Compared to the previous-generation Tacoma S-Runner, the Tacoma X-Runner will ride on a wheelbase that has been extended by a full five inches and a track that has been widened by four inches. The increased size translates to an extra 4½" of shoulder and hip room.
With a much bigger canvas on which to work, X-Runner design-engineers began creating a true factory-developed performance truck as a separate-and-dedicated model, requiring no post-production modifications. X-Runner will ride on an exclusive "X-braced" reinforced frame that provides enhanced torsional rigidity. The X-Runner chassis will sit one-full-inch lower than the standard Tacoma frame, resting on 18-inch 45-series V-rated performance radials wrapped around alloy wheels. Firmer and shorter springs are mounted at all four corners, while specially tuned Bilstein gas shocks are positioned out board of the frame rails for increased stability. Large-diameter stabilizer bars with firmer bushings at both front and rear round out the X-Runner's suspension modifications. During extensive testing, the X-Runner's road-holding ability was confirmed with lateral acceleration measured at over 0.9g, better than many sports cars, including the new Nissan 350-Z.
Power will be provided by a four liter, 240 hp V6 engine with 275 lb-ft of torque and a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission, briefly giving Toyota the most powerful mid-size pickup before the arrival of the new Nissan Frontier in late 2004. For buyers looking for an added boost over this already impressive powertrain, a TRD-developed, fully factory warranted supercharger system will be offered, capable of providing output in the neighborhood of 300 hp. The Tacoma X-Runner will be capable of zero-to-60 acceleration in seven seconds, with times reduced by more than an additional second with the optional supercharger system.
The design of the 2005 Tacoma X-Runner closely follows the original conceptual illustrations penned by the Hino Styling Studio in Tokyo and features Toyota's now-familiar trapezoidal grille. Just about every detail, from how the ground-effects integrate into the body panels, to how the wheels-and tires fill the wells, has been realized. The X-Runner's four-door Access-cab design incorporates full-vehicle-surround ground effects, a hood scoop and integrated fog lamps. It will be offered in a limited palette of colors on its fully color-keyed monochromatic exterior.
The X-Runner will also include a wide array of safety features such as standard Anti-Lock Brakes, and optional side-curtain airbags and electronic vehicle stability control.
Extended-cab midsize pickups
Dimensions (mm/inches) wheelbase length width height Nissan Frontier 3198 125.9 5220 205.5 1850 72.8 1770 69.7 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 3198 125.9 5258 207.0 1717 67.6 1694 66.7 Sport models Chevrolet Colorado ZQ8 3198 125.9 5258 207.0 1717 67.6 1613 63.5 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner 3235 127.4 5258 207.0 1823 71.8 1620 63.8 Cargo Box length width (at wheel-well) height Chevrolet Colorado 1854 73.0 1448 57.0 (1092 43.0) 470 18.5 Toyota Tacoma 1892 74.5 1488 58.6 (1125 44.3) 432 17.0 Performance Engine Power Torque Transmission Chevrolet Colorado 3.5 L I5 220 hp 225 lb-ft 5-speed Manual Toyota Tacoma 4.0 L V6 240 hp 275 lb-ft 6-speed Manual Nissan Frontier 4.0 L V6 250+ hp 270+ lb-ft 6-speed Manual