Used 2015 Toyota Tacoma

Toyota’s compact Tacoma pickup for 2015 carries on the long tradition of rugged durability, outstanding longevity, low cost of ownership and excellent resale value. Millions of happy customers have helped make Toyota’s Tacoma the most popular compact pickup in America, even though its current proportions actually move it squarely into the realm of a midsize pickup. As Ford and Ram have completely abandoned the compact/midsize pickup segment, the Tacoma’s only real competition comes from two rivals: Nissan and GM. Nissan’s Frontier is solid but doesn’t offer as many model variations. GM’s new Colorado and Canyon are vastly improved but remain untested. However, if the promise of a diesel engine comes to fruition, the pair will have a leg up on the aging Tacoma.

Toyota’s Tacoma pickup for 2015 is easy to maneuver and park, thanks to its somewhat compact dimensions. The handling is predictable, with responsive steering and brakes. We did find the low front seats presented a problem for some drivers, and because the Tacoma is a body-on-frame truck its ride can feel rough, especially when compared to the more car-like Honda Pilot. Off-road models see their ride and handling measurably diminished, but their off-road abilities more than make up for any minor discomfort. In our tests, we found the 4-cylinder to be more than up to the task of daily drives and some light-load hauling, but we think the V6 is the engine of choice here. It offers superior power without much penalty in fuel economy. Manual-transmission lovers can opt for a 5-speed on the 4-cylinder or 6-speed on the V6; a 5- and 6-speed automatic are optional, respectively.

The 2015 Toyota Tacoma compact pickup offers an interior that’s clean, functional and well-suited to the needs of truck owners. Instruments and controls are easy to see and use, and there are cup holders and other storage spots throughout. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, but sit somewhat low. The rear seats in the Access Cab model are best for children or adults on short trips, but the rear seats in the Double Cab are much better, with storage both under the seat and in a separate compartment accessed by flipping down the seatback.

Even though it’s a compact, Toyota’s 2015 Tacoma pickup looks every inch a truck, with a rugged and muscular attitude, a big grille (chrome on higher-end trim levels), pronounced fender bulges, large bumpers and a generally workmanlike feel from front to rear. The base version has black bumpers and grille, the PreRunner has the off-road look, and the option packages, from SR5 Extra Value to TRD Pro Series to Limited, add their own details. As would be expected of Toyota, the quality, fit and finish are as good as it gets.

STRONG V6 ENGINE
Toyota builds one of the best V6 engines in the industry and they offer it in the 2015 Tacoma pickup. The 4.0-liter is smooth, powerful and returns acceptable fuel economy for the class, plus it can be paired with either a manual or automatic transmission.

FUNCTIONAL BED
Every Tacoma compact pickup for 2015 includes a composite inner bed including a built-in storage compartment and four rail-mounted sliding tie-down cleats. What better way to keep your stuff securely stowed?

Standard equipment for the 2015 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab includes the 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine of 159 horsepower and a 5-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, an AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD system, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, tachometer, two instrument-panel powerpoints and rear mudguards. Access Cab and Double Cab models include bucket seats with a center console, power mirrors, power windows and power door locks. All models include Entune Audio, which leverages a smartphone to provide fully integrated access to navigation, entertainment and information services. Standard safety features include six airbags, traction and stability control and ABS.

Many of the options for the 2015 Toyota Tacoma are grouped into packages, and not all are available on every version of cab size or powertrain. Packages include the SR5 Extra Value Package, four TRD Off-Road Extra Value Packages, and the Limited Package. Among the major selections are the 4.0-liter V6 engine, the choice of a manual or an automatic transmission, and 4-wheel drive. Beyond that, the options are many and are linked with cab configurations, powertrain choices and trim levels.

The standard engine in the 2015 Toyota Tacoma is a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder of 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. It gets the job done but we prefer the available 4.0-liter V6 of 236 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, as it’s much stronger and smoother and its fuel-economy penalty is not unreasonable. Both engines feature Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which helps to reduce the compromise between higher-end horsepower and low-end torque. Depending upon engine and drivetrain, maximum towing capacity is 6,500 pounds and maximum payload is 1,500 pounds. There are four available transmissions, 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive (2WD or 4WD), two cab configurations, two cargo bed lengths and numerous other choices.

2.7-liter inline-4
159 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
180 lb-ft of torque @ 3,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/25 mpg (2WD, manual), 19/24 mpg (2WD, automatic), 18/21 mpg (4WD, manual and automatic)

4.0-liter V6
236 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
266 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/21 mpg (2WD, manual), 17/21 mpg (2WD, automatic), 16/19 mpg (4WD, manual), 16/21 mpg (4WD, automatic)