Probably, Toyota Do not be the first reference when we think about a pick-up. However, it is enough to remember the abuse suffered by one of these trucks at the hands of a Pizza Planet deliveryman in the first Toy Story film to remember that the work units of this brand endure all kinds of conditions.
Closer to reality, it is worth remembering the experiment that the Top Gear team carried out in 2003 trying to destroy a Toyota Hilux between explosions, building collapses and any kind of imaginable abuse without any success.
For these reasons and for a proven guarantee of durability in everyday life, the vans of Toyota they have a cult clientele among lovers of offroad and the most extreme of driving.
One of the best examples of this is the Toyota Tacoma, which became an interesting option for those looking for a pick-up of the brand, but do not want the large dimensions that Tundra presumes.
Although we have known it in Mexico for some years now, it releases a series of updates that are very interesting and, in addition, the really important 2020 model year is that now will be manufactured in a plant in Mexico For all markets in the world.
This decision by Toyota It means that the Texas plant that previously produced the total volume of Tacoma will now focus exclusively on the manufacture of Sequoia, leaving the manufacture of this pick-up of the Japanese house in national hands.
This week we had the opportunity to drive one of the first units out of the new complex of Toyota in the state of Guanajuato and then we tell you our experience on board.
More than a “cat’s hand.” The Tacoma 2020 It has some very specific changes that, in fact, could be overlooked in the eyes of a person who is not familiar with the pick-up.
However, once the notes can not stop seeing them and it is possible to realize the new front grill with a more generous ventilation.
This change implies a new layout of the hexagonal design and the duct that serves as an air intake in the hood. To crown the front, the logo of the brand stands out in the center with a chrome outline.
Behind, the novelties focus on smoked skulls with an interior redesign and a very subtle touch-up in the fascia that you would need to compare with a photograph of the model you replace to realize.
From there on out, the rest of the pick-up remains intact. This is something that suits him if we consider that it is one of the medium trucks with more aggressive and robust design that can be found today.
He is not afraid of abuse. From the moment we pull the handle to open the door, we can perceive the classic sensation of a pick-up that is ready for what you are asked to do, less be refined.
This is mainly seen in the materials used in the cabin, which are mostly rigid touch plastics, something that is positive if we contemplate giving it a rough use most of the time. These types of surfaces can be easily cleaned, as well as resist dust or even water.
Something that stands out when palpating the interior is that Toyota decided to use in the Tacoma a kind of soft plastic with rubber texture. At first it may seem strange to us, but remembering that we may get on the pick-up wet or with mud in the clothes, the selection of materials by the Japanese begins to square.
The layout and ergonomics of the passenger compartment favors the pilot, as he always has on hand elements such as the control of the electronic differential block, switches that activate the current in the work sockets, lighting in the cargo box and more.
Not for being utilitarian, it forgets the amenities, and its dual purpose is highlighted with elements such as a wireless cell phone charger, driver’s seats with electronic adjustment, automatic dual zone air conditioning, navigation system and,
even heated front seats.
It also takes advantage of a new larger screen of eight inches for the infotainment system with connectivity to Android Auto & Apple CarPlay that, in fact, its operation is not fast and during our test it suffered to process addresses directly in the navigation system .
All this set of elements makes it clear that, although there is an access version with not all these amenities but well equipped, Toyota does not want that Tacoma It is a fleet vehicle and is attacking a niche of customers looking for a practical pick-up but with off-road capabilities that is not afraid to carry tools or heavy elements in the cargo box.
Loaded style setting. It is not a sports car as the acronym TRD (Toyota Racing Development) of the special version we had to test, but from the moment of getting behind the wheel of Tacoma 2020 and starting the engine, we knew that the handling would be robust and little refined.
We were not wrong. However, it is not a truck that bounces uncomfortably in the face of minimal imperfection on the pavement. The suspension and chassis of stringers has a set-up configuration so as not to fear stones or potholes and this inspires us confidence at the wheel, especially on careless roads.
It is somewhat complicated to adapt to the dimensions of the Tacoma and this is accentuated if you are not familiar with this type of vehicles, especially in narrow streets and entrances to parking lots or commercial plazas. It has a reverse camera, but front proximity sensors or 360 degree vision camera would be appreciated.
It is not a truck designed to go fast, but it is easy to move around the city thanks to the 3.5-liter V6 engine with 278 hp and 265 lb-ft, which is matched to a six-change automatic gearbox as the only option.
Its off-road capabilities are dictated by an all-wheel drive scheme with a gearbox that, together with the 23 cm free floor height, promises a lot when you want to leave the pavement and attack roads with dirt, water or whatever the challenge .
This promise was verified with a route of more than 520 kilometers in which we traveled the Yucatan Peninsula, reaching the red lagoons of pink water, crossing a narrow space with stones, mud and sand that did not reduce the performance of the Tacoma 2020.
The gearbox helped distribute the power in the tires needed to not lose grip and we can say that Tacoma It more than met the objective of taking us to our destination on rough roads.
Your prices will go from 626,900 pesos to 766,900 pesos for the top-of-the-range special edition.
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