More Hauling Power with V6 Economy
Every Tacoma 4X4 is equipped with Toyota's big, 4.0-litre V6 engine capable of pumping-out 236 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm and an impressive dose of 266 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. That's sufficient grunt to hustle the ample-sized truck more authoritatively than some V8-powered pickups I've run with. The generous heaping of torque also contributes to the 2,268 kg (5,000 lb) tow rating assigned to the 4X4 Tacoma.
Need more pull? Along with additional comfort and convenience items, Toyota's TRD Sport and Towing Package ups the 4X4 Double Cab's tow rating to 2,948 kg (6,500 lb) with the installation of a limited-slip rear differential, Blistein shock absorbers, 17-inch alloy wheels, skid plates and an upgraded alternator. The package also supplies colour-keyed body highlights and an imitation hood scoop, which I simply find embarrassing. Less embarrassing is the Tacoma's fuel economy.
Supplying expensive golden nectar to six cylinders is generally less onerous on the pocketbook than supplying eight. The 4X4 Double Cab, as tested, is rated at 13.4 and 10.2 litres of fuel per 100K of city and highway driving respectively. Not great economy but given the vehicle's size and its powerful 4X4 drivetrain, it's far from out of line.
Tacoma in Motion
I've never enjoyed driving 4X4 pickups due to their bulk, poor handling dynamics and rigid ride characteristics. While rigid, the ride of the Tacoma was quite pleasant within 4X4 parameters; I could definitely live with it. Ride quality was enhanced by the vehicle's overall solidity. Throughout my time behind the wheel, I never experienced body flex of note or the shudder and shake so often inherent in long-wheelbase pickups.
Handling dynamics delivered no eyebrow-raising unpleasantness either. Bearing in mind the truck's high centre of gravity, directional changes felt secure and composed. Steering resistance is on the light side with feedback typical of this sort of vehicle. Attributes such as these make the Tacoma 4X4 Double Cab a very easy, relaxing rig to drive long distances in or simply maneuver through congested city traffic.
Although road and wind noises are suitably managed, I expected the Tacoma's brawny V6 to operate with slightly more polish. Perhaps I was expecting too much based on my perception of Toyota V6 engines being among the most refined in the industry. Despite this incongruity, I found nothing offensive in its operation; it seemed consistent with others in the mid-size truck segment, not significantly better.
Every Tacoma 4X4 is equipped with Toyota's big, 4.0-litre V6 engine capable of pumping-out 236 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm and an impressive dose of 266 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. That's sufficient grunt to hustle the ample-sized truck more authoritatively than some V8-powered pickups I've run with. The generous heaping of torque also contributes to the 2,268 kg (5,000 lb) tow rating assigned to the 4X4 Tacoma.
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| This workhorse mill can match the performance of many V8-equipped vehicles. |
Need more pull? Along with additional comfort and convenience items, Toyota's TRD Sport and Towing Package ups the 4X4 Double Cab's tow rating to 2,948 kg (6,500 lb) with the installation of a limited-slip rear differential, Blistein shock absorbers, 17-inch alloy wheels, skid plates and an upgraded alternator. The package also supplies colour-keyed body highlights and an imitation hood scoop, which I simply find embarrassing. Less embarrassing is the Tacoma's fuel economy.
Supplying expensive golden nectar to six cylinders is generally less onerous on the pocketbook than supplying eight. The 4X4 Double Cab, as tested, is rated at 13.4 and 10.2 litres of fuel per 100K of city and highway driving respectively. Not great economy but given the vehicle's size and its powerful 4X4 drivetrain, it's far from out of line.
Tacoma in Motion
I've never enjoyed driving 4X4 pickups due to their bulk, poor handling dynamics and rigid ride characteristics. While rigid, the ride of the Tacoma was quite pleasant within 4X4 parameters; I could definitely live with it. Ride quality was enhanced by the vehicle's overall solidity. Throughout my time behind the wheel, I never experienced body flex of note or the shudder and shake so often inherent in long-wheelbase pickups.
Handling dynamics delivered no eyebrow-raising unpleasantness either. Bearing in mind the truck's high centre of gravity, directional changes felt secure and composed. Steering resistance is on the light side with feedback typical of this sort of vehicle. Attributes such as these make the Tacoma 4X4 Double Cab a very easy, relaxing rig to drive long distances in or simply maneuver through congested city traffic.
Although road and wind noises are suitably managed, I expected the Tacoma's brawny V6 to operate with slightly more polish. Perhaps I was expecting too much based on my perception of Toyota V6 engines being among the most refined in the industry. Despite this incongruity, I found nothing offensive in its operation; it seemed consistent with others in the mid-size truck segment, not significantly better.
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| The Tacoma provides a comfortable ride and good road manners despite its high stance. |