The Toyota Tacoma II Single Cab 2.7 (159 Hp) 4WD represents a significant iteration in Toyota’s long-running Tacoma pickup truck series. Produced from 2004 to 2012, this model catered to buyers seeking a compact to mid-size truck with robust four-wheel-drive capability, particularly popular in North America. While the Tacoma had already established itself as a reliable and capable workhorse, the second generation introduced increased refinement, improved performance, and enhanced safety features. The Single Cab configuration, with its two doors and three-passenger capacity, focused on utility and affordability, making it a common choice for commercial use and individual owners needing a practical and durable vehicle.
Toyota Tacoma II Single Cab: A Detailed Overview
The Tacoma II, including the 2.7-liter 4WD Single Cab variant, was designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of truck buyers. It offered a balance between on-road comfort and off-road prowess, a characteristic that cemented the Tacoma’s reputation. This generation saw a shift towards more car-like interiors and improved ride quality compared to its predecessor, while still maintaining the ruggedness expected of a Toyota truck. The Single Cab model, specifically, prioritized functionality over passenger space, making it ideal for those who frequently transported cargo or required a dedicated work vehicle.
Engine & Performance
Powering the Toyota Tacoma II Single Cab 2.7 4WD is the 2TR-FE 2.7-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 159 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 244 Nm (179.97 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3800 rpm. While not the most powerful engine in the Tacoma lineup (a V6 was also available), the 2.7-liter engine provided adequate performance for everyday tasks and light-duty hauling. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with variable valve timing (D-VVT-i), optimizing efficiency and responsiveness. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout contributes to a balanced weight distribution. Fuel economy is rated at approximately 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg) in urban driving and 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg) in extra-urban conditions. The weight-to-power ratio stands at 10.3 kg/Hp, translating to 97 Hp/tonne, while the weight-to-torque ratio is 6.7 kg/Nm, or 148.8 Nm/tonne. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, delivering power to all four wheels via a robust 4×4 drivetrain.
Design & Features
The Tacoma II Single Cab is a traditional pick-up truck in terms of body style, featuring a two-door configuration and a separate bed for cargo. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4836 mm (190.39 in.) in length, 1834 mm (72.2 in.) in width, and 1669 mm (65.71 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2779 mm (109.41 in.). The curb weight is 1640 kg (3615.58 lbs.), with a maximum weight capacity of 2313 kg (5099.29 lbs.) and a maximum load capacity of 673 kg (1483.71 lbs.). Ground clearance is a substantial 241 mm (9.49 in.), enhancing its off-road capability.
Inside, the Single Cab Tacoma prioritizes durability and functionality. While not lavishly appointed, the interior offers essential features for a work-oriented vehicle. Safety features included Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard. The suspension system consists of an independent McPherson strut setup with coil springs and an anti-roll bar at the front, and independent coil springs at the rear, providing a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The vehicle rides on 215/70 R15 tires mounted on 15-inch wheel rims. The 80-liter (21.13 US gal) fuel tank provides a reasonable driving range.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma II Single Cab |
| Type (Engine) | 2.7 (159 Hp) 4WD |
| Start of production | August, 2004 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 3 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.3 kg/Hp |
| Power | 159 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Torque | 244 Nm @ 3800 rpm (179.97 lb.-ft. @ 3800 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 |
| 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 capacity | 8.7 l (9.19 US qt | 7.65 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1640 kg (3615.58 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2313 kg (5099.29 lbs.) |
| Max load | 673 kg (1483.71 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Length | 4836 mm (190.39 in.) |
| Width | 1834 mm (72.2 in.) |
| Height | 1669 mm (65.71 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2779 mm (109.41 in.) |
| Front track | 1549 mm (60.98 in.) |
| Rear track | 1549 mm (60.98 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 241 mm (9.49 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | 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 | 215/70 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |



