The 2022 Toyota Tacoma Could Finally Have A Better Ride
Taco truck fans rejoice! The 2022 Toyota Tacoma is finally getting a better ride quality. One thing that critics constantly point out is that the Toyota Tacoma has a bouncy ride. But with suspension upgrades, this issue might be solved.
The 2022 Toyota Tacoma might get a coil spring suspension
Before we dive into the 2022 Toyota Tacoma, let’s look at the issues found with previous models. According to Edmunds, the 2020 Tacoma received updates that helped improve the ride a little.
Thicker side window cut-glass helped to reduce wind noise in the cabin. But competitors such as the Chevy Colorado and Honda Ridgeline still have an edge. They have a smoother ride than the Tacoma.
Car and Driver shared that the Toyota Tacoma Limited has a smoother and quieter ride than the off-road versions. The TRD Pro has a lifted suspension, beefy shock absorbers, and gnarly tires that come at the expense of pavement comfort.
Also, U.S. News shared that the 2020 Toyota Tacoma has a stiff ride compared to rivals. It can be harsh over bumps, and some drivers found it to be unpleasant during most driving situations. So, you get the idea. It has a rough ride.
Toyota Tacoma suspension improvements
According to Auto Blog, the 2022 Toyota Tundra was captured in a few spy photos that show new coil springs. Older Tacoma models used leaf springs, but they might be going away. But this is only one prototype, so Toyota might not go with this change.
We know that’s the Tundra, not the 2022 Toyota Tacoma. But the Tacoma is a smaller version of the Tundra and may receive similar updates. The Tacoma was last redesigned in 2016 but may receive a mid-cycle refresh for 2022.
According to Mack Springs, coil springs are used to store energy and subsequently release it. They can absorb shocks and maintain a force between contacting surfaces. This means that they could absorb bumps in the road a bit better.
However, leaf springs are sturdier than coil springs and can handle heavier loads with less deflection than coils. Leaf springs have a lot less flexibility and leave limited space for suspension adjustments. They may result in the loss of wheel-to-ground contact in extreme conditions.
For the record, the Toyota Tacoma currently has a rear axle that is suspended by a multi-leaf spring. Each end of the spring is connected to the chassis, so the axle is only held in place by the leaf spring and associated shock absorber.
What else do we know about the 2022 Toyota Tacoma?
Not much, unfortunately. Toyota is being pretty quiet. But the 2022 Tundra will ride on the new TNGA platform, and the Tacoma may benefit from it as well. There are whispers about a new turbo-diesel engine and a hybrid variant as well.
It’s possible that a mid-cycle refresh could come with an interior update. The Toyota Tacoma would benefit from being a little more comfortable with the addition of higher quality materials and a more functional layout.
Usually, mid-cycle updates come with tech improvements too. Is it time for the Tacoma to get a larger screen like rivals have? Perhaps wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be available. Also, it’s safe to speculate that the 2022 Tacoma will include more standard safety features.
