2016 Toyota Tacoma takes on the Extreme Ike Gauntlet Towing Review 

What are people complaining about with the engine? They're going 60 mph with the max rated tow load of the truck, up the biggest grade in the interstate highway system, at 11000 ft, where the engine produces maybe 30% less power. The truck pulls the trailer up the mountain at the speed limit. Does the engine rev high? Yes, but so what? The truck is at the corner of its performance envelope. It's seldom that you go up a 7% grade at 60 mph. It's seldom that most people pull 5600 lb trailer, and it's seldom that they're driving at 11,000 ft. Still even under these conditions the truck performs fine, it's just loud and high revving. Put a V8 on it and it is lower revving in these extreme conditions, but it doesn't actually perform any better, but it uses more gas all the other times you're not towing, not going up a 7% grade, and not at 11k ft. If you're going to beat up the Tacoma on mountain towing performance, the weak point going down the hill because of the rear drum brakes. You need to have a braked trailer, and you should flick the shifter into manual and downshift down the hill to save the brakes.

Thanks for running these trucks so hard. I highly doubt anyone will run one that hard but it’s great to know it’ll do it.

instead of degrading for brake taps (i know how to down shift if i want) you guys should do a sixty to zero brake test...how many feet, brake temps...i really enjoy hearing all the facts and your honest opinions about the trucks,thanks again for another great video

You should should do an Ike Gauntlet run with the manual transmission version of this. Given it's one of the last manuals offered with a V6 in a truck, it would be interesting to see if any of the TFL staff can beat the automatic time up the run.

Now think how good it would pull up in 3rd at about 4k or so at 50mph at 3/4 throttle. Awesome little truck.

Toyota should have stuffed the 4.6 V8 from the tundra under the tacomas hood,

Can't wait to see them blow a brand new motor one of these days.

I don't think many people will be using these 2016 Tacomas in this fashion. Now the Devils Boneyard stuff, THAT was interesting!! More Tacoma off road stuff would be greatly appreciated.

y'all are always hating on Toyota I'm almost 6 3 and my tacoma has plenty of room and with the tow package it went across country with a 12 foot trailer total weight of 11,000 pounds like a boss

Please do the decibel testing on each of these towing tests. Loud cabins make for a long day when towing heavy loads for hours and hours. Also, I'd like to hear more subjective comments regarding how the truck handles the weight near it's max capacity. I've towed around 5000 lbs with my 07 Tacoma, and I wouldn't feel comfortable towing more than that. You could really tell the weight was back there, and I'm not sure the truck could have handled an emergency lane change safely with that much weight in tow. Keep up the great work FLT!

TFLtruck you guys are the best on RU-vid! Can we please get a review on a manual transmission Taco? I can not find one anywhere. I've heard a few negative things about the transmission on the automatics, it would be interesting to see how different the manual is in all of your tests.

Just watched the Ridgeline honestly it was very quiet and well controlled, really surprised by the Tacoma.

It looks like the way you guys are doing the subjective rating portion of the score is double penalizing the trucks for bad downhill grade shifting. Since poor grade shifting usually means more use of the brakes, it is penalized once on the number of downhill brake applications in the first portion of the score and then again when you take into account the grade shifting on the subjective portion. Unless that was your intent, you might want to consider removing any grade shifting opinions from the subjective portion. One subjective aspect that might be beneficial to potential buyers is how the truck feels when towing the load over bumps and road undulations at different speeds. Although you probably don't encounter that much on the interstate, maybe you can find a more uneven road in the vicinity that would be easy to work into the test. Just some options for possible further improvement of the test. Keep up the great work!

3.5L might have performed better but it sounds more strained IMO compared to the 4.0L.

I never have the rpm that high it was screaming. I like to keep my truck.

My 17 Tacoma never saw 18 mpg in the city in the 8k miles I owned it. Got rid of it after 7 months. The cabin was cramped, the driver seat had virtually no adjustment, the engine was anemic and torque-less, and the interior was straight up K-MART. With that being said it was good off-road.

I'm surprised your channels don't have more subscribers. Really great, informative, and unique content.

Not sure if someone mentioned already: TFL scored low because of brake events, and "Mr. Truck" cited because there is no tow/haul mode. I guess they didn't look at the owners manual which tells you how to use the ECT power button. ECT, TFL truck dudes, stands for electronically controlled transmission. I've used it going downhill and it does exactly what it's supposed to do, hold back the truck without gaining speed.

I'm very happy with 2016 Tacoma, daily base I get 22 to 23 mileage on gallon, with out unload. that is good mileage on gas for truck.

