Photo of 2016 Tacoma Limited by Mike Antich.

Photo of 2016 Tacoma Limited by Mike Antich.

Toyota's Tacoma mid-size pickup gets a long-overdue makeover for the 2016 model year after more than a decade in its second generation that includes a new V-6 engine and transmission.

The 2016 Tacoma, which has been the segment leader, is facing increased competition from General Motors, which introduced the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon for 2015 and will add a diesel engine option in 2016.

The revamped Tacoma, which was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, carries over the 2.7-liter four-cylinder, and adds a new 3.5-liter Atkinson cycle V-6 equipped with Toyota's D-4S technology that features direct and port fuel injection.

Both engines will be paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission with electronic shifting. Toyota will offer a new six-speed manual as an option with the V-6.

The new Tacoma will be available in five trim levels Toyota is calling "grades" in both all-wheel and rear-wheel drive. Tacoma grades include the SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited. The SR model would likely be the fleet truck.

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