Our retro review of the then-new 2016 Toyota Tacoma
Summary
After over a decade on the market, an eternity in this increasingly rapid changing automotive marketplace, the 2016MY Toyota Tacoma receives a thorough revision that targets everything from technology and fuel economy to off-road prowess. The Tacoma’s rabid fan base has kept resale values high, one of the highest in the industry, and sales at the top of the segment despite the exceedingly long lifecycle. While the new Tacoma checks a lot of boxes, it finds itself up against some pretty tough competition.
Design
The Tacoma has a unique design DNA that isn’t merely a 7/8ths scale full-size pickup truck. Its design is meant to evoke a high-lift desert racing truck, with flared fenders and large wheel and tire fitments (up to 18″ on the Limited). Each of the 5 grades, SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited, has a number of unique touches and elements to help establish their own identities within the Tacoma lineup.
The exterior has a more chiseled appearance than the outgoing truck, with sharper creases that really catch the light in the sun. The new locking tailgate features the Tacoma named stamped into it, a nod to big brother Tundra. Up front, slim projector-beam headlights and available LED daytime running lights add a bit of character and modern feel.
Inside is where the 2016 Tacoma really has some pop. Color accents along the instrument panel and door trim brighten up the cabin, while retaining a rugged and technical appearance.
Engineering
The all-new V6 engine pumps out 278 horsepower, up 42 from the old truck, and is available with a new 6-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission. Expect to see 19 to 21 miles per gallon in overall driving with the V6, an improvement of ~11-12%.
Toyota has also beefed up the off-road capabilities of the Tacoma. The TRD Off-Road model boasts a new segment-first Multi-Terrain Select system and Crawl Control, both borrowed from the legendary Land Cruiser.
Content
After being on the market for over a decade, the Tacoma sorely needed an update in comfort and convenience features that buyers have now come to expect in a new car. To address some of this, the Tacoma now has a huge number of newly available features like a color Multi-Information Display in the gauge cluster, push button start with hands-free keyless entry, wireless charging pad for mobile devices, 6.1″ to 7″ touchscreen audio systems, blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert (useful when backing out of those parking spots!), dual-zone automatic climate control, and even a sunroof.
While some of that content might seem “fancy” for a pickup truck, given the price point that a lot of these models will transact at, ~$30,000 for the TRD Double Cab models, these features are expected when comparing across a similarly priced sedan or crossover.
Driving It
Toyota went to great lengths to improve the NVH, noise vibration and harshness, of the all-new Tacoma. While many of the busy ride elements of the prior Tacoma have been smoothed out with a stiffer structure and better suspension tuning, you still won’t mistake the Tacoma for a car or crossover. Wind and road noise are also much lower thanks to improved aerodynamics and a laminated windshield. The new V6 engine and 6-speed transmission are extremely smooth and very responsive when driving around town or for passing on the highway.
Off-road, the Tacoma is more than capable, with Crawl Control, effectively an off-road cruise control system, making quick work of both ascents and descents, rocks and dirt, while I focused on steering.
The new Tacoma fully embodies its rugged and playful character role within the Toyota truck lineup.
