2016 Toyota Tacoma
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Toyota Tacoma
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Year:2016
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Make:
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Engine:V6
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Transmission:six-speed automatic
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Energy:Direct & Port Injection
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Displacement:3.5 L
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0-60 time:9.8 sec. (Est.)
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Top Speed:115 mph (Est.)
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Layout:Front Engine; 2WD, 4WD
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Price:20700 (Est.)
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The Toyota Tacoma has technically been around since 1995, though Toyota has been building a pint-sized truck since the mid 1950s. The classic Hilux truck that is usually associated with Toyota made its North American debut in 1968. The design morphed into that iconic square-body shape by its fourth generation, hitting streets in 1983. The fifth-generation Hilux, or as it was simply called in the U.S., the Toyota Pickup, saw upgrades to interior quality and power. Toyota’s U.S. truck business really kicked off with the 1995 Tacoma. An all-new design with a Camry-like interior, a stout pair of engines, and a robust four-wheel-drive system brought huge sales numbers to Toyota.
Finally getting a major upgrade for 2016, the third-generation Tacoma will compete against the still-fresh 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, the upcoming refreshed Nissan Frontier, and the possible renaissance of the Ford Ranger. Baring those trucks that aren’t at dealerships, the Tacoma already has a fight on its hands with the GM twins. Will the new Taco be enough to dethrone the award-winning Chevy and GMC? Keep on reading to find out.
UPDATED 01/12/2015: Toyota has released the preliminary details on the upcoming 2016 Tacoma. The truck is getting a new V-6 and transmission, along with updated suspension tuning and a completely restyled interior.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Toyota Tacoma.
Latest Toyota Tacoma news and reviews:
Toyota’s Electric Pickup Concept Looks Like A Future Tacoma
Toyota and Lexus recently unveiled a whole bunch of electric vehicles (EVs), and it basically covers every single niche and market. You can say that Toyota is pretty much late on the EV game, but they’re now trying to catch up in a big way. One of those EVs is this unnamed electric pickup concept that was also previewed during the press event.
The Toyota Tacozilla is a Tacoma-Based Chinook-Inspired Camper Van
After initial sketches of the TacoZilla were shown by Toyota a couple of weeks ago, the Japanese automaker has now officially taken the wraps off of their concept of an Overlander at SEMA 2021. It uses the Tacoma TRD Sport pickup truck as its base and was built by Marty Schwerter and his team from Toyota Motorsport.
These 10 Fast ‘Fuel-Powered’ Pickup Trucks Shouldn’t Be Forgotten When Electric Trucks Take Over
We talk about how the upcoming electric pickup trucks are fast and heavy on performance. Trucks like the Tesla Cybertruck, the Rivian R1T, the GMC Hummer EV, etc. are all quicker than some of the famous supercars of this era. Although internal combustion-engined trucks aren’t known to be ‘fast’, there are a handful of them that could are quite agile. Doug DeMuro decided to list 10 such cool fast trucks, and we agree with every entry on this list.
This Toyota Tacoma Has Driven 1.5 Million Miles, But There’s A Catch
YouTuber Jeff Teague took us around a Tacoma that has gobbled up over 1.5 million miles. You heard that right. That is a phenomenal number. This very truck has been featured before on his channel when it was hovering around the 1.2 million mile mark. After racking up another 300,000 miles, Jeff has made a follow-up to that video.
The 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Arrives With An Increased Suspension Lift and FOX Shocks
What’s the best way to get someone’s attention? Scream? I guess that’s what Toyota thinks because it just launched an off-road trim of a pickup truck in a bright lime shade! Neither ‘Off-road’ nor ‘pickup truck’ can be associated with a lime exterior shade. But, Toyota seems to have done that with the 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro.
The 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro arrives in this new exclusive shade with some more off-road enhancements like an increased suspension lift, new shocks, etc. Sweet, huh?
2020 Toyota Owner Magazine Overland-Ready Tacoma 4WD
We’re having quite an unusual SEMA Show this year, but that hasn’t deterred automakers from coming up with special off-roading concepts. Toyota is no exception and has teamed up with 4WD Toyota Owner Magazine to develop an Overlanding concept based on the Tacoma. We’ve seen a lot of aftermarket Tacoma builds over the years, but this one stands out for the amount of equipment installed on it.
Latest Videos:
This Three-Axle Toyota Tacoma TRD Is Too Crazy To Describe
If you happen to follow the car world’s digital illustrators, you know it’s a wild, wild world out there on our screens. Guys like Khyzyl Saleem and Ash Thorp can turn any jalopy into a hot-as-chilli restomod, and the same can be said about Jon Sibal.
Specifically, Jon came up with a re-tweak of one of his original works - a widebody Toyota Tacoma design - where he basically added a third axle to the whole thing, which now sits on not four, but six ‘meaty wheels’ as the artist calls them.
The Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, and 4 Runner Just Got a Little More Outdoorsy
Toyota created a buzz before the 2020 Chicago Auto Show kicked off by announcing it’ll bring “sporty and outdoorsy, with a touch of nocturnal mischief.” to the show. Toyota teased the Tacoma’s front passenger side lower fascia in a teaser image leading to the auto show, but now we have all the scoop. The company has brought along Trail and Nightshade editions for a handful of its vehicles.
The Trail Editions are introduced on the 2021 models of the Tacoma, Tundra, and the 4Runner. They are aimed at folks who prefer rugged vehicles for a “sporty and outdoorsy” lifestyle. The Trail Edition will be based on the SR5 trims on all three vehicles. They will be offered in special exterior colors that include Army Green, Cement, Midnight Black, and Super White, and also receive black badging to distinguish from the regular SR5 trims. On the inside, Toyota has upholstered the vehicles in black seats with tan contrast stitching. All-weather floor mats also come as part of the package. The Tacoma Trail will come with stuff like:
Dark Gray 18-inch TRD Off-Road wheels Kevlar All-Terrain tires Front fascia grille borrowed from Tacoma Limited A 115-volt power outlet in the bed Lockable bed storage that doubles up as a cooler as well Limited to 7,000 TacomasAs for the Tundra Trail, you receive:
Chrome grille from the 1794 trim Special Edition exclusive wheels Lockable bed storage-cum-cooler like on the Tacoma Trail Limited to 5,000 TundrasThe 4Runner Trail will be equipped with:
Dark Gray TRD Off-Road wheels Yakima LoadWarrior Rooftop Cargo Basket Custom 40-quart Cooler Sliding Cargo Tray Limited to 4,000 4RunnersToyota has also blacked out a few more models in its portfolio. Currently, the company offers the Nightshade package on five of its products – 4Runner, Camry, Corolla, Corolla hatch, and Sienna – on the SE trims. Now, Toyota has added the Tacoma, Tundra, and Sequoia to the range as well. The Limited trims of these three vehicles will be treated to the Nightshade package. Customers can have the Nightshade package on these new vehicles in Midnight Black Metallic or Magnetic Gray Metallic exterior shade. Toyota offers this package on the Tacoma in Super White shade, too. The common package details across the three models include:
Black Leather Seats Blacked-Out Front Grille Black Mirror Caps Black Door HandlesApart from this, the Tacoma Nightshade also receives:
Dark Smoke 18-inch Wheels A Black Exhaust Tip Black Fog Light Bezels New Grille Insert Design Offered in Windchill Pearl shade as well Limited to 5,000 TacomasOn the Tundra, the company offers black wheels and black exhaust tip. Other than the two standard exterior shades, you can order it in Windchill Pearl, or Super White as well. Toyota will only make 5,000 examples of this one. As for the Sequoia, it receives darkened chrome "Sequoia" badging, body moldings, lower grille, and fog light surrounds. The SUV with the Nightshade package can be had in Blizzard Pearl shade as well. The company has limited the production to 2,500 examples for the Sequoia Nightshade.
