Tacoma re-design: Predictions?

[Clutch]

I agree that the Hilux is the better looking of the two trucks these days. I've seen one in person and I definitely liked it better. It was smaller which is a plus for me as I just do not need a big truck. I like 'em, I just don't need one. And the one in the photo has the look of early '80's trucks with that bed and lettering in the tailgate. The smaller size with the right motor (ahem, diesel) would net 25-30 mpg hwy I think.



Add me in to that equation. With three of us, how can they resist? I have considered under what conditions I might be willing to buy a new vehicle. So far, none. A Hilux that was bare bones with rubber flooring, manual windows/seats/trans, manual t-case, no radio, diesel, or very fuel efficient and powerful 4-cyl., a metal bed...yes, I might be tempted then. I don't need bells and whistles. Again, I like 'em, but I don't need them. Oh, and maybe a less Camry-esque grill.

What really burns is: I see brand new HiLuxes here all of the time up from Mexico. (VW Amaroks too!)

So close, yet so far away. I-10 heading North to Phoenix from Tucson, about a month ago.



In my buddy's VW TDI Sport wagon, getting 40 mpg...now why can't we have a diesel in the Tacoma again?
I don't know if any of you guys have driven a VW TDI...just super super nice. The torque was impressive.

 

[NorthernWoodsman]

Kermit-

Ouch, yeah that really does burn. I never see them except for the one that used to be down the road from my old house. It was from Mexico too. I poked my head around it one day and really liked it. The size is what I really liked about it, but I also prefer the styling over the Tacoma.

I miss my VW TDi Passat. When it ran well I was getting 55 mpg hwy and 45 mpg city. My VW mechanic had a Jetta TDi that was insanely fast and had boatloads of torque for days. At this point, there really is NO reason for the US to not have more diesel options alongside all of the hybrids.

On the other hand, if Ford were to bring in the world Ranger with their 2.2 and 3.2 diesels, I would seriously consider one of those over anything Toyota. The Ranger is getting great reviews from what I'm seeing and the truck looks great.

 

[Clutch]

Kermit-

Ouch, yeah that really does burn. I never see them except for the one that used to be down the road from my old house. It was from Mexico too. I poked my head around it one day and really liked it. The size is what I really liked about it, but I also prefer the styling over the Tacoma.

I miss my VW TDi Passat. When it ran well I was getting 55 mpg hwy and 45 mpg city. My VW mechanic had a Jetta TDi that was insanely fast and had boatloads of torque for days. At this point, there really is NO reason for the US to not have more diesel options alongside all of the hybrids.

On the other hand, if Ford were to bring in the world Ranger with their 2.2 and 3.2 diesels, I would seriously consider one of those over anything Toyota. The Ranger is getting great reviews from what I'm seeing and the truck looks great.

I see a HiLux every couple of weeks here. They are all petrol...so I am not too heart broken, if they were diesels...that is another story! Did park in front of one at Target one day, wanted to snap a picture of my 1st Gen Taco with it for size comparison, but I forgot my phone that day.

I have seen 3 VW diesel Amaroks so far, but always driving, have yet to see one up close. Drove my buddy's Jetta for half of a day, kept on thinking, now why can't we have an engine like this in the Tacomas? I liked the wagon, sat too low for my taste (my neck hurt from straining to see over objects)...while practical...not practical enough, I prefer trucks with camper shells. Mucho better for muddy dogs, gear, and such...

According to Kaisen the Ranger is coming back, I have feeling it isn't going to be the World Ranger though...I am guessing more of Ute, possibly uni-bodied.

With machismo body panels though...

 

[NorthernWoodsman]

Ugh, let's hope it's not a ute... might as well not bother.

I get torn between a wagon and a truck. I pine for a 2004-2008/4th Gen. Subaru Outback wagon. Wish we could get the bad-a** flat-four diesel Subies get overseas. From what I've read they are outperforming the VW TDi's in mpg's. But, a new world Ranger would be a nice option. About as close to a Hilux as we could hope for over here.

 

[Clutch]

Ugh, let's hope it's not a ute... might as well not bother.

Kaisen was saying 1000 lbs payload, 3000 lbs, towing capacity, and fantastic mpg's. That has me guessing a uni-bodied Ute with a 4 cylinder Ecoboost.

Perhaps based on the Transit Connect Platform???

...and then there is this

I get torn between a wagon and a truck. I pine for a 2004-2008/4th Gen. Subaru Outback wagon. Wish we could get the bad-a** flat-four diesel Subies get overseas. From what I've read they are outperforming the VW TDi's in mpg's. But, a new world Ranger would be a nice option. About as close to a Hilux as we could hope for over here.

Driving the Jetta Sport wagon, convinced me...I do not want a wagon. I have been driving trucks and SUV's too long apparently. I wanted so bad to like the Jetta...too low to the ground for my liking. That was the only thing I didn't like about it. (girlfriend gave it the thumbs down as well) Of course there is the Touareg, that is $25K+ more though.

