The 2014 Toyota Tacoma is one of only 2 mid-size pickup trucks on the market this year, along with the Nissan Frontier. The old Ford Ranger is gone permanently, and it will not be up until next year that the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon make their return in brand new clothing.
Still, mid-size vehicles have their fans– although the most basic models may encourage to wonder why. And the Tacoma has a credibility as a workhorse, with practically unmatched integrity, for those which do not require a full-size truck.
Design – Interior and Exterior
The 2014 Toyota Tacoma offers an interior that’s tidy, useful and appropriate to the necessities of truck proprietors. Instruments and controls are simple to see and utilize, and there are cup holders and other storage space areas throughout. The front seats are encouraging and comfy. The rear seats in the Access Cab version are most ideal for kids or adults on short excursions, but the back seats in the Double Cab are much far better, with storage both under the seat and in a separate area accessed by turning down the seatback.
Even though it’s a compact, the 2014 Toyota Tacoma looks every inch a truck, with a rugged and muscle perspective, a big grille (chrome on higher-end trim degrees), verbalized fender bulges, big bumpers and a typically workman-like feel from front to back. The base version has black bumpers and grille, the PreRunner has the off-road appearance, and the choice packages, from SR5 Extra Value to TRD Off-Road to Limited, add their very own details. As would certainly be anticipated of Toyota, the quality, fit and surface are comparable to it obtains.
Powertrains, Performance and Features
The 2014 Toyota Tacoma is available with rear- or four-wheel drive and an option of 2 engines: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder or 4.0-liter V6.
All Tacomas except 4WD Double Cab versions come common with the four-cylinder engine, which is ranked at 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is conventional on Regular and Access Cab versions, while the rear-drive-only PreRunner Access and Double Cabs get a conventional four-speed automatic that’s optional on the others.
A Tacoma with the four-cylinder and five-speed hands-on returns an EPA-estimated 23 mpg integrated (21 city/25 highway) with rear-wheel drive, going down to 21 mpg incorporated (19/24) with the automated. Including 4×4 returns 19 mpg integrated (18/21) with either transmission.
The V6 is ranked at 236 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. It isn’t really offered on Regular Cab models, but it comes criterion with the 4WD Double Cab, and it’s optional on the 4WD Access Cab and both PreRunner configurations (Access and Double Cab). The PreRunner V6 designs come simply with a five-speed automatic transmission, yet the V6-powered 4WD Access Cab and Double Cab come standard with a six-speed manual (the five-speed automated is optional).
The V6/automatic group yields 19 mpg integrated (17/21) with rear-wheel drive and 18 mpg incorporated (16/21) with four-wheel drive. The V6/manual tandem (a 4WD-only suggestion since the X-Runner is gone) returns 17 mpg combined (16/19).
In performance screening, a 4WD Tacoma Double Cab V6 with the automatic covered zero to 60 mph in 7.7 secs– suitably fast for a midsize vehicle. Appropriately geared up, a Tacoma V6 could tow around 6,500 pounds.
Favorite Features:
STRONG V6 ENGINE
The Tacoma’s offered 4.0-liter V6 engine is powerful, smooth and responsive, and works well with either the 6-speed manual or the 5-speed automatic transmission. And it does all that with just a fairly moderate reduction in gas economic climate.
FUNCTIONAL BED
All Tacomas function a composite internal bed with built-in storage areas and 4 rail-mounted gliding tie-down cleats. The arrangement is handy, useful and durable.
2014 Toyota Tacoma Safety and Price
All Tacoma designs come basic with double front, front side and full-length side drape airbags in addition to traction and security control devices and a tire-pressure surveillance system.
The 2014 Toyota Tacoma compact pick-up is readily available in various setups of cab, powertrain and trim. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts best around $18,000 for a base 2WD Regular Cab. A 4WD Double Cab with V6 and automated beginnings at concerning $29,000 and could top $36,000 with some choice bundles. Although the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon cost much less, neither supplies as too much energy, area or refinement.
Competitors and Verdict
With the demise of the Ford Ranger, the Dodge Dakota and GM’s Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins the Tacoma’s competitors are limited to the Nissan Frontier and the Honda Ridgeline. The Frontier resembles the Toyota in energy and ability, while the Ridgeline is unique amongst pickups in using a car-derived platform. It’s the most refined ride in the section however also the least qualified.
So of course, the Tacoma did carry out every one of the tasks it was asked to with family member simplicity. But compared to the new generation of smooth riding pickups, the littlest Toyota vehicle is raw and seriously needs to be updated.
Fortunately, General Motors is presenting 2 new mid-size pickups, the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, to the market in 2015.
This step should be enough to propel Toyota to upgrade the almost decade-old Tacoma and if the corrections are anything like those that pertained to the Tundra, the Tacoma will certainly almost certainly keep its segment-leading sales. Nonetheless, if the budget plan at Toyota leaves no space for Tacoma updates, the Japanese brand name is leaving the door open for GM to swoop in and steal sales.
+ LOVE IT
Off-Road capability
Simple, rugged interior
– LEAVE IT
Handling mechanics
Inside noise
Trailer light hookups below the bumper
