2016 Toyota Tacoma

NEW FOR 2016:

- All-new model

Toyota’s Tacoma is an ode to a time when driving a pickup truck was a simple, straightforward experience. Over the years, it has become synonymous with durability, ruggedness and reliability. The recipe hasn’t changed over the past 10 years, and despite a “new” model for 2016, things aren't all that different.

Much like 2015’s update for the Camry, the Tacoma builds off the existing vehicle, but improves it in every important way. The shape remains familiar, though the grille, headlamps, and tail-end styling mimic the bigger, burlier Tundra. An infusion of high-strength steel for the chassis and body beef up rigidity while reducing weight. More sound insulation, including a laminated windscreen brings refinement to the revised cabin. It’s still truck-like on the inside, but there are fewer hard plastics around.

Under the hood, the 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine remains, but the V6 downsizes from 4.0 litres to a 3.5 and gains Toyota’s D4-S technology. At low revs it D4-S operates like a conventional port fuel injection system, switching over to direct injection at higher revs. While there’s more horsepower to be had with this new system, torque remains even at 260 lb-ft. Both engines can be configured with a manual (five speeds for the I-4, six for the V6), or a new six-speed automatic.

Toyota is hoping that gadgetry will play into the new Tacoma’s appeal – wireless device charging, proximity key with push-button start, leather upholstery, and even a power moonroof are available extras. Off-road oriented trims receive butch flared fenders, skid plates, tow hooks, and even a special rock-crawl mode which functions as a sort of low-speed cruise control.

Gone are the days of a basic Tacoma; even the entry-level model comes standard with automatic, air conditioning, power windows, aluminum wheels, a 6.1-inch display audio system and yes, even a GoPro camera mount.

The Tacoma is available in 4x2 in Access Cab SR+ trim. With 4x4, choices expand to include Access Cab SR+, Access Cab SR5, Access Cab V6 TRD Off-Road, Access Cab V6 SR5, Double Cab V6 TRD Sport, Double Cab V6 SR5, and Double Cab V6 Limited.

Features for the Access Cab SR+ 4x2 include six-speed automatic, 16-inch alloy wheels, six-foot cargo bed, automatic limited-slip differential, sliding rear window, dual heated power adjustable folding mirrors, rear step bumper, body colour mirrors and door handles, dark grey grille with black surround, body colour bumper caps, intermittent wipers, double wall composite cargo bed, cargo bed tie-down with cleats, easy lower and lift tailgate, front tow hooks, cloth upholstery, four-way manually adjustable front seats, rear jump seats with fold-up seat cushion, air conditioning, rear seat heater ducts, power door locks, keyless entry, power windows with driver side auto-down, tilt and telescoping steering column, leather-wrapped steering wheel, carpets, floor mats, cruise control, front overhead console box, under-seat rear storage, map lights, 12-volt power outlet, six-speaker 6.1-inch display audio system with AM/FM/CD player, USB port, aux-in jack, USB, voice recognition, reverse camera, 2.2-inch multi-information display, and integrated GoPro windshield mount.

Access Cab SR+ 4x4 includes the above content, replaces six-speed automatic with five-speed manual, deletes leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Access Cab SR5 4x4 adds six-speed automatic, leather-wrapped steering wheel, satellite radio, 4.2-inch multi-information display, rear window privacy glass, charcoal bar grille and chrome surround, chrome bumper endcaps, colour keyed fender, and fog lights.

Access Cab V6 SR5 builds on the Access Cab and adds auto-dimming rear-view mirror with digital compass, Class IV Towing Hitch Receiver with seven-pin connector, 120-volt cargo bed AC power outlet, tire-pressure monitoring system.

Access Cab V6 TRD Off-Road adds Bilstein shock absorber, rear differential lock, 7.0-inch display audio system with navigation, dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows with auto up/down, garage door opener, heated sport seats with TRD fabric upholstery, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, front skid plate, dark chrome mesh grille with chrome surround, black over fenders, LED daytime running lights, anti-theft system, trailer-sway control. Includes six-speed manual. Deletes tire-pressure monitoring system.

Double Cab V6 TRD Sport includes content in the Access Cab V6 TRD Off-Road and features 5-foot cargo bed, 17-inch alloy wheels, hood scoop, and 60/40 split rear bench with fold-up and fold-down feature. Replaces Bilstein shock absorbers for sport-tuned shock absorbers and black over fenders with colour over fenders. Deletes skid plates and rear differential lock.

Double Cab V6 SR5 includes Access Cab SR5 content, and adds 60/40 split rear bench with fold-up and fold-down feature, and body colour bumpers.

Double Cab V6 Limited adds seven-speaker premium JBL audio system, Qi wireless device charging, proximity key with push-button start, leather upholstery, power moonroof, chrome door handles, mirrors, and side-step bar, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert.