The available driving modes can be selected to match different road conditions and driving preferences, allowing the Toyota Tacoma to adjust its operating characteristics for the situation.

System components

Toyota Tacoma driving mode select switch system components

  1. "DRIVE MODE" switch used to open the driving mode selection function
  2. Mode select switch used to move between the available driving modes
  3. Multi-information display where the selected mode and related information are shown

Selecting the driving mode

1. Press the "DRIVE MODE" switch to open the driving mode selection screen.

Toyota Tacoma DRIVE MODE switch for selecting driving modes

2. While viewing the multi-information display, turn the mode select switch to the left or right to move through the available choices, then select the driving mode appropriate for the current conditions.

Toyota Tacoma multi-information display showing driving mode selection

  1. Multi-information display showing the available Toyota Tacoma driving modes

Vehicles without Adaptive Variable Suspension system

  • "NORMAL" mode

Provides a well-balanced combination of fuel economy, quiet operation, and responsive driving performance. This mode is suitable for everyday use, including normal city driving where no specialized vehicle response is required.

  • "ECO" mode

Supports more economical driving by moderating throttle response and controlling operation of the air conditioning system, including heating and cooling. These adjustments help the driver accelerate more efficiently and can contribute to improved fuel economy during regular Toyota Tacoma operation.

The "ECO" indicator illuminates when this mode is active.

  • "SPORT" mode

Improves acceleration response and provides more direct driving characteristics through coordinated control of the transmission, engine, and steering. This mode is appropriate when more precise handling is desired, such as when driving on winding or mountainous roads. The "SPORT" indicator illuminates while the mode is selected.

Vehicles with Adaptive Variable Suspension system

  • "NORMAL" mode

Provides a balanced combination of fuel efficiency, cabin quietness, ride quality, and dynamic performance. It is suitable for ordinary driving conditions, including routine city use.

  • "COMFORT" mode

Adjusts suspension operation to further improve ride comfort and reduce the effect of road irregularities felt by vehicle occupants.

This mode is suitable for comfortable city driving and other situations where a smoother ride is preferred. The "COMFORT" indicator illuminates when the mode is active.

  • "ECO" mode

Helps promote fuel-efficient acceleration by providing more moderate throttle characteristics and adjusting the operation of the heating and cooling functions of the air conditioning system. The resulting response is intended to support economical everyday driving.

The "ECO" indicator illuminates while Eco mode is selected.

  • "SPORT S" mode

Enhances acceleration response through coordinated control of the transmission, engine, and steering. The resulting characteristics are suitable when the driver wants more precise handling and stronger response, such as on winding or mountain roads. The "SPORT S" indicator illuminates when this Toyota Tacoma driving mode is active.

  • "SPORT S+" mode

Provides more performance-oriented vehicle behavior by integrating control of the steering, suspension, transmission, and engine. This coordinated operation is intended to improve controllability and stability during sporty driving while delivering a more responsive driving feel. The "SPORT S+" indicator illuminates when selected.

  • "CUSTOM" mode

Allows the powertrain, chassis, and air conditioning system characteristics to operate according to individually selected preferences. Custom mode settings can be changed only through the drive mode customization screen of the multimedia system, where the applicable functions can be configured. The "CUSTOM" indicator illuminates when this mode is selected.

 The driving mode select switch can be operated when

The driving mode select switch can be used when the front-wheel drive control switch is in either "2H" or "4H". Availability may therefore depend on the current drivetrain setting of the Toyota Tacoma.

 Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco mode

When Eco mode is selected, the air conditioning system modifies heating and cooling operation together with fan speed to help improve fuel efficiency. Because these settings may reduce maximum climate-control performance, use either of the following operations when stronger heating or cooling is needed:

  • Adjust the fan speed to the desired setting
  • Turn off Eco drive mode to restore the normal air conditioning operating characteristics

 Automatic deactivation of driving modes:

The currently selected driving mode may be canceled or automatically changed back to Normal mode when one of the following operating conditions occurs:

  • After the engine switch is turned off and subsequently turned back on
  • When the front-wheel drive control switch is moved to "4L" on applicable 4WD models
  • When Multi-terrain Select is turned on, if the Toyota Tacoma is equipped with this function
  • When the Downhill Assist Control system is activated, if equipped
  • When "TOW HAUL" mode is turned on, if equipped

 Customization

Custom mode can be adjusted through the applicable customization settings, allowing the available powertrain, chassis, and air conditioning characteristics to be configured according to the driver's preferences.