Like just about everything else in our bigger-is-better world, the new Tacoma has grown in both size and capability. The once-compact Tacoma is now nearly six inches longer, two-inches taller and, most significantly, nearly four inches wider than the outgoing model. The result is a midsize pickup truck with substantially more room for passengers and cargo. The Tacoma also now shares the same underpinnings as the automaker's midsize Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX470 sport-utility vehicles. According to Toyota, it's this stronger chassis that gives the 2005 Toyota Tacoma improved ride and handling characteristics.
Toyota engineers also managed to work in a complete overhaul of the Tacoma's powertrain, adding a new 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine and a larger and significantly more robust 4.0-liter V-6 and two new transmissions. These beefed-up mechanicals boost Tacoma's maximum towing capacity by 1500 pounds.
