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2013 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab

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Overview

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2013 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.6

The Toyota Tacoma is America's best-selling compact pickup and for several good reasons. It's a modern, capable, high-value vehicle with few real competitors. The Dodge Dakota and Ford Ranger are gone, and the Chevrolet Colorado (and GMC Canyon) is aging and feels cheap. (A modernized Colorado is a year or more away.) That leaves Nissan's Frontier (getting dated, and better as a rugged worker than a family transporter) and Honda's Ridgeline (just the opposite; a car-based platform that is comfy but limited in its hauling ability). Only the 2013 Toyota Tacoma delivers on all the work and play expectations that make Americans love their pickups, and does it in a more manageable, fuel-efficient form than a full-size pickup while offering a wide range of trims, powertrains and cab configurations.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a proven pickup that is as capable as it is stylish, the 2013 Toyota Tacoma deserves your attention. Nearly as capable as a full-size pickup but without the extra bulk and fuel consumption, the Tacoma fits a lot of needs.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The 2013 Toyota Tacoma pickup can't tow as much as a full-size V8-powered truck, and its narrower bed won't hold as much cargo. If you don't need to haul that much and you're looking for a smooth, comfortable ride, the Honda Ridgeline may be a more friendly choice.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.6
Driving Dynamics

6.9
Comfort & Convenience

7.1
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.9
Value

7.9
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#1

out of 2

MPG

#1

out of 2

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.2 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

2013 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

The Toyota Tacoma rolls into 2013 without significant changes after it got a mild facelift, minor interior upgrades and some new audio systems just last year. As before, some top-line options, including the JBL-equipped audio system and Toyota's Entune infotainment system, are reserved for the V6/automatic Double Cab versions.

Driving the Tacoma Access Cab

2013 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions From behind the wheel, a 2013 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab pickup definitely handles more easily than a full-size truck, but don't expect miracles. Around town it can still seem a...

little bulky and clumsy. Controls feel refined and responsive, and ride quality is generally good though some payload in the bed helps, especially if you've specified one of the TRD (Toyota Racing Development) off-road suspension packages. Smoother and stronger than the standard 159-horsepower 4-cylinder – and without much penalty in fuel economy – the 236-horsepower V6 engine answers eagerly to the throttle. Both the standard 6-speed manual transmission and the optional 5-speed automatic work smoothly. Some people may feel the front seats place them oddly low to the floor but you get used to it.

Favorite Features

SUPERCHARGER KIT
A factory-provided supercharger! The accessory kit increases the V6's output to 304 horsepower and 334 lb-ft of torque (from 236 and 266). It has to be purchased after new-vehicle delivery, and be installed by a Toyota dealer to be warrantied (5-years/60,000-miles or whatever existing powertrain warranty remains).

FUNCTIONAL BED
All Tacomas feature a composite inner bed with built-in storage compartments and four rail-mounted sliding tie-down cleats. Very handy and functional.

2013 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Details

2013 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2013 Toyota Tacoma pickup's interior has a modern urban feel, with 2-tone gray or beige plastic panels highlighted with metal-look trim. The Tacoma's front seats are wide and supportive, but the rear seats in the Access Cab are useful only for short trips and smaller people. (Seating improves greatly in the Double Cab model, which has a full bench seat in back with adjustable head restraints and under-seat storage.) Steering-wheel-mounted controls for the audio and available Bluetooth are a welcome touch.

Exterior

A new grille and front-end treatment graced the Toyota Tacoma in 2012 and, for 2013, they continue to help make this compact pickup look as brawny and tough as the domestic full-sizers. Choose the base truck and you get a simple work vehicle with black bumpers and plain wheels. The Pre-Runner displays the look of a rugged off-roader in a less-expensive rear-drive-only package, while the X-Runner takes the pickup to a new urban-street place, with lowered suspension. Build quality and finish are above reproach.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2-wheel-drive 2013 Toyota Tacoma's base 4-cylinder engine displaces 2.7 liters and makes 159 horsepower. Other standard equipment includes air conditioning, an AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD system, anti-lock brakes (ABS), front side-impact and side-curtain airbags, traction and stability control, tachometer, two instrument-panel powerpoints and rear mudguards. Regular Cab 4x4 models with the automatic transmission add standard bucket seats. Access Cab, X-Runner and Double Cab models include bucket seats with a center console, power mirrors, power windows and power door locks.

Optional Equipment

Many options for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma compact pickup are grouped in packages, and not all are available on every model. But the list includes a 4.0-liter V6, 4-wheel drive, JBL GreenEdge audio with Bluetooth connectivity, Entune infotainment system and the SR5 Package, which adds color-keyed over-fenders and front bumper, chrome grille surround and a chrome rear bumper. Double and Access Cabs can be fitted with a rearview camera while transmission upgrades from the base 5-speed manual include a 4-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic and 6-speed manual. Hill-start Assist (HAC) is available on V6 models with automatic transmissions.

