One word, trucks. Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Mar. 1, 2015 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR 4x2 with the 2.7L I4 mated to a 6-Speed AT - $24,200 to start incl. the $900 D&H charge provides owners with a longevity story like no other pickup and a 19/23 mpgUS city/highway rating. #TrueCar shows that this pickup as outfitted can be picked up for $22,500 in the Midwest. The 2016 Toyota Tacoma is a North American compact pickup truck through and through. It was partly developed by the Toyota engineering team at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich and it was penned by both CALTY designers in Newport Beach, Calif. and Ann Arbor, Mich. And it is being assembled at Toyota plants in San Antonio and Baja California, Mexico. 2016 Toyota Tacoma Drivetrain The new Tacoma will be available with two engines. A 159 hp and 180 lb.-ft. of torque 2.7L I4 providing 19/23 mpgUS city/highway w/ the AT in 4X2, 19/21 mpgUS city/highway with the MT in 4X4 and 19/22 mpgUS city/highway with the AT, also as a 4X4. It also arrives with an optional atkinsonized 278 hp and 265 lb.-ft. of torque 3.5L with both direct and port fuel injection. This more powerful engine is more efficient is also more efficient than the 2.7L I4 with an estimated 19/24 mpgUS city/highway with the AT in 4x2, 17/21 mpgUS city/highway with the MT as a 4X4, 18/23 mpgUS city/highway. Both engines will be paired to a new 6-speed AT with electronic shift delivering quick and easy shifting. The V6 can also be mated to a new 6-speed MT and the I4 to a 5-speed MT. <-- See a problem? Very unusual for a new offering from Toyota to provide uncompetitive results vs. current compact and even full sized pickups from the domestics? Trims SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road and Limited. The 2016 Tacoma 4x2 begins at $23,300 for the SR Access Cab with a 2.7L I4 and 6-speed AT to $34,745 for the Double Cab Limited 3.5L V6 with the 6-speed AT. The Tacoma 4x4 will range from $24,825 for the SR I4 with the 5-speed MT to $37,820 for the V6 Limited with the 6-speed AT. D&H adds $900. The new Tacoma will be available in 29 configurations in extended Access Cab and four-door Double Cab. Each cab will be available in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations. 2016 Toyota Tacoma Exterior The Access Cab models ride on a 127.8-inch wheelbase and have a 73.7-inch-long bed. The Double Cab is offered in two versions: the 127.4-inch wheelbase with a 60.5-inch bed or 141.0-inch wheelbase with the 73.7-inch bed. It will be offered with four 16 to 18” wheel designs. Both bed styles include a composite inner bed made from a sheet-molded composite (SMC) deck and tough, durable walls that are 10-percent lighter than steel. The bed deck features two-tier loading and an integrated deck-rail utility system with four standard adjustable tie-down cleats. An available 120V/400W power point further extends the bed’s utility. The new Tacoma will be available in eight exterior colors including three new colors: Quicksand, Inferno, and Blazing Blue Pearl. Additional colors include: Super White, Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray, Black, and Barcelona Red. For the first time ever, Tacoma will offer available an available factory-installed tri-fold hard tonneau cover for securing gear when you’re away from the truck. 2016 Toyota Tacoma Interior Some modern interior features are available with the all-new Tacoma including Qi wireless charging, Proximity key entry and start, leather, power moonroof, dual zone auto climate and BSM with RCTA. The new Tacoma is the quietest ever with improved door and window seals, a multi-layer acoustic windshield, sound-absorbing headliner and a floor silencer pad. Double Cab models feature 60/40 split rear seats with adjustable headrests and under-seat storage. All Tacoma models will feature a four-way driver’s seat with lumbar support and four-way adjustable front passenger seats. The SR and SR5 grades are equipped with fabric-trimmed seats. Seating for the TRD Sport and Off-Road grades are upholstered with embossed fabric. The Limited features leather trim. Interior colors include: Cement Gray (SR), Cement Gray; and Black with Caramel or Red colored seat stitching, dash and door accents (SR5), TRD Sport and TRD Off Road will be arrive with Graphite and Black with Orange colored seat stitching and accented instrument panel ring and the top of the line Limited will include Hickory leather-trimmed interior. 2016 Toyota Tacoma Chassis All Tacoma 4x4 models are equipped with 4WDemand part-time 4WD with an electronically controlled transfer case and Automatic Limited Slip Differential (Auto LSD). Tacoma TRD Sport models are equipped with sport-tuned shocks. TRD Off-Road models include an off-road tuned suspension equipped with Bilstein shocks. TRD Off-Road trim includes a Multi-Terrain Select system (automatic transmission only) allowing the driver to choose between different types of terrain such as loose rock, mud or sand. Each input regulates wheel spin by adjusting throttle and brake pressure to provide maximum traction on almost any terrain. Additional off-road technology includes Locking Rear Differential, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), Clutch Start Cancel (manual transmission only), Active Traction Control, and Crawl Control. All Tacoma models are equipped with a coil-spring double wishbone with stabilizer bar up front and leaf springs out back. Brakes are ventilated front discs and drum with a tandem booster out back. Looking a bit aged again here? Optional on V6 models is a Class IV receiver with transmission oil cooler with water and air cooler, 130-amp alternator (manual transmission only), 4- and 7-pin connector, and Trailer-Sway Control. 