Compact pickup truck lovers, rejoice! The Taco may be sitting on the counter since 2005, but it didn't get stale. The 2016 Toyota Tacoma is a bit of a steal at $22,300 for the entry-level yet nicely equipped SR model. Should the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado and extremely similar GMC Canyon be afraid? Damn right they should be, especially as a work truck.
$23,300 buys you the 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR in access-cab 2WD specification, animated by a familiar 2.7-liter four-cylinder motor. Churning out 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft (244 Nm) of torque, the four-banger is good for a claimed 21 mpg (11.2 l/100 kilometers) combined. 19 mpg (12.3 l/100 km) city and 23 mpg (10.2 l/100 km) highway isn't shabby at all.
Losing 1 mpg highway is the product of added heft, almost 300 pounds (136 kilograms) of heft to be more precise. Borrowing styling cues from the 4Runner, the SR model in 4x4 guise and with a five-speed manual goes for $24,825. That's pretty good value compared to the rather too-expensive $37,820 V6 Limited auto.
Highlights of the 2016 Toyota Tacoma include the all-new V6 engine, an Atkinson cycle motor with VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligent Wider Intake) technology. Featuring direct and port fuel injection, this mill is good for 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft (359 Nm). The six-speed automatic with electronic shift is also new. Buyers of the V6 Taco are also offered with the possibility of pairing the engine with a six-speed stick shift. With the Tow Package, the mid-size pickup truck can tow up to 6,800 lbs (3,084 kilograms).
Look beyond the hex grille, available LED daytime running lights, and the tough-as-nails TRD Off-Road. Most buyers want an honest to God work-ready SR or a slightly more posh SR5. A 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with USB and iPod connectivity, hands-free phone capability, Siri Eyes Free, and a rearview backup camera are standard and, in our humble opinion, all there is to a truck ready to tackle the hardships of the construction site. More info on the 2016 Toyota Tacoma is available in the release below.
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. Full profile
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