Off-Road Test Review: 2011 Toyota Tacoma T|X Pro
Words by Dan Sanchez, Photos by Drew Phillips for PickupTrucks.com
There’s no doubt that the Toyota Racing Development-equipped 4x4 Toyota Tacoma has earned a reputation for its off-road capabilities. But now that Toyota has added a T|X Pro package to its 2011 lineup of available options, the Tacoma has a much higher level of off-road prowess that could very well outperform other midsized, and some full-sized, pickups on the trail.
First impressions always make a difference, and the 2011 Tacoma T|X Pro captures the essence of what off-road truck enthusiasts want. Since the truck’s first introduction as a concept at the 2009 SEMA show, this option has incorporated bold angles, skid plates, big color-matching fender flares and a front bumper with integrated fog lights.
But aside from the truck’s good looks, keep in mind that it’s also integrated into the TRD performance package, which in this case includes an off-road-tuned suspension system using Bilstein shocks, hill start assist, downhill assist, an electric locking rear differential and automatic traction controls.
The Toyota Tacoma T|X Pro off-road pickup is a handsome-looking truck that backs up its rugged appearance with superior agility.
The T|X Pro option also adds a chromed exhaust tip and bed-side graphics that, by themselves, aren’t too much to get excited about. But the BFGoodrich 265/70R16 Rugged Trail tires and black TRD 16-inch alloy, bead-lock wheels are a welcome upgrade, which sets the tone for the capabilities of this pickup.
The real knockout punch from the T|X Pro package, however, is the TRD sport-tuned exhaust system that delivers a deep sound and extra power to spin the wheels slightly from a standing start.
Toyota doesn’t make any claims as to how much power the sport-tuned exhaust adds to the 4.0-liter dual-overhead-cam 24-valve V-6. But we can tell you that when combined with the five-speed automatic transmission, the engine — rated at 236 horsepower and 266 pounds-feet of torque — delivers some impressive acceleration, though we’re still waiting for the Tacoma to get a power bump to 270 hp and 278 pounds-feet of torque to match the same mill in the Tundra and 4Runner.
One of the best features of the T|X Pro package is the black alloy TRD 16-inch wheels mounted on BFGoodrich Rugged Trail 265/70R16 tires.
We averaged 18.3 mpg during combined highway and off-road driving. The engine’s variable valve timing is partly responsible for the Tacoma’s ability to not only provide excellent bottom-end and midrange torque but also good fuel economy when needed.
The five-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and keeps the truck well within its power band during most circumstances. In overdrive, however, the Tacoma seems to lug a little, as there’s a nearly 400-rpm drop between 4th gear and overdrive. But with a quick blip of the throttle, the five-speed downshifts into the appropriate gear, turning any lag into a burst of acceleration.
The off-road-tuned suspension handles short frequencies, such as minor highway bumps and pot holes, with a noticeably stiffer ride than most four-wheel-drive pickups in its class. The Bilstein dampers are true ultrahigh-pressure mono-tube (not twin-tube) shocks that tend to carry these frequencies to the driver, but they are good insurance in knowing that they won’t fail under extreme conditions.
Cloth seats with adjustable lumbar support are also part of the TRD T|X Pro package. The TRD off-road package includes a JBL six-speaker stereo system and metallic tone instrument trim around the dash.
Long highway trips in this truck may be a bit fatiguing for some, but it’s a small price to pay for the way the entire suspension operates off-road. On dips and low-speed off-road conditions (long-frequency bumps), the progressive rate front coil springs help deliver a smooth ride that always lets you feel like you’re in control.
But a properly tuned suspension isn’t the Tacoma T|X Pro’s only advantage. Keep in mind these trucks come standard with Toyota’s sophisticated integration of braking, vehicle stability and traction controls that automatically intervene with throttle or brake action to keep the vehicle on its intended path and maximize traction. This truly aids in vehicle control while pushing the Tacoma at speed down a packed dirt road, ultimately leading into a wide river wash that begins an 18.8-mile trek into Last Chance Canyon trail.
This 4x4 road is in Southern California’s Red Rock Canyon State Park and is surrounded by beautifully colored red rock cliffs. It eventually enters into an old mining area where people have been digging for gold since the 1800s. While the trail guide lists Last Chance Canyon as moderate with some difficult sections, the first three miles that wind through a river wash had some serious obstacles.
The 4.0-liter dual-overhead-cam engine delivers incredibly good acceleration and fuel economy. We averaged 18 mpg in both highway and off-road driving conditions.
