C/D: 2016 Toyota Tacoma

[kevm14]

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/201 ... ive-review

As before, the Tacoma rides on either a 127.4- or 140.6-inch wheelbase depending on whether the particular truck is an extended Access Cab or crew-style Double Cab fitted with a choice of five- (60.5 inches) or six-foot (73.7-inch) beds. Toyota describes the Tacoma as mid-size, and that does distinguish it from the much smaller Toyota trucks from which it has evolved. But at 225.5 inches long overall, the longest 2016 Tacoma is actually only 3.4 inches shorter than the Toyota Tundra CrewMax we tested for a comparo earlier this year.

Jesus that's as long as a 93-96 Fleetwood. And that longest wheelbase is over a foot and a half MORE than the Fleetwood.

[kevm14]

This looks like it might be actual competition for the Colorado/Canyon.

[kevm14]

"But beyond the fact that few customers seem to want regular-cab trucks anymore, the latest U.S. fuel-economy regulations are calculated according to “footprint”—which is to say the area of the rectangle determined by the four wheels’ hub centers. Larger footprints mean less severe mandates, and that pretty much dooms shorter-wheelbase trucks no matter what their cab design. If what you desire is a new regular-cab small truck, go find another dream. "

This was interesting, and I was not aware of it. Another example of a self-defeating regulation that makes the problem worse, not better.

Ah, good old regulations. They always mean well but that's usually the end of it. I wish they would just let automakers build what people want to buy and not worry about the gov't saying it needs to be this, or do that, or else.

[kevm14]

Hmmm...

If you are cross shopping purely on functional ability of a truck at a given price, V6 model full size trucks are hard to beat on that front I suppose. However, there is a reason people want a mid size truck and marginally better fuel economy and marginally better price are not among those reasons, and haven't been for quite some time.

I would think things like the more narrow width, the lighter curb weight and better percieved control of the vehicle (both on road and in parking lots), and the mid-size truck culture are king with these buyers. I'd be willing to bet, with no science to back it up, that Frontier and Tacoma buyers often don't give a passing thought to an F150 at purchase time.

[kevm14]

Haha

Pathetic. For just over $34,000 you can get a Double Cab, 4x4 TRD Manual. Add a grand for an automatic. For this sum of money you get to keep your rear drum brakes. You also get a 4-way manual adjustable drivers seat (no height adjustment). With the manual, you get 17/21 MPG fuel economy ratings. And the frame has been revised to have C-channel under the bed to "help suspension articulation." The frame twists on purpose now. Awesome.

If the GM twins were hoping to steal market share, they just got a bunch by Toyota releasing the full specs.

Frame twist! They must have watched those GM promo videos where the Fords twist like crazy and were like "we need more twist."

[kevm14]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=247&v=19BNRvuNLWE

Multi-Terrain Control demonstration. Gets suck in sand and then gets out.

This seems cool except I'm not sure this demo was a good way to show it. They get stuck going up hill and the tires dig in, ok. I agree, can't make forward progress. Then they use the system, but in reverse, to dig out. I have to ask: did this really accomplish anything previously not possible? I don't really think so...

[kevm14]

http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/the-4-cyl ... alopnik%29

Nice.

[kevm14]

I still don't get the need for these 3/4 size trucks. To me a small truck had its place like back in the days of the 22R. A bullet proof motor in a small truck that you could park anywhere and do light duty tasks for 300,000 miles. My 10yr old Duramax = the MPG ratings and has 3x the capability for load and towing. However its doesn't have the "awesome" Lexus inspired nose!

[Adam]

I'd be willing to bet, with no science to back it up, that Frontier and Tacoma buyers often don't give a passing thought to an F150 at purchase time.

Completely correct. They would never even consider a domestic for any automotive purchase.

[bill25]

I am not a truck guy, but the Tacoma to me was smaller than an F-150. I thought the F-150 was a full size truck. Gas mileage is way different also right? I know a few people that had F-150s and they sucked for gas. There is no way a Tacoma is that bad. I would think F-150s would be cross shopped with the Tundra.

I do agree that if you are going to buy foreign, you probably don't look at the F-150. I don't look at the F-150 because it is Ford.

I would look at a Silverado though.