Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 V6

story and photos by Steve Temple

A Fond Look Back and Forward

Toyota’s Tacoma is turning a corner. Ever since its introduction in 1995, this tough little truck endeared itself to a wide range of off-road enthusiasts. For the incoming model year, however, it will be going through some significant changes (see sidebar on page 10). Following the general trend of the truck market, where size matters, and bigger is better, the new Tacoma will be closer in size to the Dodge Dakota and Chevy Colorado.

Sometimes less is more, though, for off-road adventures on narrow switchbacks and rocky terrain. (Note how the overly short wheelbase of the Jeep Wrangler continues to be so popular). But we’ll have to reserve judgement on the new Tacoma until we get our hands on one. In the meantime, we’ll focus on the high points of the current model, since there are jillions of them out there, and will continue to be a significant vehicle for off-road adventurers.

How so? This current model holds its value better than any other truck on the market. According to the Auto Leasing Guide, after three years of ownership, a Tacoma owner can expect to sell this pickup for more than 60 percent of its original purchase price, (while some brands’ residual value is as little as 33 percent!).

That’s likely because this competent and compact pickup is so stout and well made, and does so many things well, whether you’re tackling a tight trail or threading your way through a supermarket parking lot. Anybody who’s had to herd one of those full-size battleships in search of a big enough berth knows exactly what we’re talking about. And unless you routinely haul a ton of gravel or a pallet of 4’x8’ plywood, the Tacoma’s bed has plenty of cargo space for most everyday duties.

In addition to offering a narrower and more maneuverable chassis, the Tacoma’s strong suits include a choice of several different drivetrains, all smooth-running and reliable, along with on-road stability control and off-road capability.

The Tacoma also comes in a variety of versatile body configurations — 17, count ‘em, 17 in all — albeit at a significant upcharge, as dealers well know of the Tacoma’s excellent reputation for reliability. So if you want some convenience features, expect to pay some serious money before taking your choice.

That’s not the case with every upgrade, however. Even as the current model prepares to sing its swan song, the 2004 model now has ABS standard with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. Toyota engineers designed EBD to optimize brake pressure at each wheel for greater control, especially when cornering. In addition, a Brake Assist system determines if the driver is attempting emergency braking, and supplements braking power to engage the ABS.

Both 4x4 and 4x2 models come with Active TRAC, a traction-control system intended for off-road use. Also, V6 models can now be equipped with Vehicle Stability Control. To check out its functionality, we drove a V6-powered 4x4 Tacoma on some washboard roads at high speed, and deliberately broke loose the rear tires for some slippin’ and slidin’ in the dirt. Since we don’t even come close to the off-road skills of, say, Ivan Stewart, we found the VSC came in handy in keeping us out of the ditches and gullies. There’s plenty of power to throttle-steer around a switchback (hey look Ma, we’re drifting!), and the handling remained smooth and tractable for predictable counter-steering.

Speaking of engine output, the Tacoma has several options to suit your needs and budget. You get to choose between three different powerplants. At the entry level, a two-wheel-drive Tacoma has a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine, rated at 142 hp and 160 pound-feet of torque. The next step up for both the 4WD Tacoma and 2WD PreRunner is the 2.7-liter four that offers a few more horses at 150 hp, but a bigger jump in torque to 177 lb-ft.

Leading the powertrain lineup is a 3.4-liter V6 that pumps out 190 horses and 220 lb-ft of torque. It’s standard on the Double Cab model and optional on the Xtracab models. And if you’re looking for even more muscle, Toyota Racing Development has an EPA-certified, fully warranted supercharger kit that boosts the V6 output to 260 hp.

Transmission choices include either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. When it comes to towing power, four-cylinder models can handle up to 3,500 pounds, while the V6 is capable of handling up to 5,000 pounds.

Three basic body styles of the Tacoma are available, in either 2WD or 4WD: Regular Cab, Xtracab and Double Cab. Toyota also offers a Tacoma with a PreRunner package that has 2WD, but with the looks, higher ground clearance and heavy-duty suspension of 4WD models.

Whichever drivetrain you choose, all Tacoma models ride on double-wishbone, coil-over front suspension, and a leaf-spring rearend with staggered shock absorbers. The 4x4 and PreRunner models upgrade to gas-filled shock absorbers.

The Double Cab is a compact crew cab that offers four full-size doors and a longer passenger compartment, providing a vehicle that’s part pickup, part SUV. The Double Cab’s bed length is shortened from 74.5 to 61.5 inches, so the overall dimensions don’t get over-extended. Toyota also offers a special 2WD S-Runner Xtracab sport truck equipped with the V6, a five-speed manual transmission and a sport-tuned suspension.

Even though standard features are somewhat limited, and options are available mostly a la carte, Toyota does offer both the SR5 and Limited option packages that bundle the most desired features. A TRD off-road package is also available that includes an upgraded suspension, meaty 16-inch tires and a locking rear differential. As we go to press, no details are available yet on a similar option for the next-generation Tacoma. But given the fact that about 40 percent of all Tacoma models sold are 4WD, we expect to see a well-equipped off-road version in the mix, and we’ll report back on it as soon as we can grab one and dirty it up.