2001 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab

First DriveThey've been called "the melding of sport/utility and a pickup." With four full-size doors and a short cargo bed, this newest variation on the SUV/truck theme has more interior than the average extended cab pickup, yet still offers an exterior cargo area for lifestyle gear or work-a-day loads. Latest on the scene is the Toyota Tacoma Double Cab.

Available in 4x2 PreRunner or 4x4 Tacoma form, the Double Cab sits on a 121.9-in. wheelbase-same as the Xtra Cab, but with more passenger compartment and less bed. In 4x2 trim, the engine offerings are a 2.7L DOHC four-cylinder with 150 hp and 177 lb-ft, or a 3.4L DOHC V-6, loaded with 190 hp and 220 lb-ft. Order the 4x4, and you get a V-6, period. The 61.5-in. cargo bed can be expanded to 72 in. with a flip-over, tubular bed extender, and can hold up to 1674 lb. The V-6 Double Cab will tow that 5000-lb boat of yours, no problem.

Three trim levels are: standard, SR5, and Limited, with high-quality, durable interior materials. The Double Cab has a more carlike feel than a "normal" pickup. Quiet on the pavement, the front coil-spring suspension soaks up road imperfections while transmitting an agreeable amount of road feel. The rear bench seat is a 60/40 fold-down, and easy to operate. Four-wheel ABS is optional, and a passenger airbag cutoff switch allows for a child seat to be safely strapped in up front.

A TRD off-road option, which includes P265/70R16 BFGoodrich tires, Bilstein shocks, progressive-rate front coil springs, and a locking rear differential, is offered for those who believe dirt was invented to drive on.

A four-cylinder PreRunner Double Cab starts at $17,855, while the V-6 will set you back $18,715. The 4x4 Double Cab V-6 bases at $21,865. Fuel economy comes in at 19/22 mpg for the four banger, and the 3.4L V-6 is rated at 17/20 (2WD) and 17/19 (4WD).

With its muscular stance and sport/utility-like cabin, the Double Cab is a nice-driving, well-built practical rig.

What's Hot: Seats five; top-notch Toyota quality

What's Not: 4x8 sheets of plywood won't fit; hard to lock up big items in the bed