The rocks that we had to try to maneuver the Tacoma T|X Pro over initially took us by surprise. Because we didn’t expect to air down the tires, we were worried we wouldn’t make it through, and it took all of our rock-crawling skills to maneuver the Toyota over the terrain without a scratch. We were lucky to use the truck’s rear locking differential to help us get out of some difficult situations more than once.
The only casualty of the grueling first portion of the trail was the passenger-side front mud flap that hangs very low. It got pulled off as that tire came down off a good-sized rock. While the mud flaps are great for the open road, it’s well worth your time to unscrew them from the wheel wells before heading into some serious terrain.
After clearing one field of rocks along the wash, we were teased with some open sandy areas that would only lead to another large rock field around the next corner. Nevertheless, the Tacoma T|X Pro pushed forward with precision and excellent articulation that would impress even hardcore Jeep owners.
A steep hill along the trail offered the opportunity to evaluate the Tacoma’s Hill Start Assist and Downhill Assist controls. Turning the dash-mounted knob to the four-wheel drive low position and placing the transmission in 1st gear, The T|X Pro Tacoma crawled up the face of the hill without giving us any fear of rolling back or loss of traction — even though we could only see sky looking out the front windshield.
Articulation is the way to get over large obstacles, and the TRD sport-tuned suspension provides superior traction and agility that isn’t too common among off-road trucks in its class.
Aside from the performance aspects of the TRD T|X Pro package combination, you also get a nice JBL sound system, keyless entry, an engine skid plate, fog lamps, sport seats with lumbar support and other convenience features that are well worth the extra $4,850 for this option (code OF). Other options that we liked included the large front skid plate (code S0), which not only looks great but also helps protect the entire front underside of the Tacoma. We also liked the V-6 tow package (code TO) that comes with a class IV hitch, a 130-amp alternator and supplemental oil coolers for the engine and transmission. These will come in handy if you want to add extra off-road lights and tow a trailer with ATVs out back.
The Tacoma T|X Pro as tested had an MSRP of $34,581. The T|X Pro package itself is a $1,699 option available on any Tacoma Access or Double cab, in two- or four-wheel-drive models. Toyota also aggregated the package to be more cost effective for consumers, saving them $754 over the cost of buying these options separately.
The Tacoma T|X Pro proved itself worthy beyond its tough prerunner appearance. It’s definitely an exciting truck that can take on some high-speed desert terrain and rock crawl over some difficult obstacles. Aside from adding more ground clearance with a 2-inch lift and larger-diameter tires, the Tacoma T|X Pro is pretty much set up to do everything you’d want a real off-road truck to handle, without letting you down.
At speed down a sandy wash, the Tacoma’s vehicle stability controls come into play, keeping the truck in control and on course.
Comments
It's funny that Toyota tries to market a truck to the off-road crowd that still has wimpy independent front suspension and nearly bald street tires.
How about that Tacoma Truck concept truck from a couple years ago? That truck had a proper solid front axle, decent ride height, and the appropriate dual-purpose tires. That was what we were all hoping for when we heard Toyota was coming out with the T|X Pro, but instead all we got was a sticker- and faux-skidplate-package.
Lame.
Watch how successful Jeep is going to be with their rumored upcoming JK-based pickup truck. With its solid axles in back AND in front (not to mention diff locks, 4:1 transfer case, and a real set of tires) Jeep is going to have a hard time producing enough of them to keep up with demand! Maybe THEN Toyota will realize their mistake of abandoning the solid-axle enthusiast.
Coming from a Ford guy, I like this truck. I have always appreciated the excellent ground clearance of the Tacoma. This truck is the most off-road capable mid-size truck that I am aware of. However, the 35k price tag is more than I am willing to pay for a mid-size truck with cloth seats. This is the same reason that I never would have bought the Sport-Trac... I like it, but I wasn't willing to pay that much for a mid-size truck when I could spend the same amount of money for an F150. Also, I would rather buy a 2011 F150 with the 3.7L because it will almost certainly have better power and gas mileage for around the same price, even if that means I have to go with the regular cab or Supercab.
I like this Tacoma, but given the other choices that are out there, I wouldn't buy it. Why can't anyone make a competitive mid-size truck?
Thanks for article Mike!
I too am wondering when Toyota will upgrade the 4.0 in the Tacoma to be dual VVT-I like the 4Runner, FJ Cruiser & Tundra?
