The Chevy Colorado earned Truck of the Year, and the Ford Ranger is making its re-debut in just two years, so we decided to figure out just where in the trifecta the new Tacoma lands. With all these compact trucks vying for first, it’s tough to figure out which one is best for you.
Turns out, that’s pretty to answer: want the biggest compact truck? Go with the Tacoma. In 2016, the Tacoma finally received a makeover, getting rid of its mid-2000’s profile for something more rugged, higher up, and generally larger by every measure. Toyota got their formula right all along – the 4Runner has gotten high remarks as a popular 4×4 vehicle that satisfies the need for something a little “muscular”.
Bigger, Meaner, and Cooler
Toyota took plenty of inspiration from their SUV and shoved it into the Tacoma. The result is a broad, big-nosed front end that’s rightfully squared off, ready to climb rocks. Factory 19” wheels add some much needed height, and bigger wheels and a less sloped cab help the Tacoma look and feel bigger from every angle.
The new Tacoma’s interior is simple but quite spacious
More Power, Too
The 2.7L powerplant was a popular compact motor and so it remains for the latest generation, but the old 4.0L six is ditched in favor of a 3.5L. This smaller motor switches from port to direct injection and picks up variable valve timing that adds around 40 horses, netting the Tacoma a total available 278 horses and 265 torques. Gone is the archaic 4-speed transmission in favor of automatic and manual 5- and 6-speeders. That fancy valve timing management does little for efficiency. The Tacoma gets around 24 MPGs on the highway with its auto trans.
Quite Tow-Capable
But that matters little when glancing at the Tacoma’s other figures and features. 6,800 pounds are easily lugged along by the Tacoma with the added tow package, making it a great compact truck for those camp trailer hauls or weekend boating adventures. The Tacoma is tough as Hell, too, featuring an improved high-strength steel frame and body.
The available Rigid Industries LED lights cut through any weather
More Off-road Capable As Well
The drivetrain gets beefed up so the Tacoma’s bite matches its new tough looks. Updated suspension, rear differentials, and axles play together to make the new Tacoma more offroad-capable. We particularly love the TRD packages, which offer terrain select modes and active power and brake management. The new Tacoma bests the already quite capable old truck in every measure, gliding over loose rock, mud, and sand with the flick of a dial. The new CRAWL mode is another great feature, keeping the Tacoma creeping along at the exact speed desired, regardless of obstacles or debris.
TRD Pro is The One to Beat
For guys and gals who want one of the most factory-capable 4×4 vehicles on the market, they need look no further than the TRD Pro. This Tacoma package is currently the one to beat, with Ford explicitly stating they intend their new Ranger to outmatch it. With an MSRP of $41,000, the TRD Pro is one of the most expensive compact truck models available, but it’s also the best.
The Tacoma TRD Pro features factory Goodyears and FOX 2.5 shocks
Without getting into loads of detail, the TRD Pro can basically handle anything up to (and apparently including) The Baja 1000. Tuned FOX 2.5 Bypass Shocks are standard, as are Rigid Industry LED lights. Skid plates and armored exhaust bits help the TRD Pro tackle jagged bits and big rocks without self-destructing, while standard Kevlar-reinforced Goodyear Wrangler tires work alongside terrain select to laugh at any trail you’ll likely come across.
