Test Drive and Thoughts - Blazing Blue Pearl DCSB Sport 4x2 V6 Auto

No problem. I hope this helps everyone a little bit more in their decision to buy a 2016. Hands down, this truck is far superior to 2015 and earlier models. I've also owned a 2006 AC SR5 4.0L, so I'm not new to Tacomas. I can't wait to get mine!

 

It just looks like everything forward of the cab is too big for the rest of the truck. Especially with the little air dam at the bottom, it looks like a full size truck's grille/hood/front fenders on a mid size cab and bed.

Matt

 

How does that Blue look in person?

 

Wow

 

Thanks for the review (from my old stomping grounds for 18 years) I too am coming from a 15. I am glad there is a huge difference because my 15 sold faster than I intended...so I am driving the MX 5 until my TRD Sport arrives. Your review made me more anxious for mid October If I still lived out there I would already have one....But I did not care for California and got out of dodge at the first opportunity.

 

Great review. I saw my first 3rd gen today and agree with interior comment... Its leaps and bounds better. Props for comparison shots..

 

...I too was initially upset that they removed the driver's side grab-handle....but one of the techs at the dealer explained it was removed to be able to install an additional driver curtain airbag...

...That makes more sense than just arbitrary removal....

 

Excellent/honest review. I have a 2007 ACOR, going to take a test drive on Friday. Can't wait to test that engine.

 

Hmmm...don't need the additional driver curtain airbag for the passenger? I liked that grab-handle on the drivers side.

 

Glad to hear they fixed the driveline issue! Great review of the truck, I cant wait to look at on one in person. I think so many people are haters on the 3rd gen because its a fluffed up 2nd gen. But if it isn't broke why fix it? They took a good platform and made it great it sounds like by fixing issues owners had with the 2nd gens. Plus if you were Toyota you are making more $ since you already have most the parts from 2nd gens designed and in production vs coming up with an all new model, cant say I would complain.

Op are the side mirrors on the 3rd gen any larger then the 2nd gens? I've been trying to figure out if they offer a better field of vision as they look larger in photos but hard to tell if that's just the "look" of them.

 

The mirrors are moderately more pronounced and offer a larger field of vision.

 

Thanks! Now to figure out if I can swap them onto a 2nd gen...

 

Awesome looking truck! I'm looking forward to driving the Tacoma 2016's! Great review and comparison.

 

Only if the assembly line technicians are cross dressing and singing show tunes while installing components.

 

If I remember correctly, the brochure I got at the dealer last night stated that the TRD grill is grey (not chrome). The SR5 is black and the Limited is a polished black (I think)

 

I touched the grill of the TRD OR. It's most definitely chrome.

 

It wouldn't surprise me if Toyota had a completely different definition of "chrome" than conventional thought...

 

Keep in mind the 4x4 model will weigh a couple hundred pounds more. Maybe more. Will not be as fast as 4x2.

 

Great review, thanks for taking the time to write it all up.

 

The 2016s are really growing on me. If the back window rolled down like the Tundra and 4Runner I'd go to the dealership and order one right now.