2012 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity & Payload (Charts)

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma is a sturdy and reliable midsize truck known for its versatility and robust performance.

In this article, we’ll delve into the towing capacities, payload capacities, curb weights, and Gross Combination Weight Ratings (GCWR) of each of its configurations: Regular Cab, Access Cab, and Double Cab.

Understanding these parameters can help potential owners or renters decide if the 2012 Tacoma is the right truck for their specific needs.

Let’s dive into the details.

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma has a maximum Towing Capacity ranging between 3,400 to 6,500 lbs. and a maximum payload capacity ranging from 865 to 1,535 lbs.

These capacities can vary depending on factors such as the vehicle’s Curb Weight, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), drive, engine, and other factors.

2012 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity and Payload Capacity Chart

EngineMax. Payload Capacity (lbs.)Max. Towing Capacity (lbs.)Max. GCWR (lbs.)
2.7L 4-Cyl1,4003,5007,870
4.0L V61,5356,50011,200

These capacities ensure that the Tacoma can handle a wide range of towing and payload needs, making it a versatile and dependable choice.

Read on to discover the impressive towing and payload capacities of the 2012 Toyota Tacoma and see charts of what Toyota offers in this 2012 Toyota Tacoma model.

Whether you’re planning to tow a trailer or carry a heavy payload, understanding these capabilities is essential.

It is also crucial to remember that the total weight of the vehicle and the trailer should not surpass the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) specified for the Toyota Tacoma.

Here I’ve collected all the 2012 Toyota Tacoma towing and payload capacity information from the official Toyota resources that include the 2012 Toyota Tacoma Brochure and 2012 Toyota Tacoma.

2012 Toyota Tacoma Overview

Here we will take you through the various model grades, cab options, and engine choices for this truck.

2012 Toyota Tacoma Overview Towing Capacity & Payload Capacity Chart
2012 Toyota Tacoma Overview

Cab Options:

The 2012 Tacoma comes in Regular Cab, extended cab (Access Cab), and crew cab (Double Cab) body styles, with both two- and four-wheel-drive options.

Engine Choices:

The Toyota Tacoma 2012 comes with 2 engine choices:

  • 2.7L DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder: The 2.7L 4-Cylinder engine delivers 159 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 180 lb.-ft. of torque at 3800 rpm.
  • 4.0L V6 engine: This engine is capable of generating a higher 236 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 266 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm.

Transmission:

Transmissions are equally crucial in towing performance. The 2012 Tacoma offers a range of options including:

  • 5-speed manual
  • 6-speed manual exclusive to the V6 model
  • 4-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i)
  • 5-speed ECT-i only with the V6 engine.

2012 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity

When it comes to towing capacity, the 2012 Toyota Tacoma boasts two engine options: the 2.7L 4-Cyl and the 4.0L V6. Let’s break down what each can do.

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma has a maximum Towing Capacity ranging between 3,400 to 6,500 lbs. and a maximum payload capacity ranging from 865 to 1,535 lbs.

2012 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity & Payload Capacity Chart
2012 Toyota Tacoma Towing & Payload Capacity Chart

2012 Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab Towing Capacity

The Regular Cab model is perfect for those who appreciate a compact and efficient design. This model is available with both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains.

Regardless of whether you opt for the 4×2 or the 4×4, the Regular Cab model offers a maximum towing capacity of 3500 lbs. Notably, this model doesn’t provide a tow package for the V6 engine.

Towing Capacity4×24×4
Maximum towing capacity (2.7L 4-Cylinder)35003500
Maximum towing capacity (4.0L V6 with Tow Package)
4×2 and 4×4 Towing Capacity

2012 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Towing Capacity

Offering more space than the Regular Cab, the Access Cab model adds a touch of versatility, making it suitable for diverse applications.

The Access Cab model comes in three configurations: the 4×2, PreRunner/4×4, and X-Runner.

All three models offer a maximum towing capacity of 3500 lbs. However, the PreRunner/4×4 configuration can accommodate a tow package for the V6 engine, which bumps the towing capacity up to 6500 lbs.

