“This vehicle has been an absolute delight and I couldn't imagine going with any other brand. I've owned several other brands in the past and have always wanted Toyota but never really had the opportunity. It has been a blessing and joy to finally have the vehicle I've always wanted.”
2016 Toyota Tacoma: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Toyota Tacoma is a full redesign and the first model year of the third generation. Its headline change is an all-new truck with a new body and cabin, an updated frame and suspension tuning, and a new 3.5-liter V6.
About the 2016 Toyota Tacoma
3rd generation (2016-2023), first year of the redesign.
Toyota positions the Tacoma as a midsize pickup that can handle weekday work and weekend trail use without feeling as bulky as a full-size truck. The big draws are durability, strong resale, flexible cab and bed choices, and real off-road credibility in TRD form. In 2016, Toyota also pushed a more modern cabin and better everyday usability, so the Tacoma still feels like a truck first, but one with more comfort and tech than before.
The lineup runs from the work-focused SR through the more comfortable SR5, the road-oriented TRD Sport, the trail-focused TRD Off-Road, and the premium Limited. Standout equipment includes a locking rear differential and Bilstein shocks on the TRD Off-Road, wireless phone charging and a hood scoop on the TRD Sport, and leather seats, JBL audio, navigation, and blind-spot monitoring on the Limited.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
V6 models received a new 3.5-liter V6, and new six-speed transmissions joined the redesigned lineup.
Styling
Toyota redesigned the exterior and cabin, with a new dashboard layout and upgraded interior materials.
Safety
A backup camera became standard across the lineup. The redesigned Limited also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors.
Tech
Every Tacoma gained a standard touchscreen audio system and an integrated GoPro windshield mount. Higher trims added equipment such as navigation, JBL audio, and wireless phone charging.
Structural
The Tacoma received an updated frame and revised suspension tuning. Added sound insulation also made the cabin quieter.
2016 Toyota Tacoma specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.7 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.7 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18–19 mpg | 18–19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 18–19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23–24 mpg | 23–24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 23–24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 159–278 hp | 159–278 hp | 278 hp | 278 hp | 278 hp |
| Torque | 180–265 lb-ft | 180–265 lb-ft | 265 lb-ft | 265 lb-ft | 265 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6400–6800 lb | 6400–6800 lb | 6400 lb | 6400–6700 lb | 6400–6700 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 24.6–32.6 in | 24.6–32.6 in | 32.6 in | 24.6–32.6 in | 24.6–32.6 in |
| Seats | 4–5 | 4–5 | 5 | 4–5 | 4–5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Headlights | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Cruise Control | |||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Privacy Glass | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Toyota Tacoma a new generation?
Yes. The 2016 Tacoma is the first year of the third generation and a full redesign, with a new body and cabin plus an updated frame and suspension tuning.
What is the biggest difference between the 2016 and 2015 Toyota Tacoma?
The biggest difference is that the 2016 Tacoma was fully redesigned. It introduced a new body and interior, a new 3.5-liter V6 for V6 models, new six-speed transmissions, and more standard technology.
Which Toyota Tacoma trims changed for 2016?
The 2016 lineup consists of SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited. These replaced the prior year’s Base, PreRunner, and TRD Pro trim names; TRD Pro was not part of the 2016 lineup.
Does every 2016 Toyota Tacoma have a touchscreen and backup camera?
Yes. Every 2016 Tacoma came with a touchscreen audio system and a backup camera as standard equipment.
How are the 2016 Tacoma TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road different?
The TRD Sport is aimed at on-road driving, with sport-tuned suspension, a hood scoop, and wireless phone charging. The TRD Off-Road is built for trails, with Bilstein shocks, off-road suspension tuning, and an electronically locking rear differential.
2016 Toyota Tacoma Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Toyota Tacoma.
4.1
2016 Toyota Tacoma
(504 reviews)
“After I drove the Tacoma TRD off-road I knew that's what I wanted. Tacoma is best for styling, reliability, and quality of workmanship. The most solid midsize truck.”
“It's a great truck overall but the transmission is not well suited for the engine. I've gotten used to the way it drives now and it helps to live in Houston where it's flat but I would not recommend it for anyone living in hilly terrain. I love how it looks and I've been very satisfied with the audio/infotainment system.”