When looking for a right-sized pick-up truck for work, look no further than one that has won the Truck of Texas award. The Texas Auto Writers Association selects the award each year, and this year for the first time in award’s 31-year history, a mid-size pick-up truck has won. The winner of the award was the Toyota Tacoma, which MWS recently had the opportunity to drive.
“After being the most popular midsize pickup in the U.S. the last 20 years in a row, it’s great to see the all-new Tacoma be presented Truck of Texas,” says Dedra DeLilli, vice-president – vehicle marketing and communications, Toyota. “We are honored that TAWA recognized the Tacoma as the first Truck of Texas from a segment other than full-size pick-up.”
The Tacoma comes in a trim level for any need, from the entry-level SR, to the SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-road, Limited, Trailhunter (which is the model that MWS drove), ad the TRD Pro.
“The Truck of Texas award is prestigious and competitive, and the Tacoma has truly earned the title,” says Cory Fourniquet, president, TAWA. “The Tacoma impressed our members with its diverse grades and new powertrains.”
The fourth generation Tacoma has been the best-selling mid-size pick-up truck in America for 20 years, and it continues to improve year after year.
POWERTRAINS
Two engine options are available on the Tacoma. A four-cylinder 2.4-liter turbocharged DOHC engine comes with three different outputs. SR trim models feature an automatic transmission offer 228 horsepower and 243 pounds/feet of torque, all other automatic transmission models offer 278 hp and 317 lb/ft of torque, and manual transmission models offer 270 hp and 310 lb/ft of torque.
The other option is the same 2.4L engine put mated to a hybrid powertrain, which bumps the output to 326 hp (323 hp on Trailhunter) and 465 lb/ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is available (not available with hybrid model), and an eight-speed automatic is available for both powertrains.
CAPACITIES
Tacoma is available in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations, in XtraCab or DoubleCab configurations, with bed lengths of a six-foot box or a five-foot box, depending on the grades. Maximum towing capacity is 6,500 lbs, and maximum payload is 1,710 lbs. Towing and payload capacities vary depending on model and trim level.
TECHNOLOGY
As with many vehicles on the market today, trucks are becoming more like luxury vehicles on their interiors. Technology obviously plays a crucial role in the regard, with the Tacoma offers the option of an eight-inch touchscreen or an optional 14” display. This is mated to an optional 12.3” digital gauge cluster available on higher trim levels. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are paired with a wireless charging pad, and multiple USB-C ports.
SAFETY
All Tacoma models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3, which offers pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, lane tracing Assist, road sign assist, automatic high beams, and proactive driving assist. Blind spot monitor and rear-cross traffic alert are also available.
TRAILHUNTER
The Trailhunter uses the hybrid powertrain and is available with a five or six foot bed, and comes standard Old Man Emu 2.5” forged monotube shocks with rear external piggyback style remote reservoirs, a low-profile high-mount air intake, 33” Goodyear tires with 18” bronze-finished wheels, and RIGID Industries color selectable LED fog lamps and a bronze TOYOTA grille with an integrated LED Light Bar.
“When we developed Trailhunter we looked to collaborate with companies that brought credible off-road expertise, as well as shared common values in terms of the integrity and quality of their products,” says Sheldon Brown, chief engineer, Toyota. “Together, we developed a vast array of components or accessories that were thoughtfully and carefully engineered and integrated into the core vehicle design.”
about the author
Mario Cywinski is the editor of Modern Work Truck Solutions and has worked in the automotive industry for over 20 years, both as an automotive journalist and working for a local dealership. He is a member of the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada. He can be reached at mario@mwsmag.com.
