2016 Toyota Tacoma: A True Off-Roader
With the launch of the 2016 Tacoma, Toyota Canada had the firm intention of convincing us of the newly styled compact pickup’s all-terrain capabilities. Not only did they update the exterior, reinforce the chassis, redesign the interior and improve the soundproofing in the cabin, they also enhanced the vehicle’s off-road capabilities.
A career spent on sand and rock
The Tacoma TRD Off-Road is equipped with the Multi-Terrain Select system that allows the driver to choose the best setting for the terrain, including loose rock, mud and sand. Each option manages wheel spin by adjusting the throttle and brake pressure to optimize traction on almost any type of terrain.
The off-road technology includes an automatic limited-slip and locking rear differential, hill-start assist control, active traction control and Crawl Control. Crawl Control allows the driver to travel at 2 to 8 kilometres per hour, taking over acceleration and braking duties so that the driver can focus on steering.
Proven effectiveness
Most competitor models come with several of the characteristics offered by the Tacoma, but the impressive Crawl Control is a one-of-a kind feature.
To prove just how effective this system is, Toyota covered the vehicle in sand all the way up to its axles and then engaged the Crawl Control system, which immediately went to work trying to get the vehicle out—and all the while, the driver didn’t need to touch the steering wheel, accelerator or brakes. The electronic system got the vehicle out in less than five minutes.
Then they had us take a hilly route with big boulders that would be impossible to climb for most vehicles in the category. Here again, the Crawl Control system got us through without a hitch. And this time, all the driver had to do was steer.
The hill test
Another off-road feature is the hill descent control. We took the vehicle to the top of a hill with a 37° incline and let it descend without any assistance from the driver. The successive clinking of the brake system let us know that the hill descent control system was hard at work.
With 9.4 inches of ground clearance, the Tacoma is able to clamber over obstacles that other vehicles simply can’t. Moreover, its 32.7° approach angle leaves plenty of room for climbing steep inclines. The departure angle is 23.5°, which is remarkable for a pickup truck.
If journalists can do it, so can you
Most of the journalists in attendance participated in these exercises and the Tacoma proved up to the task each time. Sure, the obstacles were prepared in advance and the hill was probably carefully calculated to show off the robust vehicle’s qualities—but in the end, it succeeded without so much as a hesitation.
While the Chevrolet Canyon and GMC Colorado that launched last year are consistent and versatile, they’re mainly targeted for recreational and city use. Meanwhile the broader Tacoma comes with a technical and mechanical configuration that makes it possible for the pickup to tackle more hilly terrain.