Toyota"s new 2016 Tacoma at the 2015 NAIAS
The 2016 Toyota Tacoma
GMs gamble to spur growth in the waning world of the midsize truck birthed two pickups that bring modern luxuries, refined driving, fresh styling and competitive fuel economy in the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. After 10 years of dominating the midsize truck segment, Toyota isn’t worried. Since its launch 20 years ago, Toyota has sold 3 million Tacomas and has dominated the midsize pickup market for the last 10 years.
It’s time to bust out another hot Taco.
Unveiled just before the start of the show, the 2016 Tacoma shows off a dramatically new look inside and out while keeping the same overall size as its predecessor. Angled, crisp lines accentuate the hood and fender flares while projector beam headlamps, LED daytime running lights (available as an option) and a new front end with a Tundra-like hex grille underscore the pickup’s modern ambitions. The locking rear tailgate boasts an integrated spoiler and features an easy lowering system to insure a smooth and steady descent (ever been smacked by a tailgate before?). A tri-fold tonneau cover makes it way onto the new Tacoma’s options list. Pushing the pavement is a new set of wheels and tires that range from 16 to 18 inches.
The 2016 Toyota Tacoma
The fuel-efficient 2.7-liter I4 engine returns to the Tacoma’s lineup, but it is easily outdone by the addition of an all-new 3.5-liter Atkinson cycle V6—the first application of the fuel-efficient cycle engine in a midsize truck. Is this a big deal? Yes. While very fuel efficient, Atkinson cycle engines have problems developing low- and mid-range torque. Toyota has extensively used the technology in its hybrids where the additional electric motor provides plenty of low-end punch, but recently the company showcased an Atkinson cycle engine at the Geneva Motor Show that solved the oomph-less dilemma through clever tricks that include a reshaped intake port, VVTiE (Variable Valve Timing intelligent Electric) technology and a cooled EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system.
The 3.5-liter coming to the Tacoma boasts what the company calls D-4S technology which features both direct and port fuel injection. The result can be astonishing. In a best-case scenario, an efficient Atkinson cycle engine can match a standard engine’s output…but using 30% less fuel. Whether you opt for the new starlet or the old standby, you’ll get a six-speed automatic transmission. Shoppers opting for the V6 have the option to select a six-speed manual transmission.
On the performance side, rigidity is strength and strength is key. High strength steel makes an appearance throughout the new truck’s frame, with ultra-high strength steel integrated into the body shell by way of a hot stamping process to save weight. Balancing the increased rigidity is a re-tuned suspension designed to bring more modern road manners and more off-road prowess to the Taco. TRD models are treated to the Multi-Train Select system that adjusts throttle and brake pressure inputs to give maximum traction on surfaces like sand, loose rock and mud.
The dramatic revisioning of Toyota’s midsized heavyweight wouldn’t be complete nowadays without a healthy dose of techno-luxury. Done. Touches like a Qi wireless charging system, Smart key system with a push-button starter, Blind-spot monitor with cross-traffic alert and an enhanced touchscreen audio system will be available for the coming Taco. In an interesting move, every 2016 Tacoma will come with a mount to set up a GoPro camera so you can share your exploits. Special attention has been paid to banishing the hard plastics of yore with softer, premium materials and a resdesigned dash aims to offer a more driver-focused experience.
The 2016 Tacoma will be served up in five flavors—SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road and Limited. While both Access and Crew Cab bodystyles are expected to return, the fate of the Regular Cab is unknown at present. Expect to see Toyota’s contender in local dealerships around the second half of 2015. The two major contenders out to take the Tacoma’s lunch money are the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, but the aging Nissan Frontier also deserves a look if you’re aiming to haggle up a good bargain.
GMs gamble to spur growth in the waning world of the midsize truck birthed two pickups that bring modern luxuries, refined driving, fresh styling and competitive fuel economy in the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. After 10 years of dominating the midsize truck segment, Toyota isn’t worried. Since its launch 20 years ago, Toyota has sold 3 million Tacomas and has dominated the midsize pickup market for the last 10 years.
It’s time to bust out another hot Taco.
Unveiled just before the start of the show, the 2016 Tacoma shows off a dramatically new look inside and out while keeping the same overall size as its predecessor. Angled, crisp lines accentuate the hood and fender flares while projector beam headlamps, LED daytime running lights (available as an option) and a new front end with a Tundra-like hex grille underscore the pickup’s modern ambitions. The locking rear tailgate boasts an integrated spoiler and features an easy lowering system to insure a smooth and steady descent (ever been smacked by a tailgate before?). A tri-fold tonneau cover makes it way onto the new Tacoma’s options list. Pushing the pavement is a new set of wheels and tires that range from 16 to 18 inches.
The 2016 Toyota Tacoma
The fuel-efficient 2.7-liter I4 engine returns to the Tacoma’s lineup, but it is easily outdone by the addition of an all-new 3.5-liter Atkinson cycle V6—the first application of the fuel-efficient cycle engine in a midsize truck. Is this a big deal? Yes. While very fuel efficient, Atkinson cycle engines have problems developing low- and mid-range torque. Toyota has extensively used the technology in its hybrids where the additional electric motor provides plenty of low-end punch, but recently the company showcased an Atkinson cycle engine at the Geneva Motor Show that solved the oomph-less dilemma through clever tricks that include a reshaped intake port, VVTiE (Variable Valve Timing intelligent Electric) technology and a cooled EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system.
The 3.5-liter coming to the Tacoma boasts what the company calls D-4S technology which features both direct and port fuel injection. The result can be astonishing. In a best-case scenario, an efficient Atkinson cycle engine can match a standard engine’s output…but using 30% less fuel. Whether you opt for the new starlet or the old standby, you’ll get a six-speed automatic transmission. Shoppers opting for the V6 have the option to select a six-speed manual transmission.
On the performance side, rigidity is strength and strength is key. High strength steel makes an appearance throughout the new truck’s frame, with ultra-high strength steel integrated into the body shell by way of a hot stamping process to save weight. Balancing the increased rigidity is a re-tuned suspension designed to bring more modern road manners and more off-road prowess to the Taco. TRD models are treated to the Multi-Train Select system that adjusts throttle and brake pressure inputs to give maximum traction on surfaces like sand, loose rock and mud.
The dramatic revisioning of Toyota’s midsized heavyweight wouldn’t be complete nowadays without a healthy dose of techno-luxury. Done. Touches like a Qi wireless charging system, Smart key system with a push-button starter, Blind-spot monitor with cross-traffic alert and an enhanced touchscreen audio system will be available for the coming Taco. In an interesting move, every 2016 Tacoma will come with a mount to set up a GoPro camera so you can share your exploits. Special attention has been paid to banishing the hard plastics of yore with softer, premium materials and a resdesigned dash aims to offer a more driver-focused experience.
The 2016 Tacoma will be served up in five flavors—SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road and Limited. While both Access and Crew Cab bodystyles are expected to return, the fate of the Regular Cab is unknown at present. Expect to see Toyota’s contender in local dealerships around the second half of 2015. The two major contenders out to take the Tacoma’s lunch money are the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, but the aging Nissan Frontier also deserves a look if you’re aiming to haggle up a good bargain.
