Redesigned 2016 Toyota Tacoma: 8 Key Points to Consider

General Motors’ introduction of the Colorado and Canyon for 2015 has shaken up the compact pickup truck segment, and Toyota has responded with a redesigned Tacoma for 2016. The new Tacoma boasts improvements in performance, technology and cabin design, according to the automotive press, and as a result, the Tacoma remains near the top of our compact truck rankings. We’ve compiled a list of key things to consider about the redesigned 2016 Toyota Tacoma that may be helpful if you’re shopping for a compact pickup truck.

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Pricier than rivals

The 2016 Toyota Tacoma starts at $24,200, including destination fees, which is over $2,300 more than the base price of a 2015 Tacoma. It’s also more expensive than the base price of the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado ($20,995), 2016 GMC Canyon ($21,880) and 2015 Nissan Frontier ($18,875).

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New Engine

While the 2016 Tacoma’s base 159-horsepower 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is a carryover from 2015, the available 3.5-liter V6 engine is all-new for 2016. It packs 278 horsepower, which is 42 more than the 2015 model’s 4.0-liter V6. Test drivers report that the new V6 has plenty of power, but they note it doesn’t feel significantly stronger than the outgoing V6.

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Improved Towing

Properly equipped, the 2016 Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds, which bests the 2015 model’s maximum towing capacity by 300 pounds. However, the Tacoma is still outmatched by the Colorado and Canyon, which can tow up to 7,700 pounds each. The new Tacoma can haul up to 1,620 pounds in its bed, which is competitive with its rivals.

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Deeper Cargo Bed

The Toyota Tacoma is available with a 5- or 6-foot cargo bed. For 2016, the bed is deeper than before, which means you can carry more cargo. Critics also appreciate the damped lockable tailgate and the standard movable tie downs, which help secure items in the bed.

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Enhanced Off-road Prowess

The available 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro model is very capable off-road, test drivers report. For 2016, the Tacoma TRD Pro is available with Crawl Control, which automatically keeps the truck at a low pre-set speed so the driver can focus on navigating difficult off-road obstacles, and the Multi-Terrain Select system, which offers different drive modes optimized for various types of terrain.

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New Technology

For 2016, the Toyota Tacoma is available with blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and rear parking sensors for the first time. A rearview camera and Siri Eyes Free smartphone integration are newly standard. The 2016 Tacoma also comes standard with a USB port and a touch-screen infotainment system, which is unusual for the class.

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Upgraded Cabin

Cabin materials in the 2016 Tacoma are high-quality and soft to the touch, auto writers say, representing an improvement over the hard plastics used in previous models. Some critics note, however, that the Colorado and Canyon have more upscale interiors than the Tacoma.

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Buy or Lease a 2016 Tacoma

You can lease a 2016 Tacoma this month for $219 to $259 per month for 24-36 months with $1,999 to $3,499 due at signing depending on where you live. Toyota isn't offering any nationwide financing or bonus cash incentives on the 2016 Tacoma this December, but be sure to check for local specials at a Toyota dealer near you.

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2016 Toyota Tacoma Best Prices »

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• Read the 2016 Toyota Tacoma Full Review
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• See Compact Pickup Trucks Rankings