I am curious why you guys "double-dip" the negative aspects of a truck (not just in this video, but all truck reviews). For example, you state that one of the four areas of the score is the number of downhill break events. The Tacoma had 21 break events, and therefore lost 21 points, or in other words, it lost 84% of the possible score in this category, so it took a big hit. Then, when you evaluate the "subjective" portion of the score, you give it low marks because of its poor braking performance... But isn't its poor braking performance already reflected in the poor score from the downhill section? Why is the truck getting marked poorly twice for the same thing? I understand that the "subjective" system is named just that for a reason, however, it would seem to make more sense to me to evaluate areas of the truck that have not already been evaluated before: how is the storage space? What types of features does it have for utility? How does the infotainment system work? How are the mirrors for towing? How easy is it to get in and out of? Can you wash down the interior if it gets muddy? Does the bed have an effective system for organizing cargo or strapping things down? These are the sorts of questions I would expect a subjective ranking to address - i.e. how utilitarian/functional is it? And, since it's subjective, what do you think of the styling, also, if you want to include that. Just my 2 cents - thanks for the vids.

hello, I was wondering if you guys would create a new MPG test from Denver to Frisco and back, I feel that this would give the best results going up and down, not towing anything, AMD if you would I'd gladly buy you guys beers in Breck every time u did a test, a lot of people are commuting this stretch and it would be a good test do to the difference in elevation change for the Colorado market

I've always liked the Toyota Tacoma's....and think the truck looks good. You guys did flog that truck hard, I mean 5500-6000 rpm?....oh baby! well....somebody has to do some real world type testing....:)

Get one with the manual transmission and take that up the Ike, please!

wow that motor is SCREAMING!

I probably wouldn't buy a Taco for towing but it's good to see someone actually loads to the published numbers and tests it. IMO, it's a lifestyle truck but I would like to see it haul a Fourwheel Camper up IKE. Maybe Truck Camper Magazine should do that.

You can put the truck in manual sport mode and downshift yourself to help with the down hill. That’s what everyone that owns one would do.

Did you push the "ETC" button before towing?

You guys should test the six-speed manual Tacoma and Ram 2500/3500.

Can you please do this again with the manual transmission?

Thanks for the video.... I know this is an older video, but how is your 2016 Tacoma holding???? I just bought a 2016 bought a month ago, and alot of videos shows how the 2016- 2017 Tacoma's have issues???? Bought mine cause apparently consumer reports stated that the 2019 had more issues than the 2016?????

I was excited, as many current Tacoma owners were, to check out the '16 Taco. The looks are a tad polarizing but they grow on you. But I was disappointed with this new motor. It doesnt "seem" more powerful regardless of the numbers, and is loud IMO. I also noticed a lot of NVH in the floor and gas pedaI. Didn't like the seat position and I am shocked that a 2016 truck doesn't offer height adjustment, even manually.

I want one soo bad I think it's the best truck running, and it's sharp looking

Will you test the 2017 Honda ridgeline when it's available?

Went to the dealer for test drive. I'm 6'4" ... damn, I couldn't fit in there, got no room for my knees at all. Good bye my dream taco...

Toyota needs to turbo-charge (and intercool) this new V6 motor..

I like the new tacoma except the fact they got (since 2005) a plastic bed and I've seen a large number of those with the bed completely shattered and useless. Usually if they get in a wreck with anything in the bed the bed is as good as gone the other way I've seen them break is to put something too heavy in them where a steel/aluminum bead would probably dent these just break.

The point system is pointless, but the really sad thing is it will probably be another 10 years before a Tacoma gets tested again due to a remodel or engine change.

Question for TFL, if the Tacoma is in the same class as the Frontier, Canyon and Colorado than why is the trailer 600lbs less? The curb weight itself is the lightest and its overall GVW is equivalent to the competition so therefor with the two of you in the truck the Toyota should be able to have the heaviest trailer. Now I am sure that there is a reason for the trailer weight that you chose, but if I am going to read comments about how great Toyota's are, than I would like to see a true comparable test. Especially after you guys gave it such a low score.

do a Ike run. 4 Cylinder edition!! 30 mph!

Did you guys have to install a brake contoler on that tacoma? I just ordered a 2018 TRD off road and want to know if I need to by a brake controler.

So there was only a 40 sec, difference between the 2015 and the 2016 and i thank you had to ease off the gas once because of a truck with the 2015,, And you stopped the time at the first set of lights where the other guy in the 2015 stop time at the 2nd set of light's, I guess the 2nd gen isn't so outdated after all, And i like my speedometer in the middle with the 2ng gen,,, With the third they could have put that read out in the touch screen instead,, Thanks for the comparison between the two,, They seem pretty much even don't you think..

Had you tested the Tacoma with the proper 6-speed manual you would not have any brake events going downhill!

