Toyota fitted a small 2.7-liter I-4 during the last redesign of the Tacoma but it failed to garner attention due to its laggy performance and capabilities. Moreover, a majority of the rivals in the segment use a standard V6 right from the base model for a truck-like performance. The optional powertrain of the Tacoma is also a V6 unit that offers muscular performance and towing capabilities, making the truck at par with its competitors. The motor in question is a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated 2GR-FKS V6 unit that pushes out a healthy 278 horsepower along with 265 lb-ft of torque. As standard, the motor is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission but you also have the option of getting a 6-speed manual transmission. As the power figures suggest, the motor is sufficient for almost every task you throw at it, and you can enjoy its true potential out on the highways with the optional manual gearbox. The 0-60mph sprint is completed within 9.8 seconds, a decent time for the segment while the quarter-mile sprint takes 16.7 seconds.
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Models
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2023 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab
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2022 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab
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2022 GMC Canyon Crew Cab
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2022 Ford Ranger SuperCrew
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MSRP
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$29,415
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$28,585
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$30,185
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$31,225
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Engine
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3.5L V6
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3.6L V6
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3.6L V6
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2.3L Turbocharged Inline-4
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Drivetrain
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RWD
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RWD
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RWD
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RWD
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Transmission
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6-speed automatic
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8-speed automatic
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8-speed automatic
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10-speed automatic
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Power
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278hp @ 6000 rpm
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308hp @ 6800 rpm
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308hp @ 6300 rpm
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270 hp @ 5,500 rpm
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Torque
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265lb-ft @ 4600 rpm
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275lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
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275lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
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310 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
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0-60 MPH (sec)
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9.8 seconds
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9.1 seconds
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9.0 seconds
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7.0 seconds
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Quarter mile (sec)
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16.7 seconds
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16.2 seconds
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16.1 seconds
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14.7 seconds
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Top Speed (MPH)
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130 MPH
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130 MPH
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130 MPH
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110 MPH
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The Chevrolet Colorado gets a standard 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 under its hood that makes muscular power and torque figures. However, it is only marginally quicker than the V6-equipped Tacoma though. The GMC Canyon shares the same powertrain with the Colorado hence its power and torque figures are similar to the latter as well. The Ford Ranger is the stunner here since it makes the highest torque despite having a small 2.3-liter turbocharged I-4 under the hood. As a result, it is a lot quicker than the rest of the rivals mentioned here both in 0-60mph and quarter-mile sprints.
2023 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Ride and Handling
Pickup trucks are quite synonymous with ponderous handling due to their high ride height and ladder-frame chassis. The Toyota Tacoma, being a small truck, handles slightly better than the full-size trucks out there but it isn’t a cornering or an enthusiast’s machine at all. Moreover, to handle loads better, the truck has a stiffer-than-average suspension setup when compared to its rivals, making its on-road driving manners a bit off too. Keep it relaxed, and the Tacoma drives smoothly and is quite easy to maneuver in city limits; however, you can feel the heft of the steering sometimes.
2023 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Braking Performance
A capable set of braking hardware is of utmost importance for trucks and the 2023 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab gets adequately-powerful brakes as well. At the front, the truck gets 10.8-inch rotors while at the rear, the rotors measure 10 inches. When compared with the rivals, the brakes are smaller but the braking distance according to the curb weight is decent at146 feet.
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Model
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2023 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab
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2022 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab
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2022 GMC Canyon Crew Cab
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2022 Ford Ranger SuperCrew
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Brake Rotors (front) (in)
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10.8
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12.2
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12.2
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12.2
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Brake Rotors (rear) (in)
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10
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12.75
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12.75
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12.1
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Curb Weight (lbs)
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4,245
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4,730
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4,555
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4,441
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60-0 (-ft)
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146
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144
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143
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130
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The Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab gets standard-sized, 12.2-inch rotors at the front and slightly bigger, 12.75-inch rotors at the rear. The braking performance of the Colorado is better than the Tacoma’s since the former weighs more and still manages to halt from 60mph within 146 feet. The GMC Canyon shares the braking hardware with the Colorado hence the stopping distance is almost similar at 143 feet. The Ford Ranger SuperCrew beats all the rivals here with its 130-feet stopping distance.