Transmissions are upgraded on V-6-powered trucks, with a five-speed automatic shared with the Tundra and 4Runner replacing last year's four-speed and a six-speed manual from the V-6 Tundra taking over from the previous five-speed gearbox. Toyota has strengthened its hand in towing capacity, trumping GM's Colorado and Canyon twins. It remains at 3500 pounds for the four-cylinder via the step bumper, rises to 5000 pounds for V-6 models with a receiver, and the new truck adds a 6500-pound capacity with a special package consisting of engine and transmission coolers, upgraded alternator and battery, a seven-pin connector, and a receiver hitch. Unfortunately, payload ratings are down from last year anywhere from 100 to 300 pounds depending on the model.
The new truck comes with a full roster of electronic aids. Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist are standard. The 4x4 Tacoma can be optioned with Downhill Assist Control, which automatically pulses the brakes to maintain a steady five-mph speed while descending steep trails and tracks. All Tacomas with automatic transmissions can be equipped with Hillstart Assist Control, a system that applies the brakes to keep the truck from drifting back when starting out on a steep hill. Models with the off-road package have a differential lock, and those without the off-road package offer a system that uses the ABS to simulate a limited-slip differential (except the sport-tuned X-Runner). All Tacomas except the X-Runner are available with VSC stability control and traction control, systems available only on 4WDs last year.
There are no strippos: Even the base 2WD regular-cab truck features standard carpeting, a CD player, tilt/telescope steering wheel, tachometer, digital clock, an SMC composite bed with utility rail system, and a flush rear bumper. Automatic transmission Access Cab and Double Cab models get a gated shifter.
2.7L I-4
The Tacoma is full of surprise and delight features. We already mentioned the standard fiber-reinforced sheet-molded-compound inner box that took those toolbox shunts so well on the mountain road; it won't rust and it resists dents. Included with the SMC bed is a deck-rail utility system with four tie-down cleats that slide in channels and can be adjusted to various positions. Two more tie-down rings are bolted to the rear of the cargo box floor. There are four (nonlocking) storage boxes on the inboard sides of the cargo box. Available with either of the TRD option packages is a 115-volt, 400-watt three-prong outlet with hinged cover. A host of bed accessories include lockable overrail toolboxes, lockable crossbed box, or locks for the standard in-fender boxes. A bed divider, bed net, cargo crossbars, Yakima roof rack, and a bike rack also can be added. Other accessories include runningboards, a flip-out bed extender, SnugTop Super Sport hard shell, and a rubber bed mat.
4.0L V-6
When it comes to compact and midsize pickups, the Tacoma is the broadband of the industry. The new Toyota truck is available in 18 different configurations. There are three cab sizes, three wheelbases, and two bed lengths. An editor wrote, "Toyota comes out swinging from the get-go with a huge roster of truck variants." Arguably, there's a Tacoma for nearly every purse and purpose, ranging from $13,980 (including destination) for a base two-wheel-drive regular cab four-cylinder model to more than $30,000 for a loaded, TRD-equipped V-6 automatic Double Cab 4x4.