genesis1 
2016 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab SR5 4dr Access Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
A Step Back in Quality
 I previously owned the 2014 Tacoma SR5 Access Cab- a great truck that unfortunately was totaled in a recent wreck when an unlicensed driver pulled in front of me .   So off to the dealer I go to replace the 2014 with the new "improved" 2016 model.   On the outside, the 2016 model has become sleeker, sportier and more stylish looking- more plastic where there used to be metal- but still with the new curves and grooves built into the body it's sure to impress younger drivers.   Also on the positive side Toyota finally got rid of aerial antenna thing (always a problem for car washes and tree branches) and put the antenna on the cabin hood where it belongs.  What is most disappointing about Toyota however is the obvious attempt to "go cheap" on the newer models by greatly diminishing the quality of materials on the interior of this vehicle.   In particular, the seats on the 2016 model are hard and uncomfortable, whereas the 2014 model had great seats.   The glovebox- now really more of a glove "cubbyhole" has been greatly reduced in size and you can barely fit anything more than a couple of maps and sunglasses inside of it now.  Adding the divider shelves was poorly thought of idea Toyota.  They've eliminated the easy to use lever that used to control the side mirrors and replaced it with a flimsy piece of plastic knob thing that will surely break off when used too hastily by big handed people- much harder to adjust your side mirrors now.   On the outside the factory tires are now cheap looking Hankook tires that look more like passenger car tires than truck tires- a step down from the factory tires on the 2014 model.  While the V6 engine seems to have plenty of pep, the transmission in the automatic models seems to be slightly jerky and does not have  smooth feel to it.   Some owners have claimed to be getting mid to upper 20's in the MPG category but so far I'm only getting 20 mpg on mostly highway driving at 60 mph average.   I really hope this gets better but don't expect much.I give this truck three stars instead of 2 because of the expected and known reliability of the engine and the lifetime powertrain warranty that most dealers now provide.   It's just sad that Toyota has decided to go cheap on these trucks- while raising their prices considerably- in an obvious effort to boost profits.