Teresa’s View
Toyota is aiming at the U.S. light truck market and the first volley is to completely redesign its compact, the Tacoma. The sixth-generation of the popular truck is larger, more powerful and more fuel-efficient than its predecessor.
Choice is the hallmark of truck sales and to that end the Tacoma offers a dizzying array of models and packages. There are 18 different configurations that range from the practical, rear-wheel drive Regular Cab to the youth-oriented, performance-enhanced X-Runner.
A new 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is the standard power plant, producing 164 horsepower and 183 pound-feet of torque. A revised 245-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6 is an available option on the Double Cabs and the X-Runner.
Our tester featured the TRD (stands for Toyota Racing Development) Off-Road Package that included modifications to improve the off-road experience. Specially tuned shock absorbers, a locking rear differential and beefy 16-inch tires accessorize the already rugged Access Cab 4x4. Looking for something sportier? The TRD Sport Package, with its special suspension tuning and low-profile tires, is the truck equivalent of those droopy drawers kids favor.
To add an exclamation point to the redesign, Toyota stretched the Tacoma nearly 6 inches in length and 4 inches in width, offering several new wheelbase configurations that vary from 109.4 inches for the Regular Cab to a whopping 140.9 inches for the Double Cab long-bed model – more than 10 inches longer than that of a Chevy Suburban. Teresa Tip: measure your garage before driving home that bruiser.
If fuel economy is important, consider the 4-cylinder engine with rear-drive and 5-speed manual transmission. It provides 22 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway compared to the four-wheel drive version powered by the V-6 with the automatic, which is said to get 17 and 21 mpg.
What Is It?: The Tacoma is a compact-bordering-on-midsize truck available in Regular Cab, extended Access Cab, and 4-door Double Cab. Each is offered in two- or four-wheel drive. Prices range from $14K to $27K.
Gadget Rating: 6.5 out of 10. The revised Gadget Central sits within a sculpted, silver plastic housing that replicates the Tacoma’s aggressive front grille. Even the most basic Tacoma includes a CD player. The Access Cab adds air conditioning, while the Double Cab includes remote keyless entry and power windows, locks and mirrors.
Safety: This year ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist are standard on all models. Vehicle Skid Control is standard on all but the X-Runner. The Pre-Runner Double Cab trim includes optional curtain and side airbags.
The Back Seat: Passenger room has been significantly increased. The extra room also allows for the Double Cab models to offer larger rear doors that open wider than previous models.