What Is It?
2005 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner
What's Special About It?
After a 10-year run, Toyota has given its compact Tacoma pickup a full redesign for 2005. It couldn't have come at a more crucial time, as both Dodge and Nissan will offer completely new versions of their entry-level trucks this year. Here in Chicago, Toyota introduced a truck called the Tacoma X-Runner. Company executives assured us that the X-Runner is not a concept, but an actual performance model that Toyota will offer when the '05 Tacoma goes on sale later this year.
Just as the next-generation Tundra pickup will move up in size, so will the Tacoma, which is now closer to "midsize" in overall dimensions. The truck's wheelbase is five inches longer than before, and its track is four inches wider. This provides an extra 4.5 inches of hip- and shoulder room inside the cab, according to Toyota. In addition, the new Tacoma will offer more cargo room, and a new engine lineup will provide higher tow ratings, greater efficiency and more environmentally friendly operation. Toyota will also focus on safety — antilock brakes are now standard, and side curtain airbags and stability control are among the new options.
The X-Runner will differ from other Tacomas in that it will ride on a unique "X-braced" reinforced frame that gives it extra torsional rigidity. Its chassis sits one inch lower as well, and firmer, shorter springs and Bilstein shocks (mounted outside the frame rails) are fitted at each corner. Larger-diameter front and rear stabilizer bars are equipped with firmer bushings. Standard 18-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in 45-series performance rubber; a limited-slip rear differential is also part of the deal.
For power, the X-Runner makes use of the 4.0-liter V6 already found in the 4Runner sport-utility. Here, it's rated for 240 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, and hooked up to a six-speed manual transmission. The 60-mph mark is said to come around in just 7 seconds. For those who require more, Toyota will offer a fully warranted TRD supercharger that raises horsepower to an even 300, while shaving "more than an additional second" off the 0-60 time. Handling should also be impressive, as Toyota claims the X-Runner can pull off 0.9g of lateral acceleration on the skid pad. Company executives even had the audacity to say that the truck's handling characteristics were benchmarked against Nissan's 350Z sports car.
What's Edmunds' Take?
With bruisers like the SRT-10 Ram and F-150 Lightning roaming the streets, it's no wonder that performance trucks are growing in popularity. The Tacoma X-Runner appears to possess both brawn and agility, which should give it a fighting chance against the powerful new Durango and Frontier. Put aside this niche market and the new Tacoma still looks appealing: Increased passenger and cargo capacity, higher tow ratings and added safety features tend to come in handy in the real world. — Erin Riches
2005 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner
What's Special About It?
After a 10-year run, Toyota has given its compact Tacoma pickup a full redesign for 2005. It couldn't have come at a more crucial time, as both Dodge and Nissan will offer completely new versions of their entry-level trucks this year. Here in Chicago, Toyota introduced a truck called the Tacoma X-Runner. Company executives assured us that the X-Runner is not a concept, but an actual performance model that Toyota will offer when the '05 Tacoma goes on sale later this year.
Just as the next-generation Tundra pickup will move up in size, so will the Tacoma, which is now closer to "midsize" in overall dimensions. The truck's wheelbase is five inches longer than before, and its track is four inches wider. This provides an extra 4.5 inches of hip- and shoulder room inside the cab, according to Toyota. In addition, the new Tacoma will offer more cargo room, and a new engine lineup will provide higher tow ratings, greater efficiency and more environmentally friendly operation. Toyota will also focus on safety — antilock brakes are now standard, and side curtain airbags and stability control are among the new options.
The X-Runner will differ from other Tacomas in that it will ride on a unique "X-braced" reinforced frame that gives it extra torsional rigidity. Its chassis sits one inch lower as well, and firmer, shorter springs and Bilstein shocks (mounted outside the frame rails) are fitted at each corner. Larger-diameter front and rear stabilizer bars are equipped with firmer bushings. Standard 18-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in 45-series performance rubber; a limited-slip rear differential is also part of the deal.
For power, the X-Runner makes use of the 4.0-liter V6 already found in the 4Runner sport-utility. Here, it's rated for 240 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, and hooked up to a six-speed manual transmission. The 60-mph mark is said to come around in just 7 seconds. For those who require more, Toyota will offer a fully warranted TRD supercharger that raises horsepower to an even 300, while shaving "more than an additional second" off the 0-60 time. Handling should also be impressive, as Toyota claims the X-Runner can pull off 0.9g of lateral acceleration on the skid pad. Company executives even had the audacity to say that the truck's handling characteristics were benchmarked against Nissan's 350Z sports car.
What's Edmunds' Take?
With bruisers like the SRT-10 Ram and F-150 Lightning roaming the streets, it's no wonder that performance trucks are growing in popularity. The Tacoma X-Runner appears to possess both brawn and agility, which should give it a fighting chance against the powerful new Durango and Frontier. Put aside this niche market and the new Tacoma still looks appealing: Increased passenger and cargo capacity, higher tow ratings and added safety features tend to come in handy in the real world. — Erin Riches
Add A Comment »