessary while roofs racks and bed storage boxes will keep all of your tools and equipment safe.

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Tacoma Submodels: Base (2005-2015)

The base model Tacoma is suited with the smallest engine option and a two-wheel-drive powertrain. The 2.7-liter power plant beneath the hood of the truck produces a modest 159 horsepower and 180 lbs-ft of torque.

This truck has a low towing capacity of 3500 lbs., making it very undesirable as a work truck for many. With little to no bells or whistles inside or out of the truck, this is a fantastic option for those who need a reliable truck with no added flash. 

  • 2.7 Liter I4 
  • 159 horsepower, 180 ft/lbs of torque
  • 3,500 lbs towing capacity

Pre-Runner (1998-2015)

Subjected to many doubts because of its controversial off-road two-wheel-drive platform, the Pre-Runner is nothing short of iconic. Toyota built this truck to mimic Pre-Runner trucks used by racers to pre-run a course. With a suspension package and three engine options including the V6, this truck is all about defying the odds. It’s perfect for those looking to test their skills by pushing the limit. 

  • 2.4 Liter I4, 142 horsepower, 160 ft/lbs of torque
  • 2.7 Liter I4, 159 horsepower, 180 ft/lbs of torque
  • 3.4 Liter V6, 190 horsepower, 220 ft/lbs of torque
  • 3,500-6,400 lbs towing capacity

X-Runner (2005-2015)

Two-wheel drive isn’t widely accepted by the off-road market and Toyota embraced that with the production of the X-Runner. The X-Runner is a street truck package based off the concept of the Pre-Runner. It uses two-wheel-drive, the large V6 engine only, and a manual transmission. This truck is lowered to the ground and fitted with a body kit. That means this truck is the perfect choice for those looking to tear up the asphalt rather than the dirt.

  • 4.0 Liter V6
  • 236 horsepower, 266 ft-lbs of torque
  • 3,500 lbs towing capacity

SR (2014-Current)

The SR Package is essentially the base model version of the Tacoma’s born between 2014 and present day. Although this truck can be fitted with either two or four-wheel-drive and the 2.7 liter four-cylinder, this is still the starting truck of the lineup. It appeals to the same audience as the base model but with some extra goodies. 

  • 2.7 Liter I4
  • 159 horsepower, 180 ft/lbs of torque
  • 3,500 lbs towing capacity

SR5 (2015-Current)

With a slightly higher market value, the SR5 is easy to see as the step right above the SR and that’s what it is. The SR5 is for those who need a little more out of the Tacoma than just the basics. This truck comes with either the 2.7 liter four-cylinder or the 3.5 liter V6. This makes it a bit heavier of a contender for work, but it also features a bit more luxury options to make that work more enjoyable.

  • 2.7 Liter I4, 159 horsepower, 180 ft/lbs of torque
  • 3.5 Liter V6,  278 horsepower, 265 ft/lbs of torque
  • 3,500-6,600 lbs towing capacity

TRD Pro (2004-Current)

The TRD Pro is the performance lovers fantasy of what a Tacoma should be. Fitted with the V6, a factory suspension lift, custom cat-back exhaust, and goodies to boost the capabilities of the truck off-road, this vehicle is morphed by Toyota to keep the buyers from having to dump a fortune on aftermarket parts after they select their truck. 

  • 3.5 Liter V6, 278 horsepower, 265 ft/lbs of torque
  • 6,400 lbs towing capacity

TRD Sport (2004-Current)

The TRD Sport is the even more awesome version of the TRD Pro. The TRD Sport comes equipped with the same base platform with some appearance goodies, like the hood scoop, to top it off. It’s also worth noting that the suspension on TRD Sport models is sport tuned from the factory, making them that much more off-road ready. 

  • 3.5-Liter V6
  • 278 horsepower, 265 ft/lbs of torque
  • 6,500 lbs towing capacity

TRD Off-Road (2004-Current)

The biggest separation from the TRD Sport and the TRD Off-Road is again the suspension. With a factory lift, like the other TRD models, this truck is intended for relentless off-road abuse. Because of this, the manufacturers decided to beef up the suspension with remote reservoir shocks. This setup makes for a better crawler out of the Tacoma and is perfect for those who plan to spend a long time out in the wild.

  • 3.5 Liter V6
  • 278 horsepower, 265 ft/lbs of torque
  • 6,500 lbs towing capacity

TRD Extreme (2012-2014)

Made only available for two years, this was Toyota’s one to win the title of champion. With coil over shocks, custom wheels, and stainless steel exhaust, this was the toughest version of the Tacoma by far. Makes you wonder why it hasn’t made a comeback. 

  • 4.0 Liter V6
  • 236 horsepower, 266 ft-lbs of torque
  • 6,400 lbs towing capacity

Limited (2015-Current)

Everyone has to appeal to the luxurious demands of modern vehicle owners. The Limited is designed to be the Tacoma you want to take your spouse on a date in or business partners on a trip with. It has all the bells and whistles including supreme leather seating. It also happens to have the V6 engine making it a pretty viable work truck too.

  • 3.5 Liter V6
  • 278 horsepower, 265 ft/lbs of torque
  • 6,500 lbs towing capacity

Ironman (2008)

The Ironman Tacoma was a one year only deal. This version of the truck was named in honor of Ivan “Ironman” Stewart. With a Magnaflow exhaust and a TRD supercharger, this version was clearly designed for one thing and one thing only. 

  • 4.0 Liter V6
  • 304 horsepower, 334 ft/lbs of torque
Fitment includes: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, Pre-Runner, X-Runner, SR, SR-5, TRD-Sport, TRD-Off-Road, Limited, TRD-Pro