Actually, the Tacoma is wider and taller than the Dakota, although shorter Access and Double Cab versions. But forget about
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| While some Tacoma buyers won't be thrilled that the Japanese brand is upping the size of its compact pickup, I like the extra room inside the cab. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
the Dakota for a moment. How much larger is the 2005 Tacoma from the previous version? The new model gets a five-inch wheelbase extension, while its track will be widened by four inches, which results in four-and-one-half additional inches of shoulder and hip room inside. While some Tacoma buyers won't be thrilled that the Japanese brand is upping the size of its compact pickup, Toyota Canada is confident most will appreciate the change. As for me, I like the extra room inside the cab. My shoulders and elbows had room to move, and legroom up front is excellent. Those relegated to the rear of the Access Cab won't experience such luxuries, however, as the multi-functional seat is more of a padded lid for the handy storage compartment rather than anything desirable for long-distance touring. The rear of the Double Cab is car-like though, ideal for two adults in comfort and three in a pinch. The front seats felt extremely comfortable too, partially due to their full adjustability. The seatbacks fold down as well, for loading larger items that may need to stay out of the elements. While Toyota's upgraded 4.7-liter V8 is said to fit into the engine bay of the new Tacoma, nothing about its inclusion has been announced as of yet. Just the same the new truck gets a seriously improved V6 boasting 282 lb-ft of V8-like torque. The 245 horsepower engine is optional, with a 2.7-L 4-cylinder featuring 164 horsepower standard.
Editor's comment added since review went live: I should mention now, that information on the 4-cylinder's actual horsepower rating is a bit difficult to figure out. My press information states 164, as does the spec sheet at www.toyota.ca. Still, if you read the short blurb about the engine on Toyota Canada's website it
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| The new Tacoma gets a seriously improved V6 boasting 282 lb-ft of V8-like torque, improving its towing capability substantially. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
states horsepower at 167. Which one is it Toyota? Ironically this discrepancy was brought to my attention via a Toyota salesman we'll just refer to as Chris to protect his identity (and self esteem), who told me that I was wrong in stating the engine made 164 horsepower in a recent email. Speaking to my publisher he added, "This type of lazy, shoddy reporting is appalling in today's marketplace. Does nobody in the editorial department check accuracy on articles? Obviously, NOT!" But wait, there's more. Chris continued, "How can you justify a reporter who will not check his information before putting it to copy? Just go to www.toyota.ca and then you will not prove yourselves to be incompetent!" Chris, I think you might want to talk to your Toyota website staffers before you declare incompetence, as the source you trust so implicitly actually made the error. Don't worry buddy, I make mistakes too.
