2016 Toyota Tacoma: Younger Than Ever!
The Toyota Tacoma as we know it—and as we have known it since the second generation was released in 2004—is about to turn over a new leaf with a fresh face. The 2016 edition of this (once) popular intermediate pickup has just been unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show.
It looks as though the new Tacoma has borrowed several styling elements from its big brother, the Tundra. This should make some people very happy, but others not so much. However, with enough personality of its own, the Tacoma isn’t just a small Tundra. You’ve also got to admit that the headlamps have a Subaru-esque look to them! The dashboard has been simplified, but it still has the typically truck-like square angles and big buttons.
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Although Toyota is calling this an all-new truck, I’m more inclined to say it’s a major update. The body and engines have been changed, while the chassis, suspension and other parts have been reinforced. Maybe I’m wrong. There’s a first time for everything, right?
Let’s talk engines
For the engines, Toyota will continue to call on the 2.7-litre four-cylinder. Since they’ve refrained from assigning any exciting adjectives to it, we can assume that it will be the same as before, serving up 159 horsepower and 180 lbs.-ft. of torque. The V6, on the other hand, is brand-spanking new, according to the manufacturer. This 3.5-litre Atkinson cycle mill has D-4S technology (with port fuel injection). Its output numbers have yet to be released. Regardless of which engine you choose, the transmission will have six speeds. The four-cylinder comes with the automatic transmission only, while the V6 can be paired with either. Power can be relayed to the rear wheels or all four wheels, independent of the four- or six-cylinder choice.
In Canada, the four trim levels will be the SR5, TRD, TRD Off-Road and Limited. The Off-Road comes with a locking limited-slip rear differential, hill descent control, hill start assist control and a whole host of other features, suggesting that the Tacoma might keep up with a Jeep Wrangler on the Rubicon trail. We’ll have to see about that.
The 2016 Tacoma will be built in Texas. Prices have yet to be announced. The media probably won’t get to test it until summer, but we’ll be sure to keep you posted!
