2016 Toyota Tacoma

Toyota Teases 2016 Tacoma
Image Reveals Little, But We’re Excited Any Way

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Toyota released a teaser image of the upcoming 2016 Tacoma pickup, which the company confirmed would be revealed January 12 at the North American International Auto Show. The image depicts some serious mud-slinging, which doesn’t surprise us given Toyota’s reputation for off-road-friendly pickups and SUVs.

As on the current Tundra, the next Tacoma's tailgate will get some contouring and the Tacoma name stamped into the sheetmetal. It’s a cool, technical look, but does anyone else miss the days when the “TOYOTA” script was all the branding we got back there?

Clearly, the company will continue to offer the Tacoma with four-wheel drive, and the upcoming truck may share more with its global stablemate, the Hilux, than it has in the past. That could mean the option of an oil-burning Tacoma to do battle with the Duramax-equipped Colorado/Canyon, but that’s somewhat doubtful. What isn’t doubtful is Toyota will surely be benchmarking the GM twins, given their successful launch and warm reception from critics.

That means the next Tacoma should get a significant efficiency boost, as the current truck gets slightly worse fuel economy in most configurations than the Canyon/Colorado. Additionally, we wouldn’t be surprised to see some big interior revisions. The 2015 Tacoma’s interior isn’t a bad place to spend time, but with its design and material choices, it's obvious that it ultimately dates from 2005.

As predicted, Toyota will be revealing the next-generation Tacoma in Detroit next month. With the surprising competence of the Chevrolet and GMC midsize trucks and Toyota’s excellent reputation in the segment, we think the next Tacoma will prove that smaller trucks are here to stay.

Truck Trend

Is it still going to be butt ass ugly ?

If they pull attributes from the 4Runner, yes.

Here's the next teaser photo for the 'all new' Tacoma set to be revealed in a few weeks at the Detroit International Auto Show. The grille's more trapezoidal now and the headlights are getting a little tighter.





So far I'm liking what I see. Hopefully the powertrains are new or completely overhauled as well. Definitely need a few more gears.

That front shot looks good , I am still not holding breath though .

It has teeth for munching something.

that shot looks pretty darn sweet

we'll see.

I 'm guessing a tundra treatment, new outside, revised inside, same powertrain, less content

From that shot of the front end, it almost looks like Toyota's version of a Ford Taurus.

Just sayin'..

Here's comparing the two front clips - from what we can see so far. The new grill is not a far stretch from the current one.

The '15 Tacoma TRD Pro on top and the '16 Tacoma on the bottom...

Definitely not a drastic change. New sheet metal (or plastic) front and rear. Just a slight evolution of the current design really. Hopefully there's a lot more to come mechanically. New or seriously upgraded powertrains? We'll know in a couple days.

Looks like the rear was graphed from another manufacturer. Bed seems to sit wider than the doors, nor any of the lines from the doors carry to the bed. Standing rumors have it that the powertrain will carryover. Looks to be a MCE of the current truck.

What's with the bed it looks like an old Studebaker truck where they just slapped on the bed without actually sculpting it to the cabs bodylines .

I'm hoping the longer box will look a little better and incorporate the body creases a bit more. This short box basically begins into the fender which is why I assume the creases are only at the rear. Just a guess.

ggbaird wrote:

I'm hoping the longer box will look a little better and incorporate the body creases a bit more. This short box basically begins into the fender which is why I assume the creases are only at the rear. Just a guess.

I hate to say it but the more I look at it the more it looks like shit , the bed just looks hacked on there , I know its a small thing but it does not look good .

I have a feeling that it will look better in a single cab configuration. There are no room for body lines with that short, stubby little bed..

Also, what is it with that chin-beard of a bumper sticking out there?!

Good thing they didn't show it for 97% of the commercial, that might have hurt.  The front clip proportions to the wheels do make it look slightly odd. Odd like a Mini Cooper with six inches tacked onto the fascia.

Compared to the 4-Runner, Tundra, and numerous Lexus vehicles with their spindle grilles, it's actually not too bad. It certainly could have looked far uglier based on those other Toyota designs..

Apart from the mismatched joint between the cab and box, it's not too bad at all. I bet the extended cab with the longer box will look much better.

There's a Lexus SUV the one based off the 4Runner that has a 3 foot tall spindle/waterfall grill that looks rather undesirable.

To confirm my suspicions, the longer bed looks more like it was made for the truck...


