• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

You are here: Home / Automotive News / Revealed: 2016 Toyota Tacoma

Revealed: 2016 Toyota Tacoma

August 17, 2015 by admin 8 Comments

The next generation Toyota Tacoma pickup truck rolls out with available crawl control and a GoPro mount among its changes. A new V-6 engine, improved towing and payload capacities, and an upgraded interior are among the more noteworthy updates. This truck is priced from $23,300 and is available in five grades.

Among smaller pickup trucks, the Toyota Tacoma has long held a special position. Even as many of its competitors have participated in the segment for some time, stopped, and then returned, the Tacoma has steadfastly held its own and is the best seller time and again.

2016 Toyota Tacoma
2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.

But time moves on and with those changes has come a new Tacoma model. The 2016 edition is the first full generational metamorphosis we have seen in a decade, a model employing updates that are at once evolutionary as well as revolutionary.

As for evolutionary, the new truck shares the same size as its predecessor. What has changed is its visage with a more aggressive design marked by a trapezoidal grille with distinct designs for each grade. The Tacoma’s hood now features sharper lines and TRD Sport models outfitted with a (nonfunctional) head scoop. Projector beam headlights, available LED daytime running lights, wide angle fog lights, and a more aerodynamic fascia are also attendant.

Additional changes can be seen with the side mirrors and in the sophistication of the profile character lines. Moreover, Toyota improved the cab to bed seal to reduce noise-vibration-harshness (NVH).

To the rear, the lockable tailgate now has a stamped TACOMA brand or hallmark at the base of the gate, paralleling a similar stamping on the larger Tundra. Furthermore, that tailgate has a rotary bumper for ease of lowering, an integrated spoiler, and a redesigned structure for increased tailgate strength.

Additional exterior changes include a segment-first, trifold tonneau cover, aero fin tail lights, and an assortment of wheel choices. Likewise, new colors are available too — Quicksand, Inferno, and Blazing Blue Pearl. Inferno was previously called Inferno Red, but people such as yours truly insist that it is orange. No matter, it is a color that has been popularized on the Tundra pickup truck and the 4Runner SUV.

2016 Toyota Tacoma
Pushing past brush and then some.

Stronger Overall Structure

The overall structure of the 2016 Toyota Tacoma has been improved too, with cabin strength and rigidity increased without adding mass. Greater use of high strength and ultra-strength steel was employed in the cabin structure. The bed structure also gains a fiber-reinforced, sheet-molded composite inner bed, a standard deck rail system with four adjustable tie-down cleats and four fixed cargo bed tie-down points as well as a deck-mounted 120-volt/400-watt AC power outlet in TRD and Limited editions.

Speaking of editions, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma is now composed of SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road and Limited editions. Both 4×2 and 4×4 layouts return with Access (seating four) and Double (seating five) cab models available. A standard 6-foot bed for the Access cab is a 5-foot bed elsewhere.

New V-6 Engine and Transmission Changes

Returning for 2016 is the base 2.7-liter, four-cylinder engine making 159 horsepower and 180 foot-pounds of torque. Toyota pairs this engine with a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission.

New and perhaps most revolutionary for the 2016 Tacoma is a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine. This engine replaces the previous 4.0-liter V-6 and makes 278 horsepower and 265 foot-pounds of torque. That’s a huge improvement in horsepower over the previous engine which had an output of 236 horsepower and 266 foot-pounds of torque. The V-6 comes paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission and is standard in the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road and the Limited edition. The Limited comes with the automatic transmission only.

The engine’s size is familiar, but its composition is not. Indeed, Toyota designed the engine to seamlessly switch between Otto and Atkinson cycles by means of its variable valve timing system. Both direct and port fuel injection are utilized, the former representing self-cleaning, high-pressure injectors.

As for the transmissions, Toyota says the new automatic transmission has fewer components as it found ways to improve gear train and direct clutch pressure control with lower friction materials and bearings. Equally important, the automatic gearbox is lighter, more efficient and is more durable than the previous unit.