Towing Capacity4×2PreRunner/4×4X-Runner
Maximum towing capacity (2.7L 4-Cylinder)350035003300
Maximum towing capacity (4.0L V6 with Tow Package)6500
4×2, PreRunner/4×4, and X-Runner Towing Capacity

2012 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Towing Capacity

If you’re after a spacious interior, the Double Cab model is the one to look at. This model provides added comfort and convenience.

The Double Cab 4×2 and the PreRunner/4×4 Short Bed models both come with a maximum towing capacity of 3500 lbs. However, the towing capacity for the PreRunner/4×4 Long Bed model isn’t specified.

Towing Capacity4×2PreRunner/4×4 Short BedPreRunner/4×4 Long Bed
Maximum towing capacity (2.7L 4-Cylinder)340035003500
Maximum towing capacity (4.0L V6 with Tow Package)65006400
4×2, PreRunner/4×4 Short Bed, and PreRunner/4×4 Long Bed Towing Capacity

When equipped with the V6 tow package, the towing capacity increases significantly for some configurations. The PreRunner/4×4 Short Bed configuration sees an increase to 6500 lbs, while the Long Bed version reaches a slightly lower 6400 lbs.

2012 Toyota Tacoma Payload Capacity

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma has a maximum Towing Capacity ranging between 3,400 to 6,500 lbs. and a maximum payload capacity ranging from 865 to 1,535 lbs.

2012 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity & Payload Capacity Chart
2012 Toyota Tacoma Towing & Payload Capacity Chart

2012 Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab Payload Capacity

Despite its smaller size, the Regular Cab Tacoma has a commendable payload capacity.

For the 4×2 and 4×4 configurations equipped with a 4-cylinder engine, the payload capacity ranges from 1350 to 1435 lbs. for manual transmission and stands at 1400 lbs. for the automatic transmission.

Payload4×24×4
Manual (2.7L 4-Cylinder)13351400
Automatic (2.7L 4-Cylinder)13151345
Payload Capacity for 4×2 and 4×4 Variants

2012 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Payload Capacity

The Access Cab model provides more space than the Regular Cab model, adding an element of versatility that makes it suitable for a range of needs.

In the 4×2 configuration with a 4-cylinder engine, the manual transmission variant has a payload capacity of 1295 lbs, while the automatic can handle up to 1275 lbs.

When it comes to the PreRunner/4×4 configuration, the payload capacity varies from 1275 lbs for the manual to 1385 lbs or 1535 lbs for the automatic.

The X-Runner version, which comes with a V6 manual transmission, has a payload of 865 lbs.

Payload4×2PreRunner/4×4X-Runner
Manual (2.7L 4-Cylinder)1295–/1275
Automatic (2.7L 4-Cylinder)12751385/1250
Manual (4.0L V6)–/1425865
Automatic (4.0L V6)1535/1400
Payload Capacity for 4×2, PreRunner/4×4, and X-Runner Variants

2012 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Payload Capacity

The Double Cab model of the Tacoma offers a spacious interior for added comfort and convenience.

For the 4×2 configuration with an automatic transmission, the 4-cylinder version has a payload capacity of 1195 lbs.

The PreRunner/4×4 short bed configuration offers a payload capacity of 1385 lbs for the 4-cylinder version and 1340 lbs or 1450 lbs for the V6 version.

For those needing more space, the PreRunner/4×4 long bed variant provides a payload capacity of 1395 lbs or 1280 lbs when equipped with a V6 automatic transmission.

Payload4×2PreRunner/4×4 Short BedPreRunner/4×4 Long Bed
Automatic (2.7L 4-Cylinder)11951385/–
Manual (4.0L V6)–/1340
Automatic (4.0L V6)1450/13151395/1280
Payload Capacity for 4×2, PreRunner/4×4 Short Bed, and PreRunner/4×4 Long Bed Variants

2012 Toyota Tacoma Tongue Load & GCWR

Tongue load refers to the weight that the trailer applies to the hitch of the towing vehicle. It is a critical factor to consider for safe and stable towing.

