2016 Toyota Tacoma news
#226
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Only reasonable review is from pickuptrucks.. it has most interesting real world information and they tested 2015 recently.
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2015/08...rst-drive.html
Much more here:
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2015/08...rst-drive.html
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2015/08...rst-drive.html
A quiet ride has never been a Tacoma strength. We've always been disappointed by how noisy certain Tacoma packages can be at speed — that was certainly true during our 2015 Midsize Challenge. Thankfully, with the addition of more sound-deadening material in the floor and roof liner, and extra lamination on all windows, sound intrusion has been cut significantly. Although we didn't have our sound-measuring equipment with us, it wouldn't surprise us if the new Tacoma is even quieter than the well-insulated GMC Canyon (the current segment leader when it comes to quiet).
As for actually driving, we found the throttle response impressive, especially when in Sport mode and manually shifting through the gears. With 3.91:1 axle gears and a 1st gear (automatic) of 3.60:1, the new engine does an amazing job of jumping off the line. The traction control feels much smarter as the engine winds up quickly, and the transmission shifts quickly through the gears. With the exception of a slight dead spot around 2,500 rpm in certain conditions, the power ramp-up is smooth and fluid all the way up to 6,000 rpms. Make no mistake, even if this new engine has 1 less pound-feet of torque, it feels much stronger than the bigger 4.0-liter V-6 it's replacing.
We didn't get a chance to track many fuel economy miles — we were having too much fun carving in and out of traffic on two-lane mountain highways — but we consistently saw our average hover around the 20 mpg mark during our excursions through the Seattle countryside.
We didn't get a chance to track many fuel economy miles — we were having too much fun carving in and out of traffic on two-lane mountain highways — but we consistently saw our average hover around the 20 mpg mark during our excursions through the Seattle countryside.
This is a more advanced version of the Lexus GX and LX advanced four-wheel-drive systems; Toyota said there is nothing equal to it in the rest of its lineup. The integration of the engine power, computer controls, and traction and speed settings had us feeling unstoppable.
To demonstrate how well the system works, Toyota buried a Tacoma TRD Off Road crew cab long bed in soft sand, then shifted the pickup into Crawl Control and let the system — on the slowest setting — figure out how to move each wheel, inch by inch, to extract the truck from the sand. It was like watching an autonomous vehicle problem-solve its way out of a perilous situation, essentially escaping from what normally would have permanently stopped any other vehicle.
To demonstrate how well the system works, Toyota buried a Tacoma TRD Off Road crew cab long bed in soft sand, then shifted the pickup into Crawl Control and let the system — on the slowest setting — figure out how to move each wheel, inch by inch, to extract the truck from the sand. It was like watching an autonomous vehicle problem-solve its way out of a perilous situation, essentially escaping from what normally would have permanently stopped any other vehicle.
As pronounced as the exterior design changes are, the inside of the new Tacoma is much more dramatic. Toyota has done as good a job at separating the different trim levels as we've ever seen with this midsize player. It's almost like it took its half-ton strategy and moved it down market.
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2015/08...rst-drive.html
#228
Lexus Champion
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I saw one of the new ones in the grocery store parking lot this weekend. Definitely still a Tacoma. No mistaking it for anything else. Mixed feelings on the design, though I'm sure it'll settle in over time. I look forward to seeing more of them on the road.
#230
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#231
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8 speed offering could be great, but at least, we're not stuck with 5 speed.
#232
#233
Lexus Test Driver
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People read the main engine code and think it's same engine as previous 2/3 generations. They don't realize that the letters after code indicates significant changes. Toyota should do like others and just make new code when they implement new features.
#234
Lexus Fanatic
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I'd be careful before making the claim that the Tacoma will outdo an F-150 Raptor off-road. A Raptor has some pretty extreme underpinnings for a production truck. If you doubt me, crawl underneath one (there's plenty of space underneath for that) and see for yourself.
#235
Lexus Fanatic
#236
Lexus Fanatic
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It will also perform off road better than any truck sold by domestic companies including F-150 Raptor because of compact size, off road tech and suspension design, at least until Wrangler-based truck is out.
8 speed offering could be great, but at least, we're not stuck with 5 speed.
8 speed offering could be great, but at least, we're not stuck with 5 speed.
#237
Lexus Fanatic
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You doubt too much.
I did a review of a Raptor several years ago. I did not have a cell-phone camera back then, but, while the truck was on the ground, I DID get as far under the truck as I could to check out the massive underpinnings. (my reviews may not be perfect, but I don't lie about them)
With the review, I also posted images of Raptor underpinnings....taken underneath with the truck up on an overhead rack. The Raptor, back then, was a one-of-a kind truck (although Chevy has a sightly less-potent version of the Silverado today competing with it), and I did not think a proper view would suffice without a shot of those underpinnings.
Here are three images, BTW, taken directly from my Raptor review...though not of the exact truck I was with:
(on that part, you were correct)
![](https://z.about.com/d/trucks/1/0/5/M/1/rear_shocks_raptor.jpg)
![](http://image.4wheeloffroad.com/f/14819903/131_0904_09_z+2010_ford_f150_raptor+under_side_on_lift.jpg)
![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
I did a review of a Raptor several years ago. I did not have a cell-phone camera back then, but, while the truck was on the ground, I DID get as far under the truck as I could to check out the massive underpinnings. (my reviews may not be perfect, but I don't lie about them)
![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
Here are three images, BTW, taken directly from my Raptor review...though not of the exact truck I was with:
(on that part, you were correct)
![](https://z.about.com/d/trucks/1/0/5/M/1/rear_shocks_raptor.jpg)
![](http://image.4wheeloffroad.com/f/14819903/131_0904_09_z+2010_ford_f150_raptor+under_side_on_lift.jpg)
![](http://image.automotive.com/f/features/drivelines/14381030+pheader/131_0903_03_z+march_2009_auto_news+ford_raptor_under.jpg)
Last edited by mmarshall; 09-30-15 at 07:20 PM.
#239
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it's mainly the fact that the new engine gets the same fuel economy as full sized trucks and is still barely competing. not sure what the advantage of the taco is besides the fact that "its a reliable toyota". this goes for their entire V6 line. and why is the 4 cylinder even being offered? no point, fuel economy wise or power wise.