5 Things Families Need to Know About the 2016 Toyota Tacoma

Built to be king of the hill, the all-new 2016 Toyota Tacoma made its debut last week at the North American International Auto Show. With competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado touting their family-friendliess in the midsize truck market, here’s what you need to know about the all-new Tacoma:
1.) It has get up and go. This truck isn’t just forgoing slow up the mountainside’s topsy turvy dirt path. The new Tacoma will be powered by a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and an all-new, segment-first 3.5-liter Atkinson cycle V6 equipped with Toyota’s D-4S technology, featuring both direct and port fuel injection.
Both engines will be paired to a new six-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift delivering quick and easy shifting. The V6 can also be mated to a new six-speed manual transmission. The new powertrain makes the Tacoma more powerful and fuel efficient than ever before.
2.) There’s a style for everyone. The new Tacoma will be available in five grades in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations. Each grade will have its own personality and unique look. Tacoma grades include:
- Work-ready SR
- Iconic SR5
- Athletic TRD Sport
- Tough-as-nails TRD Off-Road
- Top of the line Limited
3.) It looks sporty. The Tacoma shares big brother Tundra’s more chiseled face, with a hex grille while falling in line design-wise more with the 2017 Ford Raptor than the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. Toyota’s press materials draw notice to the Tacoma’s, “wheel flares are strong and muscular,” and “front end [that] portrays an aggressive attitude with its bold upper grille and a taller, more muscular hood.”
4.) Just because it’s a truck, it doesn’t lack many of the features families consider necessities. Soft-wrapped trim and metallic accents set the stage for a high-quality look and feel that is a starting point for an array of available premium features, including:
- Qi wireless charging
- Smart key with push-button start
- Leather-trimmed seats
- Power moonroof
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Enhanced touchscreen audio
5.) On and off road technology will keep you safe and secure. Among the new Tacoma’s features are:
- All Tacoma’s will continue to come standard with the Star Safety System.
- Blind-spot monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Automatic Limited Slip and Locking Rear Differential
- Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
- Clutch Start Cancel (manual transmission only)
- Active Traction Control
- Crawl Control
- Tacoma buyers will now have the opportunity to capture their global adventures on video as every Tacoma will come standard with a GoPro® mount located near the rear-view mirror.
The all-new 2016 Toyota Tacoma is scheduled to go on sale later this year.
Nice article!! There was a lot of great truck action going on at the Detroit Auto Show!