World Ranger would be awesome...I just have a feeling that it isn't going to be what we are expecting. Too close to the F150. I have been wrong before...hopefully my hunch is off.

 

[TEJASYOTA]

?......A re-design of the Tacoma incorporating the best of the HILUX characteristics, or basically the HILUX platform itself, in the North American market would again offer world desired HILUX capabilities of payload, economy, and size. For a corporation that embraces "Kaizen" this consolidation appears to offer a lot of ......

I think you mean "LEAN"...Kaizen" is quick improvements for the better... To do a Kaizen at the current San Antonio Tacoma/Tundra plant will take a while.


As for predictions.... Our wish list is never what we get...unless we move to Down Under.

 

[Toyotero]

I think you mean "LEAN"...Kaizen" is quick improvements for the better... To do a Kaizen at the current San Antonio Tacoma/Tundra plant will take a while.

I don't think that is accurate. Kaizen translated to English means good (zen) change (kai) and according to Dr. Jeffrey Liker in his book The Toyota Way, kaizen as a part of a management principle is defined as "continuous improvement" that is generally also gradual (Breaking from the gradual guideline was an error that Toyota made in the last decade by slashing R&D times/costs for new models). You might be thinking of nemawashi, which refers to implementing decisions rapidly but only after the decision of what to implement was made slowly be consensus after thoroughly considering all the options.

As for predictions.... Our wish list is never what we get...unless we move to Down Under.

Too true, or practically anywhere outside the USA. Cent America is loaded with them.

 

[haddix]

Delete

 

[wreckedrex]

My guess: they'll make it bigger, softer, more car like, and more expensive. They'll also sell the snot out of them. It's what most folks want, and they (like any business) are all about market share. I'd love to see something the size of my 3rd gen truck with a nice modern turbo diesel, or even a modern super efficient turbo 4 gasser, but it's just not going to happen.

 

[ArmchairRacer]

What I'd like to see? About the size of a 1st gen Taco, turbo diesel getting 25-30 mpgs, a TRD option with vinyl seats and floors, manual tranny and t-case, oh, and a 5k drop in price. That would be the perfect mini truck.

What we'll get? Bigger, cushier, power and automatic everything, higher price, and it'll sell because it says Toyota on the front.

My only hope for a decent off-road platform is if Jeep puts their 3.0 diesel in the JKU, but I'm doubtful.

 

[washington taco]

Does anyone think Toyota reads any of this? I sent them a email of my first gen @ 300000 miles on the way to Dug Bar OR a few days ago and I got NO response. They are going to "F" up the next Taco then I will buy a Jeep and be a sheep.

 

[Kevin Braun]

I wish they has a US diesel version.
I oggle over the hilux when outside of the US.

 

[Kaisen]

My guess: they'll make it bigger, softer, more car like, and more expensive. They'll also sell the snot out of them. It's what most folks want, and they (like any business) are all about market share. I'd love to see something the size of my 3rd gen truck with a nice modern turbo diesel, or even a modern super efficient turbo 4 gasser, but it's just not going to happen.

I really hope you're wrong.
Remember, Ford, GM, and Dodge/Ram (the big players) all got OUT of the small truck market because their full-size trucks outsold their small truck nearly 10 to 1
If the small trucks just keep getting bigger, there is even less reason to choose them over a half-ton. They need to be smaller....a full step down, not a half-step

'Most folks' don't want a Tacoma. They own the market share because others abandoned it. Look at the numbers.
The new Tacoma needs to be slightly smaller than today's truck, and get better fuel economy than a half-ton while costing thousands less

 

[hornytoad]

No diesels due to CARB regulations over emissions. And because California is 1/2 of the US market share Toyota and all manufacture follow that lead. Unless their partnership with BMW does something for their diesel emissions.....

I recently had the unfortunate experience where I HAD to replace my 2012 taco with a new vehicle (due to a wreck). It came down to Nissan, Toyota, Jeep... And with some wrangling the Toyota was the cheapest option. I am really looking forward to what Jeep come out with a wrangle pickup would be killer for my work.

But expect for the trucks to just keep getting more expensive, especially when what WE want is 2% of the market share (maybe). If the taco died tomorrow I might give up on the 4x4 and stick all together as roll down to the Mercedes dealership and look for a sprinter van.

Hell if this wasn't a work truck I could never afford to have one....

 

[Clutch]

'Most folks' don't want a Tacoma. They own the market share because others abandoned it. Look at the numbers.
The new Tacoma needs to be slightly smaller than today's truck, and get better fuel economy than a half-ton while costing thousands less

Agree with you. I don't see the Tacoma getting smaller, as its' HiLux counter-part is darn near the same size and shares components, since the foreign market's "Utes" are getting bigger, highly unlikely that the Tacoma will shrink. If anything we might see a Uni-Bodied small truck under the Scion badge.

The cost of the Tacoma as gotten out of line, you're right, might as well buy a 1/2 ton truck when buying new.