Perennially popular Toyota Tacoma pickup overhauled for 2016

The truck even gets the tacit endorsement of the U.S. military, whose special operations teams have outfitted Tacomas for battle duty.

Though its new skin has been styled and tweaked for improved aerodynamics and reduced noise, in most respects the 2016 Tacoma's dimensions mirror those of the outgoing model.

A significant portion of the new structure and cabs - there are still two: the extended ("Access") and crew ("Double") - are made of high-strength and ultra-high strength steel.

Aerodynamics play a role in fuel economy and Toyota's engineers swear the 2016 Tacoma has 23 pounds less drag.

Some of the aero changes, like outside mirror shape and placement, the introduction of cab-to-bed seals and tighter door and panel gaps, have the side benefit of reducing noise.

[...] 3.5 liters instead of the coarse 4.0 liter engine in the 2015, the Tacoma V6 features direct and port fuel injection and delivers 278 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque.

[...] there's a new electronically controlled six-speed automatic that's lighter and more efficient, thanks to fewer components and low-friction materials and bearings.

There's also a new six-speed manual that Toyota said offers slicker shifting and has more durable carbon synchronizers and bearings.

Estimated EPA city/highway fuel ratings for the 2.7-liter Tacomas are 19/21 for five-speed manual 4WD; 19/23 with the six-speed automatic 2WD; and 19/22 for 4WD with automatic.

[...] with five trim levels, two engines, two cabs, two bed lengths and three transmissions to choose from, it's easy to see how Toyota can offer 29 configurations to cover nearly any buyer's needs or budget.

The Tacoma SR trim is the basic truck featuring standard air conditioning, deck rail system with four adjustable tie-down cleats and four fixed tie-down points, styled steel wheels with 245/75R16 tires, sliding rear glass, lockable tailgate with color-matching spoiler and infotainment system with Bluetooth hands-free phone interface.

Like every 2016 Tacoma, the SRs have backup camera display, lockable and dampened tailgate, and a windshield mount for GoPro video cameras as standard equipment.

The venerable SR5 grade adds convenience and comfort features such as cruise control, leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel, fog lights, sliding rear window with privacy glass, 4.2-inch color information display with outside temperature and average fuel economy, remote keyless entry system and variable intermittent wipers.

Standard fare includes hood scoop, turn-signal indicators in the outside rearview mirrors, LED daytime running lights and wide-angle fog lights, a higher resolution 7-inch display with premium audio system, a 120 volt/400 watt AC power outlet, wider 265/65R17 tires on machined alloy wheels, Qi wireless charging for compatible mobile devices, leather-trimmed shift lever and auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass.

Off-Roads get 265/70R16 tires on their own alloy wheels, Bilstein shock absorbers, electronically controlled locking rear differential that's also beefier (8.75-inch vs. 8-inch on all other Tacomas with automatic transmissions) and crawl control.

Safety and security technologies like blind-spot monitoring, reverse parking sensors and rear cross-traffic alert are also standard.