Under the Hood

2013 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Engine photo

Both the 4-cylinder and the V6 Tacoma engines feature Toyota's VVT-i technology (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) that minimizes the compromise between low-end torque and peak horsepower. Combined with a choice of four available transmissions, 2- or 4-wheel drive, three cab styles and more, Toyota makes it easy to get exactly the pickup you want. Maximum towing and payload capacities are 6,500 pounds and 1,535 pounds, respectively.

2.7-liter inline-4
159 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
180 lb-ft of torque @ 3,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/25 mpg (2WD, manual), 19/24 mpg (2WD, automatic),
18/21 mpg (4WD, manual and automatic)

4.0-liter V6
236 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
266 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/21 mpg (2WD, manual), 17/21 mpg (2WD, automatic), 16/19 mpg (4WD, manual), 16/21 mpg (4WD, automatic)

Pricing Notes

The 2013 Toyota Tacoma compact pickup is available in 20 distinct configurations of cab, powertrain and trim. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts at just over $18,000 for a base two-wheel-drive Regular Cab. A 4X4 Double Cab with V6 and automatic starts at about $29,000 and can top $36,000 with a couple of option packages. Although the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon cost less, neither offers as much power, space or refinement. The Nissan Frontier comes close on power but doesn't offer a regular-cab model. A look at our Fair Purchase Price will show you the typical transaction price paid for the Tacoma in your area. As for resale value, Kelley Blue Book expects the 4-cylinder base models to retain better-than-average residual values, and the V6 Access Cab and Double Cab models to do even better.

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2013 Toyota Tacoma Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 1261 Ratings for the 2005 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.4/10
Reliability

9.6/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.3/10

Best truck out there

By reb1 (VA) on Monday, May 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 8,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfort, style, tough and maintains great value."

Cons: "17 MPG city, approximately 21 MPG highway"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've owned 3 Tacoma 4x4's and have loved each one of them. Each time I've purchased a new one for the upgrades. I've had my vehical off road and also on long trips and it performs superb in any environment. It drives very smooth on the road and open highway and yet it can keep up with the most rugged off road trucks and jeeps. I would definately recomend this vehical."

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Third one I've owned, best yet!!!

By Ken (OR) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,150

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "The best, for me!!!!"

Cons: "All I want!!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Everything I want in a medium truck, extra power for pulling house trailer and convenience as the four-wheel drive makes this truck and other Tacomas very handy. I'll be keeping this one a long time!!!!"

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Good sturdy truck not as awkward a the Tundra.

By T (MA) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 14,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Easy to drive."

Cons: "Gas pedal to close to brake. Cool aji A/C goes on"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Have no problem with it I just trade every three years and probably trade in Feburary of 2014> just getting my numbers early."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Everything I wanted in a truck.

By HappyDaddy (NC) on Tuesday, May 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,700

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great look, comfy interior, excellent sound sytem."

Cons: "Rides better when there is some weight in the back"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have had my eye on the Tacoma for several years, opting for this over the larger and more expensive Tundra. I purchased a 2013 V6 4x4 crew cab long bed and I absolutely love it. Roomy enough to take the family on vacation, we have our first long-distance trip planned for the summer. The long bed and tow package offers the versatility of the bigger trucks without feeling too bulky on the road. It handles well, especially when carrying cargo. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants to have a great family vehicle that is truly utilitarian. I plan on keeping it for a very long time."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Baddest tower/ off road capable

By Tacolover (TX) on Monday, May 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 110,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "4x4 is very capable with locker and 4.0/ reliable"

Cons: "Stupid recalls that mean nothing."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Don't underestimate this truck. The 4x4 will go anywhere with standard or just above standard without mods other than tires. I have a 2005 and 2012 Baja both are 4x4. My 05 with the supercharger 6 speed manual will run with any full size truck. And will tow anything you hook it to. I once pulled a ram and a s10 both at the same time out of a mud hole. If you want a truck that will perform and work the Tacoma is for you. I will never have another truck other than the Tacoma I don't like getting stuck or let down."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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This is a great small truck!

By Chris (AZ) on Saturday, May 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 69,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Low maintainence, great design"

Cons: "Sensor indicators, lack of molding, no ashtray"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Never having a truck before I decided to buy the 2006 Tacoma regular cab. I wanted something that I could fit into (6'4" and 260lbs) but not spend alot on gas with the bigger models. I've had it for 7 years now and keep up on the routine oil changes and suggested lifetime maintainence. I've only had a few inconvienences. Those being *Floor matt* and sprial cable recalls. Two things that are minor that I don't care for or wish was different would be 1)molding on the sides of the door to stop knick/dents from others doors 2) not have the tire sensors. It's aggravating to have the light come on without a real indication of what the problem is. It could mean that you need air in the spare (a pain), oil change reminder to something more serious. Plus you have to turn off the light manually. I've gone in for an oil change and the techs either forget or don't know how to turn it off. I live in the desert where the sun is a killer on most cars interior. My dash and other plastics look almost as good as the day I got it. Smokers beware...there is NO ashtray! The gas milage is around 15/23 mpg. If you're looking for a great smaller truck I'd recommend this one!"

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