2009 Toyota Tacoma: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2009 Toyota Tacoma’s biggest change is a major safety upgrade, with stability control, traction control, side airbags and side-curtain airbags standard across the lineup. It is a mid-cycle update rather than a redesign, and its engines and transmissions carry over.
About the 2009 Toyota Tacoma
2nd generation Tacoma (2005-2015), feature and safety update year.
Toyota sold the Tacoma as the midsize pickup for people who wanted a truck that felt tough, useful and manageable in everyday life. Its main strengths were a durable bed design, wide cab and bed choices, strong resale reputation and a lineup that stretched from simple work-truck duty to sport-truck and off-road themes. In this era, Tacoma stood out by offering more variety and a stronger truck personality than many compact and midsize rivals.
The 2009 Tacoma lineup spans the straightforward Base work truck, the raised rear-wheel-drive PreRunner and the pavement-focused X-Runner. All use a durable composite bed with useful tie-down hardware, while the X-Runner stands apart with a lowered stance, sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels.
What changed, by category
2009 Toyota Tacoma specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.7 Liter / V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.7 Liter / V6, 4.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 5-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Manual, 5-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD | 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 14–20 mpg | 15 mpg | 17–20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 19–26 mpg | 19 mpg | 21–26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 159–236 hp | 236 hp | 159–236 hp |
| Torque | 180–266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 180–266 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500–6500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500–6500 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 28.2–32.6 in | 28.2 in | 28.2–32.6 in |
| Seats | 3–5 | 4 | 3–5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Cruise Control | |||
| Hill Descent Control | |||
| Hill Start Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Tow Hooks | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2009 Toyota Tacoma redesigned?
No. The 2009 Tacoma remained part of the second generation introduced for 2005. It received safety, equipment, seating and minor exterior updates without a new platform or major powertrain change.
What safety features became standard on the 2009 Toyota Tacoma?
The 2009 Tacoma made stability control, traction control, front-seat side airbags, side-curtain airbags and active front head restraints standard across the lineup.
Did the 2009 Toyota Tacoma get a new engine or transmission?
No. The 2009 Tacoma had no major engine or transmission changes compared with 2008.
What changed inside the 2009 Toyota Tacoma?
The standard stereo added MP3 playback and an auxiliary audio input, and Access Cab models received a redesigned rear seat.
Which trims were added to the 2009 Toyota Tacoma lineup?
Base, PreRunner and X-Runner were added to the 2009 Tacoma lineup. PreRunner used a raised rear-wheel-drive layout, while X-Runner was the lowered, pavement-focused sport truck.