Toyota hasn’t revealed the pricing for any of the Special Edition vehicles, but we don’t expect a major increase in any of them. The company also hasn’t announced when these vehicles will be available.
Toyota Teases New Tacoma Trims for The 2020 Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is all set to kick off on February 6, and Toyota has already created some buzz about it. The Japanese automaker teased an image of a front passenger-side lower fascia that appears to be the Tacoma’s. Toyota coupled this pic with a statement that read, “sporty and outdoorsy, with a touch of nocturnal mischief.”
At the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, Toyota unveiled the 2020 Tacoma. In all likelihood, Toyota will use this year’s show to focus primarily on off-road stuff. All this indicates a new off-road trim for the Tacoma. Wait, just one off-road trim, or many more?
See What Happens When Two Evenly Matched Trucks Go Against Each Other in a Tug-Of-War
Thanks to Tesla’s efforts to ridicule the Ford F-150, tugging wars are now becoming a raging trend and there are many challenges on the internet where you can see vehicles of different shapes and sizes going up against each other. From the likes of Mercedes G-Class and Suzuki Jimny, to Ford F-250 and Jeep Gladiator, we’ve seen it all.
In most of the challenges mentioned, the winners could be predicted from the very off, so here’s one that will leave you scratching your head. The guys at Edmunds brought the 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon to the battlefield to determine the winner. Who are you placing your bets on, then?
Toyota Has Hiked The Prices of The 2020 Tacoma And It Has Gotten All The More Dearer Now
When you are the market leader and basically run the show, you can do whatever you want. Well, at least that’s what Toyota is doing with the Tacoma. The Tacoma has been the segment leader for 14 years in a row now and the sales are only growing every year. Although the base Tacoma received a moderate price hike, the Tacoma TRD Pro is what caught our attention. According to CarsDirect.com, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro will get a $1,000 price tag hike, whereas the base 2020 Tacoma will be dearer by only $200.
Would You Pay $14,000 for a 2000 Toyota Tacoma With 7,000 Miles on the clock?
The Toyota Tacoma is a classic example of ’looks don’t matter’. This pickup truck is one of the most plain-looking models to have graced the industry, but even today, people swear by its durability and reliability. Despite the invasion of modern trucks, the craze for the Tacoma is still pretty high and it doesn’t seem like it will die anytime soon. Because of this, the Tacoma enjoys a high resale value. Tacomas that have clocked five-, or six-digit miles still manage to sell in the used market without any effort. The latest example of the same was a mint-condition 2000 Tacoma that had just 7,000-odd miles on the odo. Despite being a 19-year old model, the owner demanded $14,000 for it, and I’m guessing it was sold pretty soon because the original poster has already deleted the ad.
2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD
First introduced back in 1995, the Toyota Tacoma is currently in its third generation. With nearly a quarter century of history behind it, the Tacoma nameplate is well-established as one of the most unbreakably rugged and reliable vehicles on the planet, and now this mid-size pickup is headed for a refresh for the 2020 model year. The latest Tacoma is framed as the “best-equipped ever,” and in TRD guise, it looks to mate its traditional off-roading chops in the rough stuff with newfound comfort and tech appointment in the cabin. However, considering the latest third-generation made its debut back in 2015, as well as a major influx of competition throughout the segment, does the 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD still manage to keep pace?
2020 Toyota Tacoma
Toyota launched the 2020 Tacoma model at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. Although its sibling, the Sequoia TRD Pro, stole its thunder at the, one cannot sideline the Tacoma. After all, it is the best-selling mid-size pickup truck currently on the market. The 2020 Toyota Tacoma does not bring a lot of changes to the table; mechanically or cosmetically. Do you think there is enough to differentiate it from the 2019 model and keep up with the rising competition?
2020 Toyota Tacoma Arrives At Chicago With New Features And Mild Visual Updates
Although the Sequoia made the news for being roped in by the TRD Pro division, let’s not sideline the best-selling mid-size pickup truck in the States. Toyota refreshed the Tacoma for the 2020 model and has brought it to Chicago. Although the visual changes may not be visible to a layman, there are a few cues that help differentiate the 2020 Tacoma from the 2019 model. The drivetrain, however, still remains the same. Should Toyota have bumped up the power figures a little bit?
Toyota Teases a New TRD Pro Off-Road "Beast" for the 2019 Chicago Auto Show - is it the 2020 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro?
Toyota dropped a teaser video for its next TRD Pro truck that will be unveiled on February 7th at the Chicago Auto Show.You don’t see much in the video, but we’re guessing Toyota is either previewing an updated version of the Tundra TRD Pro or a new model altogether.
We’ve talked about Toyota’s plans to add a TRD version to every Toyota there is in the past, and this means we’re on the cusp of getting more TRD Sport and TRD Pro models. This time around, Toyota is preparing us for a rugged new TRD Pro truck that’s seen disrupting the peace in a 15-second clip posted by the Japanese automaker on social media.
2019 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison Vs. 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
It’s like a battle between two hulks, if you may. As if their off-roading capabilities were not good enough, Chevrolet and Toyota decided to elevate the game to the next level. Toyota launched the Tacoma TRD Pro sometime last year and the Colorado ZR2 Bison is due for launch early next year. Chevrolet has built the Colorado ZR2 Bison in collaboration with AEV – American Expedition Vehicles – an aftermarket truck outfitter.
Toyota Truck Starts to Climb a Rock with Just the Torque From its Starter Motor
Pure-bred off-roaders are pretty wild machines, clawing their way through crazy terrain that looks more like the moon than anything you’d expect to find a car on. Enabling this capability is the right combination of mechanical bits, as evidenced by the Toyota featured above, which manages to mount a steep slab of granite through the torque of its starter motor.
Continue reading for the full story.
Chuck Norris is Tough and So is the New Toyota Tacoma Pickup, Apparently
We all have our favorite Chuck Norris jokes, but apparently, we all forgot about the power of his autograph. That’s right; it’s been scientifically proven that Chuck Norris’ signature can turn random objects into all-conquering superheroes. Take a look at what happens to the Toyota Tacoma once it got bestowed with Chuck’s perfectly legible John Hancock.
2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
Toyota’s 2019 updates to its trio of TRD Pro models brings some impressive upgrades to the Tacoma. Headlining the features is the new Desert Air Intake, a high-rise snorkel that not only looks awesome but sucks in cleaner air from higher above trail. The suspension is also updated Fox Racing Shocks and a handful of cosmetic changes keep the truck fresh.
The Tacoma TRD Pro has been around since 2015 and jumped to the third-generation Tacoma for 2017 after skipping the 2016 model year. Now for 2019, the truck’s updates work to better align the Tacoma TRD Pro with the new and highly impressive Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and the upcoming Ford Ranger Raptor. While the Tacoma enjoys a fat sales margin over the Colorado, its lead has been dwindling. Once Ford’s new Ranger his the streets for 2019, Toyota will have a real fight on its hands. Read on to see how the 2019 updates prepare the Tacoma for a tough battle.
Continue reading for more on the 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.
Toyota Ups the Ante With 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro
Toyota is giving its TRD Pro trio – Tundra, Tacoma, and 4Runner. – a mild update for the 2019 model year. The changes are mostly minor but help keep the already capable vehicles fresh in customers’ minds. That’s definitely needed considering how hot the off-road pickup segment is getting.