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma, whether equipped with the 2.7L 4-Cyl or the 4.0L V6 engine, offers the following:

2012 Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab Tongue Load and GCWR

4×24×4
Tongue load (4-cylinder)350350
GCWR (4-cylinder)71707580

2012 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Tongue Load and GCWR

4×2PreRunner/4×4X-Runner
Tongue load (4-cylinder)350350
Tongue load (V6 with Tow Package)650330
GCWR (4-cylinder)74707870NA
GCWR (V6 with Tow Package)7960 (11,200)NA

2012 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Tongue Load and GCWR

4×2PreRunner/4×4 Short BedPreRunner/4×4 Long Bed
Tongue load (4-cylinder)340350350
Tongue load (V6 with Tow Package)650640
GCWR (4-cylinder)76607710
GCWR (V6 with Tow Package)8040 (11,200)8100 (11,200)

2012 Toyota Tacoma Curb Weight

Let’s break down the 2012 Toyota Tacoma’s maximum curb weight and GVWR values based on data.

2012 Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab Curb Weight

Transmission4×2 (lbs)4×4 (lbs)
Manual (4-cylinder)33153700
Automatic (4-cylinder)33353755
Manual (V6)
Automatic (V6)

2012 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Curb Weight

4×2 (lbs)PreRunner/4×4 (lbs)X-Runner (lbs)
Manual (4-cylinder)36054000
Automatic (4-cylinder)36254020
Manual (V6)40753835
Automatic (V6)3865/4100

2012 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Curb Weight

4×2 (lbs)PreRunner/4×4 Short Bed (lbs)PreRunner/4×4 Long Bed (lbs)
Manual (4-cylinder)
Automatic (4-cylinder)37053865
Manual (V6)4160
Automatic (V6)3950/41854005/4220

2012 Toyota Tacoma Tow Package

The V6 Tow Package for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma is a specialized upgrade designed to enhance the vehicle’s towing capabilities, particularly for the V6 engine models.

Below are the key components of this package:

  • Class-4 hitch
  • Transmission and supplemental oil coolers (not available on manual transmission models)
  • 130A alternator
  • Heavy-duty battery
  • 7-pin connector with converter
  • Trailer-Sway Control (TSC)

Expert Guide to Toyota Tacoma Towing and Payload Capacities

When it comes to the Toyota Tacoma, understanding its towing and payload capabilities is essential for optimizing its performance and ensuring safe operation.

In this section, we will provide key insights and recommendations for each model.

  • Weight Considerations: Remember that all weight figures include occupants, equipment, and cargo. A Class III or IV hitch receiver and sway control device are either required or recommended for additional equipment.
  • Towing Compatibility and Safety: Prior to towing, confirm that your vehicle and trailer are compatible, properly hooked up, and equipped with all necessary additional gear. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and review all instructions and cautions from your trailer hitch manufacturer and Toyota vehicle Owner’s Manual.
  • Maximum Towing Capacity: The maximum towing capacity depends on the total weight of cargo, occupants, and available equipment in the vehicle. For models with the available 6,500-lb. Tow Package, a Class III tow hitch is required.
  • Off-Road Driving: Toyota Tacomas are designed to meet most off-road driving requirements, but abusive use may result in bodily harm or damage. Toyota encourages responsible operation to protect you, your vehicle, and the environment.

By following these expert recommendations, you can ensure that your Toyota Tacoma performs at its best, offering you a safe and enjoyable driving experience.

Useful Resources

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2012 Toyota Tacoma demonstrates impressive versatility and robust capabilities across all its configurations.

Whether you’re considering the Regular Cab, Access Cab, or Double Cab, you’ll find a balance of power, payload, and towing capacities to meet diverse needs.

From its towing prowess to its substantial payload capacities and reassuring curb weights, the 2012 Tacoma remains a compelling choice for anyone seeking a reliable and capable midsize truck.

As with any vehicle, it’s important to know these specs to ensure you’re using the vehicle safely and within its designed parameters.

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