It’s a mid-size truck. Will it fit your family? Is it practical for everyday use? We sifted through all the information Toyota has released about 2016 Tacoma to get you answers.

Toyota touts a new “high strength steel to help enhance rigidity and overall strength” for the 2016 model. This means that the vehicle should be safer for families but, since trucks aren’t crash tested and rated like coupes, sedans, crossovers and vans, there’s no official word on this. We asked Toyota for comment and came up empty handed.

EPA-estimated fuel economy is up slightly from the 2015 model. EPA estimated city/highway/combined mpg for the 4×2 with an automatic transmission is 19/23/21. Estimated fuel efficiency for the 4×4 with a manual transmission is 19/21/20 and 19/22/20 for the automatic.

When equipped with the V6 Tow Package, the new Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 lbs., 300 lbs. more than its predecessor. That’s more than enough capacity to tow a fishing boat like the Ranger Fisherman 620FS or a pop-up camper like the 2016 Palomino Basecamp 10B Folding Pop-Up Camper.

It looks like its brother. If you put the 2016 Toyota Tundra next to the new Tacoma, you can tell they’re brothers. One big, one smaller, both ready to take care of business. The Tacoma’s new aggressive hood and more muscular overall look brings it in line with it’s cousin the 4Runner as well.

The family DNA extends to the interior. One look at the Tundra’s interior and you’ll instantly know where the Tacoma designers got their inspiration from. Strong, simple dials and buttons are easily found on the center stack while typical Toyota touches like round air vents and a HVAC control screen families will recognize as being similar to the 2014 Highlander.

It can handle the rough and tough but it’s interior is driver and rider friendly. Though definitely a driver-centric experience, drivers and riders will find soft-wrapped trim throughout the truck. In an effort to make the new version of the Tacoma quieter than previous models, all seals were enhanced, a multi-layer acoustic windshield and sound-absorbing headliner were added, and a floor silencer pad installed to reduce road noise.

This truck has typical Toyota technology too. Modern technical equipment typical of the offerings across the Toyota line include:

• Qi wireless charging
• Smart key with push-button start
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Enhanced touchscreen audio
• Blind-spot monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• All Tacoma SR grades come standard with the base Entune Audio system. The system features the Entune Multimedia Bundle, which includes:
  • 6.1-inch touch-screen display
  • AM/FM CD player
  • six speakers
  • auxiliary audio jack
  • USB 2.0 port with iPod® connectivity and control
  • advanced voice recognition
  • hands-free phone capability
  • phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology
  • Siri® Eyes Free
  • Integrated backup camera display
• Tacoma SR5 models will come standard with Entune Audio Plus, which adds a  6.1-inch high-resolution touch screen display, Connected Navigation Scout GPS Link App, SiriusXM All-Access Radio (includes 3-month complimentary trial), HD Traffic and Weather (in major metro areas).

There’s room for your family to sit and get work done. Double Cab models of the Tacoma feature 60/40 split rear seats with adjustable headrests, fold-up rear seats and under-seat storage. That means you can haul your family and a load at the same time.

You have options. The new Tacoma will be available in 29 configurations in two cab types, the extended Access Cab and four-door Double Cab. Each cab will be available in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations. The 2016 Tacoma will also be available in five model grades, each with its own personality and unique look- SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road and Limited.

The bed can take your load and haul it too. The Access Cab models ride on a 127.8-inch wheelbase and have a 73.7-inch-long bed. The Double Cab is offered in two versions: the 127.4-inch wheelbase with a 60.5-inch bed or 141.0-inch wheelbase with the 73.7-inch bed. Both bed styles are made from a sheet-milder composite deck and walls that are 10-percent lighter than steel. The deck comes with two-tier loading, four standard adjustable tie-down cleats and a rail system compatible with Genuine Toyota Accessories.

Thinking about buying one? The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2016 Tacoma 4×2 will range from $23,300 for the SR Access Cab with a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission to $34,745 for the Double Cab Limited 3.5-liter V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The MSRP for the 2016 Tacoma 4×4 will range from $24,825 for the SR 4-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission to $37,820 for the V6 Limited with the six-speed automatic.

The MSRP for the Tacoma does not include the delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $900.

image courtesy of Toyota