DecodedCars2016 Toyota Tacoma
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- Access Cab L/Box 4WD, Access Cab L/Box 4WD V-6, Access Cab L/Box RWD, Double Cab L/Box 4WD (Auto)
- Engines
- 2.7L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 278 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 19 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 212.2–225.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,913–4,374 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Toyota Tacoma is a small pickup truck offered with 2 engines (2.7L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 212 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 128-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,129 lb (Access Cab L/Box 4WD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 24 highway), 2% worse than the 2016 small pickup truck average of 21.4 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 324 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2016
- New body dimensions: 3.9 in longer — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 3.5L 6-cyl
- Engine dropped: 4.0L 6-cyl
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Tacoma →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: San Antonio, Texas
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 Tacoma configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access Cab L/Box 4WD | 212.2 in | 74.8 in | 70.5 in | 127.6 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 4,129 lb | 58/42 |
| Access Cab L/Box 4WD V-6 | 212.2 in | 74.8 in | 70.5 in | 127.6 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 4,248 lb | 58/42 |
| Access Cab L/Box RWD | 212.2 in | 74.4 in | 70.5 in | 127.6 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 3,913 lb | 58/42 |
| Double Cab L/Box 4WD (Auto) | 225.2 in | 74.8 in | 70.5 in | 140.6 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 4,354 lb | 58/42 |
| Double Cab S/Box 4WD (Manual) | 212.2 in | 74.8 in | 70.5 in | 127.6 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 4,374 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma 2WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 23 / 21 | -2% | $3,200 | 424 |
| Tacoma 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | -2% | $3,200 | 431 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 22 / 20 | 0% | $3,350 | 442 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 21 / 20 | 0% | $3,350 | 449 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | 0% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 21 / 19 | -5% | $3,550 | 470 |
| Tacoma 4WD Double Cab | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 20 / 18 | -10% | $3,700 | 483 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma.
Similar 2016 small pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Toyota Tacoma (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Ford F-150 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 13 |
| 2016 Nissan Frontier | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (4)
Equipment · Jul 3, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V425000 · 3,547 vehicles
- Problem
- Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.
- Risk
- If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- SET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET17B.
Engine · Jun 1, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V356000 · 31,824 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Tacoma vehicles equipped with a six-cylinder engine. The affected vehicles have a crank position sensor that may malfunction, potentially resulting in an engine stall.
- Risk
- An engine stall may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crank position sensor with an improved design, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0H.
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit · Apr 27, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V285000 · 227,732 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Tacoma vehicles. Oil may leak from the area where the rear differential carrier is assembled to rear axle housing.
- Risk
- If the vehicle is operated with an insufficient amount of oil in the rear differential, the differential may seize and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear differential for oil leakage. Based on the inspection, dealers will either tightening the fastening nuts or replace the fastening nuts and gasket. If the rear differential components are damaged, the rear differential carrier assembly will be replaced. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall June 19, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0G.
Air Bags › Knee Bolster · Oct 14, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V656000 · 306 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tacoma trucks manufactured August 20, 2015, to September 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, incorrect bolts were used to install the driver's knee air bag module.
- Risk
- The incorrect bolts may loosen over time and affect the performance of the driver's knee air bag, increasing the risk of driver injury during a crash that necessitates deployment of the air bags.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct driver's knee air bag module mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began on November 19, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is F0T.
Not every 2016 Toyota Tacoma is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Toyota Tacoma buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 134 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 47 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 36 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 15,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Tacoma years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Tacoma | 23 | 213 in | Not rated | 0 | 12 |
| 2025 Tacoma | 23 | 213 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 114 |
| 2024 Tacoma | 24 | 226.4 in | Not rated | 6 | 154 |
| 2023 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 54 |
| 2022 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 59 |
| 2021 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 81 |
| 2020 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 90 |
| 2019 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 219 |
| 2018 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 209 |
| 2017 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 243 |
| 2015 Tacoma | 22 | 208.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 100 |
| 2014 Tacoma | 22 | 221.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 79 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →