For 2016, Toyota has taken this much loved truck and made it even better.
“This truck is badass!” Bill Fay, Toyota Group Vice President and General Manager said when he revealed the vehicle to the press. “Every time I see it, I just want to get behind the wheel and set off on a new adventure.”
While Tacoma aficionados will find the power and reliability they have come to expect, the 2016 Tacoma boasts new fuel efficiency and safety features. The new Tacoma was created to work hard by day, and play hard all weekend long. It is an agile beast that eats up city streets as well as country roads. No roads where you’re going? No problem for Tacoma. The truck is as content off-road as it is on.
Exterior
The new Tacoma has a beefy, robust body that exudes strength. A taller hood and distinctive hex-shape upper grille give the vehicle a proud posture that is sure to stand out in any crowd. The exterior includes unique details that accent the hood, wheels and body. The Tacoma is finished off by a stamped logo on the tailgate that harkens back to vintage Toyota trucks.
Additional features include:
- Locking tailgate
- Easy lowering feature that allows the tailgate to slowly lower into place
- Available LED daytime running lights
- Ultra-high strength steel integrated into the body shell
- Integrated spoiler that helps improve vehicle aerodynamics
- Available 16- and 18-inch wheels
The Tacoma features two new paint colors:
- Beige 4V6
- Blue Mica Metallic 8T0
Under the Hood
Tacoma comes with several engine options, so you can get the exact combination of power and responsiveness that you desire. One exciting option is the all-new Atkinson cycle 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine features D4-S technology—the first application on a Toyota vehicle.
D4-S technology uses two injectors per cylinder—a direct injector and a port injector. This allows fuel to be injected into both the combustion chamber and intake ports, depending on engine speed. The result is enhanced performance, optimized fuel economy and reduced emissions.
The V6 comes with two new transmission options: a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.
Interior
The well-appointed interior of the new Tacoma balances good looks with the ruggedness needed to get the job done. Details like soft-wrapped trim and metallic accents give the cabin space a refined aesthetic. The design of the interior is focused around creating an excellent experience for the driver.
In addition, a new acoustic windshield and strategic placement of more sound-absorbing materials within the cabin make for a quiet ride for passengers.
Interior features include available:
- Qi wireless charging
- Power moonroof
- Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert
- Color multi-information display
- GoPro interior windshield mount
New Refrigerant
Collision repair technicians working on the all-new Tacoma should be aware of a few changes to the vehicle that will affect operations in the shop. The 2016 Tacoma uses a new refrigerant called HFO 1234yf. The Tacoma is the first Toyota to use this new refrigerant. One big advantage of HFO 1234yf is that it is more environmentally conscious than other refrigerants.
To work with this new refrigerant, collision centers will need a new A/C machine. Shops should be aware of this change and be prepared to accommodate it.
Body Talk
Changes have been made to the body structure of the all-new Tacoma to help make the vehicle lighter and yet still safe in the event of a collision.
- 1500 MPa high tensile strength steel is used for cabin reinforcement.
- The vehicle’s roof has been engineered so that impact will be dispersed in some sections.
- Door openings have an increased number of spot welds to help improve stability (1500 MPa).
- The suspension member and front side member are designed to absorb impact in a frontal collision.
For references on the new Tacoma, view the collision repair manual for the vehicle, body specifications and additional information, which can be found on the Technical Information System (TIS).
Working with Ultra-High Strength Steel
The 2016 Tacoma, like many new Toyota vehicles on the road today, uses strategic placement of ultra-high strength steel to help increase structural strength and rigidity without adding weight to a vehicle. However, special caution must be taken when working with this material because it can become fragile if handled improperly or exposed to high temperatures.
Welding specifications and steel strength ratings can be found in model-specific Collision Repair Manuals. The vehicle-specific structural outlines in these manuals will show all ultra-high strength steel body components. Collision Repair Manuals will also give recommendations for welding.
Additionally, ultra-high strength sheet steel is often used for structural body and frame components. Exposing these pieces to heat can result in structural changes to the material that decrease strength. Heat can also damage the zinc coating on these components, making them less corrosion resistant.
The following guidelines apply to cabin reinforcement repair procedures:
- No hot straightening methods should be used.
- Sectioning 980 MPa and 590 MPa strength-rated pillar reinforcements is not recommended.
- Do not section 440 MPa rated components except at specified locations.
For more information on working with ultra-high strength steel, refer to
Collision Repair Information Bulletins (CRIBs) #161, 174, 175 and 176. Additional resources can be found on the Technical Information System (TIS) at www.techinfo.toyota.com.
