You love your Tacoma – it's reliable, rugged, and ready for anything. But have you ever wondered if you’re getting the most out of it?
With all the features packed into this truck, it’s easy to miss some hidden gems that could take your driving experience to the next level.
From little-known tricks that make off-roading smoother to everyday tips that save you time and money, we’re here to help. We're uncovering the best-kept secrets every Tacoma owner needs to know.
Ready to see what your Tacoma can really do? Let's get started.
1. Easter Eggs
Your Toyota Tacoma is full of hidden surprises that add personality and a sense of adventure. For example, you might find a QR code hidden on the backside of the dashboard end (driver side).
Scanning this code takes you to the "Top Secret Home of the Taco Club," a playful nod to Tacoma enthusiasts.
Your Tacoma also features small Tacoma logos and unique patterns tucked away in unexpected places. You’ll find them in the bed liner, door sills, and even under the hood.
Don't miss the easter egg found on the upper control arms of your Tacoma. One side features the outline of North Carolina, and the other side shows California. This represents the collaboration between TRD teams in these locations.
Keep your eyes open! Tacoma owners love to share their unique "finds" online in forums. You never know what might show up next!
2. Clever Storage & Hidden Features
These hidden storage compartments have become a popular topic of conversation online. Some Tacoma owners excitedly "discover" them, while others knew all along they were there.
For instance, above the rearview mirror, there’s a concealed sunglass holder. Push the slight indentation in the ceiling liner to open the compartment.
In Double Cab models, you’ll find hidden storage spaces under the rear seat bottoms. Lift the seat with the release strap, and you’ll reveal compartments perfect for storing tools or smaller items you want to keep out of sight.
Some models even feature small storage spaces in the door, ideal for stashing a card or spare key.
Another often missed feature is the versatility of the rear headrests. When you need to fold down the back seats for extra cargo room, these headrests can be relocated to dedicated slots behind the seats.
This thoughtful design not only frees up valuable space but also keeps the headrests secure. It creates a flat and unobstructed cargo area.
3. Tailgate & Bed Possibilities
Your Tacoma’s tailgate and bed aren’t just about carrying cargo—they’re packed with smart features that make your truck even more versatile. Did you know you can remove the tailgate without any tools?
Open it to about 45 degrees, disconnect the support cables, and lift it out of the hinge. This makes it incredibly easy to load up oversized items or to use your truck setup on the fly.
The bed's rail system also offers a cool feature: adjustable tie-down cleats. These aren’t just fixed in place—you can loosen the knob, slide the cleat to wherever you need it, and tighten it back down.
It’s all about making your bed space work for you. And don’t forget to check the storage bins for extra cleats. Toyota tucked them away, ready to give you even more options for securing your gear.
For late-night projects or camping trips, the bed lights can be activated with the press of a button on your dashboard. They provide ample light for your workspace or campsite.
If that’s not bright enough, there are plenty of aftermarket options to boost the illumination.
Lastly, if your Tacoma came with an OEM tonneau cover, you’re in for a treat. It’s integrated with your truck’s central locking system, meaning you can lock and unlock the cover with your key fob.
If you're curious about tailgate security, check out this guide.
4. Smart Interior Features
One feature that often flies under the radar is the turn signal tap. Instead of fully engaging the signal, give the stalk a light tap, and your signal will blink three times.
It’s perfect for quick lane changes without the need for a full signal engagement.
Another detail that might surprise you is the rearview mirror’s double pivot joint.
This is designed to offer greater flexibility, allowing you to adjust the angle precisely to your liking. It’s helpful whether you’re navigating tight city streets or backing into a tricky spot.
5. Customizing Your Information Display
Your Toyota Tacoma’s Multi-Information Display (MID) offers customization options that go beyond basic functions.
For instance, did you know you can adjust the brightness of your gauge cluster easily? Just twist the odometer lever to the left, and a display will pop up, allowing you to set the brightness to your liking.
This is especially handy for night driving when you want to reduce glare or during the day when you need better visibility.
On the right side of your steering wheel, there’s a button that looks like pages, and it’s more useful than it seems.
It lets you save a specific screen in the MID, like your tire pressure when off-roading. This way, you can keep important info front and center or quickly switch back to it when needed.
Another handy feature is the cruise control customization. With the button at the end of the cruise control lever, you can adjust the distance between your truck and the vehicle ahead when using radar cruise control.
