The Toyota Tacoma I xTracab 2.4, produced between 1995 and 2000, represents the first generation of Toyota’s immensely popular compact pickup truck. Introduced as a replacement for the Hilux in the North American market, the Tacoma was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a smaller, more maneuverable, and fuel-efficient alternative to full-size trucks. The xTracab configuration, denoting an extended cab, offered limited rear seating and storage, broadening the Tacoma’s appeal to families and those needing occasional passenger capacity. This generation established the Tacoma’s reputation for reliability, durability, and off-road capability, laying the foundation for its continued success in the US market.
Toyota Tacoma I xTracab 2.4: A Detailed Overview
The first-generation Tacoma, and specifically the xTracab variant, filled a crucial niche in the American pickup truck landscape. Prior to the Tacoma, the compact truck segment was dominated by offerings from Chevrolet (S-10) and Ford (Ranger). Toyota aimed to provide a more refined and technologically advanced option, emphasizing build quality and long-term dependability. The xTracab model, with its small rear jump seats and added storage, provided a compromise between the practicality of a standard cab and the space of a full-size crew cab. While not a primary family vehicle, it offered flexibility for occasional passengers or secure storage of tools and equipment.
Engine & Performance
The Tacoma I xTracab 2.4 was powered by the 2RZ-FE 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produced 142 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 217 Nm (160.05 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4400 rpm. While not a powerhouse, the 2RZ-FE was known for its robustness and fuel efficiency. The engine featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain and multi-port fuel injection, contributing to its relatively smooth operation. Power was delivered to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The weight-to-power ratio of 8.8 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 5.7 kg/Nm indicated a respectable, if not exceptional, level of performance for its time. The engine’s 59.4 Hp/l power per liter figure was typical for naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines of the mid-1990s.
Design & Features
The Tacoma I xTracab was a traditional body-on-frame pickup truck, prioritizing durability and off-road capability. The xTracab configuration featured a two-door layout with a small rear seat area accessible via side-facing jump seats. The truck’s styling was functional and utilitarian, reflecting its intended purpose. Safety features for the era were relatively basic, typically including seatbelts and a driver’s side airbag. The interior was designed for practicality, with durable materials and a straightforward layout. Key features included a relatively spacious cargo bed, available four-wheel drive, and a robust suspension system designed to handle both on-road and off-road conditions. The Tacoma’s ride height (ground clearance) of 215 mm (8.46 in) contributed to its off-road prowess. The overall dimensions of the vehicle – 5055 mm (199.02 in) in length, 1689 mm (66.5 in) in width, and 1560 mm (61.42 in) in height – positioned it squarely within the compact pickup truck segment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma I xTracab |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4 (142 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1995 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.8 kg/Hp |
| Hp/tonne | 113.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.7 kg/Nm |
| Nm/tonne | 174 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 142 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 59.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 217 Nm @ 4400 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 160.05 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 2RZ-FE |
| Engine displacement | 2392 cm3 |
| Engine displacement (cu. in.) | 145.97 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 |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l |
| Engine oil capacity (US qt) | 5.81 US qt |
| Engine oil capacity (UK qt) | 4.84 UK qt |
| Coolant | 7.8 l |
| Coolant (US qt) | 8.24 US qt |
| Coolant (UK qt) | 6.86 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1247 kg |
| Kerb Weight (lbs.) | 2749.16 lbs. |
| Max. weight | 1928 kg |
| Max. weight (lbs.) | 4250.51 lbs. |
| Max load | 681 kg |
| Max load (lbs.) | 1501.35 lbs. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 57 l |
| Fuel tank capacity (US gal) | 15.06 US gal |
| Fuel tank capacity (UK gal) | 12.54 UK gal |
| Length | 5055 mm |
| Length (in.) | 199.02 in. |
| Width | 1689 mm |
| Width (in.) | 66.5 in. |
| Height | 1560 mm |
| Height (in.) | 61.42 in. |
| Wheelbase | 3096 mm |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 121.89 in. |
| Front track | 1311 mm |
| Front track (in.) | 51.61 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1440 mm |
| Rear (Back) track (in.) | 56.69 in. |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 215 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance) (in.) | 8.46 in. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Type of gearbox | automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Tires size | 205/75 R15; 235/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 15; 16 |
The Toyota Tacoma I xTracab 2.4 established a strong foothold for Toyota in the competitive North American pickup truck market. Its blend of reliability, practicality, and affordability resonated with buyers, and it remains a sought-after vehicle among enthusiasts and those seeking a dependable and capable compact truck.
