Toyota is known for their evolutionary updates when it comes to their core products, the new redesigned 2016 Toyota Tacoma which made its debut at the Detroit Auto show carries on this tradition.

Given the truck is just as American as anything from Ford or Chevrolet, it’s not out of place on the stage in Detroit. The new Tacoma was designed here, engineered here, tested here and will be built here.

The new 2016 Toyota Tacoma like many of their refreshed products carried over what already works quite well, updated the bits and pieces as necessary, and gave it a fresh new wrapper inside and out.

As key things criticized in the old Tacoma were the dated 4.0 liter V6 and its five-speed automatic, and it’s yesteryear interior, these are the very things they addressed.

To start with, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma will carry over its 2.7 liter four-cylinder base engine. The V6 will now be a truck tuned version of the same high output 3.5 liter V6 found in Lexus vehicles.

The engine features both port and direct fuel injection and cranks out 306 horsepower in Lexus trim. Though power figures haven’t been quoted for the Tacoma, we expect them to be not far off.

Both engines will be available with a new six-speed automatic transmission, the V6 even to be offered with a six-speed manual.

The frame was revised with additional high-strength steel for twist rigidity as was the body shell, though the design of the cab sheet-metal carries over.

Exterior skin gets a complete makeover from top to bottom, with a bold and chiseled new form which mimics that of the larger Tundra in DNA. Fenders are flared and muscular in a more squared way, and sharper creases are dolled out all around.

Projector beam headlamps and LED running lights bring modern, while new wheels from 16” to 18” ice the cake. A new soft-open tailgate is standard and now available is an optional tri-fold hard tonneau cover.

A completely new interior fixes the last few things on the to do list. The new design features more premium materials and a more upscale look. New tech features of course come into play, keeping it up with the Joneses.

These include the availability of Qi wireless charging for your devices, a push-button start, touchscreen infotainment systems, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Driver aids like a blind-spot monitor and backup camera are there too.

Toyota will continue to offer a full spectrum of trim levels from plain work-ready SR all the way up to a fully-loaded Limited. In between you can get others including the TRD Off-Road with all its go there traction toys.

The new 2016 Toyota Tacoma will go on sale late this year. We will bring you a more detailed review when we get behind the wheel.