Post your 2016 Tacoma test drive experience and thoughts here + links

The 2016 Tacomas are officially on the streets. This thread is intended to better organize people's test drive experience and thoughts. I am particularly interested in the new motor and how it compares to the 4.0, so that experience is valued.
For instance...does the new motor lack low end tq? How's the acceleration? Cabin noise? Passing ability...etc...
Opinions from individuals who have owned/driven the previous Gen Tacomas are preferred....gives us a better perspective on what to compare it with versus it being a subjective review...but all information welcome.
Let's not clutter this thread with a bunch of pointless banter... I would like this thread to be informative and detailed regarding how the new truck drives....feels....etc... Lets hear everyone's reviews!

 

2016 review from someone that drove one:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/test-rode-a-16-trd-sport-tonight-loved-it-but.390659/

See post #11 (pic/review) and #25:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/just-picked-up-my-2016-4x4-double-cab-sport.390690/

See post #121 and #122 (for some great pics):
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2016-tacos-are-arriving-at-the-dealership.390503/page-7

See post #275 (review):
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/test-rode-a-16-trd-sport-tonight-loved-it-but.390659/page-14

 

Curious about the difference in towing. I'm looking at getting a new Tacoma, trying to decide between a 15 or 16.
At work we have a 15 I'll have this weekend to tow one of my cars. In a few weeks when the 16 loaner comes in I will have to borrow that one and compare

 

Edited the title. Post any decent links as well!

So far, it appears as if not too many people have test driven the 2016 tacoma; from the few test drives I've read about. Opinions seem to vary on the new motor. One review implies that it feels like a car motor, while another states that it was very similar to the 4.0.

 

I just test drove a 2016 sport 4x2 about 10mins. ago I agree with what other is saying "Engine Lags" I still love my 2014.

 

That sucks. The 4x2 should be a tad quicker than the 4x4 as well.

 

I love how in this review he talks about how the Tacoma is meant for hauling, then it shows him putting one potted plant in the bed and closing the tailgate. lol http://www.usatoday.com/story/money..._campaign=usatodaycommoney-topstories&ref=yfp

 

Has anyone test driven the tacoma with the ECT Power button engaged?

 

Sounding like the 2015 might be better for towing. More torque at low RPMs to get it moving. The 2016 may keep it at highways speeds better.

 

Alright, I went today and test drove two 2016 AC TRD OR 4X4s and a 2015 SR5 DC for comparison. First off, it should be noted that I drive a 2001 camry (2.2L) with a suspension that is almost completely shot, so of course anything is better. So here we go:

I do have a Blazing Blue DCSB Limited 4X4 on order, but wanted to test drive what ever i could, so i went to the dealer next to my apt. Of course the dealer came out spitting out all the new features and improvements. Of course i already knew everything and more than he ever could thanks to TW. But, once my friend accidentally let it slip that I had already ordered the truck from someone else, the dealer became a complete ass and it really ruined the first impressions of the truck. It felt like it had no power when i pressed the gas, i thought it accelerated as slow as my camry, but then i tried it again hitting the power band, and it was MUCH better, I also wasn't super impressed with the ride, but that could be because it wasn't broken in yet. Overall my first impression left me unimpressed overall, and i just couldn't believe it, and the guy was an ass so I didn't get to really test it or play with other things, so I decided to go to the dealership that i ordered my truck from.

The second impression was MUCH MUCH better. I noticed a lot more power, though I have to agree with others that the engine did seem like it was not at ease under normal driving, but it really wasn't horrible either, certainly not trying as hard as my 4 cyl. I also noticed that it had more power at higher speeds rather than lower speeds. I did press the ECT PWR button , and it was a world of difference in power. With the button engaged, there was SO MUCH more acceleration. I also noticed that I never felt the transmission shifting, it felt seamless. In comparison, I felt the 4.0L had no struggle and actually ran smoother than the 3.5L, and always had power.

The ride was about the same as the 1st test drive, but very quiet. I didn't hear a lot of road noise. The handling was good, It didn't feel too wishy washy in turns. I did notice the steering wheel was stiffer in the 2016 than the 2015. Not so much in amount of play, just in how easy it is to turn the wheel.

The seats: Coming from a sedan, I had no problems with the seat height, I (5'10") felt the seat was at the perfect height to see the front of the truck and it was quite supportive. In comparison to the 2015, I found the 2015 seats softer, but I feel like the 2015 would have been more uncomfortable on longer trips.

All in all, after the second test drive, I definitely liked the 2016 and will be getting it b/c of all the extra amenities it comes with over the 2015, but I will say that I also really enjoyed the ride and power of the 2015.

 

This is an awesome review for me. I've got the 1998 Accord, so I can relate to it. When I drove a 2014, I felt like I had to push the gas a lot to make it go...but that was because I was not used to a truck. Hopefully in time one will learn to "adjust" to the way the engine and transmission play together.

 

Tried it today.
Big difference in power.

 

Well i went and test drove one today wile i want to like it and i do like things about it its got some power it feels to be more then the 2nd gen but with my new 5000lb boat im leaning more on the Tundra crewmax! Its just so much more truck for not much more both trucks were sr5's that i drove. Ita a nice truck for sure but that front end needs to go it looks worse in person and i though the sr5 grilles looked the best in the pictures.

Im 5'8" and my head hits the roof in the back seats with no sun roof!

 

No one listened to us guys who saw it in the autoshow, truck overall has some nice improvements, but holy shit show that grill is horrific and I dont want to hear the "1st gen guys hated 2nd gens when they first came out" sorry but that ugly isnt going to grow on anyone anytime soon.

 

And here I've been under the impression that it can handle 2 potted plants.

 

see post #294
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ght-loved-it-but.390659/page-15#post-10761552

 

Thank you for posting this

 

Glad to read the engine isnt a complete dog. Id really rather buy the tundra but with commuting over 30,000 a year the mpg would be too much to justify. Im buying the taco because i need a truck, but have to get "decent" mpg.

If it couldnt get out of its own shadow i might have to reconsider my order.

 

Look at the pic of that LCD screen. It juts out from the dash surface like an aftermarket one. That is absolutely inexcusable. The ones they put in a 20 grand Corolla look 10x cleaner than that. At least the appeal of the grille design is subjective. How ANYONE could approve that screen for production is beyond me.

 

Agree with the LCD screen, needs some help. The Nav screen should be larger on models with that option.

The grill needs help also. I guess the folks at Toyota like the Big Mouth Bass look.

Everything else looks good on this model and was hoping for better get up and go
under the hood from all the reviews so far. Is it possible that the computer
is limiting the power until it has around 1500 miles before the full power
is unleashed. My 2013 Pre Runner seemed a little slow until it broke in.

Another gripe is the choice of interior colors.

Sorry guys, the plastic bed liner B.S. has to go. Toyota should offer a
spray in option.