Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/578350
T oyota has always taken their time when it comes to making generational changes to their pickups, the Tacoma being no exception. In fact the last time the company's best selling mid-size pickup saw any significant changes was in 2005 when the "second-generation" Tacoma, which was first introduced in 1995, rolled out with a new powertrain and body design. A decade between vehicle upgrades is a long time when most manufacturers make a rejuvenation cycle every four to five years. So I was excited to drive the 2016 Tacomas and see first-hand how they've evolved from the previous generation. A day of on- and off-road driving the new trucks, all V-6 automatics, brought a lot of satisfaction – along with a few disappointments. Tacomas have found favor over the years among fleet owners of businesses such as landscaping, sur- veying, road building and construction because of the midsize pickup's build quality, fuel economy, off-road prowess and maneuverability. From what I learned driving the the 2016 Tacomas, the new pickups take those attributes to an even higher level. STRONGER, FITTER TACOMA The third-generation Tacoma is stronger than the model it replaces. Toyota's engineering team at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, have used high-strength steel to help enhance rigidity and over- all strength of the frame and incorporated ultra-high- strength steel into the body shell. The resulting driving nuances between the old truck and the new model are noticeable in that you don't feel as much flex in the 2016s driving over harsher, more demanding road surfaces. The new suspension in the TRD 4x4 models, which I spent the majority of my time driving, is also more robust and compliant than the previous generation. Fine-tuning the valving in the Bilstein shocks, add- ing an electronic-locking rear differential, and refining the spring rates (coils front/leafs rear) make on- and EquipmentWorld.com | August 2015 79 pro pickup | by Bruce W. Smith First Drive: 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4x4 Off-Road TRD Sport models come with a prominent hood adorned with a non-functioning hood scoop and limited-slip rear differential. On-road and off, Toyota's newest generation Tacomas bring more power and capability to the mid-size pickup segment