I wish I would have seen this video before buying my Tacoma. 4.6 mpg and it was not maxed out on a 8 degree hill. I drove mine 450 miles from Tn to Mo and got a 9.9 mpg towing about 3,000 lbs. not good numbers for me. Time to trade it off.

Pretty amazing little truck doing its thing while towing 6000 lbs. Thumbs up Toyota

I noticed you get nearly zero grade shifting when not using cruise control. If you had cruise control on, it would have downshifted into second and screamed down the hill, likely still needing brake applications but definitely less.

Good review. Nice to see Toyota actually improve the Tacoma and not just change the body panels sgain. This video should be titled : "Another Ready NOT To Waste Your Money On The New Nissan Titan". Nissan should be embarrassed on their final product after talking that new truck up as much as they did.

The new 3.5 in the taco sound so amazing that it sounds much better than my dads 05 4 V6

So a truck that gets 0 mpg (just work with me here) and a truck that gets 6 mpg are only separated by 3 points in the mpg column?

I'd be very interested to know how much of a factor the elevation plays a part in these tests, bearing in mind that they are in the neighborhood of 11,000 feet (give or take). I've read that approximately 3% of overall HP is lost per 1,000 ft above sea level (for naturally aspirated engines, vs approximately 1.5% per 1,000 ft for forced induction engines). If that is accurate, that represents a HP loss of about 33%, meaning the engine is working harder to pull that load at 11,000ft that it would at sea level, correct? I've also read that some adjustments can be made (i.e. advancing the timing) to compensate for this, but what does that actually mean? Advancing the timing can't can't make up for air that doesn't exist. So the engine adjusts for the lack of air available by injecting less fuel into the cylinder in order to avoid running too "rich", correct? +The Fast Lane Truck- have there be been any adjustments made to these test vehicles to compensate for elevation that you are aware of? I would be very interested to see these same tests run at sea level for a comparison in performance. I am genuinely interested in learning what difference (if any) altitude plays in all of this, so any intelligent, educated response would be greatly appreciated.

pretty sure this is my next truck looks amazing, only question is could i pull a boat with it , probably only twice a year?

Great job guys. Really like your new scoring system.

Transmission Pegged at 5.5k Me: Please Shift! lol

@thefastlanetruck Toyota fixed their transmission issue. I would like to see the 2018 Tacoma tested.

I don't believe you guys mentioned (could be wrong) that it look like you're doing your testing somewhere of high elevation? and obviously this would really hurt your hp an tq... I'm very happily surprised to see a small truck doing this well.. at hight elevation... I'm especially excited that for me in florida it should do great!

Very much like the new subjective testing comparisons. Would however like you to show your individual scores. Like how many times you had to break score, bench mark time score etc. vs the final score.

Not too bad for a truck that was made mostly for offroading. I'm surprised in terms of score, it was close to the Titan XD.

Have you guys done an Ike gauntlet test for the GM Midsize twin DIESELS? if so, when will it be posted? thx

I'm waiting to see that Colorado 2.8L Duramax take on the Ike Gauntlet. I'll bet that Duramax gets some good numbers.

It will tow it fine but not well. Mine was great on short distances but long hauls towing roughly 4200lbs I was starting to get about as exhausted as the truck. This is with an 06 Tacoma. I can't imagine the new Taco much better b/c of the seating position and the not a huge upgrade in Hp/Tq as they could have done. Sounds as loud as mine when going through the Cascades in through the Rockies.

brake point system seems dumb....why deduct points for having to brake downhill?

That wireless camera stuff is awesome! Where did you get them?

How does it compare with the GM Twins V6 ? I'd be interested in seeing how it compares with 1/2 ton trucks with V6 (no turbos).

first comment, This will most defiantly my replacement to Nissan Xterra Thanks for another good video

Jesus, that engine was asking for a break. I just slow down and take it easy. I got a 2.7L 4x4 5 speed manual tacoma (Go ahead and talk trash. This 4 banger eats my V6 ranger I had a while back all day.) When i'm pulling heavier stuff, I keep the RPM between 3500 and 4500 RPM (Redline is 5600RPM) Probably why it has lasted 304,000 miles and still pulls good for a 4 banger.

I mentioned this on one of the other videos of yours, but clearly it was overlooked. Please, stop referring to the rear axle ratio like it matters. This truck has a different transmission and different gear ratios than any other truck tested. It likely has the same tire size as the older Tacoma and the Colorado, but if the transmission ratios aren't the same then there's no value at all telling us the axle ratio is different. 3.73, 3.90, 4.10, whatever, it's completely meaningless unless the transmission gears are the same and the tires are the same size also.

