Toyota has always enjoyed a sizable amount of truck sales in the U.S., and that’s not likely to change—thanks to the revamped 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD, a popular midsize truck. Check out this month’s in-depth look by Jeffrey Weidel.

2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD

• Performance: 3.5-liter, V6, 278 horsepower
• Mileage estimate: 17-24 mpg
• Price: $34,000-$37,030
• Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; drivetrain 5 years/60,000 miles; corrosion 5 years/unlimited; roadside assistance 2 years/unlimited

For more than two decades, the Toyota Tacoma has been a very popular alternative for people who feel regular full-size trucks are just too big or too expensive. 

The popular midsize Toyota truck has been a top seller for years, so there's no reason to believe that trend won't continue—thanks to the completely redesigned 2016 Tacoma.

Sporting a new front grille, the Tacoma has a little different appearance this year. The grille incorporated hex cuts in both upper and lower corners make it look similar to the Toyota Tundra. There is also a new taillight design with the Tacoma name stamped into the lower area of the tailgate, which has been altered for easier opening and closure.

Toyota enjoys huge sales numbers in the U.S., where reportedly half the midsize trucks sold are Tacoma models. One of the popular choices in the Tacoma lineup is the TRD Off-Road.

The TRD Off-Road is one of five Tacoma trim levels (SR, SR5, TRD Sport), and the truck includes two body styles—the crew cab and the extended cab. Only the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and Nissan Frontier provide any competition for the Tacoma.

Car shoppers looking for some versatility should enjoy the TRD Off-Road. It has a rugged body trim and special 16-inch alloy wheels that will help absorb the bumps over rough pavement and dirt surfaces. 

The rugged Tacoma comes with Bilstein shock absorbers and is also equipped with an electronic locking rear differential and the Crawl Control system, which supplies cruise control for off-roading between 1-5 mph. The Craw Control system is also available on the Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser.

The 2016 Tacoma arrives with some changes, like improved fuel efficiency, new exterior styling, a better V6 engine, several interior changes, plus more available off-road performance. 

Despite the sales and high-approval levels, the Tacoma has its detractors. The V6 acceleration remains modest and the towing capacity (6,800 pounds) has been criticized.

The TRD Off-Road is a 3.5-liter, V6 that produces 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. The engine fails to deliver strong acceleration, clocked at 8.3 seconds going from 0-60 mph. However, the engine improvement has led to better gas mileage (17-23 mpg), plus a smoother and quieter ride than ever before.

Highlights for a revamped interior include better touchscreen interfaces and a lockable tailgate. The interior remains more about durability than luxury, but that's expected in a truck. 

The front seats won't be good for all drivers due to a low mounting position and lack of height adjustment. Headroom is limiting, and the backseat in the crew cab will be comfortable for children only. That's not a problem in the extended cab.

The redesign enhances the appeal for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma. The TRD Off-Road is not for everyone, but can deliver in many ways for people who want a solid truck with some versatility.

Jeffrey Weidel lives in Rocklin and can be reached at [email protected].