An all-new engine option and ultra high strength steel in the body shell (accomplished via a new hot stamping process) add strength to the muscle-flexing 2016 Toyota Tacoma. During a week- long test drive, this midsize pickup truck fitted with the new 3.5-liter V6 engine and paired with a new automatic transmission made highway and city driving very pleasurable. But the Tacoma, when dressed in the TRD Off-Road package, can handle grizzly terrain. Off-road technology offerings include a Multi-Terrain Select system for tackling rocks, mud, and sand; a locking rear differential; and hill start assist control.

Power is supplied by either a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine producing 159 horsepower and 180 pounds-feet of peak torque, or the all-new 3.5-liter Atkinson cycle V6 releasing 278 horsepower and 265 pounds-feet of peak torque. (The 3.5-liter V6 replaces a 4.0-liter V6, spinning out an additional 42 horsepower versus the 2015 engine.) Both 2016 engines mate to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Tacoma offers 29 configurations in two cab types (extended Access Cab and four-door Double Cab). The test driven Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4x4 Double Cab carries a suggested MSRP of $34,090 and collects mpg of 18 city/23 highway.