Continue reading for more on the 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.
Toyota Teases TRD Pro Lineup Ahead of Big Debut at Chicago Auto Show
Toyota has just dropped a massive teaser of the 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro in anticipation for its big debut at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show. There, Toyota will be announcing updates to the entire TRD Pro lineup, which includes the Tundra, Tacoma, and 4Runner.
Currently, the only solid lead we have is the dusty image Toyota released of the 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro. The glaringly obvious change is the snorkel mounted along the passenger-side A-pillar. It’s a big deal as it makes Toyota the only automaker to make a snorkel part of a production vehicle in the U.S. While we don’t know if the raised air intake will be an option or actually standard equipment, we’re definitely leaning toward the former. It’s worth noting, however, that Mopar does offer a snorkel kit for the Jeep Wrangler that can be installed by a Jeep dealership.
Technicalities aside, the snorkel will likely give the Tacoma TRD Pro a deeper water fording depth and should help to keep the air filter cleaner thanks to its higher, more dust-free location. Of course, Tacoma owners will have other components to worry about getting wet. Generally, things like computers, electrical connections, and interior bits don’t like getting wet.
Other updates to the TRD Pro lineup could include improved suspension systems, new wheel and tire combinations, updated traction management systems, and even new interior accents. Currently, TRD Pro models receive interior changes like TRD-branded shift knobs, floor mats, embroidered headrests, and other small niceties.
We will know way more come this Thursday, February 8. Toyota will have its press conference at 9 a.m. CST.
Toyota Teases 3 Special Editions For Chicago
Toyota is gearing up for a busy weekend at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show that includes debuting a new lineup of off-road vehicles. The Japanese automaker released a teaser photo of its Chicago attendees, and we can clearly see that the three models are the Tundra, Tacoma, and 4Runner. It’s hard to make out the specifics because of the distance of the vehicles in the photo, but it is believed that all three models will come to Chicago sporting new off-road packages.
2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport - Driven
The Toyota Tacoma has been a mainstay in the compact and mid-size pickup segments for more than 30 years. Even before the Tacoma name, the Toyota pickup impressed hard-nosed Americans with innovation, durability, and performance. Those traits continue today with the third-generation truck. And like any proper truck should, Toyota offers the Tacoma with several cab, bed, trim, and drivetrain combinations. Generally speaking, there is a Tacoma for everybody.
If I were a single man who didn’t need room for car seats and kiddos, the Tacoma Access Cab would be a tempting acquisition. I’ve never really been a big fan of extended cab trucks, favoring the roomier crew cab (double cab in Toyota’s case) over the cramped quarters behind the front seats of an Access Cab. However, a week behind the wheel of a 2017 Tacoma Access Cab has changed my mind. There’s enough room for smaller people and plenty of room for groceries. Better still, the Tacoma’s six-speed manual transmission won my heart thanks to its more engaging driving experience over the automatic.
Continue reading for my full thoughts on the 2017 Toyota Tacoma.
Small Pickups Fall Short of IIHS’ Top Safety Pick Awards
Modern trucks are vastly safer than older vehicles, yet the Insurance Institutes for Highway Safety continues to move the bar. As such, four variants of the most popular mid-size pickups fail to meet the independent agency’s highest rating for crash survivability and headlight performance. Eight pickups were tested, including both extended and crew cab versions of the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, and Nissan Frontier.
Of the eight trucks tested, four did not earn the IIHS’ best rating of “Good” in the front small-overlap crash test. These are the extended cab version of the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, along with both cab configurations of the aging Nissan Frontier. The GM twins both earned an Acceptable rating, while the Nissan only earned a Marginal. The Frontier continued to score low in both the structural category and in the possibility of the driver sustaining lower leg and foot injuries. That’s not surprising considering the Frontier is 12 years old, having last been redesigned for the 2005 model year. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Toyota Tacoma Double Cab earned a Good overall rating and a Good rating in each sub-category except for an Acceptable rating in potential lower leg and foot injuries. Even still, the Tacoma lacks any front crash prevention systems, excluding it from the IIHS’ Top Safety awards. Only the GM twins offer any such system, and even it only alerts the driver rather than stopping the truck, earning it only a Basic rating. Lastly, not a single mid-size pickup scored better than a Poor rating in headlight performance. It is understandable, though, as the IIHS only began testing headlights for the 2017 model year.
Continue reading for charts of the IIHS ratings.
What Makes A Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro So Good?
The TRD Pro version of the Toyota Tacoma has been around since 2014, but only now in 2017 does the special trim package arrive for the third-generation Tacoma. The new Tacoma TRD Pro benefits in two main ways: first by the inherent improvements that came with the new-for-2016 Tacoma, and second with some major upgrades in the off-road department. We’re breaking both down in this article.
The 2016 Tacoma has proven to be a fast improvement over the second-generation Tacoma. That truck lasted from 2005 to 2015 with nearly no changes. Slight updates exterior styling help prevent complete monotony and stagnation, but for the most part, the Tacoma was in desperate need of a deep reinvention.
Thankfully that came with the third-generation truck for the 2016 model year. The new Tacoma features an updated frame with more high-strength steel, reengineered suspension components, a new 3.5-liter V-6, and new styling inside and out. Base model Tacomas still utilized the carry-over 2.7-liter four-cylinder, however.
It’s that new 3.5-liter V-6 that most people will buy, and what every Tacoma TRD Pro comes powered with. The engine features some high-tech goodies to promote good fuel economy, while still delivering a class-competitive 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. The engine can be had with either a six-speed automatic transmission or an honest, six-speed manual gearbox. That even holds true for the TRD Pro models.
That only scratches the surface of what comprises a TRD Pro-equipped Tacoma, so keep reading for the full story.
Continue reading for more information.
Here’s The Full Story On That Flying Toyota Tacoma
It’s been plastered on Facebook – that video clip of a late-model Toyota Tacoma dodging a police roadblock and ramping up an embankment, grabbing enough hang time to make the Duke Boys proud. Well, we’ve cut through the social media hype and found the original video. This KSLA news report from Webster Parish, Louisiana shows the jump and full aftermath.
The incident happened around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28. Kevonte Dekorey Austin, an 18-year-old escaped work-release participant was the passenger in the sixth-generation Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road. A Webster Sherriff deputy pulled the Tacoma over for speeding. The driver was removed from the truck and was being questioned by the deputy when Austin slid behind the wheel and drove away.
The Sheriff’s department pursued Austin and the truck, with speeds reaching 115 mph. The chase came to a dramatic end when Austin hit a spike strip, narrowly missing police vehicles that blocked the roadway. The speeding truck then drove into a ditch before ramping over an embankment. The truck flew airborne for several yards and landed onto a parked Toyota Corolla. The Corolla was occupied by Barbara Harlon, who was remarkably unhurt.
The same couldn’t be said for the Tacoma and Corolla, however. The four-door car suffered a caved-in roof, while the Tacoma’s grille, bumper, and radiator were completely destroyed, along with its front suspension. All four tires suffered puncture holes from the spike strip.
The Tacoma was reported stolen, so both Austin and the truck’s original driver were taken into custody. Austin was last seen on February 8 leaving Halco Productions in Shreveport where he was employed on a work-release program. Fittingly enough, Austin was in jail for a probation violation and… car theft.
Something tells me Austin won’t be eligible for work-release anytime soon.