2016 Toyota Tacoma

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PRESS RELEASE

DOMINATE DIRT...OR ROCKS...OR PAVEMENT IN THE ALL-NEW 2016 TOYOTA TACOMA

- Toyota Tacoma Rebuilt Inside and Out
- New Engine, Transmissions and Suspension Tuning
- Legendary TRD Off-road Toughness
- Best-selling Mid-Size Pickup for 10 Straight Years
- Designed, Engineered and Assembled in North America

DETROIT, January 12, 2015 - - Whatever the terrain, Tacoma is king of the hill. Rebuilt inside and out with an all-new powertrain and enhanced suspension tuning, America's best­selling mid-size pickup for ten years running is Lord of the Rigs for dirt stomping adventurers. With a legacy of off-road victories and over seven million units sold since 1964, Toyota revitalizes the midsize truck segment with the introduction of the all-new 2016 Tacoma.

"For the past 50 years adventure-seeking Americans have relied on Toyota trucks to take them places, on and off-road," said Bill Fay, group vice president & general manager, Toyota Division. "The all-new homegrown Tacoma is a tough truck designed, developed and built for lifestyles of the young and young-at-heart."

Built from the Ground Up
The new 2016 Tacoma was primarily developed by the Toyota engineering team at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. Starting with the frame, they added high strength steel to enhance rigidity and overall strength. Ultra-high strength steel was integrated into the body shell using a new hot stamping process that reduces weight.

To create a truck to meet the needs of active drivers on a variety of tamed and untamed surfaces, the suspension was fine-tuned to help deliver a smoother on-road ride, while making it even more capable off-road.

Get Your Motor Running
The new Tacoma will be powered by a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and an all-new, segment-first 3.5-liter Atkinson cycle V6 equipped with Toyota's D-4S technology, featuring both direct and port fuel injection.

Both engines will be paired to a new six-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift delivering quick and easy shifting. The V6 can also be mated to a new six-speed manual transmission.
The new powertrain makes the Tacoma more powerful and fuel efficient than ever before.

Doing It With Style Inside and Out
Serious, yet fun! This is the Toyota truck design DNA. The Tacoma and Tundra are amazingly capable trucks that are designed to reflect their capability. The Tacoma shares big brother Tundra's more chiseled face, with a hex grille. From there, Tacoma expresses its own identity.

Inspired by desert racing, CALTY designers in Newport Beach, Calif. and Ann Arbor, Mich. made the new Tacoma all about recreational action and athletic agility. To achieve this, the new Tacoma's wheel flares are strong and muscular for greater wheel travel and the high-lift image reflects its purposeful capability. Four new wheel designs range from 16 to 18 inches.

The front end portrays an aggressive attitude with its bold upper grille and a taller, more muscular hood. Mounted high above the clamp-shaped bumper sits slim, high technology headlights that feature projection beam lamps with available LED Daytime Running Lights.

From behind, the new locking tailgate emphasizes Tacoma's wide stance and tough image. The tailgate features an integrated spoiler for improved aerodynamics and a stamped Tacoma logo. The tailgate also adds an easy lowering feature, which allows it to slowly retract, preventing it from slamming down. For the first time ever, Tacoma is available with a tri-fold hard tonneau cover for securing gear when you're away from the truck.

Tacoma's tough exterior is complemented by an interior that conveys a sport truck image reflecting an athletic, go anywhere, off-road feel. Once inside, drivers will notice a "handlebar" design theme in the instrument panel for a more driver-focused experience. Soft-wrapped trim and metallic accents set the stage for a high-quality look and feel that is a starting point for an array of available premium features, including:
- Qi wireless charging
- Smart key with push-button start
- Leather-trimmed seats
- Power moonroof
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Enhanced touchscreen audio
- Blind-spot monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- And much more

In addition to offering more premium features, Toyota engineers also made the new Tacoma quieter than ever. To accomplish this, all seals were enhanced and a multi-layer acoustic windshield and sound-absorbing headliner were added. Finally, a floor silencer pad further reduces road noise.

Making the Grades
The new Tacoma will be available in five grades in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations. Each grade will have its own personality and unique look. Tacoma grades include:
- Work-ready SR
- Iconic SR5
- Athletic TRD Sport
- Tough-as-nails TRD Off-Road
- Top of the line Limited

The two TRD grades are inspired by Toyota Racing Development's more than 35-year history in desert off-road racing and a heritage of vehicles that have helped off-road enthusiasts conquer the toughest terrains in the most remote locations around the globe. Tacoma buyers will now have the opportunity to capture their global adventures on video as every Tacoma will come standard with a GoPro® mount located near the rear-view mirror.

Traveling Off the Beaten Path
Tacoma off-roading adventures will reach new levels of fun in the TRD Off-Road grade thanks to the addition of incredible technology. A Multi-Terrain Select system allows the driver to choose between different types of terrain such as loose rock, or mud and sand. Each input regulates wheel spin by adjusting throttle and brake pressure to provide maximum traction on almost any terrain.

