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2016 Toyota Tacoma review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Toyota Tacoma highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Very capable off-road
  • Available V6 engine
  • Composite truck bed with clever cargo management features
  • V6 engine offers an optional six-speed manual transmission

Cons

  • Driving position is unconventional and not ideal for tall drivers
  • Tall step-up height despite compact dimensions
  • Economy-focused transmission makes the V6 feel sluggish

Mileage (EPA estimate)

17 city, 20 highway, 18 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

All Toyota Tacoma years

What is new for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma?

  • The Tacoma is available in a variety of new trims, including the Limited, SR, SR5, TRD Off Road, and TRD Sport.
  • The Base, Prerunner, and TRD Pro trims have been discontinued for 2016.
  • Tacoma trims have been upgraded with Smart Key, Leatherette Seats, Blind Spot Monitor, Front Seat Heaters, Leather Seats, Parking Sensors, Sunroof(s), and JBL Sound System as standard equipment this year.

5 reasons to buy the 2016 Toyota Tacoma

1. Off-road capability

The 2016 Toyota Tacoma is a capable pickup truck perfectly suited for off-road driving. The TRD trim, in particular, is equipped with various features that are there to help you conquer all kinds of tough terrains and conditions. For starters, it comes with Toyota's Crawl Control system that automatically sets a speed between 1 and 5 mph so that you can focus all your attention on steering, in addition to adding extra torque for improved traction. Furthermore, if you opt for the manual transmission variant, you will be able to use the feature that allows you to start the vehicle without releasing the clutch so that there is no rollback when going uphill.

2. Potent engine options

The 2016 Toyota Tacoma is offered with two engine options. A 159-hp, 2.7L four-cylinder is standard, and a more powerful, 3.5L direct-injection V6 generating 278 hp is available as an option. You can pair both engine options with a six-speed automatic transmission, whereas the 2.7L can also be found with a five-speed manual and the 3.5L with a six-speed manual transmission. Composed handling and a smooth ride are something you can look forward to no matter which powertrain you opt for, along with decent acceleration and great maneuverability. The V6 variant goes from zero to 60 mph in 7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 113 mph according to the manufacturer, when new.

3. Body style choices

The 2016 Toyota Tacoma is offered in two cab styles: Double Cab and Access Cab. The crew-style Double Cab model has a full-size back seat with room for five, whereas the Access Cab comes with fold-out seats in the back, but they don't offer a lot of head or legroom and are mostly suitable for short trips only. Both versions can be fitted with either a five-foot or a six-foot bed. The maximum payload capacity is up to an estimated 1,620 lbs, depending on body style and powertrain options.

4. Great towing capacity

Towing capacity is obviously among the most important aspects of owning a pickup truck. The 2016 Toyota Tacoma fares well in this department, being able to tow up to an estimated 6,800 lbs with the 3.5L V6 engine when properly equipped.

With this kind of power, you can easily tow a pair of ATVs or motorcycles, a fishing boat, or a midsize trailer, among other objects you might need to use for recreation or work.

5. Standard convenience features

In order to deliver the best possible riding experience for all passengers, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma comes equipped with numerous tech features. An infotainment system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen is standard, as is a USB port and Bluetooth® connectivity. Voice recognition and Siri Eyes Free support are also standard equipment.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2016 Toyota Tacoma is a reliable and affordable truck that is customizable and can go anywhere. Customers like the quality of the truck.
4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Toyota Tacoma an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Toyota Tacoma 1st out of 8 among Midsize Trucks.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Toyota Tacoma

Toyota Tacoma features and specs

TRD Sport 2WD 4D Crew Cab

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Entune
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Bed Cover
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Full Roof Rack
  • JBL Sound System
  • Parking Sensors
  • Running Boards
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.5L

Horsepower

278

Torque (ft-lbs)

265

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

21.1

Wheelbase

127.4"

Overall length

212.3"

Width

75.2"

Height

70.6"

Leg room

F 42.9"/R 32.6"

Head room

F 39.7"/R 38.3"

Front tires

P265/65SR17

Rear tires

P265/65SR17

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

350/3500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2016 Toyota Tacoma FAQ

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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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