The new Tacoma dwarfed its ancestor. Another day, parking next to an example of the previous-generation Tacoma, in nearly identical Double Cab 4x4 form, was more of the same, although not quite as obvious. Small pickups, including Toyota's, have been growing, but the gentle progression from generation to generation has been replaced by a growth spurt this time. Toyota's mini-truck is no longer mini. But that is not necessarily bad. Pickups, more than any other vehicles, are used for work as well as recreation. And the more stuff you can fit in the bed, and in the cab, the better - for both pursuits. The Tacoma is still smaller than a full-size truck, but not by as much. Call it mid-sized instead of mini. History
Energetic response is a bonus of the Tacoma's V-6 engine when it teams with a five-speed-automatic transmission. This engine snarls during hard acceleration, but not in a distressing way.
Under the hood, all regular and access cab models are available with either four- or six-cylinder engines, while the crew cab models use the V-6 exclusively. A 2.7-liter four-cylinder with 164 horsepower is one option along with a standard five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Or there's the nicely aggressive 4.0-liter V-6 that makes 245 horsepower - in place of the previous 3.4-liter power plant - with a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. That nearly matches the power of the Dodge Dakota's high-output 4.7-liter V-8 for best-in-class power and boosts towing ability to 6,500 pounds - again, one of the best numbers in the compact segment.
The base Tacoma is also a better value proposition. The least expensive 4x2 regular cab in now outfitted with the kind of standard features you would expect, such as anti-lock brakes, a CD stereo and multiple power points.
When equipped with a TRD Sport Package, in particular, a Double Cab Long-Bed Tacoma 4x4 copes well with relatively unpaved roads. The ride is undeniably taut and fairly stiff, though this is no more bothersome than in most small pickups.
With the towing package and big engine, a Tacoma can pull up to 6,500 lbs., which is plenty for most recreational uses. A key choice you have to make with the club-cab version is whether to go with the six-foot-long bed or the five-foot bed. John Ford, my neighbor, went with the longer bed so he could fit his dirt-bike motorcycle in back. The tradeoff is that with the long bed and the club cab, the Tacoma is 221 inches long, making tight turns and parking difficult.
With the heavy-duty, off-road ready suspension that is part of the TRD Off-Road Package, a Tacoma Double Cab unsurprisingly feels like a truck in ride and handling. The unsprung weight of huge tires and a leaf-sprung rear axle sees to that. But it's smoother, more comfortable, and quieter than last year's Tacoma. Control effort is moderate and visibility is good. It's civilized around town and on the highway. When the new Tacoma was introduced to the press, I had the opportunity to drive one on moderately-difficult technical trails at Northern California's Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area. No problem, lots of fun in the dirt, and absolutely no clearance issues.
The Tacoma comes in numerous other permutations. There's the Prerunner version of the two-wheel drive Tacoma with the heavy duty suspension, for instance, as well as a sporty X-Runner with the V6, an extended cab, sport-tuned suspension, and a six-speed manual transmission.