Fine-tune it with the lower buttons on the right side of the steering wheel, or turn off the radar entirely if you prefer traditional cruise control.
Wondering whether 16 or 17-inch wheels are better for your Tacoma? Get the details here.
6. Safety & Stability Systems
Many Tacomas come pre-wired with hidden harnesses. This simplifies the installation of aftermarket accessories like lights or winches without the need for complex rewiring.
When you’re facing a steep incline, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) holds the brake pressure for a few seconds after you release the pedal. This allows for smooth acceleration without worrying about rollback.
For off-road adventures, select models feature a Multi-Terrain Monitor that provides real-time views of your surroundings. Strategically placed cameras make it easier to navigate obstacles or tight spaces.
You can even customize the parking assist system’s alert volume through the settings menu.
When it comes to towing, the pre-installed trailer wiring harness connector near the rear bumper simplifies adding towing lights or other accessories. It helps keep your setup clean and hassle-free.
Curious if a sheet of plywood will fit in your Tacoma? Find out here.
7. Tackling Weather Challenges
Your Tacoma has hidden features designed to make driving in extreme weather easier and more comfortable. These features work even if you don’t always notice them.
For instance, did you know that your windshield has a built-in de-icer to prevent ice from accumulating on your wiper blades?
Just hit the defrost button, and it activates automatically—no need to scrape your windshield to free up your wipers.
There are also heated side mirrors linked to this defroster. This means when you activate the rear defrost, your side mirrors are heated up, too.
In warmer weather, the Tacoma’s "MAX A/C" setting isn’t just about blasting cold air. When you press the "MAX A/C" button, the system quickly recirculates the air inside the cabin, cooling it down much faster than the standard A/C setting.
8. Key Fob Features
Your Tacoma key fob comes with some hidden features that can make your life easier and your truck more secure. One of these features is the ability to temporarily disable a second key fob.
To do this, hold down the lock button on your primary fob and quickly press the unlock button twice. When you’re ready to reactivate the second fob, repeat the process.
Another feature that often goes unnoticed is the remote start function. The Tacoma forums indicate that many owners don’t realize they can remotely start their truck without needing a subscription service.
Press the lock button on your key fob twice, then hold it down on the third press until the engine starts.
For those moments when you lose track of your truck in a crowded parking lot, the "Find My Car" feature is a lifesaver.
Press the lock button on your key fob 3-4 times in quick succession. Your Tacoma will respond by flashing its lights and honking the horn, making it easy to spot from a distance.
You can also customize how your Tacoma’s lights flash when you lock or unlock the vehicle.
You can adjust the flash pattern through the vehicle settings menu on the Multi-Information Display (MID) or infotainment system. This includes changing the number of flashes, altering the timing, or disabling it altogether.
9. Upgrade-Friendly Design
Your Toyota Tacoma comes with some hidden features that can seriously boost your truck’s power and performance, especially when you need that extra edge. A lesser-known gem is the spare slots in your fuse box.
These can be used with an "add-a-fuse" kit to safely integrate new devices like additional lighting or electronics. This setup ensures they’re only powered when the ignition is on.
If you’re planning more extensive modifications, such as a dual battery setup for overlanding or camping, your Tacoma has you covered. There’s a designated spot near the main battery for a battery isolator.
This built-in space allows you to efficiently manage the charge between multiple batteries. It makes your truck more versatile for extended off-grid adventures.
For those who love customizing their Tacoma, you’ll be pleased to know that many models come pre-wired for auxiliary switches. Look for connections labeled "AUX" in the engine bay or under the dashboard.
These are designed to make adding aftermarket accessories like additional lighting or winches straightforward and hassle-free. There’s no need for extensive rewiring.
10. Driving Controls & Assistance Systems
Your Toyota Tacoma is equipped with several advanced driving controls and assistance systems that are lesser known.
One feature that’s often overlooked but incredibly useful is the ECT Power mode. By pressing the "ECT PWR" button on your dashboard, the transmission adjusts its shift points, keeping the engine at higher RPMs for better acceleration.
This is ideal when towing heavy loads or navigating steep inclines.
Another versatile tool is the ability to switch between Radar Cruise Control and traditional cruise control. While Radar Cruise Control adapts to the traffic ahead, some drivers prefer the simplicity of standard cruise control in certain situations.
