Toyota Tacoma brings toughness and reliability to a stylish new level
Tough, reliable and honest. The 1995 Toyota Hilux’s introduction to the American consumer was as a simple, yet effective work truck with a bit of style and a lot of capability. “The Toyota Truck” had a straightforward message and built-in following for the brand’s now famous reliability when it debuted.
Fast forward to 2023, and Toyota’s unwavering approach to mid-size trucking has helped it remain one of the most popular sellers in the segment. With three base trucks to choose from and user-friendly amenities wrapped in a familiar look, the Toyota Tacoma is THE staple truck of the mid-sized category.
“It really is a ‘do it all’ vehicle.”
That’s Kaitlyn Larson. The accessory sales manager and Toyota Tacoma expert at Hendrick Toyota of Concord just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. From showroom floor leader and customer referral liaison, to the area technology expert, Kaitlyn is the consummate “do everything” Hendrick Automotive Group teammate and offering something a little different when it comes to customer service.
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“The biggest thing for me is to tell (customers), ‘You’re here now. We’re here to take care of you,’” said Kaitlyn, who has worked at Hendrick Automotive Group for nine years. “We’re here (because) we can help and (we are) honest. I want someone to have fun doing this. We want this to be a place where you can send your family and feel like you (do not) have to worry about them. We want this to be a smooth process, so when they leave they feel like they are happy. Not taken advantage of.”
Powerful Tacoma
What Kaitlyn does want customers to take advantage of is all the amenities the new Toyota Tacoma has to offer, starting with its impressive power plant. There are three different varieties to choose -- SR, TRD Off-Road and Limited – as the 2023 Tacoma lineup receives power from a 3.5-liter, 278-horsepower (6,000 rpm) dual-overhead cam, direct-injection V6 engine with variable valve timing and exhaust. Combined with 265-foot-pounds of torque, six-speed automatic and electronically controlled four-wheel drive and a limited slip-differential, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma is a “do it all” pickup.
“From a small trailer with your lawn mower or if you want to tow a pop-up camper, you can do all of that,” Kaitlyn said. “It’s a daily driver, it’s a work around the house truck, and it’s a vacation truck. It can do it all.”
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Unmistakable Tacoma Style and Options
The exteriors are unmistakably Tacoma with numerous packages to choose from including the SR5 SX Package; SR5 Chrome Package; Trail Special Edition and the Nightshade Special Edition that features a blacked-out exterior trim, dark smoke 18-inch alloy wheels and a unique grill integration. A plethora awaits the Tacoma enthusiast.
“There’s an available hood scoop,” Kaitlyn said. “You walk up to that vehicle and it blows your mind. I have had people that order a full hood because they wanted a different trim, but that hood scoop is so dramatic when they walked up to the truck, they have to have it. You have many options for lights and fog lights. If that’s not bright enough, Toyota has daytime lights and partnered with Rigid to install even brighter lights (if desired).”
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In the interior, Toyota went for long-lasting, soft-touch materials to boost comfort and reliability, while the Toyota Limited and TRD Pro packages have available leather-trimmed surfaces throughout the cabin. Adjustable seating, dual-zone climate control, two USB ports and available two-way moon roof, heated seats, remote start and a power rear window are all part of a tough, durable interior mix.
“The power back window gets customers when I show them,” Kaitlyn said. “You push that button, see their heads turn and their eyes light up with excitement – knowing they don’t have to move that window anymore.”
On the safety side, the Toyota Tacoma is one of the leading trucks in the market. Toyota’s pre-collision system with pedestrian detection highlights a standard safety package that includes radar cruise control, lane departure alert and automatic high beams.
“Every customer has a SoS button for emergencies,” Kaitlyn added. “Here at the store, we’ve been able to see it work. We do not like to hear about negative situations but in my experience, most of them have ended up being positive. If you are in an accident, it is automatically going to alert and dispatch first responders. It’s important when you hear the story of someone sending a child to school and they were alerted prior to first responders alerting them.”
Outfit Your Tacoma However You Want
Tacoma has quite the following, and its wide array of accessory options are a big reason for that. The Tacoma is one of the more versatile trucks anywhere, with aftermarket options and strategic partnerships that give its customers a real choice.
“Toyota has changed the way that you can equip the vehicle or the options you can get,” Kaitlyn said. “We have the utility package. So for companies that are buying vehicles, it actually takes out the back seats, allowing for (added) space and discounts the vehicle. For people who just want that reliable truck, it (has) a bed that you can just throw things in the back. In addition, a company might need a lot of them, so they need a good price point. They really hit the nail on the head with that.
“Toyota actually came here and we got to see the new accessory roll outs,” Kaitlyn continued. “You now have storage boxes for the bed. They came out with (Bluetooth) speakers for the tailgater and you can be the life of the party. They also have Go Rhino products. Running boards and the tonneau cover -- one of the best-selling in the market. Toyota brought it in, so now we provide it to our customers. They are backed by Toyota, and are very specific as far as quality and who they will partner with.”
The Customer Experience
One of the reasons Kaitlyn is attracted to the Toyota brand is the opportunity to connect with a loyal group of people. With many customers reaching upwards of 400,000 miles on their vehicles, the opportunity to share what’s new offers quite a few rewarding moments.
“I personally like to hide customer’s cars (from their immediate view) in the delivery area,” Kaitlyn said. “I get to walk them to it and see that first glance, when they are excited and get to see it for the first time.
“I love when people are happy,” Kaitlyn added. “I see it in all aspects. Maybe we are able to get the car they thought was impossible to get. When you walk them to it, they are excited. Especially if we have customized it and done a few things, then they walk out and get to say, “That’s mine.” Often, I will even pull it out of the delivery area so it’s in the sun. Toyota has this paint with the metal flake in it and the moment it hits the sun, it’s spectacular. I have to put the bow on and take their picture, if they want.
“There’s no moment like that moment.”
It is a moment Hendrick Automotive Group strives to accomplish every time a customer purchases a vehicle.
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