2016 Toyota Tacoma Infotainment The SR includes base Entune Audio with a 6.1” touch-screen, AM/FM CD player, 6 speakers, Aux jack, USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control, voice recognition, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, and a backup camera. The SR5 arrives with Entune Audio Plus with all of the above plus Connected Navigation Scout GPS Link App, SiriusXM All-Access Radio, and HD Traffic and Weather. TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road includes Entune Premium Audio and Entune Premium JBL Audio systems. They feature Destination Search, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable, Pandora, Yelp, Facebook Places and Slacker Radio plus real-time traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports and stocks. It also includes integrated Navigation, the Entune Multimedia Bundle with a 7” high resolution split display, Entune App Suite, HD Radio, HD predictive traffic and Doppler weather overlay, AM/FM cache radio, and Gracenotes album cover art. The Limited includes Entune Premium JBL Audio system with six JBL speakers and 1 subwoofer. 2016 Toyota Tacoma Safety All Tacoma’s arrive with front, knee and side curtains. No side airbags however??? All arrive with VSC, TC, EBD, BA, brake engine override and Tire Pressure Monitor System (with individual tire location alert on most grades). The new Tacoma will be reliable, chocked full of utility for a compact pickup and provide a nice performance boost over the previous gen Tacoma. What it will not provide is savings at the pump and for a pickup truck buyer, this truck will add an average of $200 a month to the monthly fuel bill even with gasoline at $2.50 per gallon. That is a big bump in your monthly payment over some of the larger pickups that can be purchased for similar or less prices and offer lower fuel bills too. I am having a real tough time recommending this one. Toyota February 2016 Sales Overview Toyota reported February 2016 sales of 187,954 vehicles, up 4.1 percent over the 1870,467 sold in February of 2015. Year to date, sales of 349,237 is off 0.1 percent from the 349,661 sold through the same period of 2015. Because there was two less selling days in the Jan-Feb of 2016 period vs 2015, sales on a daily-selling-rate basis are actually up 4.0 percent. Toyota February 2016 sales by itself sales were up 4.7 percent with sales of 164.864 units. Lexus reported February 2016 sales of 23,090 vehicles, up 0.4 percent. Toyota February 2016 Sales Highlights The RAV4 achieved best-ever February results with sales of 25,523 vehicles; up more than 16.3 percent over the 21,943 sold in February of 2015. It also achieved a US February Top 10 Sales status! See below. 4Runner achieved February 2016 sales of 8,476 vehicles up, 32.0 percent over the 6,420 sold in February of 2015. Year to date, sales of 15,972 is up 19.5 percent over the 13,365 vehicle sold through the same period of 2015. Tacoma also had a good month with sales of 14,172 vehicles, up 14.5 percent over the 12,372 sold in February of 2015. Year to date sales of 26,889 is up 13.1 percent over the 23,781 sold through the same period of 2015. The all-new 2016 Prius experienced February sales of 7,169 vehicles, up 1.4 percent over the 7,070 sold in February of 2015. Not bad given the low fuel prices of today. In February GM and especially Chrysler picked up significant market share while Kia's rise is coming out of Hyundai's hide. U.S. February 2016 Sales vs. February 2015 Sales Ranks and Results for the top 14 Automobile Manufacturers GM February 2016 Sales Down 1.5% with 227,825 Vehicles Sold Ford February 2016 Sales Up 20.1% with 209,153 Vehicles Sold Toyota February 2016 Sales Up 4.1% with 187,954 Vehicles Sold FCA February 2016 Sales Up 11.8% with 182,879 Vehicles Sold Nissan February 20165 Sales Up 10.5% with 130,911 Vehicles Sold Honda February 2016 Sales Up 12.8% with 118,985 Vehicles Sold Hyundai February 2016 Sales Up 1.0% with 53,009 Vehicles Sold Kia February 2016 Sales Up 13.0% with 49,737 Vehicles Sold Subaru February 2016 Sales Up 1.6% with 42,011 Vehicles Sold Mercedes-Benz February 2016 Sales Down 0.5% with 25,632 Vehicles Sold BMW February 2016 Sales Down 12.4% with 25,337 Vehicles Sold VW February 2016 Sales Down 13.2% with 22,321 Vehicles Sold Mazda February 2016 Sales Down 16.0% with 21,544 Vehicles Sold Audi February 2016 Sales Up 2.3% with 11,718 Vehicles Sold In February, notice how Nissan is increasing the sales gap over Honda and Kia not only overtook Subaru but is quickly coming up on Hyundai’s heels. The seasonally adjusted annual selling rate (SAAR) for light vehicles in February was 17.7 million vehicles.
is that the same 2.7 engine they used to put in the T100 twenty years ago ? The HP is pretty weak. Or is it a newer 2.7 , like they put in the Venza ?
