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1986 Toyota Pickup vs. 2016 Toyota Tacoma Infographic: Trucks Haven’t Changed Too Much

Here at autoevolution, we genuinely like the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. It’s probably the best compact off-road truck since the good ole Chevrolet S-10 ZR2, but how much did the Taco change since the heartland rock-laden 1980s?
2016 Toyota Tacoma vs 1986 Toyota Pickup Infographic 2 photos
Photo: Olathe Toyota Parts Center and Spork Marketing
Olathe Toyota Parts Center and Spork Marketing were wondering the same thing. They decided to clear that out by producing an interesting infographic, comparing the 1986 Toyota Pickup to the 2016 Toyota Tacoma. It may come as a huge surprise to many, but there’s not much to differentiate these two workhorses on paper.

One could argue that 30 model years are enough to push the envelopes of what a compact truck can do, but that’s not the case. There are obvious (and quite dramatic) differences in terms of engine output, the available transmissions and four-wheel drive system, but both models are capable to tow 3,500 pounds. In terms of payload rating, only 200 lbs favor the Taco.

Adjusted for inflation, the 1986 Toyota Pickup SR5 4x4 Access Cab is $20,491 in today’s money. That’s almost $4,500 less expensive than the Tacoma SR5 4x4 Access Cab. On the other hand, the Taco holds serious advantages in terms of crash test rating, fuel economy and ease of operation. Compared to the manual front hubs and shift-on-the-fly 4x4 HI front axle disconnect feature of yesteryear, the Tacoma’s 4x4 system is electronically controlled.

In our opinion, the most interesting aspect of the 1986 Toyota Pickup SR5 4x4 Access Cab vs. 2016 Toyota Tacoma infographic is weight. Safety features, bundles of digital nannies and more modern mumbo-jumbo got the compact pickup truck fatter and fatter. We’re talking about 2,800 pounds (1,270 kg) versus 4,000 pounds (1,814 kg). Then again, it’s almost impossible to put a price on fuel economy, safety, and comfort.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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