2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro – Driven
Toyota has a long history with mid-sized, high-riding pickups in America. Many might remember Marty McFly’s 1985 Toyota truck with its tube bumpers, lifted suspension, alloy wheels, and black paint job. While most of these trucks have rusted into the history books, their spirit lives on in Toyota’s modern Tacoma – and no more so than with the Tacoma TRD Pro. This lifted truck with its blacked-out wheels and bold grille give it a flair for the past, while still answering the trends of today.
I had the chance to spend a week with the 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, which came dressed in Super White and built on the Double Cab platform. I spent an extensive amount of time driving the highways and surface streets surrounding my Central Florida home. And of course, I sampled the deep, sandy ruts of trails running through wooded landscapes that appeared untouched since the Spanish Conquistadors landed in the 1500s.
The Tacoma TRD Pro attracted a lot of attention during its stay in my driveway, and it’s no wonder. The Tacoma is the best-selling mid-size pickup in the U.S. these days, outselling the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, and Honda Ridgeline. There’s something about the truck that snags people’s interest. Most comments tended to focus on the black-on-white color scheme and the blocky TOYOTA grille.
So what’s it like living with the Taco Supreme? It’s spicy… but sometimes not in a good way. Keep reading for the explanation.
Continue reading for the full driven review.
2017 Colorado ZR2 vs 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
These are exciting times for truck enthusiasts who also like off-roading. The 2017 Ford Raptor is out, launching the second generation of Ford’s halo F-150. Toyota has its new-for-2017 Tacoma TRD Pro that’s based on the new-for-2016 Tacoma. And Chevy comes late to the party with its Colorado ZR2 – a production truck based on the concept version from 2014. These three trucks represent the upper crust of the pickup segment. It’s a prestigious group that’s focused on going fast over rough terrain while still conquering the daily commute.
The Raptor might be the premiere pickup, having birthed this niche segment back in 2010, but the Toyota and Chevy new-comers aren’t slackers. In fact, thanks to their smaller sizes compared to the full-size Raptor, these mid-size pickups are more agile and can fit down narrower trails. The famed Rubicon train in California, for instance, is too narrow for the Raptor’s immensely wide track. The Tacoma TRD Pro and Colorado ZR2, however, should have no problem traversing the tight terrain.
The Toyota and Chevy are also less expensive (or rumored to be) than the Raptor. That puts them basically in a head-to-head fight for customers. Typical things like design, features, and brand loyalty goes a long way in choosing which truck is best, but a more objective comparison should be made. That’s especially true for someone who’s ready to pull the trigger on a purchase.
That’s where this article comes in. We’re going to dive deep into the features and specs of both the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and the Chevy Colorado ZR2 in order to help you, the customer, make a better-informed decision.
Continue reading for more information.
2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Race Truck
Toyota has a long history with desert racing. In fact, Toyota started back in 1979 as a marketing tool to help advertise the trucks’ durability to a country completely dominated by domestic branded trucks. Fast-forward to today, and Toyota is still using desert racing as a way to attract attention to its brand and trucks. More specifically, this truck is build to herald the attributes of the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro.
This truck started life as a factory Tacoma TRD Pro, but got tons of upgrades in preparation for its entry into “The Great American Off-Road Race,” the Mint 400. Held March 1-5, 2017 in Las Vegas, the Mint 400 is one of the longest and most grueling off-road races in the U.S.
The truck is modified to help it better handle the rigors of long-distance off-road racing, but the majority of its parts are factory. “The Tacoma TRD Pro Race Truck is the most badass Tacoma we’ve developed,” says John Myers, National Trucks Vehicle Marketing and Communications Manager at Toyota Motor Sales. “The Mint 400 represents the most robust example of desert racing. It’s an excellent proving ground for this special build.”
So, does the Tacoma TRD Pro Race Truck have what it takes to last 400 miles in the roughest and fastest terrain this side of the Mexican border? Keep reading to find out.
Continue reading to learn more about the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Race Truck.
Toyota Expanding Tacoma Production in Tijuana
Toyota is investing $150 million into its Tijuana, Mexico assembly plant in an effort to increase the production capacity of the Tacoma midsize pickup. This comes in response to the high demand Toyota says it’s experienced for the Tacoma.
The investment will push production from roughly 100,000 units to around 160,000 units annually. The investment should be fully realized and production in full swing by late 2017 or early 2018.
Toyota has already added a third shift to the Tijuana plant back in April of 2015, allowing it to run 24 hours a day Monday through Friday, with two shifts on Saturday. Toyota has also added a Saturday shift at its San Antonio assembly plant, which produces the bulk of Tacomas and every Tundra pickup.
“Demand for trucks has grown exponentially,” Toyota Motor North America CEO Jim Lentz said. “By leveraging our manufacturing facilities’ availability and expertise, we can be nimbler and better adjust to market needs in a just-in-time manner.”
Automotive News reports Tacoma sales were up four percent in 2016 through August despite it losing market share to the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and new Honda Ridgeline. The Tacoma dropped from holding 51 percent of the midsize pickup market to 43 percent. Nevertheless, Toyota’s David Crouch, the Vice president of administration and production control at the San Antonio plant, says the automaker hopes to regain market share with the increased production.
Crouch told AM that Toyota dealers don’t have enough pickup inventory on the lot to tempt shoppers to buy. “Obviously, one of the biggest challenges that we have for Tundra and Tacoma is we’re capacity-limited. We could sell a lot more trucks right now.”
Having the supply to meet consumer demand is obviously a huge part of doing business, and for Toyota, it seems business is doing exceptionally well.
Continue reading for more information.
2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
Toyota debuted its TRD Pro series in 2014 with versions for the Tundra, 4Runner, and Tacoma. While the Tundra and 4Runner have soldiered on unchanged since then, the Tacoma underwent a generational change for 2016, losing the TRD Pro option along the way. Now the option is back, and more ready to hit the high-speed off-road course with a vengeance.
Introduced for the 2017 model year, the TRD Pro package expands from the Tacoma’s TRD Off-Road package on 4WD Double Cab Short Bed trucks. That means the TRD Pro series enjoys all the same off-road equipment as the already-rugged TRD Off-Road trim, while adding additional hardware for tackling terrain.
The Tacoma TRD Pro continues to use the new 3.5-liter V-6 developed for the 2016 Tacoma. Both a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic are offered here, making this one of the few vehicles to combine an off-road package with a manual transmission.
Hardware isn’t the only addition Toyota gave the Tacoma TRD Pro. Leather seats with embroidered headrests, the Entune infotainment system, TRD-branded floor mats and a shift knob, and the standard TRD Pro “TOYOTA” front grille, unique wheels, fender flairs, and TRD Pro badges.
Update 08/02/2016: Toyota has announced pricing for the Tundra TRD Pro. Check out the prices section below for all the details.
Continue reading to learn more about the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.
2016 Toyota Tacoma
Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge sewed up the full-size pickup truck market long, long ago, and the American manufacturers’ expertise in that arena has never been disputed. When it comes to smaller trucks, however, that’s Toyota’s market, and it has been ever since the first indestructible Hilux was bolted together in 1964. Like the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota’s Tacoma carries on a long and proud tradition of reliable, hard-working pickup trucks. While there’s been some argument as to if Toyota’s full-size Tundra is a success or not, the Tacoma has remained a perennial best-seller.
For 2016, the Tacoma gets a through update, with new styling and a new V6 engine. With new mid-size pickups from Chevrolet/GMC and Ford talking seriously about bringing the Ranger back, the reskin couldn’t be better-timed. The updated Tacoma hasn’t lost its edge or its muscle, and adventure is encouraged—to the point that Toyota installs a standard GoPro mounting point on the windshield near the rearview mirror.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Toyota Tacoma.
