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2005 Toyota Tacoma Road Test
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2005 Toyota Tacoma Review:
Our road test for the 2005 Toyota Tacoma includes a full evaluation of the
2005 Toyota Tacoma from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and
handling performance for the 2005 Toyota Tacoma, but also interior cabin
and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the
2005 Toyota Tacoma help you decide if a 2005 Toyota Tacoma is right for
you.
2005 Toyota Tacoma Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Instruments/controls | Rear-seat room/comfort (XtraCab) |
| Acceleration (V6) | Ride (4WD w/TRD Off-Road suspension) |
| Steering/handling (XRunner) | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
No regular-cab or 4-cyl models made available for testing. No opportunity to time acceleration, but Toyota says 4WD Tacoma V6 with automatic transmission does 0-60 mph in about 7.5 sec, an X-Runner in under 7. Both claims sound reasonable; V6 feels strong at all speeds. Automatic transmission shifts smoothly, downshifts quickly for more passing power. Manual transmission has smooth clutch, shifter action. Maximum towing capacity is 6500 lb.
| PreRunner Double Cab, V6 auto. | X-Runner | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4.9 |
No regular-cab or 4-cyl models made available for testing. No opportunity to time acceleration, but Toyota says 4WD Tacoma V6 with automatic transmission does 0-60 mph in about 7.5 sec, an X-Runner in under 7. Both claims sound reasonable; V6 feels strong at all speeds. Automatic transmission shifts smoothly, downshifts quickly for more passing power. Manual transmission has smooth clutch, shifter action. Maximum towing capacity is 6500 lb.
Fuel Economy
Extended-use automatic-transmission 4WD Double Cab averaging 16.6 mpg over 1893 miles. Based on EPA fuel-economy estimates, expect 4-cyl models to average in the low-20-mpg range. Toyota recommends regular-grade fuel for the 4-cyl, premium for the V6.
| PreRunner Double Cab, V6 auto. | X-Runner | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Extended-use automatic-transmission 4WD Double Cab averaging 16.6 mpg over 1893 miles. Based on EPA fuel-economy estimates, expect 4-cyl models to average in the low-20-mpg range. Toyota recommends regular-grade fuel for the 4-cyl, premium for the V6.
Ride Quality
Fairly smooth, controlled for a compact pickup, though optional TRD Off-Road suspension feels stiff. So does X-Runner's sport suspension and low-profile tires, but not annoyingly so.
| PreRunner Double Cab, V6 auto. | X-Runner | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Fairly smooth, controlled for a compact pickup, though optional TRD Off-Road suspension feels stiff. So does X-Runner's sport suspension and low-profile tires, but not annoyingly so.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Among models made available for testing, X-Runner has nearly sports-car moves, with little body lean in fast corners and strong brakes. PreRunner and 4x4 models exhibit more body lean, less braking prowess, but are on par with class rivals.
| PreRunner Double Cab, V6 auto. | X-Runner | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Among models made available for testing, X-Runner has nearly sports-car moves, with little body lean in fast corners and strong brakes. PreRunner and 4x4 models exhibit more body lean, less braking prowess, but are on par with class rivals.
Quietness
Modest wind noise, but available off-road tires whine at highway speeds. V6 engine emits refined growl under acceleration, cruises quietly.
| PreRunner Double Cab, V6 auto. | X-Runner | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Modest wind noise, but available off-road tires whine at highway speeds. V6 engine emits refined growl under acceleration, cruises quietly.
Controls
Climate, audio controls clearly marked, mounted high within easy reach. All controls work with smooth precision. Gauges clear. Hard-plastic trim abounds, but its high quality and mix of colors and textures make interior look rich.
| PreRunner Double Cab, V6 auto. | X-Runner | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.8 |
Climate, audio controls clearly marked, mounted high within easy reach. All controls work with smooth precision. Gauges clear. Hard-plastic trim abounds, but its high quality and mix of colors and textures make interior look rich.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Fine head, leg room. All models tested had available sport seats, which are comfortable and have prominent bolsters for good support in fast corners. Shorter drivers may wish for seat-height adjustment, which isn't offered. Step-in height reasonable, even on 4WD and PreRunner models. No major blind spots.
| PreRunner Double Cab, V6 auto. | X-Runner | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
Fine head, leg room. All models tested had available sport seats, which are comfortable and have prominent bolsters for good support in fast corners. Shorter drivers may wish for seat-height adjustment, which isn't offered. Step-in height reasonable, even on 4WD and PreRunner models. No major blind spots.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Access Cab has little leg room, even with front seats well forward. Seat has low cushion, bolt-upright seatback, making it uncomfortable even for those who fit. Rear-hinged doors ease entry/exit. Double Cab seatback at a comfortable angle, leg room is adequate with front seat halfway back, entry/exit easy through large doors.
| PreRunner Double Cab, V6 auto. | X-Runner | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
Access Cab has little leg room, even with front seats well forward. Seat has low cushion, bolt-upright seatback, making it uncomfortable even for those who fit. Rear-hinged doors ease entry/exit. Double Cab seatback at a comfortable angle, leg room is adequate with front seat halfway back, entry/exit easy through large doors.
Cargo Room
Access Cab seat cushion flips forward to form level load deck, reveals covered under-seat storage well. Double Cab has split rear seat; seatbacks fold and seats flip forward individually to provide level load floor and expose rear storage bins, covered under-seat storage. Cargo beds have four adjustable tie-down hooks along top rail, two lower hooks, and optional 115-volt outlet.
| PreRunner Double Cab, V6 auto. | X-Runner | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3.1 |
Access Cab seat cushion flips forward to form level load deck, reveals covered under-seat storage well. Double Cab has split rear seat; seatbacks fold and seats flip forward individually to provide level load floor and expose rear storage bins, covered under-seat storage. Cargo beds have four adjustable tie-down hooks along top rail, two lower hooks, and optional 115-volt outlet.
Value within Class
Tacoma's performance, accommodations, off-road prowess, and utility are competitive with most any rival. No compact pickup is more refined, and the Double Cab's available curtain side airbags are an important safety plus. Add Toyota's reputation for quality, and this is an easy Best Buy pick.
| PreRunner Double Cab, V6 auto. | X-Runner | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 auto. | Class Average |
| 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 6.3 |
Tacoma's performance, accommodations, off-road prowess, and utility are competitive with most any rival. No compact pickup is more refined, and the Double Cab's available curtain side airbags are an important safety plus. Add Toyota's reputation for quality, and this is an easy Best Buy pick.
Total Score
| PreRunner Double Cab, V6 auto. | X-Runner | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 auto. | Class Average |
| 52 | 51 | 51 | 50 | 42.8 |
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
| Low Score | 32 | |
| Average Score | 42 | |
| High Score | 52 |
Also in the 2005 Toyota Tacoma Review:
1.
2.
Toyota Tacoma Road Test
3.
4.
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