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This Taco Tuesday, we are going to give a full overview of the upcoming 2022 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition. This model will add another off-road designated Tacoma pickup truck to the lineup. But what makes it special? Here’s the lowdown. 

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition: “ready for adventure”

A 2022 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition driving on a sandy trail in the mountains.
2022 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition | Toyota Newsroom

According to the Toyota Newsroom, new Tacoma Trail edition drivers have a truck that’s “ready for adventure.” There’s a host of off-road oriented upgrades that give this new model heightened prowess as a trail companion. The 2022 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition will allow for drivers to get in a Taco that sports the Lunar Rock color. 

This used to be a color only available on the much more expensive (about $10,000 higher) TRD Pro Taco model. But now, fans of the Lunar Rock Taco will be pleased to find that they can get it on the new Trail Edition Taco. Like other Toyota Tacoma models, Toyota’s full safety suite comes standard on the all-new trail edition. But there’s a lot more to it than a cool color and standard safety. 

Off-road ready without the TRD Pro price

Not only does the 2022 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition offer the Lunar Rock color for a lower-than-TRD Pro price, but it also sports some sweet off-road upgrades. This gives drivers a highly capable off-road pickup truck in a more mid-range trim. Car and Driver reports that the 2022 Tacoma Trail Edition will start at about $36,000.

For that price, you’ll get a lift to both the front and rear. Toyota’s experienced engineers gave the front suspension 1.1 inch of added height and a 0.5 inch lift in the rear. The 2022 Trail Edition Taco is based on the 4×4 double cab SR5. 

With the added lift in the suspension, the new Trail Edition has improved ground clearance. The suspension upgrades improve the off-road pickup truck’s approach angle to 34 degrees. Toyota reports that the departure angle improved to 23.6 degrees, and the breakover point improved to 26.4 degrees. 

It also gets a locking rear differential as standard equipment. Plus, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition off-road pickup truck sports the more-powerful V6 engine option with up to 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. This Taco can tow up to 6,400 lbs of weight, as the V6 engine comes with the Tacoma’s proprietary towing package. 

What comes standard on the 2022 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition?

the bronze-finished wheels inside the Goodyear Wranglers of the 2022 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition off-road pickup truck.
Bronze ‘TOYOTA’ Wheels | Toyota Newsroom

Standard on every new Trail Edition is a super versatile truck bed. There are both improved storage tweaks and power options. First, there’s lockable bed storage so that whether your gear is in transit or sitting in a parking lot drivers can feel they have added security. 

Then there’s a sweet insulated storage bay on the driver’s side. This area can also be a cooler for camping or tailgating. In addition, we see a 120V outlet in the bed of this off-road pickup truck for added versatility regardless of the situation on the trail. 

Plenty of Taco tech

Bed view of the 2022 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition off-road pickup truck at a campsite loaded with gear.
Using bed storage as a cooler | Toyota Newsroom

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition features plenty of standard features to make those long drives out into the wilderness. The driver’s seat gets a 10-way power adjustable seat combined with a 2-way power lumbar support. In addition, the Trail Edition features dual-zone climate control, all-weather floor mats, and durable black fabric seats with tan stitching. 

This Taco features plenty of tech like a standard 8-inch touchscreen multimedia display. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Alongside standard Amazon Alexa connectivity, drivers get all the basics like Bluetooth, a sound system, USB ports, and a backup camera.  

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition

The tailgate of the 2022 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition off-road pickup truck.
2022 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition | Toyota Newsroom

While this pickup truck may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s just rugged enough for others. The bronze wheels and Toyota grille are a nice touch. Plus, the wider Goodyear Wrangler tires give it a more adventurous look. 

There are bound to be some Taco fans that can’t wait for this model to come out. In 2022 there will be other unibody options like the Honda Ridgeline, Hyundai Santa Cruz, and Ford Maverick that offer a more refined cabin experience. However, the tough Tacoma will likely remain appealing to many.