There have been a few articles recently regarding a new Tacoma next year:
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20100928/CARNEWS/100929878#ixzz10qdToVDS
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100927/OEM04/309279994/1291
Do you have any insight as to when we can expect to have some details on the redesigned Tacoma? What auto show will Toyota unveil the new Tacoma?
At least give it BFG All Terrain T/A KO's for the tire selection.
*waiting for Oxi to come either contradict himself or spin this as a great package*
@ oxi haters- He is just very devoted to his brand. Not to much different from everybody else. He does at least give props were due. I just wish they would used a/t's about 285/75r16 Then I would have looked up. But hey You can't have it all I guess... And on the other hand I would rather have a f150 Just for better payload, etc...
Stickers, fancy wheels and soccer mom tires an off-road package do not make. Give it some A/Ts and if Toyota had any balls, a solid front axle, and you would have a killer truck.
The tire choice is a compromize, but how many people are really going to offroad this truck?
The same can be said for the FX4, Z71, All Terrain, TRX or Sportsman packages.
I bet many Raptors are wasting away on city streets.
Offroaders are going to use this as a platform for further modifications.
If I were to spend a large amount of time offroad, I'd seriously consider a Tacoma.
@Gabe Logan - I agree on your oxi comment and on truck choice. It gets lonely on this site being a Toyota fan.
This overpriced stickered-out tacoma really makes me wish that Ford would update the sheet metal and drop their two new 6 cylinders in the ranger that way we could have an option of a real off road capable small truck. 35K for any truck that isn't an HD is pricey
You guys don't know Oxi very well. He slams anything non Toyota and solid axle. Not sure where you see him as giving props where due. lol
The Toyota porky boys stikes again .
@Kieth - 3.7 EB baja truck comes to mind.
@ Lou I am a dyed in the wool ford guy, but like you if a product is good it deserves a look.
@keith- just a few days ago oxi was giving the baja f150 props. I don't agree with his opinon very often, but he is never rude or snide to other peoples thoughts.
Guy's,
The reason people knock OXI is because he says some pretty odd things....Toyota isnt that great...most recalls ever !! His reasoning and explanations most of the time are so odd its amusing !
For example he used to brag that Toyota is the only maker to make small trucks !! That was proven by some on this blog as being not true ! The Tacoma is the biggest truck,besides a full size ! No American truck maker makes a mid size truck as big as the tacoma !
Also he used to say because his Toyota didnt have a problem that all Toyota's are like his...obviously that isnt true !!
More and More..oh yeah he brags that the terrorists use Toyota's forgeting the fact that those countries dont sell American products and the other important fact that those people hate Americans ,why would they drive an American truck !!! They want to kill us !! Get it ,Got it...Good !
You may not agree with Oxi's posts but last time I checked - freedom of speech is something we all enjoy.
There are many times were I don't blame him for being defensive. There exists a very strong anti-Toyota sentiment amoung many truck guys. Tough economic times has a tendency to amplify a "them versus us" mindset.
pro pro is that like TRD or as we call it TURD.
OXI's responses:
First of all just look at this Tacoma and tell me the competition in class does not even come close for off-road ability...This thing is built better for off-road, no torsion bars hanging too low or mounted on the lower a-arms or lower shock mounts in odd positions begging to get hit.
Hech even when Toyota had torsion bar fronts, they were the only company to mount them on the upper a-arm thus full frame protection! And I cannot tell you about mounting leaf springs above the axle back then while the domestics were below the axle.
Result was a taller truck, more running ground clearance and very easy to fit larger tires underneath. That is what sold me back in the day to buying a Toyota. Crap, just crank the front t-bars a bit, add a leaf in the rear and 35x12.5 BFG's fit no problem.
Try that with your little Ranger, Dakota or S-10!
Today, same story where the Tacoma is fit for off-road duty while the domestics are like low-riders. I can spend less with a Tacoma to mount larger tires than probably the big 3 combined! That is what sells to me concerning off-road ability.
You can say what you want about looks, tires from the factory (who gives a hoot, I always change them anyway to larger BFG's, I already took off my 245/75 Dunflops and placed proper 265/75 BGF A/T KO's on my Tacoma), too big or whatever but the Tacoma sells because it caters to more people by offering more configurations and styles.
I tend to buy one as close to stripped as I can, very hard these days and build it up myself.
My Tacoma has been solid so far through 7,000 miles and I am off-roading this weekend with her with various types of rigs, mostly solid front guys but I will be there showing how a standard Tacoma can do it like the hard-core guys can!
