2017 Toyota Tacoma Review

We bought a TRD Off-Road V6 4x4 for our long-term test, and we'd do it again. With strong go-anywhere credentials thanks to its all-terrain tires, Bilstein shocks, locking rear differential and crawl control, it doesn't break the bank like the admittedly impressive TRD Pro. The cab comes equipped wi...

The new six-speed automatic shifts smoothly, but fuel efficiency-biased programming makes it reluctant to downshift. There is an ECT Power button that alters the shift points for more immediate response, but it must be reselected every time you restart the truck. A six-speed manual is available.

The new 3.5-liter V6 makes 42 horsepower more than the old 4.0-liter V6, but acceleration is no better because of fuel efficiency priorities. Our test truck accelerated to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, which is adequate for its intended mission, but not class-leading.

Dependable stops are straight and true. In a panic the Tacoma will stop from 60 mph in 124 feet, which is good considering the soft off-road tires. But in normal driving the brakes tend toward touchy and overeager, making it hard to execute smooth stops.

Our Tacoma's steering always comes across as predictable and reassuring, with smooth and progressive effort as you guide it through corners. And it feels steady and connected when cruising straight, too. The chunky leather-wrapped steering wheel feels solid in your hands.

Body roll is gradual and restrained, and the Tacoma imparts a good sense of overall competence and coordination on the sorts of winding roads you inevitably need to traverse on the way to the campground, ski lodge or trailhead. It feels equally secure and sure-footed out on the trail, too.

The new six-speed automatic shifts smoothly, but fuel efficiency-biased programming makes it reluctant to downshift. There is an ECT Power button that alters the shift points for more immediate response, but it must be reselected every time you restart the truck. A six-speed manual is available.

All 4x4 versions of the Tacoma do very well, but the TRD Off-Road has the suspension, tires and abundant clearance to go places other pickups, including other volume-selling midsize truck models, cannot. The locking differential, terrain select and crawl control systems are real advantages.

This new Tacoma rides smoother and quieter than the one it replaces. The climate control system is refreshingly simple and effective. The seats are accommodating, but the high floor tends to make tall drivers wish for more adjustability.

The seats feel comfortable and supportive even though their adjustments are quite simple. Very tall drivers may wish for more thigh support because of the unusual driving position. Heated seats are optional on the TRD Off-Road and TRD Sport but standard on higher trims.

The ride is notably smoother and less busy than in past years. Bilstein shocks and tall sidewalls of the 16-inch TRD Off-Road tires are adept at filtering out small road flaws, better in some circumstances than the Limited's 18-inch tires. Still, any blindfolded passenger will know this is a pickup.

The new cabin feels fairly tight, with lower levels of wind and road noise compared to past years. Mechanical engine noise is nicely muted, too, and there's less exhaust drone than the old 4.0-liter V6 produced. Not hushed like a sedan, but nevertheless a pleasant place to pass the miles.

The standard system is very straightforward and easy to operate, with prominent controls that need no explanation. Airflow is good through the nice-sized vents. An optional automatic climate control system is available.

Attractive interior is nicely laid out, with easily understood and effective controls. The cabin has plenty of space up front, but tall folks may disagree. Biggest shortcomings are the relatively tall step up to the cab and an odd driving posture, both side effects of the need for ground clearance.

All switchgear is exceptionally easy to reach, understand and use, and that includes the automatic climate control, the 4x4 selector switch, the crawl control system and the multiterrain selector, which are all operated via knobs.

The Tacoma has a high cabin floor that is an outgrowth of its off-road design philosophy, which demands generous ground clearance. This makes step-in notably higher than in trucks such as the Colorado, and the legs-out seating position reduces step-out leverage somewhat.

The Tacoma's high floor produces a legs-out driving posture that is more carlike than you might expect. Taller drivers tend to notice this because the telescoping steering wheel doesn't have enough adjustment range, forcing them to scoot closer with knees bent more than they would otherwise.

There's plenty of personal space in the Tacoma, but the front seat headroom isn't generous. You've got to be taller than average to notice, and if that is the case you may want to think twice about that sunroof. The crew-cab backseat is tighter than the Chevy Colorado's but has more toe space.

There's a clear view out in all directions, and the high seating position makes it easy to spot the front corners. The crew cab's rear windows are large, and the mirrors are good-sized. The standard backup camera is a further plus.

Fully redesigned in 2016, the attractive new interior features a higher grade of materials than in past years, and they generally look less like hard plastic than the competition. Numerous trips off-road failed to reveal any squeaks or rattles.

The Tacoma's composite bed has lots of smart cargo management features, and there's a decent amount of places for items in and around the cab. Its tow rating isn't quite class-leading, but it isn't far off the mark. Child seat fitment in the crew cab favors forward-facing seats and boosters.

Four cupholders reside between the front seats, and they can also hold small items. The shelf ahead of them is meant for phones, and in some trims it's a wireless charging pad. Glovebox, center console box and door pockets are decent-sized. The rear seatbacks fold forward to reveal concealed bins.

Crew cab's rear seats fold to create a flat platform that can hold more cargo than a Colorado. Standard composite bed needs no bedliner, has rails with movable tie-down cleats, a 400-watt power outlet, LED lighting and storage bins. Removable tailgate is damped so it won't slam when dropped open.

The crew cab has two pairs of LATCH lower anchors and a trio of upper tethers. The former are recessed between the cushions, and the latter must be accessed by folding the rear seatback forward, which is a bit of a pain. Bulky rear-facing seats force the corresponding front seat to be slid forward.

A 4x2 V6 Tacoma can tow as much as 6,800 pounds. Our TRD Off-Road 4x4 can tow 6,400 pounds. Both are solid numbers for a midsize truck. Tow package includes hitch, wiring, extra cooling, a bigger alternator and trailer sway control.

We generally like the touchscreen audio system because it has large virtual buttons and employs knobs for volume and tuning chores. Supports smartphones with a proprietary Entune app instead of the more universal Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Lags behind Honda Ridgeline in advanced driver aids.

The touchscreen audio and navigation system is easier to use than many competing systems because it has simple volume and tune knobs (though they could be larger). Graphics are clear, and there isn't much glare. Sound quality isn't top-notch, but we didn't purchase the available JBL speaker upgrade.

Bluetooth pairing is simple, but the USB-based smartphone interface requires you to install the Entune app on your phone to take advantage of some features. But the app is clunky to use and locks the phone for other purposes — even if it's the passenger's phone. Cabin contains just one USB jac...

A blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert system is available on the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road, and it's standard above that. Rear parking sensors are part of the bargain. Other systems are not available.

Touchscreen audio system-equipped models such as our TRD Off-Road include navigation, phone and audio voice controls that do a reasonable job. Those with a paired Apple iPhone can press and hold the voice button longer to engage certain commands using the much more sophisticated Siri interface.

To learn more about the Toyota Tacoma of this generation, read our updates from a full year of living with a 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Crew Cab 4x4. We cover everything from seat comfort to real-world fuel economy. It's the same generation, and there are no significant year-over-year differenc...