It seems like Toyota sensed a threat in the GMC Canyon and the new Chevrolet Colorado. As a result, the company decided to introduce a rather extensive update for the Toyota Tacoma. Finally, we now have the 2016 Toyota Tacoma which comes with all-new sheet-metal, a completely new V-6 engine, a new interior along with a whole lot of new stuff.
There is a lot of new stuff but in spite of that, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma has a price that is more or less the same as its predecessor. There is also a wider-range of off-road options along with various trim levels that are more than the Colorado or the Canyon. It includes a manual transmission with both the V-6 and the entry level four cylinder.
Besides something like the Nissan Frontier, this appears to be quite rare. The 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD off-road model starts at a price of $31,665 for an Access Cab model which comes with two-wheel drive technology. However, the TRD off-road variant doesn’t seem complete without the four-wheel drive.
If you step up to the 4×4, you can choose from among the $33,850 Access Cab body style (with a six-foot bed and an automatic transmission), or the Double Cab. It includes five- or six-foot bed lengths along with a six-speed manual or an optional automatic.
You should be facing a completely reasonable price-tag of $33,000 if you decide to choose the stick and the shorter five-foot bed. The Toyota further comes with adjustable bed tie-downs along with Bilstein shocks, locking rear-differential, terrain-specific throttle and braking settings and it also includes a clutch-start override.
This allows you to start the engine without depressing the clutch pedal. There are various other niceties in the TRD model like black plastic fender flares, cruise control, a steering wheel that is leather wrapped and oozing extravagance, Toyota’s Entune infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen.
There is also an auto-dimming rear-view mirror along with a 115 volt power-outlet. The V-6 engine produces 278HP and it is a new set for 2016. The new motor displaces 3.5 liters. This is the first Toyota-branded engine in the United States that makes use of the company’s innovative dual-injection fueling system. This allows it to switch between port and direct fuel injection.
Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon are quite impressive entrants and Toyota is about to face some serious competition. Recent R.L Polk figures indicate that its two mid-size trucks captured around 31% of the US markets for mid-size pick-ups this year, especially through July.
The Tacoma has around half while the Nissan Frontier has a major portion of the rest. GM designed the Colorado and Canyon as lifestyle trucks cum personal vehicles instead of how a miniature truck works. It seems like GM decided to go the Tacoma way and it’s worked out well for them.
There are several interesting options packages available with the two and it further adds luxury touches which helped in keeping the average transaction prices pretty strong. The overall reviews have been quite positive and Colorado ended up being Motor Trend’s 2015 Truck of the Year.
These trucks are highly praised for their quality rides, good handling off-road and quiet functioning. Due to this formula, a lot of customers have expressed their interest.