And yes the Raptor is one slick ride, I see them all the time in action at TORC races at Crandon, etc...
I just believe you should build up a rig yourself and not what the factory tells you what to have, that shows lack of imagination and laziness!
I do not mind the big heavy duty Ram either, at least no shocks below the axle line and leafs above the axle.
I am very picky when it comes to pickups because I have raced down in Baja, worked the pits at Crandon, ran hott-pits down in Baja, off-roaded locally with local groups and even raced my pickup on high-speed autocross events like at Road America.
I have been around pickups practically my whole life and always tinckered with them. In other words my opinions are from experiance in the field from what I saw or did myself. I just do not buy a pickup to say I got 500hp or can pull the big trailers. I use them daily and go on trail rides and overland adventures while still not being afraid to move my entire house to break in the clutch.
I am building my 2010 Tacoma and finished Phase I of my BOTT build. I am building it as a military tactical truck like the Marines MTVR (which I served back in the early 90's) where it will have to perform off-road and still carry payload.
Hint: the MTVR is fully independent with coil springs, straight axles are a thing of the past folks!
So I will be putting my Tacoma to the limits of a pickup with off-road, larger tires and payload. I may not be pulling the big trailer but my rig will not be built for that, that is why I have the 2.7 liter engine.
That is the reason I choose Toyota over the domestics because I want the ability to off-road and I cannot get that with the domestics without spending some $$$.
@ Oxi - have fun this weekend. Soldier on.
"Also, I would rather buy a 2011 F150 with the 3.7L because it will almost certainly have better power and gas mileage for around the same price, even if that means I have to go with the regular cab or Supercab."
Nice try the tacoma is 2.5 seconds faster 0-60 than the 3.7 liter F150.
The F150 would probably get better fuel economy though, but seriously the Tacoma is rather powerful for its weight. The F150 with the 3.7 is one step above being pedestrian.
@mackintire
Since when does power = 0-60 times? Any old locomotive is a heck of a lot more powerful than any of our trucks, but any truck will definitely post a far faster 0-60 time than the train.
@oxi
I commend your passion for building up your rig. In the Ranger's defense though, I don't think Rangers ever had leaf springs mounted underneath the axle. In fact, the only trucks I've seen that arrangement have been older 2wd Toyota Pick ups and maybe the Colorado/Canyon. Also, I know 4x4 Ranger guys are cranking their torsion bars to fit larger tires as well. I'm not sure 35s will fit with just a crank, but I know for sure 33s will. As for shock mounts... well, you're right about those!
Big engine with lots of power/torque:
GETS YOU TO THE ROCK THAT PUTS YOU OUT OF THE RACE FASTER!
That is all it does for you...
How about ground clearance, wheel travel, articulation, weight distribution, gearing, low-range, skid plates, tires, brakes, clutch, shock mount locations...
Now when they focus on those, I listen. Just power numbers turns me away.
And I am not just saying that since I have the 2.7L motor, I had my 4.0L X-Runner at 325hp at the crank N/A. This fascination with power is getting old.
When I ran my X-Runner down the drag strip, I was laughing because it was not challenging and I was looking for turn 1... did it, done that, not a thrill. Not taking away from rear drag racers because one of them helped to build my X-Runner for the road courses, but you get what I mean. I hope...
@Geoff
Solid front axles? Expect sales to drop dramatically and then what? Cut production then a flop?
Solid front axles had their day in the sun but IFS systems are becoming better and stronger. Just look at Baja racing for starts but in reality look at tactical military trucks.
U.S. Marines MTVR and LVSR are fully independent coil sprung, 16 inches of wheel travel, awesome ground clearance and yes, they haul heavy loads off-road.
The M-ATV is also fully independent. They were on 60 Minutes this past weekend in Afghanistan.
Heck they are changing out the soldid axles on Cougar's for independent systems or else they are barred from duty in Afghanistan and cannot leave the bases!
The U.S. Army is also switching with their new PLS-A1 with both front axles independent. The next HEMTT will feature independent suspensions likewise with the success of the U.S. Marine trucks.
The HUMVEE is independent and the JLTV that will replace them will be likewise.
Future FMTV's will also be independent suspended.
See the pattern here? If the military is predominently running them and they do more off-roading then most of us will in terms of logging miles, is a great benchmark to go by.
I agree with Oxi. Full size trucks should not off-road! Only mid size trucks should be off-roading.
