The Tacoma gets a brand new engine for 2016, a 3.5L V6 that makes 276 horsepower, an increase of 42 horsepower over the engine it replaces. The base engine remains a 2.7L 4-cylinder that makes 159 horsepower. Transmission options are either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with power sent to the rear wheels, though 4-wheel drive is optional.
The Tacoma is offered with a wealth of customization options but it comes in five basic trims, SR, SR5, TRD Off-Road, TRD Sport and Limited.
The base SR version can be ordered with either the Access Cab, or with the 4-door Double Cab. The Access Cab comes with a standard length bed, while the Double Cab is only available with the short bed. Standard equipment includes 16-inch wheels, power windows and door locks, a backup camera, an Entune audio system with Bluetooth connectivity and a deck rail system to help secure loose objects in the bed.
The SR5 allows buyers to choose both the bigger cabin and the longer bed. SR5s include keyless entry, a 4.2-inch multi-information display in the instrument cluster, SiriusXM satellite radio, fog lamps and a bit more chrome on the exterior of the truck.
The TRD Off-Road version adds both style and off-road utility to the Tacoma. Special 16-inch wheels look mean and stylish while functional additions include a locking differential, crawl control and a multi-terrain select driving aid. Options on the TRD Off-Road include dual-zone climate control and a sunroof. The bigger V6 engine is standard.
Where the TRD Off-Road is rugged, the TRD Sport is slick and stylish. Like the TRD Off-Road, the TRD Sport is only available with the V6 engine. Wheels are 17-inch alloys, while the interior gets a premium sound system and a wireless smartphone charger. The bed features a 120v outlet while the daytime running lights use ultra-bright LEDs. A smart key is also standard on the TRD Sport.
The top of the line Limited comes only with the larger cabin and a V6. It adds color keyed bumpers and additional exterior chrome, polished 18-inch wheels, automatic climate control, a powered moonroof and heated, leather-trimmed seats.
The Toyota Tacoma gets a full redesign for 2016. The exterior is bold and aggressive, and moves away from the smooth but somewhat anonymous styling of the previous generation. With a more muscular looking body and bold grill design, it's hard to miss the 2016 Tacoma. The interior has also seen major improvements with surprisingly comfortable seats, a wealth of technology and lower noise levels. The 2016 Tacoma gains refinement while losing none of the utilitarian ruggedness that's made it such a hit.
The Tacoma starts at just above $23,000, and competes with other compact pickup trucks like the Chevrolet Colorado and the Nissan Frontier. However, neither of these competitors has Toyota's reputation for quality, safety and longevity.
Unlike full-sized trucks, the Tacoma is small enough to make sense in both urban and suburban environments. The Tacoma can maneuver nimbly in tight parking lots, and its turning radius is kept reasonable. At the same time, the Tacoma offers the kind of utility that compact SUVs can only dream of. With a broad range of customization options, the Tacoma offers a surprisingly amount of comfort, and even gives owners the kind of interior space normally found in sedans. The Tacoma is truly a 'do-everything' vehicle.