Fans of manual transmissions should find the new gearbox an improvement as well. Likewise, it offers improved shifting feel and is equipped with a more substantial bearing reinforcement and tougher carbon synchronizers.

 

2016 Toyota Tacoma
Down the dirt road we go.

Suspension, Payload and Towing

Other changes of note include a revision to the front double wishbone suspension, what now features retuned shock absorbers, reinforced stabilizer brackets, and a lower A-arm, among other changes. The rear leaf spring system also returns, but changes to the shock absorbers and tuning options are also apparent.

Though the Tacoma can be an off-road brute, it also comes with robust towing capabilities. In fact, for 2016 the maximum towing capacity is now 6,800 pounds, up from 6,500 pounds. Payload is now 1,620 pounds, up from 1,500 pounds. A V-6 tow package brings in trailer sway control, a 130-amp alternator with the manual transmission, a heavy-duty oil and transmission cooler, and a Class IV receiver hitch.

As befitting its name, Toyota flew teams of media folk to Tacoma, Washington, for its national press roll out earlier this month. From there, the company established several off-road courses for participants to test the machine’s off-road prowess. It was at these locations where its TRD Off-Road models equipped with an electronically controlled locking rear differentials were showcased.

Crawl Control Feature

But the biggest change for the 2016 Tacoma is something not available in all models. Indeed, the word CRAWL should be kept in mind as those five distinguished letters represent a segment-first crawl control system. Crawl control allows drivers to maintain a constant low speed when traveling over tough terrain, including rocks, across the sand, or up and down steep inclines.

The Toyota CRAWL system controls engine and brake torque at each individual wheel. Furthermore, no driver interaction with the accelerator or the brake is necessary — you simply concentrate on your steering. Auto Trends covered that experience in our teaser article here.

Crawl control, while new to the Tacoma, is not new to Toyota. Indeed, it was first introduced in the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser and later found its way to the Lexus LX and the Toyota 4Runner. Neither the Nissan Frontier, the Chevrolet Colorado, or the GMC Canyon offer crawl control, a feature that is certain to give Tacoma an important competitive edge in a strengthening segment. And with Toyota reporting more than 40 percent of Tacoma owners participating in off-road adventures, interest in this feature should only be heightened.

Toyota Tacoma crawl control.
Crawl control is now available on the Toyota Tacoma.

Updated Interior With a GoPro Mount

The most revolutionary change to the 2016 Tacoma can be found inside the vehicle. Again, the dimensions are largely unchanged, but the features are new or upgraded.

One feature that should increase interest much in the same way that crawl control will up the 4×4 allure, is a GoPro mount to the right of the rear view mirror and affixed to the inside of the windshield. Notably, GoPro is the remarkable go anywhere camera used to film things that couldn’t be captured previously without risking damaging the camera. Toyota provides the mount and Tacoma aficionados will supply the camera. The GoPro feature means that Toyota will be paying close attention to what Tacoma fans upload to YouTube. To be sure, enthusiasts will be jockeying to curry the favor of the automaker with their more outlandish pursuits.

The Tacoma’s cabin receives a nice appearance boost with its sport-themed instrument panel and a more driver-focused encounter. It represents a look that is more upscale than ever before, especially evident in the higher trim level packages.

For 2016, smart key with push button start/stop, dual-zone climate control, an improved touchscreen audio system and leather-trimmed seats can be had. Also, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, a power tilt and slide moonroof, and Qi wireless charging are available. Incidentally, Qi works by placing a smartphone on a wireless pad utilizing induction transfer to charge the battery. Gone are the days where cable and adaptors got in the way or were forgotten for the long road ahead.

Telematics and Safety Enhancements

All grades come with Toyota’s Entune telematics system. A standard 6.1-inch touchscreen display, an audio package with six speakers, an auxiliary audio jack, a USB port, voice recognition, hands-free phone capability and Siri Eyes Free is standard. For 2016, an integrated backup camera display is included.

