Few pasts are more storied than that of the Toyota Tacoma midsize truck. It's come a decades-long way, reputation for reliability, durability and versatile use in tow, to become its 2017 off-road champion iteration, available in a host of trims, from SR, SR5 and punchy TRD Sport to the hard-charging TRD Off-Road, Limited and the serious TRD Pro hauler. And it's because, below Tacoma's lightweight, high-strength, hot-stamped steel alloy construction, there are commanding 2.7-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle DOHC V6 direct-injection engine options, the choice of two- or four-wheel drivetrains, and the promise of high efficiency brought to bear for jobsite and the offsite alike.
2017 Tacoma SR and SR5 kick Toyota's base offerings into high gear, providing for the option of control-enhancing 5-speed manual transmission on SR or the smooth-operator 6-speed automatic for both, and each's 159-horsepower go-getter can take a step up to 278 horsepower to really get going with up to 265 pound-feet of torque. TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road and Limited take road prowess to the next level, offering a base 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque to make the most of their expanded transmission options: 6-speed manual or auto in TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road, giving way to 6-speed auto only in higher trims geared for pulling power. And Tacoma across all builds has the drivetrain to get the job done. Choose rear-wheel drive for serious pushing power or 4WDemand part-time four-wheel drive to tack into the rough stuff, each with help from an Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD), which auto-activates upon Vehicle Stability Control disengagement for handling to match, as well as Hill Start Assist Control on auto transmission-equipped models to make it up steep inclines.
But if you're looking for top-notch haul capacity, Tacoma TRD Pro hits the line's ceiling, not only with a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle DOHC V6 with options for the hands-on or operational smoothness in 6-speed manual and 6-speed auto transmission availabilities, but with support for a fully-loaded V6 Tow Package. This beast includes a Class-IV towing hitch receiver, ATF cooler in auto transmission build, engine oil cooler, power steering cooler, 130-amp alternator, 4- and 7-pin connector with converter, and V6-supported Trailer-Sway Control (TSC), which provides the ultimate in load steadiness around Mother Nature's sharp curves.
Needless to say, reasons abound for why Kelley Blue Book gave 2017 Toyota Tacoma a #2 spot in its 5-slot rankings for the fuel economy requisite to Tacoma's enviable efficiency: "the V6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission were new additions to the Tacoma when it was redesigned last year, and the combination offers more power, better fuel economy, and strong acceleration." We at Fred Anderson Toyota of Charleston can't but agree. Care to see for yourself what the affordable and project-ready 2017 Toyota Tacoma can do for your next big job? Our 2100 Savannah Highway showroom is just a short trip from Charleston, Summerville, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Ladson. Stop by today, and we'll put you in your choice of a range of cabs for a test drive.