Additional off-road technology includes Automatic Limited Slip and Locking Rear Differential, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), Clutch Start Cancel (manual transmission only), Active Traction Control, and Crawl Control. Engaging Crawl Control allows the driver to select a speed of 1-5 mph. The Crawl Control system takes over the acceleration and braking, allowing the driver to focus solely on steering.

All Tacoma's will continue to come standard with the Star Safety System.

That looks way better than the blue pic .

Yeah, it does.

The paint, whatever it is called, looks like a glossy version of the now popular gun color, Flat Dark Earth (FDE). Or as some people call it, Baby Poop Brown..

I had to go look it up. The tan color above is called Quicksand. The photo on Toyota's website where one of them is covered in drying mud, helps the looks of the truck quite a bit.

A couple of answers...

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Fans of diesel trucks hoping that the 2016 Toyota Tacoma might finally be the year one comes are going to be disappointed yet again. This week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit Toyota’s Chief engineer for the Tacoma and Tundra explained in plain English why the company does not plan to offer a Tacoma diesel.

No Diesel 2016 Tacoma
At NIAS Automobile’s Mark Nordeloos did the interview that made it all crystal clear. Interviewing Toyota’s Mark Sweers, he asked, “What is Toyota’s stance on diesel engines for the U.S. pickup truck market?” Rather than dodge the question or leave it vague so that Tacoma owners can continue to pine away for a diesel, Sweers said “The difficulty with the diesel is LEV III [emissions standards]. The difficulty is the cost-to-benefit relationship. Everybody loves diesel in trucks. The downside is the after-treatment systems can add $3,000 or more. It starts becoming cost prohibitive, especially in this segment, to pay a premium for both the engine and after-treatment system. That’s the struggle we have. We build a lot of diesel trucks, just not in this country. If I develop a diesel system for our country and I spend a huge amount of money to do that, I won’t see a return on the investment. That’s what we’ve struggled with.”

2016 Toyota Tacoma is All-New
Sweers and Nordeloos discussed the diesel topic a bit further, and we encourage our readers to click over and read this great interview. Other great questions include a contrast and comparison overview of the differences between the Tacoma and Hilux. Our favorite part of the interview is at the beginning where Sweers explains just how new this Tacoma is. Many other outlets incorrectly assume that because it looks similar to the outgoing 2015 it is not a full update. As Sweers puts it the only common part shared between the two generations are “Maybe a seatbelt bracket.”

Torque News

It under whelms me. Just like the new F150, they both are decent looking until the front clip. Then someone decided they needed to tack on 2 feet of ugly snout hanging off the front. That and the cloth seats in the Tacoma came straight out of 1985. McFly trim package.

ggbaird wrote:

A couple of answers...

Quote :

Fans of diesel trucks hoping that the 2016 Toyota Tacoma might finally be the year one comes are going to be disappointed yet again. This week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit Toyota’s Chief engineer for the Tacoma and Tundra explained in plain English why the company does not plan to offer a Tacoma diesel.

No Diesel 2016 Tacoma
At NIAS Automobile’s Mark Nordeloos did the interview that made it all crystal clear. Interviewing Toyota’s Mark Sweers, he asked, “What is Toyota’s stance on diesel engines for the U.S. pickup truck market?” Rather than dodge the question or leave it vague so that Tacoma owners can continue to pine away for a diesel, Sweers said “The difficulty with the diesel is LEV III [emissions standards]. The difficulty is the cost-to-benefit relationship. Everybody loves diesel in trucks. The downside is the after-treatment systems can add $3,000 or more. It starts becoming cost prohibitive, especially in this segment, to pay a premium for both the engine and after-treatment system. That’s the struggle we have. We build a lot of diesel trucks, just not in this country. If I develop a diesel system for our country and I spend a huge amount of money to do that, I won’t see a return on the investment. That’s what we’ve struggled with.”

2016 Toyota Tacoma is All-New

Sweers and Nordeloos discussed the diesel topic a bit further, and we encourage our readers to click over and read this great interview. Other great questions include a contrast and comparison overview of the differences between the Tacoma and Hilux. Our favorite part of the interview is at the beginning where Sweers explains just how new this Tacoma is. Many other outlets incorrectly assume that because it looks similar to the outgoing 2015 it is not a full update. As Sweers puts it the only common part shared between the two generations are “Maybe a seatbelt bracket.”

Torque News

That's interesting as the cab exterior looks like an exact carry over.  Like the greenhouse keep current dimension and the bed and front clip grew vertically and longitudinally.  What was once a tidy package has now gotten bit by the girth monster.  It seems they're trying deliberately to move it into the GM size territory even though they were the market leader.  Maybe GM is that much of a threat in the space.