Pros & Cons
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- Top infotainment system.
- Powerful V6 engine.
- Updated and refined interior.
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- No driver's seat height adjustment.
- Small amount of travel for telescoping steering wheel.
- So-so sound system.
2016 Toyota Tacoma Specs
| Body Type | Pickup Truck |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel-Drive |
| Engine | 3.5-liter V6 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
Domestic manufacturers have dominated the full-size pickup market for decades, while import brands like Nissan and Toyota have staked out a successful niche in the midsize truck segment. This means Toyota has a lot riding on the fully redesigned 2016 Tacoma, which adds to the midsize pickup's performance prowess and everyday appeal without drifting too far from its winning formula. The car's 4.0-liter V6 engine has been replaced by a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 42 more horsepower. It also includes the excellent new Entune touch-screen infotainment interface, as well as a revamped interior with an integrated GoPro mount so owners can record their off-road escapades. These upgrades easily cement the Tacoma as our Editors' Choice for midsize trucks.
Pricing and Design
Toyota has done away with the stripped-down 4x2 entry-level Tacoma, as well as all regular cabs. The 2016 vehicle is only available in extended cab and crew cab body styles, and all rear-wheel drive models share a raised suspension and the same ground clearance as their 4x4 siblings.
The pickup comes in five trim levels, from the base SR that starts at $23,300, to the top-of-the-line TRD Off-Road at $30,765. We tested the Double Cab version of the TRD Sport 4x4, with a five-foot bed and a base price of $33,730. With the addition of a $2,360 Premium and Technology Package, a $650 V6 Tow Package, and a $900 destination charge, the total sticker came to $37,640.
View All The 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 comes with a 3.5-liter, 278-horsepower V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission with a limited-slip differential. It also has an electronically controlled transfer case and Toyota's 4WDemand two-wheel/four-wheel drive system that's controlled via a dash-mounted knob.
Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, coil spring double wishbone front suspension, leaf spring rear suspension with sport-tuned shocks, a color-keyed hood scoop, projector beam headlights, LED daytime running lights and fog lights, and power side mirrors with turn indicators. It also has a plastic-lined bed with a 120-volt power outlet and deck rail system with four adjustable and four fixed tie-down cleats, an easy-lower lockable and removable tailgate, a rearview camera, keyless entry and ignition, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, and wireless smartphone charging. The standard Toyota Entune infotainment system includes a 7-inch touch screen, CD player, AM/FM HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, a USB port, an aux input, Bluetooth for phone and audio, the Entune App Suite, and a six-speaker JBL sound system. Unfortunately, audio performance is merely average, and not quite in tune with the rest of the high-end trappings here.
