2005 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Road Test (Video Clip)

* Click HERE to see a video on the Toyota Tacoma. *



The Legacy continues

To most people, the word "compact" denotes an item of smaller or tidier dimensions. Every car and truck segment in the industry, except maybe for the microcars, is increasing in size. The compact pickup segment is no exception. The majority, if not all of the pickups, are now mid-sized. Size is certainly not everything though. Capability and utility are two very important aspects that these trucks must deliver in order to fulfill their owner's expectations. Some can carry huge loads while others tow them and some even do both. Many trucks are considered as tools (and some enjoy them as toys) with which the driver can explore new or old territories. These areas may not accessible to regular trucks therefore a competent off-road vehicle is required.

For a number of decades, Toyota has been producing some of the most proficient all-terrain trucks. Their abilities have become legendary. Toyota, well aware of their reputation, continues to develop trucks in the image of the old FJs and Land Cruisers.

The Tacoma, completely redesigned for 2005, has already been chosen Best New Pick-up by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada. The previous generation Tacomas were the favourites of hunters and off-road enthusiasts alike. This new Tacoma is simply a revised modern version of what has worked for Toyota in the past.

The Tacoma's price range begins at $22,125 for a base regular cab model all the way to $38,580 for a fully equipped 4x4 Double Cab version. Our tester was an Access Cab 6-speed Off-Road package that retails for $34,050.

Exterior styling

This pickup is quite the looker. Even if the 2005 Tacoma was first introduced as late as last summer, it still manages to turn heads. The reason is that there are few on the road and our tester, painted Speedway blue, garners much attention from the "guys" because of its hard-core Tonka good looks. It sports all of the necessary tough truck styling cues like the oversized wheel and tire combo, large grille and a powerful stance. Muscular fenders clad with smart-looking flares complete the rugged appearance.

The bed is equipped with niceties such as an 115V outlet and a couple of storage compartments. The latches for these boxes were already a little rusted though. Our tester came with a removable bed-liner, which I think is an excellent idea. It looks good as well as protects the bed itself from nicks and scratches.

Interior styling

The front seats are snug with pronounced lateral support. Depending on your body type, it may even be somewhat too marked. A comfortable driving position is simple to achieve, however I pity the poor souls that must spend any amount of time sitting behind the front row. This rear jump seat should only be used as an emergency measure to carry someone from point A to point B, just as long as B is not too far from A.

Interior plastics are fair in quality and quite well put together. The metallic dash accents in our tester did not work towards improving the cabin's appearance. The seat material is mesh-like and supposed to be more resistant. Time will provide us with the answer on this type of material now used in many vehicles.