In the never-ending attempt to spice up its product and appeal to a different crowd of buyers, Toyota Canada will offer a "sporty performance" model to its mid-size Tacoma pickup line for 2006.
That would be the Tacoma 4X2 X-Runner Access Cab, with an MSRP of $31,755.
At that price point, the new rear-wheel-drive pickup will be at the top of the Tacoma ladder. Tacoma pricing starts at $22,535 for the 4X2 Access Cab and goes up from there to more than $35,000 with the right options.
X-Runner is a variation on a theme that was upgraded for the 2005 model year, which resulted in a Tacoma that was more nearly-large than compact in size, but with pricing that that didn't experience the same inflation.
Toyota likes to say that the Tacoma is the result of the Japanese firm's "long and successful experience in building some of the world's most rugged and reliable work trucks and industrial equipment," which allows it "to bring commanding power and utility to the compact truck segment."
As something of an homage to the work-related history of Toyota, the X-Runner is named after the Tacoma's "x-braced" reinforced frame, which delivers enhanced torsional rigidity.
Aside from that gentle bow in the direction of its industrial legacy, the X-Runner takes some determined steps in altogether another direction. So the new X-Runner -- in Radiant Red, Black Sand Pearl or Speedway Blue -- straps on a bunch of some cosmetic touches and some actual upgraded technology and walks toward the sporty side of the street.
It starts with Toyota's 4-litre, V-6 attached to a six-speed close-ration manual transmission and adds a suspension setup that's been lowered and given Bilstein shocks outside the frame rails, a rear stabilizer bar, and a limited slip differential.
That engine, by the way, is tuned to put out 236 hp at 5,200 rpm and 266 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, which is at least competitive with the V-8s that other near-large pickups use.
Except for the P255/45R18 performance tires, the rest of the package is pretty much about looking fast. That would include the colored full skirt package, the hood scoop, the fog lamps, and the power outside mirrors.
There are some nice things inside the new X-Runner, starting with an in-dash six-CD changer, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power windows and locks, cruise control and keyless entry, along with a 115 V cargo bed power outlet.
For 2006, all Tacoma models (including the X-Runner) come equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (which helps you keep the vehicle's tires inflated to the right degree for maximum safety and fuel economy reasons), and tie-down cleats for the bedrail system.
X-Runner fits nicely into Toyota's goal with its trucks, says Tony Wearing, one of Toyota Canada's three Managing Directors. The Japanese company wants "to offer a versatile lineup that can be configured to suit a broad spectrum of needs and tastes."
Wearing says the Tacoma "features a robust body plus an outstanding range of cab sizes, option packages, customization features and powertrains. There's a combination here for just about everyone in the market for a compact pickup."
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| 2006 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner (Photo: Toyota) |
At that price point, the new rear-wheel-drive pickup will be at the top of the Tacoma ladder. Tacoma pricing starts at $22,535 for the 4X2 Access Cab and goes up from there to more than $35,000 with the right options.
X-Runner is a variation on a theme that was upgraded for the 2005 model year, which resulted in a Tacoma that was more nearly-large than compact in size, but with pricing that that didn't experience the same inflation.
Toyota likes to say that the Tacoma is the result of the Japanese firm's "long and successful experience in building some of the world's most rugged and reliable work trucks and industrial equipment," which allows it "to bring commanding power and utility to the compact truck segment."
As something of an homage to the work-related history of Toyota, the X-Runner is named after the Tacoma's "x-braced" reinforced frame, which delivers enhanced torsional rigidity.
Aside from that gentle bow in the direction of its industrial legacy, the X-Runner takes some determined steps in altogether another direction. So the new X-Runner -- in Radiant Red, Black Sand Pearl or Speedway Blue -- straps on a bunch of some cosmetic touches and some actual upgraded technology and walks toward the sporty side of the street.
It starts with Toyota's 4-litre, V-6 attached to a six-speed close-ration manual transmission and adds a suspension setup that's been lowered and given Bilstein shocks outside the frame rails, a rear stabilizer bar, and a limited slip differential.
That engine, by the way, is tuned to put out 236 hp at 5,200 rpm and 266 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, which is at least competitive with the V-8s that other near-large pickups use.
 |
| 2006 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner (Photo: Toyota) |
There are some nice things inside the new X-Runner, starting with an in-dash six-CD changer, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power windows and locks, cruise control and keyless entry, along with a 115 V cargo bed power outlet.
For 2006, all Tacoma models (including the X-Runner) come equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (which helps you keep the vehicle's tires inflated to the right degree for maximum safety and fuel economy reasons), and tie-down cleats for the bedrail system.
X-Runner fits nicely into Toyota's goal with its trucks, says Tony Wearing, one of Toyota Canada's three Managing Directors. The Japanese company wants "to offer a versatile lineup that can be configured to suit a broad spectrum of needs and tastes."
Wearing says the Tacoma "features a robust body plus an outstanding range of cab sizes, option packages, customization features and powertrains. There's a combination here for just about everyone in the market for a compact pickup."