2016 Chicago Auto Show – Best And Worst In Show
The gates are open at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, and with those pesky journalists finally out of the way, the public can now enjoy all the vehicular goodness that North America’s “largest” auto show can muster. Special editions, refreshes, and brand-new models all dropped cover this year, with crossovers and SUVs served up as the main course, and new sedans and sports cars added as a tasty side dish. Picking winners and losers here is not exactly easy, but hey, this isn’t some elementary school talent show. Time to be ruthless.
There were a few clear standouts for Best In Show right from the start, but cutthroat competition to fill the remaining slots quickly followed. Picking vehicles for Worst In Show was also pretty tricky, but that’s why they pay me the big bucks.
So, without further ado…
Continue reading for the Best and Worst In Show at CAS 2016.
Toyota Teases Tacoma TRD Pro Before 2016 Chicago Auto Show
Today Toyota has teased the industry with a single photo, zoomed way in with few overall details. Thankfully, however, the photo reveals just enough information that we know what’s going on. This is the 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.
You’ll notice the large, block TOYOTA logo in the honeycomb grille. That’s a signature trademark for TRD Pro models. Only the Tundra, 4Runner, and previous-generation Tacoma TRD Pro models have such an emblem. Next you’ll see the hood scoop. This is undoubtedly the scoop from the new Tacoma, introduced for the 2016 model year. Compared side-by-side with the 2016 Tacoma Sport, the hood scoop are identical, securing the Tacoma TRD Pro’s identity. Let’s just hope the TRD Pro’s hood scoop is actually functional.
Beyond the grille and hood scoop, the paint color is the only other telling feature. It looks to be Silver Sky Metallic hue currently offered on the 2016 Tacoma. Toyota will likely restrict the TRD Pro’s color choices to two or three. Expect white, black, and perhaps the now-iconic Inferno orange.
We fully expect the 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission to be only powertrain choice for the Tacoma TRD Pro. That’s in combination with the electronic, two-speed transfer case for the 4WD system. Expect Toyota’s Crawl Control, Multi-terrain Select, and electronically locking rear differential to be present. Of course, the TRD Pro will come with upgrades wheels, tires, and suspension components, making it a hard-core desert runner. Extra skid plates and exposed tow hooks help protect the undercarriage while providing an extra level of utility.
Toyota’s slot at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show is at 1:30 p.m. central time on Thursday, February 11. You can watch the live unveiling by following the link below.
Continue reading for the full story.
October 21, 2015 is a special date for fans of Universal’s Back To The Future trilogy – the date in which Marty McFly and Doc Brown travel to, arriving from thirty years in the past. Flying cars, hover boards, self-lacing Nikes, 3D holograms, and video conferencing were all highlights of futuristic tech, though only a handful of technologies made the three-decade leap. Yep, 1985 had high aspirations for 2015.
Toyota, however, has plucked McFly’s 1985 Pickup right out of BTTF Part Two and transplanted its soul into a 2016 Tacoma. The concept truck even makes its debut on October 21 in celebration.
The Tacoma is decked out with tubular bumpers, a roll bar, KC off-road lights, a black paint job, and a throwback TOYOTA graphic on the tailgate. It’s hard to believe how close Toyota’s designers were able to replicate the 30-year-old Toyota Pickup.
Sadly, there’s no word if Toyota will actually produce a limited run of these trucks, but I’d venture to guess not. The closest thing we’re likely to get is a package deal through Toyota’s TRD aftermarket parts program. Even still, that’d be amazingly awesome.
Let’s take a look at McFly’s 21st century ride.
Continue reading to learn more about the Toyota Tacoma Back to the Future Concept.
October 21, 2015 is a special date for fans of Universal’s Back To The Future trilogy – the date in which Marty McFly and Doc Brown travel to, arriving from thirty years in the past. Flying cars, hover boards, self-lacing Nikes, 3D holograms, and video conferencing were all highlights of futuristic tech, though only a handful of technologies made the three-decade leap. Yep, 1985 had high aspirations for 2015.
Toyota, however, has plucked McFly’s 1985 Pickup right out of BTTF Part Two and transplanted its soul into a 2016 Tacoma. The concept truck even makes its debut on October 21 in celebration.
The Tacoma is decked out with tubular bumpers, a roll bar, KC off-road lights, a black paint job, and a throwback TOYOTA graphic on the tailgate. It’s hard to believe how close Toyota’s designers were able to replicate the 30-year-old Toyota Pickup.
Sadly, there’s no word if Toyota will actually produce a limited run of these trucks, but I’d venture to guess not. The closest thing we’re likely to get is a package deal through Toyota’s TRD aftermarket parts program. Even still, that’d be amazingly awesome.
Let’s take a look at McFly’s 21st century ride.
Continue reading to learn more about the Toyota Tacoma Back to the Future Concept.
It may be needless to say, but the Toyota Tacoma is extremely important in the midsize truck category and has been for decades. Its contribution to the industry is undeniable and its yearly sales figures are impressive. Sadly, Toyota let the Tacoma get long in the tooth in recent years – letting it span from 2005 to 2015 nearly unchanged. However 2016 brings a heavy refresh that borders on the “all-new” term so loosely thrown around in the auto industry.
Why is Toyota’s newest pickup not considered all-new? Well the 2016 Toyota Tacoma’s frame is mostly a carryover piece, despite its strengthening, and the base four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual are indeed unchanged. Regardless of these nit-picky details, the 2016 Tacoma feels like a brand new truck.
Thanks for the refresh can be given to General Motors and its 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and 2015 GMC Canyon twins. Without these two trucks throwing wrenches into the midsize status quo, the Tacoma may have soldiered on unchanged. Now the newest player on the block, the Tacoma enters the market with an all-new V-6 engine, new six-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmissions, a welcomed exterior update and a very welcomed interior redo.
But are the changes enough to keep the Tacoma selling faster than the GM twins, or will the updates be lost against the ever-strengthening Colorado and Canyon? I drove one to find out.
Continue reading for the full driven review
The time is drawing near when I get to hop into the redesigned 2016 Toyota Tacoma midsize pickup truck. This is your chance to ask questions about the truck and I’ll report answers I get directly from Toyota engineers and designers. Simply ask away in the comment section.
So what’s the big deal, you may ask? Well, the Tacoma has undergone a very welcomed refresh for the 2016 model year and now comes with an updated powertrain, a more refined interior, and more useful features throughout. Not everything is new, but it appears at first blush that Toyota has tweaked all the right things to keep the Tacoma competitive.
The Tacoma has a big role to fill in fighting the new(ish) 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and 2015 GMC Canyon midsize trucks. The twins come packing a four-cylinder, an optional V-6, and new for 2016, a four-cylinder turbodiesel. Of course, the two GM trucks have stirred the market, but are still lagging behind the current-generation Tacoma in sales. The new Tacoma is Toyota’s move at maintaining its lead in the midsized segment while offering new features Tacoma buyers have been asking for.
One of those features is better fuel economy. The current truck gets an EPA rating of 16 mpg city 21 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined when fitted with the Double Cab, 4WD, and the 4.0-liter V-6. The 2016 Tacoma’s new 3.5-liter V-6 with its Atkinson combustion cycle, new six-speed automatic, and improved rear differential should help boost those number drastically. The official EPA numbers will likely be released at next week’s driving event.
Don’t forget to read our full review of the 2016 Tacoma here and to post your questions in the comment section below.
