Performance meets reliability in Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is one of the most popular vehicles in Canada as individuals with active lifestyles and a penchant for the outdoors embrace Toyota’s venerable rig for its rugged construction, proven reliability, and go- anywhere design.
In fact, the Tacoma is Canada’s top- selling compact pickup truck. There are eight models available, offering consumers a choice of drivetrains, transmissions, cab and bed sizes. In total there are 23 possible configurations so it is pretty easy to find the perfect truck to suit the needs, tastes and budget of those consumers looking for a pickup truck.
Base model offerings are fitted with a 2.7- litre four- cylinder engine and a 5- speed manual transmission can be had for as low as $ 23,735, but most Canadian buyers tend to order their trucks with Toyota’s venerable 4.0- litre V6 engine and the 5- speed automatic gearbox.
The 4-cylinder produces 159- horsepower and 180 footpounds of torque, while the V6 delivers 236- horsepower and 266 foot- pounds of torque.
There are two cab designs available for model year 2015. The smaller Access Cab features seating for four, while the four- door Double Cab offers a fifth position and is the obvious choice for individuals who tend to carry passengers on a regular basis.
In an effort to improve on fuel efficiency, both of the engines feature Variable Valve Timing with intelligence, Sequential Multiport Electronic Fuel Injection, Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence, and other innovative systems to maximize power and efficiency under all load conditions.
Toyota’s engineering team has also equipped the trucks with heavy- duty batteries, starters, alternators and heaters and a stainless steel exhaust system to ensure that the Tacoma will be able to handle the often severe weather conditions we encounter here in Canada.
The Tacoma has an aggressive look, but it isn’t a bully and will not beat you up. It has just enough visual toughness to catch the eye and appeal to those buyers looking for a little attitude in their truck.
The Tacoma Double Cab 4X4 test vehicle proved to be an agile handler as the truck’s suspension system delivers a comfortable ride on the highway as well as the stability and durability needed to tackle off- road driving. The driver will feel confident in this truck’s ability in all but the most severe off- road environments, as the beefy independent double wishbone front suspension features gas shock absorbers, coil springs and a heavy stabilizer bar. Steering is well weighted, and the truck goes where directed without drama. The rear suspension is a leaf spring design, also with heavy- duty gas shocks, and it also tracked true albeit with a little wheel hop when it encountered larger bumps at speed.
The truck’s on- demand 4WD has an automatic limited slip/ automatic disconnecting rear differential, two- speed transfer case, and onetouch 4WD control. With the twist of a simple dash- mounted dial, the driver can switch from rear- wheeldrive to four- wheel- drive in short order, and even on the fly.
Acceleration is very linear and the engine will generate quite a bit of noise when pushed hard, but the truck never felt sluggish or underpowered during my time behind the wheel.
Climbing up into the Tacoma Double Cab 4X4 can be a challenge for individuals with shorter legs, but once planted in the seat it is immediately evident that the tall seating position gives passengers a commanding view of their surroundings.
Up front there is more than enough head and legroom for individuals well over six- foot tall, but I did find a lack of legroom in the rear seating area for my long limbs when the front seats were slid back to the rearmost position of the seat rails.
Seats in our test unit were covered in a durable fabric that seemed to repel water and will apparently resist staining. It also came fitted with heavy rubber mats to help contain the dirt, water and debris that will no doubt track in on your boots whenever you saddle up in the Tacoma.
The dash layout is decidedly simple, with surprisingly few switches and controls. However, those that are present fall readily to both hand and eye and quickly become intuitive to use.
Toyota equips each Tacoma model with an extensive list of standard comfort and convenience features including a six- speaker audio system with 6.1- inch high definition display, integrated Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, and auxiliary audio and USB inputs. Power door locks and windows, a tilting/ telescoping steering column and air conditioning are also on the menu.
Our test vehicle also featured a sliding rear window, rear privacy glass, steering wheel- mounted audio controls, keyless entry, cruise control, and power adjustable exterior mirrors. Cabin enhancements included rear seat heater ducts, a driver’s seat lumbar support, front passenger seat folddown seatback, and a 60/ 40 split fold- down rear seat with under seat compartment.
Trucks are designed to haul cargo, so the Tacoma’s box is fitted with a durable double- walled composite bed liner complete with an integrated rail system for tiedown cleats, twin storage bins, and a 12- volt accessory outlet. The flip down tailgate is removable, and a rear step bumper helps provide easy access when loading or unloading cargo. The Tacoma Double Cab automatic features a six- foot bed, while manual models come with a five- foot bed.
Toyota offers a variety of options packages and accessories to allow customers to outfit their Tacoma to best meet the individual needs of the driver, and given the many uses a truck like the Tacoma can be called upon to perform, it is easy to see why it has proven to be such a hit in the Canadian marketplace.