The Toyota Tacoma I xTracab 3.4 V6 4WD, produced between 1995 and 2000, represents the first generation of Toyota’s immensely popular compact pickup truck in North America. While Toyota had offered smaller trucks previously, the Tacoma was specifically designed to appeal to the growing North American market for versatile, mid-size trucks. The xTracab designation refers to the extended cab configuration, offering limited rear seating and storage space, differentiating it from the standard cab models. This generation Tacoma quickly gained a reputation for reliability, durability, and off-road capability, establishing a strong foothold for the model that continues to this day. It filled a niche between full-size trucks and smaller, more utilitarian offerings, appealing to both recreational users and those needing a practical work vehicle.
Toyota Tacoma I xTracab: A Detailed Overview
The first-generation Tacoma was a significant departure for Toyota in the American pickup market. Prior to the Tacoma, Toyota’s trucks were often viewed as smaller, economy-focused vehicles. The Tacoma aimed to change that perception, offering a more robust and capable truck that could compete with domestic offerings like the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet S-10. The xTracab model, in particular, provided a degree of practicality that appealed to families and those needing occasional rear passenger space. The 3.4-liter V6 engine option, introduced later in the generation, provided a substantial power upgrade over the base four-cylinder engine, making it a popular choice for those requiring more performance and towing capacity.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Tacoma I xTracab 3.4 V6 4WD is the 5VZ-FE 3.4-liter V6 engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 190 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 298 Nm (219.79 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3600 rpm. The engine features a longitudinal front engine layout, multi-port fuel injection, and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration contributes to a respectable power-to-weight ratio of 7.7 kg/Hp and a torque-to-weight ratio of 4.9 kg/Nm. The engine’s displacement of 3378 cm3 (206.14 cu. in.) and power output of 56.2 Hp per liter demonstrate a good balance between efficiency and performance for its time. Power is delivered to all four wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission, providing the driver with direct control over gear selection. Fuel economy is rated at 13.8 l/100 km (17 US mpg) in urban driving and 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg) in extra-urban conditions. The engine requires 5.2 liters (5.49 US qt) of engine oil and 9.5 liters (10.04 US qt) of coolant.
Design & Features
The Toyota Tacoma I xTracab is a two-door pickup truck with seating for five passengers. Its body-on-frame construction provides a robust and durable platform, well-suited for both on-road and off-road use. The xTracab configuration features a small rear seat area accessible via side-facing bench seats, primarily intended for occasional use. The truck’s exterior design is characterized by a relatively boxy shape, typical of pickup trucks of the era. Ground clearance is a generous 275 mm (10.83 in), enhancing its off-road capability. The Tacoma I xTracab 3.4 V6 4WD is equipped with ventilated disc brakes on the front axle and drum brakes on the rear. Standard tire sizes include 205/75 R15 and 235/55 R16, mounted on 15 or 16-inch wheel rims. Safety features, while limited by the standards of the 1990s, included seatbelts and a robust chassis designed to withstand impacts. The focus of the design was on practicality, durability, and providing a versatile vehicle capable of handling a variety of tasks.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma I xTracab |
| Type (Engine) | 3.4 V6 (190 Hp) 4WD |
| Start of production | 1995 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.8 l/100 km (17 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 190 Hp @ 4800 rpm |
| Torque | 298 Nm @ 3600 rpm (219.79 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 5VZ-FE |
| Engine displacement | 3378 cm3 (206.14 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 93.5 mm (3.68 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.2 l (5.49 US qt | 4.58 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 9.5 l (10.04 US qt | 8.36 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1470 kg (3240.8 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2313 kg (5099.29 lbs.) |
| Max load | 843 kg (1858.5 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 57 l (15.06 US gal | 12.54 UK gal) |
| Length | 5055 mm (199.02 in.) |
| Width | 1689 mm (66.5 in.) |
| Height | 1560 mm (61.42 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3096 mm (121.89 in.) |
| Front track | 1311 mm (51.61 in.) |
| Rear track | 1440 mm (56.69 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 275 mm (10.83 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual 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 3.4 V6 4WD remains a popular choice among enthusiasts and those seeking a reliable and capable used pickup truck. Its blend of durability, performance, and off-road capability has cemented its place as a classic in the compact truck segment, and its influence can still be seen in the design and features of modern Tacoma models.
