First Impressions

Event planning at its finest: our QuickSpin in the 2016 Toyota Tacoma in Tacoma, Washington. Makes sense to us!

It’s been a while since the small truck leader Tacoma had any real competition…then the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon came back with a vengeance. Suddenly the Taco, as many affectionately know it, seemed stale. Sales haven’t suffered much, but Toyota thought it was nevertheless time for a major refresh.

Styling, while familiar in profile, adds the heft of the full size Tundra’s sharp hexagonal grille, plus some nip-tuck-ing to clean things up. The stamped Tacoma name in the tailgate is also shared with its big truck sibling.

Interior is likewise overhauled with thankfully less hard plastic. It’s still very Toyota; equal parts Camry and Tundra, with just the right amount of personal truck appeal.

More appealing is what’s under the hood: a new 3.5 liter V6 with 278 horsepower and a 6,800 pound tow capacity. The 2.7 liter I4 makes 159 horsepower; a carryover from the previous Tacoma.

Behind the wheel and on the road, it’s still a true truck, with a substantial feel, slightly float-y ride quality, and some jarring movements over bumps. Refinements have crept in for 2016, but you definitely know you’re in a capable on or off-road pickup.

GREG CARLOSS: "Not saying it’s bad on the road…yes it is a little bit louder than I’d like it to be, and the ride isn’t quite there. But that’s a midsize pickup truck for you…it doesn’t have a great ride. Off road though, this thing really shines. We’ve taken it through some serious, serious terrain, and it handles it extremely well."

JOHN DAVIS: A new Crawl Control feature allows for effortless low-speed maneuvering, while a Multi-Terrain Select system aides throttle and braking in different types of traction.

In true pickup truck fashion, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma can be had in multiple configurations, starting around $25,000. And it’s on sale this fall.