The newest generation of the Tacoma was completely redesigned for 2005 growing from a compact truck into a mid-size. Not since the Tacoma nameplate first arrived in 1995 had it been so completely revamped: the wheelbase extended by five inches, the track widened by four inches and inside shoulder room and hip room increased by nearly 4.5 inches. The increase in size means a longer, wider footprint on the road for better handling, stability and ride comfort.

There were no significant changes for 2006.

For 2007, Tacoma got larger seats, a chrome-rimmed instrument cluster and all-new audio head units to liven up the tow-tone instrument panel. Optional vehicle stability control now comes with an off switch. Employing the philosophy of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” Tacoma enters the 2008 model year with no changes.

The Tacoma comes in three body styles: regular cab; Access Cab with rear-hinged, half-doors (other makes call it extended cab); and Double Cab with four front-hinged conventional doors.

Each body style is available with two-wheel or four-wheel drive. Buyers can choose between manual or automatic transmission; four-cylinder or V-6 engine; short, medium or long beds. In all there are 18 different Tacoma variations, and that’s before we consider available options.

Toyota also offers the Tacoma with a “PreRunner” designation, a two-wheel drive truck that has the looks and heavy-duty suspension of the 4x4. The PreRunner has been a popular model for those who want the look of a 4x4 but either don’t need or can’t afford the extra cost.

Toyota also offers a special two-wheel drive X-Runner access cab sport truck model equipped with the V-6, a six-speed manual transmission, a sport-tuned suspension and additional structural “X” bracing underneath that gives the truck its name and makes it more rigid. It’s a tuner truck that’s straight from the factory with lower suspension, a pronounced hood scoop, 18-inch alloy wheels and Bridgestone Potenza tires. Toyota is planning to limit production to about 3,500 units a year.

The base Tacoma engine is an all-new 2.7-liter 164-horsepower (159 in ’06 models) inline four cylinder, replacing two four-cylinder engines that made 142  and 150 horsepower respectively. The new 2.7-liter engine comes with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

All Double Cab Tacomas use a 4.0-liter V-6 engine. This V-6 produces 245 horsepower (236 for ’06 models), up 50 horsepower from the previous Tacoma’s V-6 engine. The V-6 is optional on both regular and Access Cab variants. V-6 models get a choice of a new five-speed automatic transmission or a new six-speed manual gearbox. Unlike the Toyota 4Runner that is built on the same platform as Tacoma, no V-8 option is offered.

Our test model, a bright Radiant Red Double Cab 4X4 with the shorter bed, carried a base price of $25,315 (including freight) and included options like the TRD Off-Road Pkg #2 ($3,695), upgraded audio system, floor mats, cargo net, security system and bed mat; it topped out at $29,987.

Depending on the model, you can choose a front bench, bucket seats or sport seating. Access Cab models have two tumble-flat rear seats but are mostly useless and best used for cargo you don’t want to put in an exposed bed. Double Cab trucks hold a three-passenger, 60/40 split tumble-and-fold rear seat that is quite comfortable, offering good leg and shoulder room with adequate headroom. Kids will find it comfortable for longer trips, but adults will want to limit their ride to shorter trips. The rear windows go all the way down into the door.

Our Tacoma was equipped with cloth bucket seats that we found comfortable — although the seat bottom could have been longer for this too-tall driver. A wide center console with cup holders separates the front seats. The dash was covered with dimpled material and upper panels that gave it a nice quality and finished look. Three satin-finished metal-trimmed ovals beyond the steering wheel house the speedometer, tachometer and fuel/engine gauges. An attractive silver perforated plastic finish is used for the center stack and integrates the audio and climate control knobs. An extra-large glove box is located on the bottom-right side of the dash.

Outside, the new Tacoma exudes a more muscular feel than the previous generation with a bolder grille and larger headlamps. PreRunner, 4X4 models and the X-Runner models have added larger overfenders. Overall the look is handsomely rugged and well done.

For the truck bed, Toyota uses new composite plastic — a material Toyota insists is lighter than steel “yet tougher and more durable.” It also means that you won’t have to purchase an aftermarket slip-in or spray-in bed liner at extra cost. The bed also comes with integrated deck rails with four adjustable tie-down cleats and a two-tier loading system.

Our Tacoma TRD model easily handled off-road challenges through rough desert terrain and gravel trails. We climbed steep, rocky trails and twisty descents with aplomb and all with relative comfort and a minimum of the usual head turbulence. Switching to four-wheel drive is as simple as twisting a knob on the dash.

On pavement, the Tacoma handles surprisingly well, with a quiet compliant ride. Body roll in corners is minimal. Absent was the usual bouncy and jarring ride associated with most 4x4 trucks. Braking was smooth but rear brakes are the less desirable drum type, a noticeable cost-cutting measure and a departure from some of the other pickups in this class. Visibility is excellent with large outside mirrors and no blind spots.

Safety features include antilock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and BrakeAssist standard on all models. A stability control system is available ($950) on all models, except the X-runner. Crew cab models offer optional front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags ($650). Both 2005 and 2006 Tacoma models scored the highest crash test rating, five stars, from NHTSA and the highest “good” from the IIHS.

The new Tacoma is in everyway a winner and brings a new standard to mid-size pickups. The build quality and materials is excellent and no longer does the pickup truck owner have to suffer a brutal ride for all-wheel drive, accept substandard safety features or sacrifice stylish good looks.

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