If you are shopping the mid-size truck market or adding a 4×4 estimate vehicle to your fleet, or you just like to roll small, the Tacoma is worth a peek.
Despite the fact that we write about the re-introduced Ford Ranger here—a truck that has more features in its front seat than my first F-150 had, period—Tacoma looks cool.
It took reading most of the cNet Road Show article—which reports on “testing” the truck on a three-day off-road trip and in applications 99% of us will never endure—to finally get to actual stats that matter to people who tow things and have snowy and muddy jobsites and commutes.
Seriously, the breakdown of the transmission features (which I do not understand) sounds more like this Jason Mamoa truck than a Tacoma.
From the review …
Models and Engine Types:
Both of these TRD trucks come standard with the Tacoma’s 3.5-liter V6 engine, which is good for 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. A 2.7-liter, four-cylinder engine is the standard option on the lesser SR and SR5 trucks, but with only 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, it’s downright anemic compared to the V6.
Towing:
When properly equipped, the Tacoma can haul 1,600 pounds of payload and tow 6,400 pounds. That’s not bad, considering the bones underneath this truck are seriously old. But if top-notch capability is a must-have for your midsize truck, the Ford Ranger beats the Toyota in both payload and towing, while the Jeep Gladiator just about matches the Taco’s payload and can tow up to 7,650 pounds.
Overall rating:
Regardless of its shortcomings, the Tacoma is still a super-solid midsize truck. It looks great, has a more robust tech roster than ever and these trucks have proven to be hella reliable. There’s also a ton of aftermarket support, should you want to upfit and customize your truck for serious off-road adventures.
