2017 Toyota Tacoma

New for 2016, the big news for the 2017 Toyota Tacoma is the reintroduction of the TRD Pro trim, adding a specialized off-road suspension including Fox internal bypass shocks, special 16-inch TRD black alloy wheels, a TRD Pro front skid plate, and Rigid Industries LED fog lights, and of course, generous TRD Pro badging throughout. The TRD Pro model is available in Cement (Gray), Barcelona Red Metallic, and Super White. Optional on the SR5 and TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road and Limited models is a new power sliding rear window on Double Cab (four-door) models. SR5 models get a new appearance package, standard on V-6 models and optional on four-cylinder models. The package includes color-matched overfenders and new 16-inch alloy wheels, and optional mudguards.

Vehicle Summary

The 2017 Toyota Tacoma is the brand's best-selling model, a midsize truck that sits below the full-size Tundra, offered in rear- or four-wheel-drive configurations, two cab styles, and two bed lengths.

Overview

The two engines offered on the 2017 Toyota Tacoma carry over from 2016, when the truck was a brand-new model. A 2.7-liter I-4 rated at 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque carried over from the previous-generation Tacoma largely unchanged. A 3.5-liter V-6 with 278 hp and 265 lb-ft was new for the 2016 model year, replacing the 4.0-liter V-6. Both engines can be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, but a six-speed manual is available only with the V-6. The base four-cylinder is offered standard with a five-speed manual transmission. Properly equipped, the Tacoma with the V-6 Tow Package is capable of towing up to 6,800 pounds, slightly less than the class-leading Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, which are rated at up to 7,000 pounds with the V-6 and up to 7,700 pounds with the optional diesel.

Safety

As with all new cars and trucks, the 2017 Toyota Tacoma comes with dual front- front-side and side curtain airbags, as well as knee airbags for the driver and front passengers. Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert is optional. The 2017 Tacoma received a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with a five star rating for the side crash test, and four stars for rollover. The 2017 model has not yet been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, however, the 2016 model received the top score of Good on the moderate front overlap and side impact tests.

What We Think

In a First Test of the 2016 model, we noted that the Tacoma continues to have excellent steering feel with quick self-centering, with noteworthy improvements in interior refinement, a quieter cabin, and better build quality. However, editors noted the brake pedal felt overly sensitive with too aggressive initial "bite." Off-road ride quality in the lower trim levels like the SR5 isn't as smooth as the more off-road optimized higher trim levels, and can get bouncy on rough surfaces. Not unexpectedly, TRD models exhibited more tire noise on pavement compared to the SR5, with the tradeoff being superior off-road performance. The 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic are a big step forward in fuel economy and refinement compared to the 4.0-liter V-6 it replaces.

Cool Fact

Tacomas are built at two factories in San Antonio, Texas, and another in Baja California, Mexico.

Key Competitors

• Chevrolet Colorado
• GMC Canyon
• Nissan Frontier
• Honda Ridgeline