Ha Ha, It is a TRD with a cat back exhaust. Come on spend a few bucks on AT's maybe even 285's, I can go to wal mart with an SR5 and get all that. Oh wait I forgot the the stainless tipped exhaust ! Without that it is a deal breaker ! Truck will probably now cost 35 K. Now a bump up to 270 hp would be something.
Asking the question to an "off roader", would you want a 4 door cab or two, perhaps w/extra cab??? Does chassis length matter?
@ Supercrew - "Does chassis length matter?" I'd say it depends on where you offroad and what modifications you plan on doing.
If you travel at higher speeds on rougher gravel roads, powerline right of ways, fast fire roads, more open desert or even winter road conditions - a longer wheelbase vehicle would be less prone to sideways deflections, sliding or yaw. More rolling whoops would be more stable as well.
Any trail with very tight or sharp corners, steep, or short approach and departure angles, obstacles that would high center your vehicle would favor a short, narrow chassis.
You'd need a considerable amount of lift to go the same places a short wheelbase vehicle could go without high centering.
The benefits to IFS are better stability at speed and more ground clearance between the wheels (side to side as opposed to fore and aft) Portal axles add even more clearance.
You can get more articulation and therefore more up/down wheel travel with a solid axle - a benefit in slow speed rock crawling.
In mud or soft sand clearance below the axles is very important. That would give a slight advantage to IFS (depending on design). There is more clearance side to side.
A lighter truck would require smaller tires to maintain "floatation" compared to a bigger, heavier truck.
Here are some guidlines I follow for off-road ability:
Note, I like to off-road but I also require my vehicle to carry payload off-road, that means gear above what you would normally carry on the trail like survival gear, extra fuel, etc...
Jeep type vehicles are great off-road. They have short wheelbases, their not as wide and their weight is minimal. So they have the best off-road abilities. The flip side to this is they are rough on the street, lack cargo capacity and payload. Your not gonna get much out of it in daily life especially those with kids.
Full-size trucks are huge. They have the best comfort, can pull the most and has the highest payloads and work great with families while puling whatever they seek.
The flip side is they are huge. Their weight is the biggest problem, they need big engines to get them going. They are wide for most trails, especially in the backwoods. And their weight means you going to need additional ground clearance to offset the sinking effect off-road.
Mid-sized pickups are practically the ideal or middle ground. They have shorter wheelbases than full-size but not the danger level for the street as with Jeeps. They are bigger and wider than the Jeeps but they can still get through just about any trail vs. a full-size.
Comfort is again middle ground, more space and cargo capacity and with my Tacoma I have a 6 foot bed benind the access cab and 1,400 lbs. payload. That may not impress the full-size crowd but the Jeep guys can only dream of carrying as much as a Tacoma can off-road.
So I choose the middle of the bunch, not too big and heavy to hinder off-road abilities yet not to small to make it rough as a daily driver yet I can still carry much more payload than a Jeep.
And when it comes to a middle ground pickup for off-roading the Tacoma is the best setup from the factory out there.
It will not take as much cash or expertise to get additional ground clearance, larger tires and more suspension travel for off-road ability. And the aftermarket to assist a Tacoma owner is flooded with ideas from lockers, suspensions to gearing and everything else.
Other off-roading tips:
Now OEM manufacturer's are getting better with building with off-road in mind but in reality the true off-roader buys a as close to stripped or base model pickup for their daily needs and then builds it up. The factory will never build the ideal trail rig. Jeep's and Landcruiser's come close but how many do you see stock on the trails?
I commend the Heavy Duty Ram, Ford's Raptor, Jeep's, Land Rover and yes Toyota with the FJ and the Tacoma.
The reason I place the Tacoma with this group is the fact that Toyota has been offering locking rear diff back in 1995, had suberb ground clearance and solid wheel travel for a factory born pickup. And also they have the PreRunner option, the look of a 4wd yet it is only a 2wd. That sells to the desert crowd and southern states. In fact when I raced in Baja it did not take long for me to gut the front end of my 86 Toyota pickup to lighten the weight up there and get more wheel travel.
Anyway, ground clearance is number 1. You need it to play off-road or else you will damage just about everything. You can have 1,000 hp but only 2 inches of clearance, your not going to go far off-road. You will be like a road racing vehicle stuck in the little grass!
Clearance can be achieved by different suspension packages or cranking of t-bars but in all reality, larger tires get you the clearance. Their is a price to running huge tires also, so you have to balance that out.
You will now need to control those larger tires, so a beefier suspension will be needed and try to get more wheel travel for not only going over obstacles but comfort on the street and the ability to off-road at speed and not loose control.