Mr Truck & Andre & TFL Team: That's great you introduced a grading system for these for a more objective feel (aside from the subjective portion). Can you please do a video explaining your testing parameters for each portion? I understand the subjective, the MPG (using the truck's reading), and the timing of Ike Gauntlet, but can you explain your testing for downhill brake applications? Are you braking to stay under the speed limit? Are you braking at a certain speed and hauling it down to another speed or are you just applying the brakes and counting?

Have you guys gotten your hands on the Tacoma with the manual?

when are the HD trucks gonna be uploaded and is it going to be gooseneck? or a gooseneck and bumper pull? (two trailers)

so 12 pts for subjective, 4 points for braking, 24 points for uphill time, and 17 points for mpg (6-4.5/2= 8 point deduction) so isn't the score 57 then? Would you guys mind showing the point breakdown right before/after the final score is revealed?

And you didn't use ECT? It wasn't lit on the dash and it is the Tacoma's tow mode. It keeps it in a higher rpm band and would have shifted down for engine braking.

"If you listen to our rpms they're high". ..... NO SHIT! You're basically redlining it.

I've seen some 2016 tacomas are rated for 6,500 lbs towing and others are rated for 3,500 lbs for towing. Why such a big difference and what causes it?

full mpg better than the gmc canyon.. hmmm.. interesting toyota. will have to see what the diesel does because I don't think gm changed the 3.6

the sound decibels inside the cabin was Extremely Loud and with the not very much fun over a long. Of time while hauling. I compare with the ridge line that held its RPMs at a much lower range keeping a decibels in the cabin . even the Colorado ZR2 gas engine at very high RPMs. The diesel is the way to go if you're hauling with Colorado. Interesting

The Tacoma is not very comfortable to me at all. It's awkward to get into and the seat is on the floor. I also found like Andre mentioned the steering wheel crowed me. It doesn't go high enough and doesn't telescope enough. Love the looks and all but feels really cramped. Wish they would have gave this new engine more low end grunt as well. Just my two cents. Thanks TFL for review.

Even with the automatic, just drop it into 5th or 4th for engine braking.

Downshift the truck yourself. You should be driving the truck, not the other way around.

That thing was screaming close the rev limiter all the way up the hill. Definitely would not tow that much weight on that kind of a grade often if you want that truck to last. Needs more torque...that's why diesels and turbo charged engines are better for towing.

I wish they would do this with the manual. I would love to see how much better it does if they get to control the gear it stays in. The manual has a better rear axle ratio too.

If the truck doesn't originally come with the towing package can one get it dealer installed later? I bought my Tacoma down here in Mexico and the towing package isn't even an option. So say when I take it to the U.S. you guys think I could get it then?

Toyota claim they got rid of all the driveline vibration, well they didn't. Mine a 2016 TRD off-road 4 door long bed has driveshaft vibration 10-35mph, worst on deceleration.

I noticed you didn't have ECT PWR engaged while climbing that hill 😂. I get close to 10 mpg Vegas to cali doing 70 (I know) pulling 6,000lbs.

Have you guys done this test with manual trans?

this truck has gated shifting USE IT

not sure if i understand the point of the downhill braking points. the trucks with an exhaust brake are pretty much going to win the whole thing because of it. You cant fault a truck for having a smaller engine and therefore less engine braking

The immeasurable component to a Toyota is it's RELIABILITY; and, when you couple that with HIGH RESALE it's hard to lose in buying this mid-sized truck. Toyota doesn't have much competition in this category but would be more competitive with a V8 for sure. But for hauling heavy loads, you might want to look at the full-size 3/4 ton trucks.

Can we get more information on that camera that was used in this ? i love that idea for safety.

did you guys do a towing review for the chevy colorado v6 gas engine

Im on the edge of my seat waiting for the 2017 Honda Ridgeline test. I think I will get that truck

Please do a manual Tacoma.

Did they fix the issue with engine power braking in the 2018+ models?

Can you make an off-road review of this truck?

I live in Wyoming and cross the I70 to go to Moab at least once a year. Hoping a 2016 Taco will tow my 2500lb Casita trailer over the pass fairly well. How do you think it would do?

Could you guys please do this with the 2.7 4 cylinder Tacoma I’d love too see how it does.

i'm surprised the heat gauge didn't move much... but maybe on their next truck they should put a 8speed or some type of EV hybrid so the engine don't scream like its the end of the world...

6:43 the truck has a jellyfish launcher!

Go Toyota, best Automobile ever made.

Wish you guys would test the European SUVs with V6 diesels.

Still waiting for the mpg test without any trailer for this truck, Thanks

Nice vid! Would be great to see an Infographic with all the scores in ranking order at the end of each of these gauntlet videos.