From a company that rarely messes with success, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma doesn’t break with tradition. For better or worse.

Yes, some are welcome changes. Six speeds in an automatic are better than five or four. So is more available safety tech and a radio that looks (and operates) like it’s from 2015. And hey, a sharp new grille isn’t a bad addition, either.

It’s just a shame that this car still feels like the old one, and by that I mean it feels old. The doors aren’t particularly solid when they shut and the interior materials don’t even feel serviceable – they’re just plain cheap. Considering how much a 2015 Tacoma is when you option it up a bit and the quality is somewhat insulting.

As we’ve seen with loyal Corolla and Camry customers, though, there probably won’t be many complaints from the faithful. This might be fine for now, since Toyota is still the largest player in this tiny class.

But when the rivaling Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon feel and look so much fresher, you have to conclude this “new” Tacoma won’t be new for very long.

Photos: Zac Estrada / Carscoops.com

Photo gallery



Contact: zac@carscoops.com or @zacestrada