Safety and structural integrity

The Tacoma comes standard with anti-lock brakes, brake assist, and electronic brakeforce distribution. For 2008, a rollover sensor was added which would deploy the side curtain airbags in the event of rollover in Tacomas equipped with the optional side airbags. Beginning with the 2009 model year, all Tacomas feature Toyota's Star Safety System which added Vehicle Stability Control and traction control. Front row side torso airbags and side curtain airbags for both rows also become standard as well as active head restraints.^[18][19]
Given the smaller size of pickup trucks in the Tacoma's category, crash testing for these sized trucks lags with how well most full size trucks perform. However, in an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) test of the Tacoma and other small trucks, only the side airbag equipped Tacoma received the highest overall rating of "Good" in the side impact test.^[20][21] The Tacoma also is rated "Good" in the frontal offset crash test.^[22] In 2009 with the active head restraints the Tacoma is given the IIHS's Top Safety Pick award.

NHTSA crash test ratings (2006):^[23]

Frontal Driver
Frontal Passenger
Side Driver
Side Rear Passenger
Rollover

TRD Packages

The Tacoma came in two TRD packages: Sport and Off-Road. The Sport is targeted more towards improved road performance, while the Off-Road is more geared towards the off-road enthusiast. Both are available in 2WD or 4WD, with rear electronic locking differential available in the Off-Road model.
The TRD Sport package comes in two levels. The first level has a color-matched grille, color-matched front/rear bumpers, color-matched door handles, color-matched mirrors, Bilstein shocks/struts, TRD interior, hood with scoop, A/C inverter in the bed, bed rails with cleats, stainless steel exhaust tip and 17" wheels. The second level includes the above and also adds a towing package (oil and transmission coolers), heavy-duty high output alternator, and an aluminum skid plate.^{[citation needed]} The 2005 to 2008 model years came with a mechanical true limited slip locking differential. The 2009 model year onwards has an open differential with a brake assisted "automatic limited slip" rear differential, similar to a VSC system.^{[citation needed]}
The TRD Off-Road package includes a chrome rear bumper, 16" wheels, skid plates, chrome grille, locking rear differential and no hood scoop. Progressive rate springs are included, along with A-TRAC, Hill Descent assist(Automatic only) and Hill Start assist (six speed only). The Off-Road package has a smaller diameter roll bar compared to the Sport package, which gives the Off-Road more wheel articulation and a smoother ride but allows for more body roll. All-Terrain tires and a heavy duty front tow hook complete the package. This package is not available in Double Cab models with long-bed configuration.^{[citation needed]}

TRD Extreme or T/X Baja

From model years 2012 to 2014 the Tacoma was offered in 1 of 1500 of the T|X BAJA package. Package includes upgraded lifted suspension with Eibach springs and TRD Bilstien coil-overs in the front and TRD Bilstien reservoir shocks in the rear with an additional leaf spring. The bead-lock style wheels are also added wrapped in BF Goodrich All Terrains. The BAJA model also include a stainless steel TRD exhaust. The iconic BAJA shift knob is also available for the 6-speed manual transmission models.^{[citation needed]}

TRD Pro

The TRD Pro package was offered for 2015 models.^[24] Based on the TRD Off Road, the Pro package added a 2" front lift with Bilstein 2.5-inch front shocks and 2.0-inch rear shocks with remote reservoirs for extra wheel travel, BFGoodrich all-terrain tires on 16-inch black and silver bead-lock-style wheels, and TRD cat-back exhaust system.^[25] Cosmetic upgrades included the scooped Sport hood, black badges, blackout lighting elements, a TRD Pro matte-black grille with TOYOTA lettering, and various TRD-badged interior parts.^[26] About 1200 TRD Pro Tacomas were made.^[27]

Ironman edition

In 2008, an "Ironman" edition was released, named after Ivan "Ironman" Stewart.^[28] The engine output was increased to 304 hp (227 kW) and 334 ft·lb (453 N·m) with the addition of the TRD Supercharger and Magnaflow exhaust.