Hi Edwin: No engine is the same as the ones they used years or even decades ago. Saying that, it is not very powerful or efficient. Wayne
There are 7 out of 84 within a 150 mile radius available with the 4 cylinder near me. Not one of them has two wheel drive. I do not see these as being big sellers. Most will want to get the six cylinder. The only true advantage of buying one of these over a full size is maneuverability. They are a lot easier to park. Others will state dependability, but I have quite a few friends that have owned full size trucks that made 200k easily and have done very little other than preventative maintenance.
Hi John: With the much more efficient 16 RAM Tradesman with the 3.0L EcoDiesel and 8-speed available for just over $25k, the Tacoma and Tundra should not be a consideration. In many cases, the Tundra in particular achieves barely more than half the efficiency and over the life of the vehicle, Tundra owners are getting burned. Toyota Canada February Sales up 9.9% with 14,284 Vehicles Sold Toyota Canada sold 14,284 Toyota, Scion and Lexus vehicles in February, up 9.9 percent compared to 2015. It’s a new February record, which follows a new January record set last month. The Toyota and Scion division recorded sales of 13,129 units, a February record, up 10.7 percent compared to 2015. For the seventeenth straight month, Lexus Canada established a monthly sales record, with 1,155 luxury cars and SUVs sold, up 1.5 percent compared to last year. For the fourteenth straight month, Toyota Canada’s total truck sales established a monthly sales record. 8,834 vehicles were sold, up 32.2 percent compared to 2015. Tacoma 4X4 - 845 vehicles sold, up 60.6 percent and the fourth straight monthly record Highlander - 948 vehicles sold, up 57.5 percent and the second straight monthly record Sienna - 1,128 vehicles sold, up 10 percent and the second straight monthly record Tundra 4X4 - 907 vehicles sold, up 31.6 percent and the second straight monthly record RAV4 - 3,136 vehicles sold, up 37 percent Lexus NX - 344 vehicles sold, up 34.9 percent It was also a record February for sales of Toyota Canada hybrid vehicle sales, the second straight monthly record, with 1,439 vehicles sold, up 5 percent compared to February of 2015. The all-new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was picked up by 367 new owners and the Toyota Camry Hybrid, which set a February record with 470 vehicles sold, up 139.8 percent compared to February of 2015. Prius c - 267 vehicles sold in February, down 50.5 percent from the 539 sold in February of 2015. Year to date sales of 382 vehicles was down 44.2 percent from the 685 sold through the same period of 2015. Prius Liftback - 36 vehicles sold, down 78.0 percent from the 164 sold in February of 2015. Year to date sales of 82 vehicles was down 66.5 percent from the 245 sold through the same period of 2015. Prius v - 119 vehicles sold, down 48.9 percent from the 233 sold in February of 2015. Year to date sales of 243 vehicles was down 39.9 percent from the 404 sold through the same period of 2015. CT – 35 vehicles sold, down 47.8 percent from the 67 sold in February of 2015. Year to date sales of 58 vehicles was down 50.8 percent from the 118 sold through the same period of 2015. Canadian Big 6 February 2016 Sales Results FCA – 18,813 vehicles sold in February, up 0.5% Ford – 18,403 vehicles sold in February, up 22.5% GM – 15,729 vehicles sold in February, up ~ 14% Toyota – 14,284 vehicles sold in February, up 9.9% Honda – 9,586 vehicles sold in February, up 15.4% Nissan – 9,011 vehicles sold in February, up 13.8% Wayne
Perhaps there's a larger market for AWD hybrids (in Canada). Such vehicles remain very limited. The RAV4 Hybrid certainly fits the bill. plus it is a CUV! I'm just sad to see the Prius C and Liftback sales dropping, though the C may have a leg up on lower price of entry. Gas is too cheap. When's that AWD Prius supposed to get here?
Hey Wayne, I need a 'thumbs down' button. Of course it wouldn't be for the messenger. Thanks for the info.
From my winter experience with my Gen 3 , in a mild winter , the Prius is only limited by ground clearance. Between the relatively high weight and especially the relaxed throttle tip-in , it's not easy to spin the front tires. But when you do , traction-control steps in aggressively. Prius owners know what I'm talkin' 'bout. AWD would not help significantly without more ground clearance.
Deep snow has only ever been an issue in my own driveway, whether we had 8 inches of snow or 24 inches. However, traction limits in certain snow consistency conditions on our hill hinders me once or twice a year, so AWD could help. I haven't tried disabling the traction control though I have meant to. AWD is not a must have though good for peace of mind, an then only if it does no significantly impact the efficiency in the 98% rest of the driving.
Due to the hills here, I tend to disable the traction control when it is slick. It is the only way to have the power to make it up. The wife has the Subaru and the AWD has been fantastic. Is it needed, no, but it is welcomed.
