Growing Up

Early signs of a shakeup in the humdrum world of compact pickup trucks became apparent in the first few days of 2004.

As Chrysler Group, General Motors Corp., Toyota Motor Corp., Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. revealed new small trucks, one word seemed to be missing from the dialogue: compact.

Compact pickups — popular among contractors and young men on budgets — are growing up and mimicking the ever-expanding dimensions and powertrains of the fullsize truck segment. So auto makers now prefer the “midsize” label instead.

The '05 Toyota Tacoma, slated for a fall debut, has grown in all dimensions. The Tacoma Access and Double Cab duo, slated to comprise the bulk of the total mix, now measure 6 ins. (15.2 cm) longer and 4 ins. (10.1 cm) wider than the generation they replace, making them 208.1 ins. (529 cm) long by 61 ins. (155 cm) wide.

This season's bumper crop of midsize pickups hits a segment that is flat, if not dwindling. Despite the climate, where most competitors say they simply hope to maintain share, Toyota believes the Tacoma will keep pace and increase volume.

Toyota has targeted sales of 170,000 of the '05 Tacoma — an ambitious bump from the 154,000 sold in 2003. And the mix will be rich: 40% Access Cab, 45% Double Cab, and 70% equipped with the Tacoma's new V-6.

The growth in the Tacoma's dimensions parallels that of its big brother, the Tundra fullsize pickup. The previous Tundra, widely derided for not being a “true” fullsize truck, will be new in 2006 and much larger.

Toyota, which held a 5.9% share in 2000, now lays claim to 8.4% of the light-truck market — a figure that grows to 10% when including its Lexus luxury brand.

The new Tacoma can be had in 18 configurations — including two engine variants, rear- and 4-wheel drive and three cab styles. Along with the Access and Double Cabs, Toyota says unlike most competitors, it has not abandoned the standard Regular Cab variant, expected to comprise 15% of sales.

Exterior design was executed by Toyota subsidiary Hino Motors Ltd. — which has engineered Toyota pickups for decades. The truck is based on a modified Prado platform, which also serves as the basis for the Lexus GX 470 and Toyota 4Runner SUVs.

The cleanly designed interior benefits from Tacoma's wider stance — palpable in increased shoulder room and a wider center console. Other new interior features include a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, an improved overhead console system, and new, more comfortable seats.

Under the hood comes a new-for-Tacoma 4L DOHC V-6, the 1GR-FE, whose 245 hp is 50 hp more than the last-generation Tacoma V-6. The engine, which makes a heady 282 lb.-ft. (382 Nm) of torque at 3,800 rpm, can be linked to either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.

Also new is the 2.7L DOHC I-4 — an engine based on a smaller-displacement version used in family vans sold in Japan. The 2.7L replaces both previous 2.4L and 2.7L 4-cyls. and produces 164 hp at 5,200 rpm and 183 lb.-ft. (248 Nm) of torque.

A major change with the '05 model is a composite bed — which Toyota says was half the cost to tool compared with a steel bed, is 10% lighter, yet is tougher and more durable. Domestic OEMs have tried composite beds but found little consumer interest.

The 73.5-in. (185-cm) bed (which also is available as an option for the Double Cab) will be formed at Toyota's Long Beach, CA, facility, then shipped to a new bed assembly plant in Baja California, Mexico, just outside of Tijuana. The entire bed assembly then is shipped to Toyota's New United Motor Mfg. Inc. in Fremont, CA, where the truck will be built.