On a trip made for Instagram glory, select members of the media traveled to Washington State to preview the all-new 2016 Toyota Tacoma – before it arrived at dealerships.  There’s much to be said about experiencing a vehicle in the habitat that inspires its name.  Driving through Tacoma, and Seattle, it’s easy to see the commonality between the truck and the city that inspires it.

Tacoma – the city – is strikingly beautiful.  With a diverse landscape that demands a vehicle worthy of managing all sorts of terrain.  From the smooth roads curbing through the mountains,  to steep unpaved hills, to the rocky gravel near the lake. You need the towing  capacity to pull a 3 ton boat and the space to seat the family comfortably, while packing the bikes and tents in the back.

Such demanding requirements make the Toyota Tacoma the perfect vehicle to handle all these tasks and more.

Rebuilt inside and out, with an all-new powertrain and enhanced suspension tuning, America’s best-selling mid-size pickup for ten years running retains its throne on the mountaintop for dirt stomping adventurers. Toyota truck owners have come to expect the toughest, most durable pickup in the segment and the new Tacoma entry delivers on that promise.

“For more than 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.”

Tough
The 2016 Tacoma was partly developed by the Toyota engineering team at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. Starting with the frame, they added high strength steel to help 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.

Toyota Test Course 
To put the truck to the ultimate test, Toyota created an extreme course specifically built to challenge the vehicle’s features. The course had boulders,  thick sand, and extremely steep inclines you’re unlikely to encounter.  However, if you do, you can be sure your Tacoma is up to the task. I had the opportunity to experience the course first hand and test the truck’s new features.

Two Engines
The new Tacoma features two engines. A 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder with VVT-i that can produce 159 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm. EPA estimated city/highway/combined mpg for the 4×2 with an automatic transmission is19/23/21. Estimated fuel efficiency for the 4×4 with a manual transmission is 19/21/20
and 19/22/20 for the automatic.

For added performance, Tacoma offers an all-new V6 with a segment-first 3.5-liter  Atkinson cycle with VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligent Wider Intake) equipped with Toyota’s D-4S technology, featuring both direct and port fuel injection.
The new V6 will generate 278 horsepower, an increase of 42 HP over the previous V6, and 265 lb.-ft. of torque at 4600 rpm. Estimated city/highway/combined mpg for the 4×2 automatic is 19/24/21. The estimated mpg for the 4×4 manual is 17/21/19 and 18/23/20 for the automatic.

Both engines are paired with 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 and the four-cylinder to a five-speed manual. The new powertrain makes the Tacoma more powerful and fuel efficient than ever before.

When equipped with the V6 Tow Package, the new Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 lbs. (per the SAE J2807 tow standard), an increase of 300 lbs. over the previous V6.

Style
Serious, yet fun! This is the Toyota truck design DNA.
It may be a tough truck but it retains the style expected by an HOMBRE reader.

Exterior
Inspired by desert racing, CALTY designers in Newport Beach, Calif. and Ann Arbor, Mich. helped make 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 redesigned front bumper sit slim, high-tech 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 offers available an available factory installed tri-fold hard tonneau cover for securing gear when you’re away from the truck.

Interior
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 sporty 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.

Interior features
The indoor features include:
– Qi wireless charging
– Smart key with push-button start
– Leather-trimmed seats
– Power tilt/slide moonroof
– Dual-zone automatic climate control
– Enhanced touchscreen audio
– Blind-spot monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert

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 helps to further reduce road noise.
Interior storage is maximized in Access Cab models with fold-up rear seats and under-seat storage. Double Cab models feature 60/40 split rear seats with adjustable headrests and under-seat storage.

The Grades
The new Tacoma is available in 29 configurations in two cab types, the extended Access Cab and four-door Double Cab. Each cab is available in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations.

Tacoma will now be available in five model grades, each with 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 offroad enthusiasts conquer the toughest terrains in the most remote locations around the globe. Tacoma buyers 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.

The Access Cab models ride on a 127.8-inch wheelbase and have a 73.7-inchlong
bed. The Double Cab is offered in two versions: the 127.4-inch wheelbase with a
60.5-inch bed or 141.0-inch wheelbase with the 73.7-inch bed.