Onroad or off, Toyota’s Tacoma pickup still in the lead
Feel free to raise your hand if you understand the technical differences between a regular gasoline-powered engine and the Atkinson cycle engine that’s become a fixture in the Toyota Prius family.
Hmm. Don’t see too many hands in the air out there this morning.
The Atkinson cycle is of interest because that technology is used in today’s test vehicle, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma midsize pickup. Specifically, it’s in the 3.5-liter V-6 that’s the larger of the two new engines for the redesigned truck.
You won’t find much of a technical explanation of the new engine here other than that it’s a half-liter smaller than the engine it replaces even though it produces 42 more horsepower (up to 278). Also, in the Atkinson cycle, the intake valve stays open longer—into the start of the compression stroke—to increase combustion efficiency.
We got to drive the V-6 on two occasions, first at an off-road course tucked behind the Infinity Center in Mansfield, and again for a week of on-road driving (and traffic) over Thanksgiving.
While we’re approaching the season for the Flexible Flyer (that’s the old-timey steel-runner children’s sled for the young in today’s audience), the new Tacoma sort of fits that description, too. The design team stopped short of fully boxing the Tacoma’s frame in order to help it flex in extreme off-road situations.
For a truck that’s going to spend almost all its time on paved roads, the Tacoma did a great job in the mud, sand, rocks, climbing and descending steep hills, and chugging over logs. The four-wheel-drive uses an electronically switchable transfer case and limited slip differential. TRD Off-Road models, such as the one we tested, additionally have their suspensions tuned for off-road conditions, plus a multi-terrain selection, and a Crawl Control system that allows the driver to select a speed of one to five miles per hour. When that’s engaged, the truck takes over acceleration and braking, leaving the driver to concentrate solely on steering.
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Toyota Tacoma and other vehicles with great resale value:
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During this off-road driving, there were a lot of strange noises emanating as the body and frame flexed; however, put the Tacoma back on the highway and that noise quiets right down.
That’s when another unfamiliar noise kicks in, the exhaust note. The Atkinson Cycle engine neither thunders nor is silent. The engine feels strong and is instantly responsive, but it sounds … well, funny, more like an old compact being pushed.
We quickly noticed the engine seemed to relax once it hit highway cruising speed and the onboard fuel economy tracker would inch up into the low 20s. We wound up averaging 21.3 mpg while hitting some Thanksgiving getaway traffic and also some long stretches of good highway driving.
The TRD Off-Road, the fourth in the five-step model hierarchy, is exceeded only by the loaded Limited edition. Ours was a double-cab 4×4 with an MSRP of $34,630 (including destination) and a bottom line of $37,610 after a $2,330 premium/technology package and $650 tow package were added in. With the tow package, the Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds, a 300-pound increase over its predecessor.
One feature it didn’t have was the impressive triple-folding hard tonneau bed cover that Toyota is offering as a $650 factory option. It’s one I’d recommend.
The lineup starts with a base SR 4×2 access cab at $24,200. It can be had as a work truck with a rear-seat delete for more inside storage for tools and gear.
All told, there are 29 available configurations with two cab types (access and double), in five model grades (SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited). Each is available in both 4×2 and 4×4.
INSIDE STORY: The high-quality truck cabin has an effective layout and horizontal look with body-colored trim.
If you’ve been watching TV of late, you’ve probably seen Toyota’s ad blitz for the Tacoma, the spots emphasizing its desert-racing heritage. To celebrate that, all new Tacomas come with a standard GoPro camera mount to encourage owners to capture their experiences either on- or off-road.
We found the truck quite civilized on the highway with lots of driver-coddling technology from the optional premium/tech package such as blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert, enhanced touch screen audio, heated seats, and dual-zone climate control.
Up front, the Tacoma’s grille and muscular hood are styling cues shared with the larger Tundra pickup. There are slim projector-beam headlights and available LED running lights.
A backup camera is standard.
We were able to fold the rear seats and use the space to pack a heavy amount of luggage, computer bags, camera bag, food bags, and assorted things for a five-day holiday trip.
It’s a well-done vehicle as Toyota looks to extend its run as the best-selling midsize pickup for 10 years running in the face of new competition from GM’s Colorado and Canyon entries and a new Honda Ridgeline also coming down the product pipeline.
Toyota has sold more than 7 million Tacomas (in both compact and midsize versions) since 1964. This one will only increase those numbers.
2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Double Cab 4×4
THE BASICS
Price, base/as tested (with destination): $34,630/$37,610. Fuel economy, EPA estimated: 18 city, 23 highway, 20 combined. Fuel economy, Globe observed: 21.3. Drivetrain: 3.5-liter Atkinson Cycle V-6, 6-speed automatic transmission, 4-wheel-drive. Body: 5-passenger, double cab midsize pickup truck.
THE SPECIFICS
Horsepower: 278. Torque: 265 lb.-ft. Overall length: 212.3 in. Wheelbase: 127.4 in. Height: 70.6 in. Width: 74.4 in. Curb weight: 4,445 lbs.
THE GOOD
Wide model lineup, Toyota quality, well thought-out interior, great residual values, off-road capability.
THE BAD
Can get pricey, wait-and-see on Atkinson cycle engine.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The leader of the pack just took a big leap ahead.
ALSO CONSIDER
Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, Nissan Frontier.
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