The Toyota Tacoma is practically new for the 2016 model year. While it is not a complete design overhaul, its new cabin structure, along with a new set of features, brings some very welcomed change to the Tacoma.
Changes aside, the Tacoma is still the reliable midsize pickup enthusiasts want and love.
The most notable change to the 2016 Toyota Tacoma is under its hood. Last year’s model included a 4.0 liter V6 engine, whereas this year’s includes a smaller, yet more powerful, 3.5-liter direct-injection V6. The 3.5-liter V6 pumps out 42 more horsepower than the previous engine for a total of 278 horsepower.
The new V6 provides much smoother and quicker acceleration, making it significantly easier to weave into lanes and pass others on the highway. Additionally, it is notably quieter than the outgoing engine. Along with the 2016 Tacoma’s new sound-dampening features, it is a very serene ride.
The mileage for the new V6 is 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway — a pretty good outcome for the midsize pickup class and is more fuel-efficient than the previous 4-liter engine.
Toyota also has focused on improving the Tacoma’s standard features. The SR, Tacoma’s base model, comes with the following: a GoPro windshield mount, a rearview camera, cargo bed rail system, sliding rear window, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, USB and Aux cord connectivity, the Siri Eyes Free system, a 6.1-inch touchscreen interface, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and voice controls.
The cabin in the Tacoma has improved with greater attention to detail, a wider layout as well as better quality materials make for a big difference as far as look, feel and comfort.
Toyota also emphasized the ability to alter the Tacoma to your needs, offering a total of five trim levels. Other than the aforementioned SR, the Tacoma is offered in the SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road and Limited trims. The Limited, the Tacoma’s top-of-the-line trim adds leather upholstery in the Premium and Technology packages, JBL stereo, seven-inch touchscreen, as well as 18-inch alloy wheels and a revised exterior.
Other than its various trim levels, the Tacoma also comes in different body configurations. You can select from either the Short or Long Bed versions in either Double Cab or Access Cab styles, depending on how much space you need. While the Tacoma’s towing and hauling capacity varies depending on which trim you choose, the highest it can haul is 1,620 pounds and tow 6,800 pounds.
The 2016 Toyota Tacoma comes loaded with new features such as a more powerful, yet more fuel-efficient, V6 engine and an upgraded list of standard features. The Tacoma also has several trims and body styles that create several combinations and options to suit specific needs such at the TRD Off-Road, which comes with a rugged body trim and shock absorbers suited for what its name implies.
With such great features and a smooth, quiet performance the 2016 Toyota Tacoma is a very capable and attractive midsize pickup option.
The MSRP for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma starts at $23,660.
