2000-2004 Toyota Tacoma I xTracab (facelift ) 2.4 (142 Hp) 4WD

The Toyota Tacoma I xTracab (facelift 2000) 2.4 (142 Hp) 4WD represents a significant iteration of Toyota’s popular compact pickup truck, primarily sold in North America and select international markets. Introduced as part of the first-generation Tacoma (1995-2004), the 2000 facelift brought updated styling and refinements to an already successful formula. This model occupied the compact pickup truck segment, competing with vehicles like the Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, and Chevrolet S-10. The xTracab configuration offered a unique extended cab layout, providing limited rear seating and additional cargo space, appealing to buyers needing both passenger and utility capabilities. This version, equipped with the 2.4-liter engine and four-wheel drive, was designed to balance affordability with off-road capability and everyday usability.

Toyota Tacoma I xTracab (facelift 2000): Overview

The first-generation Toyota Tacoma was a departure from its predecessor, the Hilux, offering a more modern design and a wider range of features tailored to the North American market. The xTracab version, with its extended cab, aimed to bridge the gap between standard cab pickups and larger crew cab models. The 2000 facelift included minor cosmetic changes, such as revised headlights and grille, along with improvements to interior materials and trim. The 2.4-liter engine option provided a more economical choice for buyers who didn’t require the power of the available V6 engine. The 4WD system made it a capable off-road vehicle, popular with outdoor enthusiasts and those living in regions with inclement weather.

Engine & Performance

The 2000 Toyota Tacoma I xTracab 2.4 4WD is powered by the 2RZ-FE 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 142 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 217 Nm (160.05 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4400 rpm. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its relatively efficient operation. The power-to-weight ratio of 113.9 Hp/tonne and torque-to-weight ratio of 174 Nm/tonne provide adequate performance for everyday driving and light-duty hauling. The engine is transversely mounted, a configuration common in front-wheel-drive based vehicles, but adapted for the Tacoma’s four-wheel-drive system. The engine’s 5.5-liter (5.81 US qt) oil capacity and 7.8-liter (8.24 US qt) coolant capacity are typical for an engine of this size and configuration. Power is delivered to all four wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission, offering drivers full control over gear selection.

Design & Features

The Toyota Tacoma I xTracab (facelift 2000) features a traditional pickup truck body style with a two-door configuration and a small rear seating area accessible via side-facing bench seats. The xTracab design provides a compromise between the practicality of a standard cab and the passenger capacity of a crew cab. The truck’s exterior styling is characterized by its boxy shape and relatively simple lines, typical of pickup trucks from that era. The facelifted model received minor cosmetic updates, including a revised front grille and headlight design. The interior is functional and durable, with a focus on practicality rather than luxury. Safety features for the time included ventilated disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear. The truck’s ride height (ground clearance) of 215 mm (8.46 in) provides reasonable off-road capability. Tire sizes ranged from 205/75 R15 to 235/55 R16, depending on the trim level and wheel size (15 or 16 inches).

Technical Specifications