For our 2016 Mid-Size Truck Shootout, the Toyota Tacoma enters this year’s test in an all-new package. The segment truck leader for the previous 11 years gets one major update, most notably a brand-new engine. Gone is the 4.0-liter V6 engine that powered the 2015 model, as it is now replaced with an Atkinson-cycle-type 3.5L V6. The new engine is rated to produce 42 more horsepower (278 @ 6,000 rpm) than the outgoing 4.0-liter and 1 less lb.-ft. of torque (265 lb.-ft.). The Tacoma also gets fitted with a new six-speed transmission as well.

The truck features an all-new exterior highlighted by new styling and a 12 percent reduction in drag, and a new interior that features a new 6.1- or 7-inch touchscreen, Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging, and a new instrumentation panel for the driver that features dual analog gauges that surround a 4.2-inch LED screen.

The TRD Off-Road 4×4 version we tested also gets a host of new off-road features, including a beefier 8 3/4-inch rear differential compared to the 8-inch version found on the other Tacomas, a selectable locking rear differential to compliment the automatic limited slip differential, Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select and Hill-Start Assist. Our Double Cab Tacoma short-bed is rated to tow up to 6,400 lbs. and carry a maximum payload of 1,155 pounds. When weighed with a full tank of gas, our test truck hit the scales at 4,540 lbs.

Be sure to check out which truck took home the crown in this year’s 2016 Mid-Size Truck Shootout.

2016 Mid-Size Truck Shootout – Tale of the Tape
2016 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X

2016 GMC Canyon 4WD Z71

Specifications
2016 Toyota Tacoma 4×4 TRD Off-Road
Model: Double Cab Short Bed
Engine: 3.5L V6 Atkinson Cycle with Dual VVT-i
Horsepower: 278 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 265 lb.-ft. @ 4,600 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Curb Weight: 4,540 lbs.
Height: 72.1 in.
Overall Width: 74.4 in.
Length: 212.3 in.
Wheelbase: 127.4 in.
Ground Clearance: 9.4 in.
Approach Angle: 32 degrees
Departure Angle: 23.5 degrees
Breakover Angle: 21 degrees
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 5,600 lbs.
Towing Capacity: 6,400 lbs.
Payload Capacity: 1,155 lbs.
Fuel Tank: 21.1 gal.
Seating Capacity: 5
Axle Ratio: 3.909
MPG Rating: 18 city, 23 hwy
Aver. MPG (tested): 20.3 (combined)
Price: $37,610