To switch between these modes, press and hold the cruise control stalk button while Radar Cruise Control is active.
The parking assist sonar system is another feature that often goes underutilized.
This system uses sensors to help you navigate tight parking spots by emitting a series of beeps that increase in frequency as you approach obstacles, giving you a clear sense of your proximity.
You can easily toggle this system on or off using the "P" button on the dashboard, customizing it to suit your parking needs.
11. Maintenance & Diagnostic Features
Your Tacoma is equipped with smart maintenance and diagnostic features that help keep your truck running smoothly, often without you even noticing.
One feature that might catch you off guard is the automatic fuel pump diagnostic test. If you’ve ever heard a faint humming sound coming from the fuel tank area about five hours after parking, don’t worry—nothing’s wrong.
That sound is your Tacoma running a self-check to ensure the fuel system is in good shape.
Another useful feature is the built-in jump-start terminal located in the engine bay. This terminal, marked with a "+" symbol near the fuse box, simplifies the process of jump-starting your Tacoma.
Additionally, the OBD-II port, located discreetly under the dashboard on the driver's side just above the pedals, is your go-to for diagnostics and modifications.
Whether you’re checking on an issue or making performance tweaks, this port gives you direct access to what’s happening under the hood.
12. Infotainment & Connectivity
Your Tacoma infotainment system has several hidden features that can make your driving experience more convenient and tech-savvy.
One of the most interesting capabilities is bypassing the standard Entune interface to directly access your smartphone’s virtual assistant.
By pressing and holding the talk button on your steering wheel for a few seconds, you can activate Google Assistant or Siri, allowing you to use voice commands without navigating through the Entune system.
Another feature to keep you connected is the addition of USB power ports integrated into the center console or discreetly under the dashboard.
Additionally, there’s a Type-C port on the passenger side that connects directly to the center screen, which you can use for data input or even software updates, adding more functionality to your infotainment system.
If you didn’t get a factory-installed backup camera, don’t worry—many Tacomas are pre-wired with connections near the tailgate or rear bumper.
This makes it easy to add an aftermarket camera that integrates seamlessly with your existing infotainment system, enhancing both safety and convenience.
Additionally, your wireless charging toggle is a subtle but useful feature. This button allows you to turn the wireless charging pad on or off, preventing constant power and potential overheating of your device.
Want to know how to play videos on your Tacoma screen? Learn how here.
13. Off-Road Capabilities
Your Tacoma is built for tough terrains, with advanced off-road features designed to make every adventure smoother and more controlled. One of the standout features is the Fox QS3 Switchable System, available on TRD Pro models.
This system lets you adjust the level of shock absorption and damping, giving you the ability to tailor the suspension to different terrains.
Another valuable tool for off-roading is the Pitch and Roll Display. This feature provides real-time information on your Tacoma’s pitch and roll angles, helping you maintain control and avoid tipping when navigating uneven terrain.
The Multi-Terrain Select system, available in TRD Off-Road and Pro models, further enhances your off-road experience by automatically adjusting traction and throttle response to match the terrain.
Turn the dial on the overhead console to select the terrain type, and the system takes care of the rest.
For more extreme conditions, Crawl Control is your go-to feature. By shifting into 4-Low and pressing the "Crawl" button, you can set your desired speed and let the truck manage throttle and braking, allowing you to focus solely on steering.
The Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD) is another essential feature, especially in slippery conditions.
By pressing the "VSC Off" button, the system automatically brakes the spinning wheel and redirects power to the wheel with better traction, ensuring you stay in control.
Lastly, the adjustable headlights provide a practical feature, especially when you’re towing or if your truck is lifted. You can fine-tune the beam angle to suit your needs, ensuring you have the best visibility in all conditions.
Wondering if car seats fit comfortably in your Tacoma? Check out the details here.
Your Tacoma's Full Potential
Your Toyota Tacoma is more than just a reliable workhorse—it's a treasure trove of hidden features and smart design elements that can elevate your driving experience.
From clever storage solutions and off-road capabilities to tech-savvy infotainment options and advanced safety systems, your Tacoma is built to adapt to your every need.
Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or just looking to get the most out of your daily drive, these tips and tricks are your key to unlocking everything your truck has to offer.
If your Tacoma isn't starting, here’s what could be wrong and how to fix it here.