With the all-new midsize 2016 Toyota Tacoma on the near horizon (in fact, we should be driving it next month), it’s not surprising that Toyota would make relatively few changes to the full-size 2016 Tundra.

Rumors about a possible diesel engine option for 2016 remain just rumors. Some have speculated that Toyota will use a version of the Cummins 5.0-liter V-8 ISV turbo-diesel (to be used in the new Nissan Titan, due out later this year) but neither Cummins nor Toyota have confirmed any such plans. Nothing in Toyota's 2016 rollout material mentions a new engine option, but that doesn't mean mid-year availability is out of the question.  

Although there will be a few exterior grille changes to certain models, specifically the SR5 and 1794 Edition trims, most Tundra trim packages will look similar to the 2015 models (Platinum photo above). With that said, it’s worth noting the Tundra will continue to offer the TRD Pro off-road trim (the new Tacoma will not), but the 1794 Edition western-luxury premium trim (pictured below) will now be available with a more serious off-road package that includes bigger, more aggressive wheels and tires, Bilstein-brand shocks, skid plate, tow hooks and more. On the other end of the spectrum, base Tundras will only be offered in Super White, black and Radiant Red colors.

All trim levels (SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition and TRD Pro) will have upgraded Entune audio technology, yet the only significant mechanical changes will be the addition of a brand-new, segment-leading 38-gallon fuel tank option. The new tank will be standard on some of the more popular 5.7-liter V-8 models, including the Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition and TRD Pro Series. Inside, the trailer brake controller will be standard with bigger V-8 option, but unavailable with the smaller 4.6-liter aluminum V-8.

Lastly, the blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert systems are no longer a separate option and are now bundled in all the premium-level models (Limited, Platinum and 1794 Edition) and part of the Safety & Convenience Package on the lower-end SR and SR5 trims. Pricing will be released next month.

by Mark Williams

Source: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2015/07/2016-toyota-tundra-updates-and-first-look.html