The Tacoma is pretty much unchanged from last year’s model. Adjustments were made to content packages and to the pricing structure to keep it competitive in the marketplace. The Tacoma is available in eight models and 25 configurations. As tested, I put the V6, 5-speed automatic through its paces. If the Tacoma has a weak link it is the 5-speed automatic. As a solid transmission it is great and worked flawlessly, but it is short a couple of gears when compared to many of its larger rivals, which in turn affects how much fun and work the truck can do without straining too hard.
What is the Toyota Tacoma V6 Double Cab?
Both the V6 and the standard Double Cab features place this Tacoma near the top of the heap for comfort and equipment in the compact truck market segment. As a compact truck, the Tacoma does a good job of getting about in the city. Out on the highway it is large enough to be comfortable on most types of roads from smooth pavement to washboard gravel. Despite being a bit behind in the automatic “gear wars” the Tacoma can hold its own in any crowd.
2014 Toyota Tacoma V6 Double Cab Price and Specs
Tacoma prices start at $22,350 for a plain 4-cylinder version and run up to $31,150 for the Double Cab V6 with a 5-speed automatic. The catch is that there are option packages that can run the price up to $39,195. As driven, this tester came with a sticker price of $36,360.
For the cash you get you a choice of eight exterior colours and one interior colour (grey). When you go high enough up the money chain, the grey cloth seats become grey leather except the leather is only on the seating surfaces. You also get a two-speed transfer case, a 5-speed automatic, a nice set of alloy wheels, and plenty of electronic toys inside to let you listen to pretty much anything you want.
Driving the 2014 Toyota Tacoma V6 Double Cab
This truck has split personalities. In town, it may be smaller and a bit more agile than the full-size trucks, but the 4X4 option increases the turning radius noticeably. It fills the average mall parking space and takes up nearly the entire parallel parking space. Dogging around town requires a bit of a feather foot if you want to keep any semblance of fuel economy because it is so easy to just stab the gas and blow the slowpokes off with the power of the V6.
Get out onto a highway with or without a load, the Tacoma smooths right out and soaks up minor road imperfections. Spending time in the cab on the highway is where many will notice that the seat is a bit close to the floor so the angle your legs are at becomes uncomfortable after a couple of hours.
Turn down a gravel road and the ride quality is maintained. If you get to a washboard stretch of road, the tail gets loose, but is controllable. If you feel uncomfortable on such a trail, slow down, the Tacoma thrives on low-speed work. In fact, with the automatic, I rarely had to go to low range to get the job done.
Inside and Out of the 2014 Toyota Tacoma V6 Double Cab
On the outside, the Tacoma is all power bulges and fender flares to try and show how rugged the truck can be. As a styling exercise, the Tacoma turned out to be a pretty good looking truck and one that can back up its design theme of ruggedness. Alloy wheels on aggressive tires may add a bit to the road noise, but do a good job of getting you down a trail as well as looking good.
Inside, the bucket seats in the front are as comfortable with all the controls for the driver within easy reach. Plug-ins for the stereo are present, as is satellite radio, and the ever necessary GPS system. The touchscreen display is large enough to be easily read.
A move to the back seat turns up a space that can be utilized for cargo if necessary, but does an excellent job of being able to haul people. As long as those people are not real tall since legroom and head room are a touch restricted. I could sit in the back comfortably, but to watch my son (who is much taller than me) fold up to get in and then try and get comfortable… Let’s just say I didn’t laugh out loud.
Out in the elements -- better known as the truck box -- Toyota does have a cargo tie-down system that works well without taking up much space in the box, and the spray-in liner provided a good traction surface to stand on when loading.
Comparing the 2014 Toyota Tacoma V6 Double Cab
Main competitors in the class are the fully redesigned Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, as well as the Nissan Frontier. However, competition will come indirectly from the top six full-size pickups on the market: Ford F-150, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra.
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