In the mid-size segment, one model stands out from the rest. For years, the Tacoma has been a staple in its class. Customers bought the durable truck far more than its competitors, as it was the best-selling midsize truck in America for 17 straight years. Besides, there’s a lot to like about this theme, but it’s starting to get a little stale. A full redesign is rumored to be on the way for 2024 or soon after, but when was the last time it was redesigned? How long have we waited for important updates?
Toyota has redesigned the Tacoma for the 2016 model year
Accordingly, the model was redesigned for the 2016 model year. Since then, nearly everything about the midsize truck has remained the same. Although minor updates and modifications have changed it, the 2023 Tacoma is pretty much the same as the 2016 model year. For example, for the 2023 model year, the Tacoma received a few updates: new SR5 appearance packages and some features have been shuffled around trim levels. These minor changes have been common since the redesign in 2016, but nothing of genuinely significant value has been changed.
Version is more popular than ever. Unfortunately, the draw for these changes is starting to lose its appeal. Several reviewers have called the model’s later years “outdated”, especially on the interior. As a result, loyal fans are in limbo, waiting for the next big redesign to hit the market.
What has changed in the 2016 Tacoma?
According to the latest redesign, almost everything has changed with the midsize truck. Toyota renamed the PreRunner the “TRD Sport,” and the name PreRunner indicated that it was a two-wheel drive truck. In addition, the off-road “hardcore” earned the name “TRD Off-Road” for the first time. Furthermore, a few (now gone) features joined the lineup, such as a windshield mount for the GoPro camera, which is standard for all models.
In general, the exterior design has not changed much. A wheelbase remained of 127.4 or 140.6 inches, depending on cab size. However, the automaker ditched the 4.0-liter V6 and replaced it with a 3.5-liter V6. The result is a 42 horsepower increase over the previous unit, to 278 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Conversely, the new engine dropped torque by one lb-ft to 265.
Although now defunct, the new interior was one of the highlights after the last. C/D says it’s got a new silver body around instrumentation, a passenger-front color keyboard with four circular holes, and loads of higher-quality materials. Most of the changes to the interior were for a more modern look and feel throughout the front of the cabin.
Toyota Tacoma generations
The Toyota Tacoma has been redesigned for the 2016 model year. However, this isn’t the first time the automaker has overhauled its best-selling midsize truck. Previously, the first generation ran from 1995 to 2004. For nine years, the model was slightly younger and looked much more 90s than the one we see today. For 2001, the Double Cab model gained three rear seats for the first time.
Then came the second-generation Tacoma for 2005 and continued through 2015. With a more “muscular” design, longer wheelbase, wider track, and midsize dimensions. The previous generation was closer to the modern compact models of the mid-size segment. The engines gained more power, towing capacity reached 6,500 pounds, and new airbags became standard in 2009. Overall, the majority of styling options from this generation are still present today. It would take a trained eye to tell the difference between an updated and redesigned 2016 version.
Will the 2024 Toyota Tacoma be redesigned?
Although the automaker has not made an official statement, most experts believe that the 2024 Toyota Tacoma will usher in a new generation. As with the other truck-based models in the lineup, some styling changes, powertrain upgrades, and more are planned. Following the same path as the Tundra and Sequoia, the grille, other front-end features, and interior changes will likely be similar. Plus, C/D expects to get a copy just like its full-size sibling.
To conclude, the Toyota Tacoma was last redesigned in 2016. For its third generation, the midsize truck hasn’t changed as many models do. Although it has had some upgrades and made a few updates over the years, it is definitely ready to enter its fourth generation. Expect big changes for America’s most popular midsize pickup sooner rather than later.
