The design of the 2016 Toyota Tacoma may be evolutionary, but the next generation pickup truck is all new, according to Toyota. TFLtruck spoke with one of the Tacoma engineers to learn as many details as possible.
The obvious changes are in the front and the back. The profile of the truck looks about the same as the current generation, but Toyota says the doors and all other body panels are new.
The front has some family resemblance to the Tundra and the 4Runner. However, there appear to be design influences from other brands. The shape of the grille reminds of Ford, while the rear has some hints of the discontinued Dodge Dakota and Mitsubishi Raider pickups. Overall, it’s a good looking truck that has plenty of Toyota DNA.
Toyota spent a lot of effort to redesign the interior. It’s now more comfortable and with better materials. Once you get in, you instantly know that you are in a Toyota. The dash layout and control placement is very familiar, and also has modern flair.
Toyota also updated the frame and suspension components. An all-new 3.5L V6 with direct and port injection comes to Toyota. This is a truck specific unit that has little in common with the 3.5L V6 found in the Camry, according to Toyota. There is a choice of a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual with the new V6. Both power and efficiency are supposed to be improved, but specifications are not released yet. Toyota says that payload will remain about the same, but there will be an increase in towing capability. Exact numbers are not yet available.
The new Tacoma will be offered in five grades: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-road, and Limited. The blue truck you see here is the Limited model with leather interior and all the options.
Watch this insider TFLtruck video to learn almost everything you ever wanted to know about the 2016 Tacoma.