It’s a sad day as we learn Toyota will no longer be offering its TRD supercharger kit for the 4.0-liter V-6 and the 5.7-liter V-8 found in the Tacoma, 4Runner, and Tundra. The news via email as Toyota’s Midwest Communications spokesman Rick Bourgoise states the automaker will end the supercharger program once its remaining stock is sold off.
The TRD Superchargers were – and for a rather limited time, still are – available as a dealer add-on. The parts and installation came with its own warranty, and regardless of application, the superchargers were designed to keep the engine emissions-legal in all 50 states.
“Increasing legacy costs associated with the recalibration of an expanding pool of past model year vehicles, along with rising development/engineering expenses and evolving emissions requirements have negatively impacted the program’s return on investment to the point where it is no longer financially viable to offer these products for sale,” the emailed statement quotes.
Toyota’s move to not include superchargers on the TRD Pro lineup of trucks now makes more sense, though some argued the boost in power was needed for the high-performance off-roaders.
The TRD Superchargers used a Roots-style design that incorporated two, four-lobe rotors that increases airflow into the engine by 30 percent. An integrated water-to-air intercooler kept things cool. Toyota also installed high-flow fuel injectors, a high-flow fuel pump, and a TRD performance air intake to round out the build.
In the Tacoma and 4Runner’s case, the supercharger would boost the 4.0-liter V-6’s horsepower from 236 up to 304 while torque moved from 266 pound-feet to 334 pound-feet. The 5.7-liter V-8’s numbers were even more impressive. Output levels increased from 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque to a very impressive 504 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque.
Continue reading for more information
The accessory business is certainly booming these days, with customers decking out their new rides with personalized touches from wheels and trailer hitches to graphics and horsepower. Even automakers are getting into the game. GM is a prime example, offering aftermarket-like wheels and other parts right from the factory. However, none of the automakers come close to Toyota’s attention to vehicle customization.
The accessory business is certainly booming these days, with customers decking out their new rides with personalized touches from wheels and trailer hitches to graphics and horsepower. Even automakers are getting into the game. GM is a prime example, offering aftermarket-like wheels and other parts right from the factory. However, none of the automakers come close to Toyota’s attention to vehicle customization.
More specifically, it’s Southeast Toyota that leads the pack of new vehicle customization. SET is a privately owned distribution company that supplies every dealer in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina with Toyota vehicles. You see, Toyota takes an interesting and rather different approach to distribution in the U.S. Unlike other automakers, it divides the country into 12 regions. Privately owned distributors control two of those regions; SET is one and Gulf States Toyota is the other. The remainder of the U.S. is handled by Toyota itself.
Long story short, the two private businesses act competitively, striving to sell more vehicles faster. One of SET’s and GST’s more successful strategies is offering a unique set of trim packages that come compete with aftermarket-like products, but that are covered by the vehicle’s warranty and are manufactured to Toyota’s specifications.
Enter: The Toyota X Series.
The X Series is a set of trim packages offered solely by SET for Toyota’s more popular models, including Tacoma, Tundra, 4Runner, Camry, Avalon, and most recently, Camry.
Southeast Toyota recently invited me to its Jacksonville, Fla. distribution hub and assembly center to learn more about the process and the products.
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As the dust settles over the past two major auto shows in Detroit and Chicago, it’s important to look back at the details. One key detail that brings tears to diesel-loving truck fans’ eyes is the news Toyota will not offer an oil-burner in the all-new 2016 Tacoma. The news comes directly from the top – Tacoma and Tundra chief engineer Mike Sweers. His words rang very clearly during a post-debut interview regarding the details of the new Tacoma.
“We will not be offing a diesel engine. We’ve looked at diesels, and diesel is a difficult topic right now because of the new Tier 3 emissions regulations,” Sweers says. “After treatment systems are very expensive. It adds $3,000 or more dollars per vehicle cost. So if we consider that cost verses the fuel economy improvement, and the fact diesel is $1 more per gallon more than gasoline, is there a return on the investment?”
Sweers continued by pointing out the emissions regulations are only going to get stricter. “As we more towards the future and we get past 2017 then 2019 emissions regulations, can you make that diesel survive?” Sweers continued saying any diesel engine today would have to pass those upcoming regulations in order for Toyota’s investment to produce a return.
It’s hard to fault Toyota after hearing such a logical explanation, but it’s still sad the automaker has apparently abandoned the diesel ideal altogether.
Click ‘Continue Reading’ for more information and Sweer’s full quote.
The Toyota Tacoma hasn’t changed all that much since 2004, but it hasn’t had to. The market for small and midsize trucks has been in a steady decline since the early 2000s, so it didn’t take much for the Tacoma to hold its position as the top-selling truck in its class. That changed when GM announced it would be bringing its latest version of the global Colorado to the U.S., and Toyota got to work to ensure it didn’t lose any ground. Enter the 2016 Toyota Tacoma, which was officially unveiled today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Toyota reengineered every aspect of the Tacoma to make it tougher and more capable than ever, starting with a stronger frame, a more versatile suspension tuning and new powertrain options. A 2.7-liter four-cylinder is still the base engine, but the 2016 Toyota Tacoma will now be able to upgrade to a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine to maximize fuel economy. No power figures are available, but Toyota promises that the new Tacoma will be more powerful and more efficient than the current model.
Customers can get either engine with Toyota’s new six-speed automatic transmission, but, in a rare move these days, the V-6 engine will also be available with a six-speed manual gearbox. For comparison, the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon only offer a manual transmission with the four-cylinder engine, and availability is limited even further to just the lowest trim levels of these trucks in two-wheel drive only. Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the addition of Toyota’s Crawl Control that makes it easy to drive up and over just about any terrain.
Exterior styling is on par with what we’ve come to expect from Toyota trucks and SUVs with a wide, blocky stance and polarizing looks. This starts at the front end where the new grille looks like it was inspired by a hungry robot monster, while the rear end design was inspired by the current Tundra with “TACOMA” lettering stamped into the tailgate.
A total of five trim levels will be offered from the base SR to the go-anywhere TRD Off-Road and finally the luxury-themed Limited. Regardless of which trim is chosen, all 2016 Toyota Tacoma models will come standard with a GoPro mount that can be found near the rearview mirror. The new Tacoma will be offered with options that include push-button start, leather seats, and wireless smartphone charging.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Toyota Tacoma .
The Toyota Tacoma has technically been around since 1995, though Toyota has been building a pint-sized truck since the mid 1950s. The classic Hilux truck that is usually associated with Toyota made its North American debut in 1968. The design morphed into that iconic square-body shape by its fourth generation, hitting streets in 1983. The fifth-generation Hilux, or as it was simply called in the U.S., the Toyota Pickup, saw upgrades to interior quality and power. Toyota’s U.S. truck business really kicked off with the 1995 Tacoma. An all-new design with a Camry-like interior, a stout pair of engines, and a robust four-wheel-drive system brought huge sales numbers to Toyota.
Finally getting a major upgrade for 2016, the third-generation Tacoma will compete against the still-fresh 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, the upcoming refreshed Nissan Frontier, and the possible renaissance of the Ford Ranger. Baring those trucks that aren’t at dealerships, the Tacoma already has a fight on its hands with the GM twins. Will the new Taco be enough to dethrone the award-winning Chevy and GMC? Keep on reading to find out.
UPDATED 01/12/2015: Toyota has released the preliminary details on the upcoming 2016 Tacoma. The truck is getting a new V-6 and transmission, along with updated suspension tuning and a completely restyled interior.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Toyota Tacoma.
