2005 Toyota Tacoma Review

Specifications

The Midsize Dodge Dakota is Square in Toyotas Sights

Larger in every way, the all-new next-generation 2005 Tacoma pickup truck is a step up from the current compact Toyota.
Having already teased Chicago auto show goers with its X-Runner sports truck prototype, Toyota unveiled two variations of the truck to journalists recently.

The X-Runner, replacing the previous Tacoma S-Runner, will be just one trim level available to Toyota truck fans when it goes on sale later this fall, sidling up beside an entry-level four-cylinder, 2WD work trucks and 4×4 recreational Tacomas.

“The arrival of the all-new Tacoma series will mark the first step in expanding our presence in the North American light truck arena,” commented Don Esmond, Toyota Division senior vice president and general manager during the Chicago X-Runner debut. “Larger in every metric of comparison, the new Tacoma will offer an extensive variety of body-and-bed configurations with substantially more passenger room, cargo volume and towing capacity than ever before.”

How much larger is it? Compared to the previous-generation Tacoma, the 2005 model will get a five inch wheelbase extension, while its track will be widened by four inches. The increased length and width result in four-and-one-half additional inches of shoulder and hip room inside.

Some Tacoma buyers may not be happy that Toyota is increasing the size of its compact pickup, but the Japanese brand is confident most will appreciate the change. One of the top sellers in the “compact” pickup truck segment is ironically Dodges “midsize” Dakota, due much in part to its larger configuration and available V8 engine. Nissans 2005 Frontier is also gaining in size, therefore a larger size Tacoma seems necessary to help Toyota stay competitive. Tundra is expected to grow dimensionally with its next generation as well, which will further separate the two models that during 2005 will be closer in size.

Unlike Dakota the new Tacoma wont offer a V8, at least nothing on the subject has been announced as of yet, but it will get a seriously improved V6 boasting 275 lb-ft of V8-like torque. The 240 horsepower engine is optional, with a 2.7-L 4-cylinder featuring 164 horsepower as standard equipment. Purely speculative, it is entirely possible Toyota will introduce a hybrid gas-electric or diesel-electric (HEV) Tacoma in the near future. The automaker is the unequivocal leader in the HEV business and has already announced plans to offer the fuel saving, emissions friendly technology to additional models throughout its lineup.

The 2005 Tacoma will make available a variety of transmissions, including a 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic and even a 6-speed manual in the X-Runner, the latter capable of zero to 60 mph acceleration in the neighborhood of 7 seconds.

Toyota promises much better handling than the current Tacoma, no matter which trim level. The automaker even goes so far to claim its midsize truck will outperform a Nissan 350Z in the corners, achieving more than 0.9 Gs of lateral grip in X-Runner trim. Of course, base and four-wheel drive models will not be capable of such impressive road-holding.

Braking should also be impressive, due to large diameter four-wheel disc brakes, standard ABS and available electronic stability control. On the safety front, Toyota will also offer optional side curtain airbags.

Whether using the Tacoma for work or play owners will appreciate the new composite cargo bed, 6 foot 2 inches in standard trim and 5 foot 1 inches when behind the double cab. Its lighter, non-corrosive, and more protective of both the truck and items placed inside. Also convenient, Toyota has incorporated a utility rail system designed to work with available attachments such as box extenders, dividers and more. A 400 watt maximum capability external power outlet is also included integrated into the rear passenger side of the box.

The next Toyota, like the X-Runner, was designed in Toyotas Hino Styling Studio in Tokyo. While it could only be mistaken for a Toyota pickup truck, the new design is much more aggressive than previous Tacomas, sharing some cues with the FTX concept that was first shown in Detroit earlier this year.

The interior also sports upgrades, not only in size due to its larger dimensions, but also in refinement. The instrument cluster features three circular dials in separate housings, similar to the current 4Runner. The revised center stack incorporates the audio system head and HVAC controls in an integrated layout, pushing the Tacoma further upscale from its predecessor and competitors. Also included, is a multi-disc CD changer at top and an attractive LED information screen at middle. Dash, door and console plastics are additionally higher in quality than most segment rivals.

The front seats are ergonomically designed for optimal comfort, and boast full adjustability. The rear seats in four-door versions flip forward to expose handy fully enclosed storage bins. The seatbacks fold down as well, for loading larger items that may need to stay out of the elements. Two-door Tacomas feature small forward-facing drop-down jump seats covered in high-grade cloth, plus integrated cupholders at center. Although not meant for long journeys, legroom is plentiful.

How much will all the improvements cost when it goes on sale in November? According to Esmond the price will remain extremely competitive. During the X-Runner launch he stated, “Consistent with how Toyota approaches the development of every next-generation vehicle, Tacoma will not only be a better truck, it will be a better value.”

No doubt the new Tacoma will strengthen Toyotas position in the compact/midsize pickup truck segment, bolstered by the automaker continuing its tradition of providing more cab, bed and driveline configurations than its competitors.