SR5 Test Drive and Thoughts (haters won't be happy_

So I finally got a chance to drive a '16 Taco. SR5 AC 4x4... 2.7 4 cyl. Not the model I would want, but....

First off, the SR5 grille/front-end in black looks awesome. I have had mixed feelings, like a lot of people, on the front-end, but the one I drove today just looked good all the way around.

I drove a GMC V6 Canyon yesterday.... In my opinion, the Taco beats it out...even with the 2.7, haha. Here's why....the drive-ability of the Taco is better, the cabin is more comfortable, visibility is better, handling and suspension is better. With ECT on the 4 cylinder wasn't all that bad....so I am sure the 3.5 will be plenty.

Interesting, the Canyon felt like it had more of a front-end hood to deal with, harder to park, etc. The Taco felt like a Taco...even though it's grown, it still felt like a smaller truck that is fun to drive. The Canyon feels like a big truck that some how drives like a car.

Obviously, I am not getting into towing capacity, off-road ability, etc. But highway and town driving the SR5's drive-ability felt great and has me off of the GM twins and is now winning out over the 4R that I've had my eye on. I'm sure I will change my mind again....but today's test drive went great.

 

Sweet, I have an SR5 DC on order. I only drove the Sport, so your perspective is helpful. Thanks!

 

Thanks for your review.
I couldn't read the sticker, was it a MT or AT?

 

Yea, sorry about the blurry sticker picture... it's an automatic 2.7 4.0 cyl 4x4. 30,763K

 

thanks I can't see that well anyway lol no worries.
Appreciate the info

 

Huh. The 4cyl has alleged combined MPG of 20? My gosh, even if I had zero intentions of ever pulling a single thing I would just get a 6cyl. If only just as a just-in-case scenario at some point down the road.

 

Nice review man.

 

Yea, I have no interest in the 4 cyl either...I can't image they will be selling many with 4x4....the only advantage is it costs less....basically same mpgs and you get more power with the V6. I will say, for a 4cyl it was pretty damn good though.

 

This may sound stupid, but my one gripe with the SR5 trim is having the seat color and dash be primarily gray. At least in more of the variations that I've seen. I've only ever had black seats in my vehicles and I'm a bit wary of having gray with dirt and stains. Am I crazy or is this really a non issue?

 

Yeah I figured, damn. I'd didnt really want to upgrade to the OR because I have no plans of any serious off roading - but the other packages might be worth it. I would do the sport, but don't really like the scoop. So it looks like I'm stuck, haha.

 

I always put seat covers (wet okoles) in my truck.
Even CoverKings or other vendor seat covers will save your seats from getting dirty.
My dog and his dirty paws....
Plus you get to pick colors & logos.
They have group buys here that save some $$ just an option

 

Yeah I saw that too. I didn't like the Carmel on the dash and sides. Maybe I'm just being too picky.

 

How do u stop from getting dog hair all over the truck? I might have to throw down a drop cloth over seat covers. My bulldog is a hairy mofo

 

Well my WO's are black & my dachshund is black.
Me no see em?
They do show up on the grey plastic, I just vacuum them up.
When I have other dogs in the DC though their hair gets everywhere

 

Thanks for the perspectives in this thread. Not sure why I'm obessing over the color of the interior. Gray can't be that bad...haha.

 

It's a darker gray....I think you'll get use to it quickly, I liked it a lot with the black ext.

 

We have the grey interior with black trim. Scotchguard ASAP. The grey does show stains easily, but black also shows every little spec of fiber or hair on seats depending on material. Black VW interior is the worst. I don't mind the seats, but we'll be putting seat covers on to keep them fresh anyway. I always do this, just incase we decide to sell. The dash, door panels and center console are all color matched perfectly. Toyota did a very good job with their color coordinating on this truck.

 

Dayum, I'll have to rethink our seat cover options.

 

$30k for a 25 year old engine design. Good for Toy if they can still squeeze a buck outta this ancient thing, but jeez. It seems like 1975 when someone can only muster 150-odd ponies out of 2.7 liters of displacement.

 

Thanks!