Skid plates, skid plates, skid plates, nuff said!
Design bumpers to max approach and departure angles, hold things like winches if you seek them and if you do not have a roof basket or something like that, your bumpers can also hold a shovel, ax and pick, necessary tools for off-roading. Recovery points, recovery points please!
If you can try and get an electric fan up front. You can then control the fan, this will be useful when you cross water or deep mud. The fan could break into your radiator. Shutting it off at this point could save the radiator, etc... Speaking of water, if you seek, get a snorkle. I recall a friend back in the day went full throttle into a deep water/mud pit, because of his lack of clearance sucked in some cold water into his intake and blew the motor.
Lockers and gearing to assist off-road would be ideal and only helps. Spare tires should be secure and away from underneath. Good luck trying to change one in the deep off-road. Mount them up like on a swing door bumper like I have, in the bed or above in a basket.
Hi-Lift jacks are ideal for the unknown off-road but I still carry a smaller normal jack. The Hi-Lift can also be used as a winch, so can a grip hoist. The U.S. military trains on recoverying vehicles by hand, so don't just rely on other vehicles or winches all the time.
Solid stowage of gear, you do not want loose gear off-road, it will damage and annoy you. Dual battery system will help with winches, air lockers, off-road lights, radio equipement etc...
Headers are a cheap way to get more torque and even modding your exhaust and tucking it out of harms way. Sorry having straight pipes means squat, you do not want to be that loud off-road. Many recreactional areas are now checking for exhaust noise.
Do not forget about the clutch or flywheel especially with larger tires. That is a good way to loose your torque. And protect those driveshafts by any means. Mine is a 2-piece system at first I thought this sucks but Toyota had the right mindset. If you get high-centered I am glad I have that 2-piece unlike some older full-size that have that massive one that hangs too low.
And dammit, grease your points underneath and change your fluids often! In fact get diff breathers likewise. I plan on a custom one that will be mounted on the inside of the the little door that hides the gas filler cap. It will be hidden and out of the way.
Their are many more like rock sliders, heck even foilage wires and so many other stuff but to be a true off-roader I doubt an OEM will ever achieve this. What you should seek is the best from the factory as a base to build upon. The path of least spending to achieve your goals!
The Tacoma does it for me and I am sure other makes and models does it for yoy guys.
@ oxi - great tips.
I bet most guys don't know that a jackall (hilift jack) can be used as a winch. It's slow but works.
I had diff breathers when I was into hardcore offroading. A cheap but highly effective modification.
Spending the time on little things sure do help in the long run.
I carried various length chains, steel tow cables, recovery strap, assorted tow hooks, shackles, 2 jackalls, shovels, bottle jack, prybar, tools, tarps, survival gear, firstaid gear, rope, clothes, sleeping bag, spare parts etc.
The biggest messes I've ever seen offroad are guys relying 100% on their winch or putting big tires on a truck without building the truck up to survive the stress from the tires.
A great bunch of post about the Toyota Tacoma from our special forces fighting overseas
http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?57724-Toyota-A-Stan-and-special-forces
What ever happen to a the Toyota I knew not so long ago...compact truck, something that gets good mileage, did not cost a arm and a leg, last forever ever and could be built up to be the truck of your dreams.
http://winchcentral.com/catalog/images/front-bumper-toyota.jpg
Regards to both quality and product Toyota has lost it way.
GM 1982 = Toyota 2012
This is primarily a cosmetic package. Where are the components to help it in the dirt?
This is certainly not in the same playing field (major leagues) as the Ford F-150 S.V.T. Raptor and Ram 2500 Power Wagon. This is for the little leagues I suppose?
@ buy american
For that comment sir you are an IDIOT!
The off road capability of a Tacoma 4x4 with TRD off Road Package gives you PLENTY of off road capability to compete and probably even BEAT the power wagon AND the Raptor. OH and major leagues you say???? the TRD off Road Tacoma sells about 30,000 a year and THAT sir makes the Raptor and power wagon sales the little league.
i-Force lol or HEMI Envy (whatever you prefer)-
YOU are an idiot if you think that a stock Tacoma 4X4 TRD can do the things; (high-speed jumps for example) that a stock S.V.T. Raptor can do or what a stock Power Wagon can do with it's 33" tires, lockers rear AND front, and disconnecting anti-sway bar can do. The Tacoma looks at an; F-Series, Ram, Sierra, or Silverado and says: "I want to be like one of those trucks when I grow up."