Toyota will have its hands full at the 2014 SEMA Auto Show. But don’t tell that to the company because it’s probably enjoying all the attention it’s getting. Its lineup of trucks is dotted with interesting projects, one of which is the Tacoma TRD chase vehicle that’s doing double-duty in the coming weeks. First up, it’ll be at SEMA, proudly showing off all of its customization details in front of the world’s biggest gathering of auto aftermarket-heads. Immediately after SEMA, the Tacoma TRD will be part of a collection of Toyotas that will head south to Ensenada, Mexico to be part of the 47th Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.
If you’re familiar with the Baja 1000, you know that it’s not one of the most glamorous races in the world, nor is it for the faint of heart. That’s a big reason why Toyota and TRD went to great lengths to customize this particular Tacoma, allowing it to serve its purpose as a support vehicle for another SEMA attendee, the Tundra TRD Pro Desert Race Truck.
Since it’s going to be spending most of its time in the desert, the Tacoma TRD was fully customized to handle the rigors of off-road racing. It’s not going to compete in the race, but it’s better to be prepared for it anyway, right?
It may not end up being as glamorous as the Tundra TRD Pro Desert Race Truck itself, but the Tacoma TRD is still a wonderful creation that illustrate the pickup’s impressive versatility. Whether it’s being used as an off-road partner or it’s being custom-fitted to become a full-fledged support vehicle, the Tacoma TRD has the chops to be successful in whatever environment it finds itself in.
Click past the jump to read more about Toyota Tacoma TRD.
Buying a new vehicle for cheap these days can be a daunting task, especially a pickup truck. As customer demands have grown, so have the trucks’ capabilities and price tags. If you’ve got $50,000 to blow, the options are nearly limitless. But what about $30,000? Or even under that? What kind of truck can be had for less than that magical money ceiling?
The truck market is a highly competitive one with each automaker gunning to outdo and one-up the competition. This is great for those looking for feature-laden trucks with more technology than the best luxury cars could boast five years ago or tow ratings that seem to compete with Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks.
Consequently, prices for these “work vehicles” have become luxury-like in the process. Sure, some buyers need a truck to pull double duty as the family sedan throughout the week while still towing the boat or RV on the weekends. For that purpose, modern full-size trucks in mid- to upper-grade trim reign supreme.
Because prices have jumped so high, folks wanting to spend $30,000 or less on a truck only have a few options, consisting mostly of single- or extended-cab full-size trucks or smaller midsize trucks. It all depends on how the truck is optioned out.
Those looking to tow will have to sacrifice interior amenities for a larger engine and a towing package. Those looking for interior room will ironically have to stick with a midsized truck that offers a four-door crew cab model. For buyers, it all boils down to how the truck will be used. Evaluating personal use is perhaps the most critical aspect of buying a truck on a budget.
Click past the jump for TopSpeed’s 5 best trucks under $30K
Another edition to Toyota’s trio of off-road trucks is the 2015 Tacoma TRD Pro. It’s based off the same concept as the 4Runner TRD Pro and features much of the same equipment. However, the Tacoma TRD Pro package isn’t completely new for the Tacoma. Astute Toyota fans will remember the TX Baja package Toyota offered on the Tacoma starting in 2012. The TRD Pro’s remote reservoir Bilstein shocks, blacked-out beadlock-style wheels, and off-road tires were all seen on the Baja package. But that doesn’t make it any less cool.
Starting up front, the Tacoma receives a two-inch suspension lift up front to help level out the truck. Those Bilstein shocks are specially tuned with a decreased spring rate to help tackle the rough stuff off the beaten path. Like the Baja package, the TRD Pro truck gets 16-inch beadlock-style wheels finished in black, all wrapped in BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires sized in LT265/75R16.
Helping the Tacoma’s 4.0-liter V-6 breath is a TRD exhaust package while a nicely polished exhaust tip helps add some flair to the truck’s rear fender. TRD pro badges help accent the exterior of the truck along with a unique front grille that spells out TOYOTA much like that of the classic FJ40 and more recent FJ Cruiser.
Interior additions include TRD Pro floor mats and shift knob, along with red stitching on the front and rear seats, and the center console. Not much else changes for the truck’s interior.
The 2015 Tacoma TRD Pro package, along with the Tundra and 4Runner TRD Pro editions, will become available this fall, though Toyota has yet to announce pricing for any of the three trucks.
Click past the jump for more info on the Toyota Tacoma
Toyota, Camburg Engineering and DC Shoes teamed together to bring the ultimate snowboarder’s dream truck to the 2013 SEMA auto show happening November 5th through 8th.
Starting with ideas for motocross, skateboarding and snowboarding builds, Toyota and DC Shoes asked the footwear company’s fans for their choice on which to build. The fans voted and Toyota delivered.
DC Shoes and Toyota chose Camburg Engineering for creating the dream truck. Beginning with a 2014 Toyota Tacoma, Camburg brought to life ideas from professional snowboarders like the massive front snowdeflector; a telescoping ramp for loading a full-size snowmobile on the truck bed; a full suite of audio awesomeness, including an in-dash iPad Mini and a pop-up tent mounted to the truck’s roof rack. Sitting inside the truck’s bed is a huge sliding toolbox with enough space to store gear for a weekend expedition.
“Our fans loved the concept of the snowboard-ready Tacoma, and the real-life version will blow them away,” said Dan Hartloff, events and partnerships manager for DC Shoes. “This Tacoma would add a new level of intensity to any practice session or impromptu ride with friends.”
Besides the iPad Mini, the Tacoma’s interior is treated to an integrated charging station powered by on-board batteries separate from the Tacoma’s engine battery for powering cell phones, laptops and cameras. A wireless, all-weather Scoshe boomBOTTLE pumps the music outside the truck even in the thickest of blizzards.
Vision through those blizzards is no problem with the roof-mounted, 40-inch LED light bar and the two light pods sitting atop the Meyer snow deflector. Oversized General Grabber tires keep the truck moving forward – all powered by Toyota’s trusty 4.0-liter V-6.
Click past the jump for more on the 2013 Toyota Tacoma SEMA truck
Toyota announced the 2014 Tacoma’s updates and revised pricing this week, and the best-selling Tacoma line actually has some meaningful interior tech for the new model year. Very modest price increases average only about $100 per model, so this is still one of the toughest-ever pickup trucks in its price range of $17,875 up to $28,000.
Available with three cab lengths, multiple bed sizes and plenty of trim levels: buying a Tacoma still takes some research to identify the best one for your needs. From stripped-out white work trucks up to the Baja-ready TRD Sport and TRD Off-road Double Cab models, the Tacoma range has something for everybody.
On the market since 2005 with a few nips/tucks along the way, the current-generation Tacoma is nicely styled but showing its age a bit with the giant clear headlamps and much less chrome up front than the F-150 and Silverado offer customers. The Tacoma is one of the top five most-supported vehicles on the aftermarket, with dozens of firms offering catalogs full of upgraded parts and equipment - so the lights are easily updated that way.
Toyota even gets involved heavily with the accessories and post-sale modifications, which means there is a bolt-on TRD Supercharger that can be bought and installed right from any local Toyota dealer - giving this pickup truck 320 pound-feet of torque and 296 horsepower from the 4.0 V-6 engine.
How does the refreshed Tacoma’s cabin tech rank versus the cheapest Ford F-150’s or the Nissan Frontier?
Click past the jump for all the official updates and info about the 2014 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck line, which seats up to five people in its largest body style.
Los Angeles police officers made a horrible mistake last week while they were chasing Christopher Jordan Dorner — a disgruntled ex-cop suspected of hunting down members of the LAPD and their families. According to an interview offered by LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, police offers were informed that Dorner was driving a gray Nissan Titan, which is a pretty solid description.