Every model comes equipped with power accessories, air conditioning, four-way adjustable front seats, a tilt and telescopic steering column, eight air bags and Toyota’s Star Safety system of safety technologies. In addition, a seven-speaker JBL premium sound system is available, representing a 440-watt unit with lower distortion, greater sonic resolution, and improved spectral accuracy.

2016 Toyota Tacoma
Up the steep incline we go!

Out and About

As for driving the Tacoma, only models outfitted with the V-6 engine were available. That shouldn’t be too surprising as the take rate for the standard four-cylinder powerhouse is quite small.

One certain way to freak out Tacoma owners is to mention “Atkinson” in the same breath as engine. The Atkinson cycle represents a method whereby the intake valve is left open longer to created a shorter compression stroke, an important way to conserve fuel. However, it isn’t a matter that the average driver will notice or even care about. What he or she wants to know is if the truck has the power potential they crave.

Happily, I can confirm that the V-6 is up to the task and does not behave like the more tepid Prius. Besides its off-road proclivities, the truck supplies excellent power throughout the RPM band. The Tacoma moves away from a dead stop with authority and the transmission shifts smoothly through all six forward gears. On the highway it contributes wholly sufficient passing power, a level of performance that should have zealots glad that the older engine has been consigned to the archives, at least as far as this truck goes.

One side note: I queried Toyota about the 4Runner getting the new engine, given that this popular body-on-frame SUV shares the same underpinnings as the Tacoma. The Toyota representative neither confirmed nor denied that a change is in the works, but that is one conversion that seems likely. If not for 2016, by the 2017 model year the engine swap out should be accomplished.

2016 Crawl Control
To the top we go.

Maintaining Market Leadership

The new truck is priced from $23,300 or about $2,400 more than the previous model and tops out at $37,820 for the Limited Double Cab 4×4 V-6 automatic transmission edition. The truck is built at factories in Texas and Baja California and will arrive in dealer showrooms over the coming weeks.

To summarize, Toyota didn’t want to mess with a proven formula in releasing its next generation Tacoma model. It did have to modernize the truck to make it a better competitor in the segment, what should empower it to maintain leadership even as the GM pickup trucks gain market share. And with crawl control and a GoPro mount exclusive to the segment, Tacoma devotees should find those changes entirely to their liking.

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All Rights Reserved.

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: 2016 trucks, 4x4, crawl control, four-wheel drive, PICKUP TRUCK, Tacoma, Toyota Tacoma, Washington

About admin

Matt Keegan has maintained his love for cars ever since his father taught him kicking tires can be one way to uncover a problem with a vehicle’s suspension system. He since moved on to learn a few things about coefficient of drag, G-forces, toe-heel shifting, and how to work the crazy infotainment system in some random weekly driver. Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources.

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. Sneak Peek: 2016 Toyota Tacoma says:
    January 10, 2017 at 7:57 pm

    […] See Also — Revealed: 2016 Toyota Tacoma […]

    Log in to Reply
  2. GMC Canyon: Smaller Truck, Big Amenities says:
    February 25, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    […] 2015 (Chevrolet Colorado — 19,126 + GMC Canyon — 7,152 = 26,278 v. Nissan Frontier 19,102). The Toyota Tacoma at 39,666 units sold remains the segment pacesetter, but the heat is on. In response, Toyota will […]

    Log in to Reply
  3. Return of the Ford Ranger? says:
    March 26, 2017 at 4:20 pm

    […] pickup trucks. Only the Honda Ridgeline is a unibody model; all other competitors, including the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado are underpinned by a traditional truck […]

    Log in to Reply
  4. Ford Ranger and Bronco Now Expected to Return says:
    March 30, 2017 at 7:23 pm

    […] model is in the works, but it won’t do much to steal Chevrolet Colorado, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma owners — or Ford Ranger owners for that matter — looking for a replacement […]

    Log in to Reply
  5. Chevrolet Colorado Diesel Earns 31 MPG EPA Rating says:
    April 1, 2017 at 7:39 am

