The new 2016 Toyota Tacoma took a decade to get an extensive upgrade, but does it deliver the same quality mpg and performance that it's highly successful predecessor offers?
The last time consumers saw Toyota updating its Tacoma series was in 2005, and since that was 10 years ago, the new installment for the Japanese manufacturer's mid-size pickup truck couldn't have come at a perfect time when all of its rivals like the Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Chevrolet Colorado, Dodge Dakota, Nissan Frontier are on hiatus from releasing new versions, Forbes has learned.
Despite its lack of updates for 10 straight years, the Toyota Tacoma still managed to emerge as the top-selling mid-size pickup truck in America, holding on to the 50 percent market share that has stayed loyal to Toyota's North America-built car.
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The 2016 Toyota Tacoma are available in 29 different configurations. And this year its Toyota Racing Development (TRD) models have gotten another addition, bringing the total to five models, namely: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road and Limited.
For its base power model, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma comes with a 2.7-liter, four-cylinder engine that gives off 159 horsepower to both the five-speed manual transmission and the six-speed automatic, according to NWI.com.
For its top line, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma comes with a new V6 engine of 3.5 liters, replacing the 4.0-liter engine found in its predecessors. The Atkinson cycle engine gives off 278 horsepower to both the six-speed manual transmission and the six-speed automatic.
The 2016 Toyota Tacoma's MPG is said to be at 19 in the city, 23 on the highway and at 21 MPG when combined for the 2.7-liter engine. For the 3.5-liter version, the numbers are expected to be at 17 in the city, 21 on the highway and a combined MPG of 19 in the manual transmission, as noted by Truck Yeah!
The new 4x4 Tacoma has the highest ground clearance of 9.4 inches and a max 32-degree approach. It also has the Crawl Control technology that is designed to take over when driving in steep terrains.
Other features of this update include a three-piece bumper similar to the Tundra's, LED cargo lamps, damped tailgate and a standard back camera. Interior-wise, the new Tacoma has gotten an overhaul. It also has a 6.1-inch touchscreen audio system, Bluetooth hands-free system and voice recognition technology.
Expected to be valued between $25,385 and $37,820, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma is to arrive in the market on Sept. 10.