While LAPD was running surveillance on Dorner’s house, a pickup truck was approaching and police officers opened fire. When they stopped shooting they realized their mistake: the truck was not a Nissan Titan, but rather a Toyota Tacoma and it was aqua blue, not gray. Two innocent women were victims of this incident: Margie Carranza, 47, and her mother, Emma Hernandez, 71 who were there just to deliver copies of the Los Angeles Times.
LAPD Chief said that this incident occurred because the police officers were working under "incredible tension." A total of seven officers opened fire and at the end of the shooting, cars, trees, garage doors and roofs were all full with bullet holes. Emma Hernandez was shot in her back and is expected to recover, while her daughter escaped with only minor wounds from broken glass.
LAPD stated this was just a misinterpreted situation, but for sure this excuse won’t help them when the two women will start a lawsuit against them.
We can understand confusing vehicles, but to confuse an aqua Tacoma for a grey Titan is like confusing a blue Chevy Cruze with a red Ford Taurus: it’s nearly impossible regardless of the situation. Fortunately, everyone is expected to survive, but we’re sure the city of Los Angeles will have a mighty lawsuit on its hands…
Okay, so there are two things that I really love, besides my family and close friends, of course. Those two things are cars (obviously) and football. With my love of football comes my love of fantasy football, much to my wife’s chagrin.
Well, the folks over at Shopautoweek have taken both of my loves and put them together in the form of automotive fantasy football. They chose a lineup of cars to make up the offensive side of a football team.
The team consists of a full assortment of offensive linemen, which you actually don’t have in most fantasy football leagues: a quarterback, fullback, running back, tight end, and two wide receivers. They even went as far as putting out a scouring report listing why they selected each car for these respective positions.
We do disagree with some of their selections, but overall it is a good effort. So check out the full infographic after the jump and let us know in the comments section what cars you would put on your team.
Toyota will be unveiling the limited edition 2012 Tacoma TRD T in 2012, but for those that are a bit impatient, Long Beach Racers have unveiled their Tacoma package - a customized vehicle inspired by the Baja Series pick-up.
The Toyota Tacoma received a full makeover from Long Beach Racers with a TIG welded, SCORE approved roll cage with the Long Beach Racers trademark “low profile” rear cage design to keep the rear view clean. This high tech roll cage will be joined by custom Bilstein 60mm race shocks and 35-inch BFGoodrich Project Tires on 16-inch TRD Baja Series wheels. Hella HID lights on custom mounts on the bumper will help lights the way while PCI Race Radio and intercom systems in place of the exterior mirrors will facilitate communication.
The interior of the Tacoma by Long Beach Racers also received a few extras, including Mastercraft race seats, harnesses, and window nets, a Defined Engineering Spring-Under kit, and CMI Carbon Fiber skidplates. Performance gets improved with the use of an MBRP Exhaust system, a 50 gallon fuel cell, a TRD Big Brake kit, and a custom wrap that incorporates the TX Baja Series graphic concept.
The Long Beach Racers Tacoma will be making its race debut at the BAJA 1000 in November 2011.
Toyota’s long and storied history in Baja Racing will be honored at the 2011 SEMA Auto Show with a special edition Tacoma called the TD T/X Baja Series Limited Edition. Packed with comprehensive aesthetic and performance modifications, the special edition truck is sure to elevate the capability of Tacoma’s TRD Off-Road pickup to a new level of fun and function.
The restyled looks of the 2012 Tacoma will come with plenty of updates, including a restyled front end with a redesigned hood, grille, headlamps, and front bumper. The truck was also given unique Baja Series graphics, as well as a new set of bead-lock style Gun-Metal Gray-finished off-road wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich T/A KO tires. The suspension of the TRD T/X was also given its own unique improvements with the front suspension receiving 60mm piston Bilstein race shocks with TRD coil springs whereas the back comes with 50mm piston Bilstein race shocks that also includes a zinc-plated body and a 1.5-inch increase in wheel travel.
As far as the interior goes, the Tacoma has been dressed with a new center-instrument panel design that comes with a revised gauge cluster. There’s also a new fabric design, a new black high-contrast center console, a new steering wheel, a redesigned center stack, switch plate covers, dash and upper door trim, and water-resistant fabric protection seat for the TRD Sport and Off-Road packages of the truck.
Under its hood, the T/X Baja Series is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine that delivers 236 horsepower and 266 lb/ft of torque mated to either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. Other performance features included in the TRD T/X include electronically-controlled locking rear differential, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) currently equipped on the TRD Off-Road package.
The 2011 SEMA Show will welcome a customized Toyota Tacoma that surfers all over the world will fall head over heels in love with.
That’s what Toyota and Oakley are banking on with the Oakley Surf Tacoma. Built to be a surfer’s mobile playpen, the modded Tacoma was customized by Smithbuilt to become the ultimate surfing carrier. Outside, the pick-up comes equipped with plenty of mods, including a purpose-built roof racking system for heavy hauling and surf bag stowage, and multiple board storage. The truck bed system comes with an ice chest and barbeque grill for all those times where hotdogs and beer come-a-calling. Anytime you start eating or drinking, the truck has a shade system that is equipped in the back of the roof rack system. And when you need to get all that sea water out of your body, the truck has an integrated shower system. Inside, there are also plenty of new digs, including a Wet Okole Hawaii custom embroidered seat covers, Topstitch interior modifications on the door panels, head liner and carpet kit throughout, and a Kicker sound system, among other things.
As far as performance improvements are concerned, the Oakley Surf Tacoma’s 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 236 horsepower will see an increase to 304 horsepower. That was achieved with the addition of a TRD supercharger, as well as other technical modifications, including a Flowmaster stainless steel exhaust, an Icon stage 3 lift kit, Billet top A arms, new leaf springs for added height, and a new front coilover system.
The current generation Toyota Tacoma has been in production since 2005 and it’s about time the truck got some changes. For the 2012 model year, the Tacoma has been updated with a restyled exterior look and a redesigned and modernized interior, with some technological goodies to boot. What hasn’t changed is the power source: the Toyota Tacoma will still be running on either a 2.7 liter four-cylinder engine producing 159 HP and 180 lb-ft of torque or the 4.0 liter V6 delivering 236 hp and 266 lb-ft.
Some of the highlights for the 2012 Tacoma include a redesigned hood, new grille, new headlamps, and a new front bumper. The inside is where Toyota got real schnazzy, sprucing up the truck with a new six-speaker system with an AM/FM/ Satellite Radio-capable head unit and a single-disc CD player for the Access Cabin model and the new Entune infotainment system with seven speakers for the Double Cab model.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Toyota Tacoma.
Toyota will be showing up to the SEMA Show with a very special Tacoma pick-up truck called the X-Runner "Ready to Race" (RTR). This new model is powered by a modified version of Tundra’s mighty 5.7-liter V-8. Thanks to a new supercharger and an intake kit, the engine now delivers an impressive 504 HP and 550 lb-ft of torque.
The Tacoma X-Runner RTR personifies ingenuity to the highest level by the Japanese auto giant. Of all the parts used in the special edition pick-up truck, the only two that don’t belong to Toyota are the traction bars and drive-line shaft.
It’s the ultimate drag strip pick-up truck that not only looks intimidating, but also has the performance capabilities to back up that imposing presence.
Updated 10/19/2010: Toyota has unveiled today the official details on the new Tacoma X-Runner RTR. Also check out the gallery to see new images of the customized pick-up.
Details after the jump.