Both the Ford F-150 S.V.T. Raptor and Ram 2500 Power Wagon are purpose built trucks. They are not run of the mill, dime-a-dozen, vehicles like a Tacoma 4X4 TRD.
The Tacoma would have busted shocks, within the first ten miles, if it tried to keep up with a Raptor in it's environment.
The Tacoma would have a busted constant velocity joint, from bouncing it's spinning front tire trying to find traction, because it's independent front suspension is not ideal in a rock crawling situation where a Power Wagon calls home.
well you just talked about a stong point from one and then a strong point from the other, so does it take both of those trucks to compare to the Tacoma?? sway bar disconnect, cool option. the Toyota line up has this on 2 "Run of the mill" production vehicles that are sold EVERYDAY, the trail edition 4 Runner and the Land Cruiser, difference is it changes in the FRONT AND REAR, its called KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) the Tacoma doesnt have much need for this Thus its NOT IN THE DESIGN. The Tacoma has a rear locker and another system you probably have never heard of in the front called A-TRAC which allows the FRONT of the vehicle to move power from one side to the other by way of controlling wheels spin with the brakes ALLOWING you to still do this thing called STEERING that you CANT do with a front locker. 10 minutes into ANY RIDE OF ANY KIND WILL NOT BLOW OUT A BILSTEIN SHOCK, you have lost your mind if you think that. so if i wanted some long throw fox shocks for it they could be added no biggie. OH, and its SIZE is EXACTLY the reason its MUCH better off road than a full size.
Example; ever watch top gear? when they did they "toughest truck" competition the "support" truck was a Tacoma, you know why? cause they KNEW it would go EVERYWHERE the other trucks would go and then some so WHEN those trucks broke they would have a ride back out of the Alaskan wilderness. you sir no NOTHING about the Tacoma, SO if you wanna talk smack go learn about it first. THEN, when you talk smack about it I'll teach you 25 MORE things about it you dont know about. 1 st lesson for you today, with TO package the V6 Tacoma has 2 fluid to fluid heat exchangers on it, one on the oil and one on the transmission fluid, NEITHER the ford NOR the dodge have this and they cost 10-20 THOUSAND more than the Tacoma. THIS is just one reason the reliability of the Tacoma puts the f150 and dodge trucks to shame. there are hundreds more reasons but your 2nd and last for today, look at the rear diff. The Tacoma is TOUGH from the factory with a SOLID rear axle with a diff that falls out the front, NOT a Dana corp POS Diff with axle tubes welded into it, the tacoma rear end is MUCH tougher. you make smart *ss comments but you cant back them up.
A month back I was out four wheeling with my Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, that has a superior solid axle set-up rear AND front and factory air-lockerS rear AND front; and I came across a group of about 8 Toyota FJ Cruisers. I went around the group and went on my way. I happened to find the C.B. channel that they were on and I listened in. A couple of hills that I got up without too much fanfare, with a lot of 4-wheel tire spinning (slushy snow/mud) mind you, their FJ Cruisers with A-TRAC where a little challenged. I could here them on the radio; "Is your A-TRAC on" "Yeah, it's on". It seemed that the A-TRAC was confused on what to do..."do I allow tire spin or do I lock up the spinning wheel?" It turned out, in those situations anyway, that TRUE 4-wheel drive with lockers on both ends was the better way to go than a computer system (A-TRAC) thinking that it knew better. They made it up, sure, but with a lot of back and forth jerking. Whereas I just shot up nice and smooth.
@ Hemilol- Notice the support Tacoma in the episode was a heavily modified, solid front clad, older Tacoma. Not a stock 10 model. Your point is void.
The Toyota support truck, in the Top Gear episode that you speak of was NOT a Tacoma. It was a, solid-front axle converted, 1993 pickup. The Tacoma did not come out until 1995.
I love a few of Adam Ferrara's quotes from the episode.:
"A Jihadi favorite." Referring to the Toyota.
"If your truck failed, you had to finish the search for America's toughest truck in an import. You would be a national disgrace."
"I was now, a national disgrace in the Toyota of shame."
A couple of quotes from Rutledge:
The three of us are really representing American truck lovers. With the Chevy, and the Ford, and the ultimate Dodge."
A good one from Tanner Foust:
"I was representing every American truck with my little blurple Chevy. If I didn't make it to victory and the Toyota did an import would be crowned America's toughest truck, and I couldn't let that happen.
"...the Toyota pickup we'd have to drive if one of our trucks died. None of us wanted that shame."