    […] Canyon brought fresh attention to the segment and sales have increased across the board. For 2016 a new Tacoma debuts; a new Frontier should arrive by […]

    Log in to Reply
  6. The 2017 Honda Ridgeline by the Numbers says:
    April 8, 2017 at 1:20 pm

    […] the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon at 7,000 pounds, Nissan’s Frontier at 6,500 pounds, and the Toyota Tacoma at 6,400 pounds towing capacity may be too hard to pass […]

    Log in to Reply
  7. Crawl Control: Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro says:
    May 25, 2017 at 3:00 am

    […] Toyota supplied a TRD Pro, a four-wheel drive (4WD) model with excellent off-road credentials, as a recent test model. This wasn’t my first experience with a TRD — I’ve driven both the Sport and Off-Road grades. Indeed, in August 2015, Toyota hosted a media event near Tacoma, Washington, to showcase the all-new pickup. While there, journalists had ample opportunity to take the available 4WD models out on the roads and finally to the various off-road tracks and obstacles developed or set aside for our experience. You can find my report here. […]

    Log in to Reply
  8. Making a Case For a Jeep Pickup Truck — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    October 16, 2019 at 8:59 am

    […] life into what most had thought was a dying segment. Indeed, Toyota told journalists previewing the next generation Tacoma earlier this month that the new GM trucks have benefited the segment as online searches for midsize […]

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Contrary to the Latest Rumors, the Ram Dakota Will Return (Maybe)
  • Highlights of the 2021 Cadillac CT4
  • What is Bidirectional Charging?
  • A Look Back at the Ford Mustang II
  • New Duck-Billed Post Office Trucks Has Some People Quacking

Recent Comments

  • Ram Gets a Midsize Pickup Truck — Auto Trends Magazine on Contrary to the Latest Rumors, the Ram Dakota Will Return (Maybe)
  • Contrary to the Latest Rumors, the Ram Dakota Will Return (Maybe) — Auto Trends Magazine on Jeep Gladiator Fun Facts
  • Ram Gets a Midsize Pickup Truck — Auto Trends Magazine on Trail Hopping With the New Ford Ranger
  • Contrary to the Latest Rumors, the Ram Dakota Will Return (Maybe) — Auto Trends Magazine on What’s the Future for Chrysler and Dodge Under Stellantis?
  • Cadillac V-Series Blackwing Preview! — Auto Trends Magazine on Highlights of the 2021 Cadillac CT4

Archives

  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Models
  • New Vehicle Reviews
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Contrary to the Latest Rumors, the Ram Dakota Will Return (Maybe)
  • Highlights of the 2021 Cadillac CT4
  • What is Bidirectional Charging?
  • A Look Back at the Ford Mustang II
  • New Duck-Billed Post Office Trucks Has Some People Quacking
  • Vroom! Lexus Reveals the IS 500 F Sport.
  • Introducing the Kia Carnival MPV
  • Goodyear, Cooper Tire to Join Forces
  • Highlights of the 2021 Nissan Rogue
  • 7 Facts About the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt
  • Introducing the All-New
    2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV
  • What’s the Future for Chrysler and Dodge Under Stellantis?
  • All About Sobriety Checkpoints
  • Plug It In: Toyota RAV4 Prime
  • About the Volkswagen Taos
  • All-Wheel Drive Finally Comes to the Toyota Camry and We Like It!
  • Growing EV Industry Leaves Countries and Businesses Racing to Meet Increasing Lithium Demand
  • Introducing the All-New 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Crossover SUV
  • At Last! The All-New 2022 Nissan Frontier Revealed.
  • In Photos: 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor!
  • Cadillac V-Series Blackwing Preview!
  • Cost-Effective Crossover: Nissan Kicks
  • 10 Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Car
  • All-New Acura TLX Takes Charge
  • The Golden Years: 6 Memorable Models From the Original Era of Muscle Cars
  • From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan
  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
August 2015
S M T W T F S
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031  
« Jul   Sep »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in