The new Toyota Tacoma is compact next to, say, the Ford F650 Super CrewZer. But on its own . . . not so much.
The Tacoma is bigger and better in all the important areas: it's four inches wider and has a taller cabin and a longer wheelbase. The V-6 gains 55 horsepower for an impressive 245. A new, 164-horsepower, 2.7-liter four replaces both old four-cylinder engines. The maximum tow rating jumps to 6500 pounds. Besides the choice of engines, the menu includes three body styles (regular cab, Access Cab, and Double Cab), two special editions (the Pre-Runner and the X-Runner), two bed lengths (60.3 inches or 73.5 inches), four transmissions, and three differentials.
If muscle trucks are your thing, then you'll want one of the 3500 TRD-evolved, rear-wheel-drive,V-6 X-Runners (six-speed manual only). A crossmember added to the frame increases torsional rigidity, and the suspension upgrades include firmer springs, Bilstein dampers, and a rear antiroll bar. On the track, the X-Runner delivers 0.9 g lateral grip.
The Tacoma was built to passenger-car safety standards, with side and curtain air bags available. ABS with brake assist is standard. You can add stability control with traction control, as well as hill-start assist to prevent rolling back from an uphill stop.... Read full article