2016 Toyota Tacoma: Comprehensive Test Drive Report, Packs in Quite a Few Surprises, And More News

The 2016 Toyota Tacoma is without doubt one of the sturdiest pickup trucks on the planet and its predecessors have proven their worth numerous times in the past. Packed with a whole range of modern off-road tech, the Tacoma is your vehicle of choice if you plan on heading out to locations without a proper road.

The 2016 Toyota Tacoma has been designed exclusively for off-road expeditions, and the design is complete with a dashboard mount GoPro action camera. Just a little something to up the ante!

Available in a wide range of bright colors, just so you don’t get lost out in the wilderness, the Tacoma boasts of features such as multi-node traction control, locking rear and central differentials, four-wheel drive, tow hooks, steel skid plates, easy-to-clean upholstery and huge all-terrain tires.

However, what really sets this vehicle apart from its competitors is the control panel, with its huge array of knobs and buttons that are responsible for controlling the Multi Terrain Selecting options and Crawl Control.

The primary function of the Crawl Control feature is to adjust the braking power on the individual wheels, and as a result, control the amount of power headed to them. This in turn prevents all the wheels from turning at a similar pace, which could lead to the vehicle toppling.

As opposed to our conventional thought, it is not mandatory for all four wheels to rotate simultaneously and you shall agree with me if you are an avid off-roader and prefer climbing over rocks. Crawl Control is needed mostly in rocky terrain where the tires need to adjust itself to the surface conditions.

Toyota believes that the 2016 Tacoma will inspire the owners to head off-road, considering the immense potential of the vehicle. The Multi-Terrain Select option enables the Tacoma to drive over sand, rocks, snow or mud. You name it, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma will drive over it!

The Tacoma is not just a valiant off-roader and Toyota plans on launching multiple variants of the vehicle, catering to the variant needs of the customers. The range starts from the base-level SR model, all the way up to the off-road spec variant. The 2016 Toyota Tacoma is the automotive equivalent of the famed Swiss Army knife!

Design-wise, the 2016 Tacoma has received quite a bit of cosmetic upgrades including a beefed-up body. The Tacoma had no real competitors in the class till last year when General Motors launched the GMC Canyon and the Chevrolet Colorado.

The 2016 Tacoma has a higher stance, greater ground clearance and a well-balanced tail that complements the beefed-up aesthetics of the vehicle.

Powering the Tacoma is a 3.5-liter V6 engine block, replacing the thirsty 4.0-liter block from last year. The new powerhouse displaces 278 BHP alongside 265 ft-lb of torque, which is sufficient power to take this beast across any terrain. However, the only downside at the moment is that the V6 block might be a little too aggressive when idling.

The latest engine block is based on the Atkinson Cycle as opposed to the Otto Cycle and although this is more complicated combustion process, Toyota claims to have found the perfect air fuel mixture to generate greater fuel economy while maintaining performance. For all those who are in the dark, Toyota uses the Atkinson Cycle in the Prius!

The engine block is not the only part of the powertrain to deserve credit since the six-speed manual transmission system plays a huge role in getting the Tacoma where it wants to go. Toyota is also offering a six-speed automatic gearbox as an option.

The interior is refined and top notch, considering that the vehicle in question is a pickup. The exterior paint scheme finds its way into the interior as well on the dash and the upholstery.

The most common materials on the inside include a smooth rubbery material and durable plastics. Hence, even though there is nothing fancy about the interior, it does not feel cheap.