The 2015 Toyota Tacoma is finally here to take on the extreme Ike Gauntlet towing challenge. This midsize pickup truck has dominated the sales in recent years and this generation is in its last year. An all-new version is coming for the 2016 model year with more power and efficiency (according to Toyota). TFLtruck wanted to run the 2015 truck to get baseline data and also to make the Tacoma eligible for the 2015 Gold Hitch Awards.
The 2015 Tacoma draws power from the tried and true 4.0-liter V6 that makes 236 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. It’s backed up by a 5-speed automatic transmission. This model is a 4×4, but we run all Ike Gauntlet tests in rear-wheel-drive.
We loaded the Tacoma with the same load and trailer as we did with the 2015 GMC Canyon. We are towing a 5,600 lbs trailer and there are two people in the cab for a total load of 6,100 lbs.
The Tacoma ran up at wide open throttle and was slower than the competition. However, the long wheelbase and long bed configuration made for a stable and confident towing truck. The longer wheelbase also makes it ride nicer.
| 2015 Toyota Tacoma | 2015 GMC Canyon | 2014 Nissan Frontier | |
| Model | DoubleCab 4×4 TRD | CrewCab 4×4 All Terrain | CrewCab 4×4 PRO-4X |
| As Tested $ | $34,535 | $38,915 | $32,486 |
| Engine | 4.0-liter V6 | 3.6-liter V6 | 4.0-liter V6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed Auto | 6-speed Auto | 5-speed Auto |
| Power (hp / lb-ft) | 236 / 266 | 305 / 269 | 261 / 281 |
| Tow Rating | 6,400 (3.727) | 7,000 lbs (3.42 axle) | 6,100 lbs (3.36 axle) |
| Test Load (trailer + ppl) | 6,100 lbs | 6,100 lbs | 6,500 lbs |
| Suspension Sag | 1.5 in | 1.25 in | 1 in |
| Ambient Temp F | 42F | 19F | 33F |
| Relative Humidity | Low (25%) | Low (20%) | Low (20%) |
| Barometric Pressure (at top) | 19.76 inHg | 19.76 inHg | 19.76 inHg |
| Calculated Power Loss | 33.6 % | 33 % | 33.1 % |
| Down: Brake Temp (Front / Rear/ Trailer) F | n/a | 260 / 241 / 28 | 181 / 110 / 148 |
| Down: Transmission Temp | n/a | normal | normal |
| Up: Time | 8:49.66 | 7:54.70 | 8:37.62 |
| Up: MPG | n/a | 3.6 | 3.9 |
| Up: Interior dB | n/a | 70 | 70 |
| Up: Transmission Temp | n/a | normal | normal |
Check out all the details in this TFLtruck Ike Gauntlet video.
