The TRD Tacomas are easily the sexiest of the 2016 Tacoma trims, but they’re well overpriced for most budgets. The Limited and SR5 offer the best overall value, but for only $3k more, the Limited comes with leather seats, dual-zone AC, moonroof, standard V6, and LED lighting.
Key Points
- The 2016 Toyota Tacoma comes in a variety of trims. But unless you specifically need a work truck or a speedster, the SR and TRD Sport trims are a poor value.
- The 2016 Tacoma is offered in Access Cab and Double Cab as well as RWD and 4WD configurations. Engine options are an underpowered 2.7-liter four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V6.
- The 2016 Tacoma is still a hefty investment even five years removed from its debut. It’s a fantastic truck with a guaranteed long life, but it may prove to be well out-of-budget for many buyers, especially the trims worth having.
2016 Tacoma SR is an Expensive Entry-level Used Truck at $30,000
Tacoma SR is the base model Tacoma. There’s not much here other than a bare-bones, reliable truck for light work, and A to B travel. Tacoma SR can be had with either the 2.7-liter boasting 159 hp and 180 lb.-ft. of torque or the more powerful V6. The 3.5-liter V6 offers 278 hp and 265 lb.-ft. of torque and features direct-injection technology. Like the 2.7-liter, the V6 can also be paired with a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
Here’s what you’ll get in the base SR:
- 16-inch steel wheels
- sliding rear window
- GoPro windshield mount
- Limited slip differential
- Hill-start assist control (A/T only)
Two options were available for the SR Tacoma, which include the Utility and Convenience Packages. The Convenience Package adds cruise control and remote keyless entry, and the Utility Package transforms the SR into a more work-friendly truck by removing the rear seats and adding scuff-resistant black bumpers and mirror caps.
Current market price for a double-cab SR with the 2.7-liter sits at around $30,000. All in all, the SR should really only be considered for a basic work truck due to its high buy-in and lacking features.
2016 Tacoma SR5 Provides Great Value So Long as it’s Coming With Optional Alloy Wheels, Parking Sonar, and Navigation
For just over $1k more, you can find an SR5. Tacoma SR5 adds relatively standard modern features like fog lights, remote keyless entry, and sliding rear privacy glass. Driver amenities also see a boost with the addition of a larger 4.2” multi-info display, upgraded Entune Audio Plus suite, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. Other standard features included a charcoal grille with chrome trim and a chrome rear bumper.
The optional SR5 Appearance Package adds 16” silver alloy wheels, color-keyed overfenders, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror (V6 only).
Furthermore, you can snag a Tacoma, which adds rear parking assist sonar, navigation, and Entune Premium with a higher-level Appearance Package. We think the SR5 adds plenty of bang-for-buck and suits most buyers if it’s coming with the latter package.
Feature-heavy and Expensive 2016 TRD Sport isn’t Quite Worth the $35K Price When Compared to Other Tacoma Trims
TRD Sport is where Tacoma ventures into the land of feature-heavy and expensive. Don’t expect to spend any less than $35,000 on a 4WD TRD Sport which is best suited for street performance. If you opt for the TRD Sport you’re getting a bevy of useful features like Qi wireless charging, side view mirror turn signal indicators, Entune Premium, push-button start (A/T only), LED lighting, and a 20V AC power outlet.
The TRD Sport offers stellar looks as well. Sport buyers can expect color-keyed overfenders and bumpers, a spiffy hood scoop, chrome-trimmed grille, and 17” alloy wheels. Inside you’ll find premium cloth seating and a leather-trimmed gear shifter as well.
Being that the TRD Sport is optimized for on-road performance, the 3.6-liter comes standard. TRD Sport also adds a sport-tuned suspension and a 6-speed manual transmission option.
Truth be told, the Sport is a bit of a poor value when compared to the other trims. The optional Premium & Technology Package would make it a fantastic tuck, but that would push the value even higher in a trim that’s already as expensive as the Limited in which those additional features come standard.
TRD Off-Road’s Locking Differential and Bilstein Shocks Make it Perfect for Arduous Terrain
TDR Off-Road brings things back down to earth quite literally with the dollar-for-feature exchange. If you intend to do any serious trail-going, the TRD Off-Road offers all the best equipment for around $33,000.
TRD Off-Road brings with it an electronically-locking rear differential, multi-terrain select, Active Traction Control, and Off-Road tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks. Seeing as it’s less expensive, it’s clearly a better value than the Sport. TRD Off-Road also sports a black scuff-resistant front bumper and overfenders to ensure your off-road escapades don’t result in a thrashed exterior.
The Premium & Technology Package is optional in the TRD Off-Road as well. It includes dual-zone auto climate control, heated front seats, rear parking assist, blind-spot monitor (BSM), rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA), moonroof (Double Cab only), and more.
2016 Limited Adds Leather Seats, Dual-zone AC, and More without Excessive Price Bloat
Tacoma Limited comes with all the bells and whistles at a pretty decent (for Tacoma) price point. 4WD Limiteds are going for around $35,000 currently, equal with TRD Sport. For only $3k more than the SR5 you’re getting the whole shebang. Leather-trimmed seats, dual-zone climate control, auto LED headlights, 18” polished alloy wheels, BSM, RCTA, chrome accents, power moonroof, and much more. It’s a ridiculously good value compared to the other trims.
The only thing you might find yourself desiring in the Limited is the TRD Off-Road’s trail equipment. So if you want a reliable truck with tons of creature comforts, the Limited is the way to go.
Limited is the Best Value Considering Everything You Get for the Money
So, which 2016 Toyota Tacoma trim is the best used-truck buy? Several Tacoma trims hold their own and provide excellent value. The TRD Off-Road is the clear choice for anyone who does any serious off-roading. If you have a lower budget, grab the SR5. But our pick for the best overall trim is the Limited.
It’s not often that the top trim is also the best bang-for-buck option. But with the 2016 Tacoma, that’s clearly the case. Tacomas are not cheap, but considering the expected lifespan/resale value of the truck, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal than the 2016 Tacoma Limited.
Photos: Toyota
