The Toyota Tacoma II Access Cab, specifically the facelifted version produced from 2012 to 2015, represents a significant iteration in Toyota’s long-running and highly successful compact pickup truck lineage. This generation Tacoma, introduced in 2005, solidified the Tacoma’s reputation for reliability, durability, and strong resale value, becoming a mainstay in the North American truck market. The 2012 facelift brought subtle but important styling updates, along with refinements to interior features and equipment. The Access Cab configuration offered a compromise between the standard cab’s practicality and the Double Cab’s increased passenger space, featuring smaller rear doors and seating suitable for occasional use. This particular model, equipped with the 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and four-wheel drive, catered to buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and capability for light-duty tasks and moderate off-road adventures.
Toyota Tacoma II Access Cab (2012-2015): A Detailed Overview
The Tacoma’s enduring popularity stems from its robust build quality and a design philosophy centered around practicality. Unlike some competitors that prioritized luxury, the Tacoma focused on providing a dependable and capable workhorse. The Access Cab model, with its unique door configuration, broadened the Tacoma’s appeal to those needing occasional rear-seat access without the added length and cost of the Double Cab. The 2012 facelift aimed to keep the Tacoma competitive by updating its aesthetics and addressing minor shortcomings identified in earlier iterations of the second generation.
Engine & Performance
The heart of this 2012-2015 Toyota Tacoma II Access Cab is the 2TR-FE 2.7-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated powerplant produces 182 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 240 Newton-meters (177.01 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. While not the most powerful engine in the compact pickup segment, the 2TR-FE is renowned for its longevity and fuel efficiency. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with variable valve timing (D-VVT-i) which optimizes performance and efficiency across a wider range of engine speeds. Power is delivered to all four wheels through a five-speed manual transmission, providing the driver with direct control over gear selection. The longitudinal engine layout contributes to a balanced weight distribution, enhancing handling characteristics. The 2.7-liter engine, while offering adequate performance for everyday driving and light hauling, was often chosen by buyers who prioritized fuel economy over outright power, especially compared to the available V6 option.
Design & Features
The Toyota Tacoma II Access Cab maintains the classic pickup truck silhouette, characterized by a short front overhang, a relatively long bed, and a high ride height. The 2012 facelift brought minor cosmetic changes, including a revised grille, updated headlights, and a refreshed front bumper. The Access Cab configuration features two full doors and two smaller rear doors, providing access to a small rear seating area. The interior, while functional and durable, prioritizes practicality over luxury. Standard features typically included air conditioning, a basic audio system, and power windows and locks. Safety features, such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), were standard equipment. The Tacoma’s body-on-frame construction contributes to its ruggedness and durability, making it well-suited for both on-road and off-road use. Ground clearance of 215 mm (8.46 inches) allows for moderate off-road capability. The truck’s dimensions – a length of 5286 mm (208.11 inches) and a width of 1834 mm (72.2 inches) – position it squarely within the compact pickup truck segment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma II Access Cab (facelift 2012) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.7 (182 Hp) 4WD |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 182 Hp @ 4800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 67.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 4000 rpm / 177.01 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 2TR-FE |
| Engine displacement | 2694 cm3 / 164.4 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 95 mm / 3.74 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 95 mm / 3.74 in. |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, D-VVT-i |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.8 l / 6.13 US qt | 5.1 UK qt |
| Coolant | 8.7 l / 9.19 US qt | 7.65 UK qt |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l / 21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal |
| Length | 5286 mm / 208.11 in. |
| Width | 1834 mm / 72.2 in. |
| Height | 1679 mm / 66.1 in. |
| Wheelbase | 3236 mm / 127.4 in. |
| Front track | 1549 mm / 60.98 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1549 mm / 60.98 in. |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 215 mm / 8.46 in. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 245/75 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
The 2012-2015 Toyota Tacoma II Access Cab 2.7 4WD remains a popular choice in the used truck market due to its proven reliability, affordability, and capability. Its blend of practicality, durability, and fuel efficiency continues to appeal to a wide range of buyers seeking a dependable and versatile pickup truck.
