Toyota Tacoma 3rd Gen

The 3rd-gen Tacoma launched for the 2016 model year on a redesigned platform that kept the body-on-frame architecture of the 2nd gen but added a new aluminum hood, a stiffer frame, and the 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6. The V6 paired with a 6-speed automatic (or, importantly, a 6-speed manual on TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims) became the standard powertrain through 2023.

Trim hierarchy: SR5 → TRD Sport (road-biased) → TRD Off-Road (Bilstein shocks, locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, CRAWL Control) → TRD Pro (Fox Internal Bypass shocks, TRD-tuned coils, retuned rear leafs, skid plates, color-keyed bumpers, BBS forged wheels, JBL audio). The TRD Off-Road is where most overland builds start because the gap in capability to the TRD Pro is smaller than the gap in price.

Multi-Terrain Select cycles four modes (Mud & Sand, Loose Rock, Mogul, and Rock) that tune throttle and traction control per surface. CRAWL Control is Toyota's low-speed cruise control for technical terrain — set a speed between 1 and 5 mph, take your feet off, and the truck modulates throttle and brake. It's genuinely useful on steep loose climbs and rock gardens.

The Tacoma aftermarket is the deepest of any mid-size truck on the planet. Every overland brand designs around it. CBI, Sherpa, Cali Raised, RCI, Bilstein, Old Man Emu, Icon, King, Goose Gear, Decked, Outdoor Element — every category has 5-10 options that fit. The standard build path: 2.5-3" front lift, AAL or new rear leaf pack, 33" all-terrains on 17s, sliders, skid plates. Replaced by the all-new 4th gen (TNGA-F platform, 2.4L Turbo, hybrid option, coil rear on Trailhunter) for the 2024 model year.