The tires and motor are dated and are in need of some serious upgrades. Go to tirerack.com and look at how poorly the ratings are on these tires.
It's a bummer that the good Toyota trucks aren't available here. Check out all the cool stuff on Toyota Australia's website; Hilux, and Landcruiser 70 series pickup. That Landcruiser 70 pickup is the toughest compact/midsize truck I've ever seen, and diesel!
Top Gear USA used a Toyota as a back up truck because the writers were well aware of the anti - Toyota sentiments out in the real world. They were playing up to those sentiments.
Is everyone going to go out and buy a Chevy because it was the only "domestic" that survived?
or a Toyota because it was the backup truck?
None of the trucks in that story were stock.
It was entertainment.
Nothing more.
POWER POWER POWER
0-60 0-60 0-60
MORE MORE BIGGER BIGGER YADA YADA
I wish you morons would quit ruining small trucks by making them bigger and more powerful!!!!!!!!!! If you want more power/faster get a FULL SIZE truck. Some of us want 1 thats economical and can get us there even if its slower. I wish toyota still made the smaller tacoma.
I bought my 05 Tacoma when they first hit the dealers in the fall. Overall I have been happy. I was wondering if they had given any thought to making the steering wheel more movable like some other makes.Also I am 6 foot tall and once I put the sun visors down I have to duck down to see anything. Either the seats have to be able to move up and down or the truck needs more headroom up front.
I think this is a great truck but for the money they ask your better getting domestic fulsize with similar if not better features. I really like that you can still get these trucks in manual, but they cost so muck and IMO all new trucks are pretty reliable, if a manufacture makes garbage then people will remeber and shop else where, so the outrageous resale is unwarented, one of the reasons when i bought my last truck I went with a loaded Z71 with heated leather seats, used with low miles, half the cost of a TRD double cab TACO with the same year and miles. Most of the porblems that i had with that truck had to do with how hard i am on trucks. I acctualy snaped the rear oem shocks in half on some trails goign at low speed. Great Truck and if it where not for my current ride I'd still have it. I just think that the SVT Raptor met my needs better. no taco will be able to touch it without several thousand in mods. Mods that would price it up to the cost of the raptor without all the nice luxtuary features. Additionaly the Taco would not have all the same electronic goodies. Is the Taco better on a narrow trail than my raptor , most definatly cause my raptor probably would not fit, however living in the west there are plenty of trails wide enough for the raptor and i have yet to come accross a legal road that did not accomodate my truck. I also got it in white to hide the scratces. (IMO black makes a terible color for off roading and the desert b/c of the heat. most black raptors are posers that want to look good). When I bought my Z71 used i didn't get to choose the color inorder to get one with the options i wanted and ended up with black. Never making that mistake again. If money where no option and i could afford insurence and payments on more than one vehicle at a time i would add a TRD Taco but only able to affor one car right now Raptor best meets my needs. Before you start talking about how a raptor cost so muck more than a modified Taco, the MSRP for a TACO double cab TRD ( Double cab is similar in room to scab in raptor) is 33k my raptor MRP was 42k and has heated leather seats. I paid well below that, I have no idea where people got the 51k number on other posts. I see loaded screw raptors new on ebay and they are asking 48K, the MSRP for a base 2010 raptor w/ 5.4 was 38K and that inculded 6 cd changer and leather seats. that makes it only only 5k more than a comprably equiped Tacoma. So why does toyota charge so much for a midsize truck? End rant.
Topher-
I am envious! Enjoy your "King of High-Speed Off-Road Trucks"!
The Ram 2500 Power Wagon is the "King of Low-Speed Off-Road Trucks"!
The thing about the Tacoma I really don't like, being a Tacoma owner myself, is that the box lets all the dust in...you cannot have a clean cargo in the back if you are going to be driving on any dirt road...Thumbs way down on Toyota for this...
I love the Taco i really do. I am a big Ford fan though. Its just that at 35k its costly. Like id rather have the bigger smoother quieter more efficent and powerful F150 STX supercab 3.7 4x4 Ford 35k. I really am hoping that Ford converts the Euro Ranger into an American midsizer that has good off road ability and starts at 22k and ends at 30k with a supercab and the 3.7 V6. 16-24 Could be a good 4x4 target too. Overall though the Taco is a good truck and if i could find one with the doubble cab under 30 id grab it up quick
I think Y'all jerk off a bit much.
Personally, the traction control systems on the newer tacoma is annoying. That is all.
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