2016 Toyota Tacoma Bows With New Powertrains in Detroit

Toyota is notorious for unveiling “new” vehicles that use the same engines as their predecessor. Luckily for prospective Tacoma buyers, that isn’t the case this time.

Revealed at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, the new 2016 Tacoma will be available with an all-new 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson cycle engine that uses Toyota’s D-4S technology, featuring both direct and port fuel injection. Based on the 3.5-liter V6 in other Toyota applications, the engine is expected to produce roughly 300 HP and 280 lb-ft of torque.

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There will be a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine available with the truck as well. Power from both engines will be sent through a new six-speed automatic transmission while the V6 can be paired to a new six-speed manual.

2015 Detroit Auto Show Coverage

Five trim levels will be available on the Tacoma, all of which can be had in two- or four-wheel drive. From bottom to top they are: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road and Limited. All of the trucks receive new suspension tuning and the increased use of high-strength steel in the frame, through the TRD Off-Road get the most enhancements. Those include an automatic limited slip and locking rear differential, hill start assist, crawl control and multi-terrain select system which allows drivers to to choose loose rock mode, sand mode or mud mode.

SEE ALSO: Ask the Engineer: What do You Want to Know About the 2016 Toyota Tacoma?

And to make sure you capture all of the fun, every Tacoma now has a standard GoPro mount located near the rear-view mirror.

Styling on the new midsize truck is mostly borrowed from the Tundra, with available wheel sizes ranging from 16 to 18 inches. Out back, a new locking tailgate has been fitted that features ‘Tacoma’ stamped directly into its sheet metal, another trick from the Tundra’s playbook. A new tri-fold tonneau cover is also now available.

The insides of the truck get an overhaul as well, with the list of new features including wireless device charging, a push-button ignition, leather seat upholstery, a power moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, a new touchscreen audio unit and blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert. Toyota also says the truck is quieter on the inside thanks to the use of enhanced seals, a multi-layer acoustic windshield, sound-absorbing headliner and a floor silencer pad.

Have questions about the new 2016 Tacoma? Post them here at we’ll put them to the truck’s chief engineer during a live stream at the Detroit Auto Show.

GALLERY: 2016 Toyota Tacoma Live Photos

GALLERY: 2016 Toyota Tacoma

GALLERY: 2016 Toyota Tacoma Official Photos

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