2016 Toyota Tacoma, Stronger Than Ever

Coming this fall is the 2016 Toyota Tacoma - new, improved, and stronger than ever before. Available very soon at your local Toyota dealer in NH, the latest midsize truck from Toyota is sure to impress.

We've got all the specs right here…

A Much Needed Facelift: The Tacoma Gets a 2016 Makeover

Hey, aging happens to the best of us, and the Toyota Tacoma was no exception. In need of a makeover, the Tacoma was placed in the capable hands of the Toyota design team, which delivered an impressive refresh - the first in almost a decade.While the size of the truck hasn't changed compared to earlier models, the upcoming Tacoma sports a more chiseled exterior, which covers a host of cutting-edge technologies and a stronger, more rugged body.

The platform carries over from last year, but is reinforced with high-strength steel, which successfully improves the truck's overall rigidity and structure.Ultra high-strength steel features throughout the truck's body, thanks to a stamping method that Toyota claims reduces the weight of the truck overall. Combine that with a returned suspension and you've got a truck with road manners and all-terrain acumen.

These exterior enhancements are complemented by the Tacoma's interior makeover, which boasts a revised center stack and an updated touchscreen infotainment display, complete with navigation and smartphone integration.For really cool record-keeping, Toyota has installed a GoPro camera as standard equipment. Mounted on the windshield, the camera is poised to capture any on or off-road explorations, and document your memories. And, so you're never disconnected or out of touch, a wireless phone charging pad will also be available in the new Tacoma.

Pace-Setting Efficiency From Two Drivetrains

When it comes to engines, the Tacoma can be outfitted with two possibilities. The first, a standard 2.7-liter four cylinder is standard, while the available and brand new 3.5-liter V6 engine operates with optimized fuel injection, supported by an Atkinson power cycle.

The beauty of this  particular pairing is its similarity to a hybrid. The fuel efficiency delivered by this drivetrain earns its place as a class leader, and possibly even the class leader for this segment. Either engine can be powered by a six-speed automatic transmission, but the V6 is the only one of the two which can be paired with a six-speed manual. As yet, Toyota is keeping quiet about power and fuel economy specifics.

Five Timeless Trim Levels Distinguish the 2016 Tacoma

The new Tacoma will be available in five trim levels, starting with the SR, SR5, and the all-terrain  TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road models. Rounding off the line is the fully loaded, top-level Limited model. With the SR, you'll be able to  conquer your work day with ease and the SR5 helps you do so with extra details inside and out for a bit more refinement and comfort. In the TRD trims, drivers will benefit from suspension upgrades and a multi-terrain system operated by a rotary dial, which engages specific systems, depending on the terrain, no matter if its rocky, sandy, or wet. By activating "Crawl Control," the throttle and brakes adjust to meet the demands of maneuvers made at low speeds.

For extra off-road prowess, Toyota will offer a locking rear differential and limited-slip differential for serious all-terrain adventures. Standard convenience features exist in the form of a damped tailgate opening and a traditional power outlet in the truck bed, similar to those wall outlets in your home.

Optional equipment for added comfort comes from available leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control; while additional capability is offered as LED running lights, and a three-piece hard tonneau truck bed cover, with the ease of push-button start. A sunroof is another potential fun feature, while serious safety upgrades include rear cross-traffic alerts and a blind spot warning system. Although we still don't have official pricing, despite a recent press leak, the new Tacoma will likely cost around the same as the 2015 model, which starts at $20,965. With these figures still unknown, it is helpful to review the current model's specs for some idea of where the new Tacoma launches from.

The 2015 Toyota Tacoma - A Solid Segment Leader

Leading up to the new Tacoma release, the 2015 Tacoma has been very popular in the midsize segment, equipped with either a base level 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 159 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque, or a 4.0-liter V6, generating 236 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft. of torque. Either option can be operated by standard or automatic transmissions, in rear or four-wheel drive.

EPA estimates for the base engine come in at 21/25 mpg for the manual two-wheel drive, 19/24 mpg for the automatic two-wheel drive, and 18/21 mpg for both manual and automatic four-wheel drive. The V6, as tested on the Tacoma TRD Pro Series, complete with improved suspension, locking rear differential, Bilstein shocks, and 16-inch TRD wheels, returns top speeds of 109 miles per hour, and made the zero to sixty mph sprint in 7.3 seconds. Fuel efficiency is estimated at 16/19 mpg for the manual four-wheel drive. Other fuel estimates for the V6 include 16/21 mpg for the manual two-wheel drive, 17/21 mpg for the automatic two-wheel drive, and 16/21 mpg for the automatic four-wheel drive.

One of the favorite features cited by industry experts and automotive reviewers is the 2015 Tacoma truck bed, which features a composite inner bed with a built-in storage space and four sliding tie-down cleats mounted on the rails. Either year you choose, whether you decide to wait for the 2016 or grab one of the current segment-leaders, the Toyota Tacoma offers outstanding reliability, dependability, and value. Voted the 2015 Best Resale Value Award Winner by Kelley Blue Book, the Tacoma has a lasting legacy of longevity, rugged capability, and affordable ownership costs.

Who Will Rival the 2016 Toyota Tacoma for Midsize Segment Supremacy?

Competition from the midsize class will likely be presented by Chevy's Colorado and GMC Canyon,  both of which have a diesel option and up-to-date technological conveniences; however, when it comes to off-road prowess, the new Tacoma leaves them both in the dust.

As summer winds down and makes way for fall, there is no better time to consider driving the new 2016 Toyota Tacoma, a truck that suggests, "Let's Go Places."