The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size pickup truck manufactured by Toyota since 1995. The Tacoma has been a consistently popular choice in the North American market, known for its reliability, durability, and off-road capability. The third generation, introduced in 2015, continued this tradition, offering a blend of ruggedness and modern features. This article details the Tacoma III Access Cab 2.7, a 4WD automatic model produced between 2015 and 2020, focusing on its technical specifications and characteristics.
Toyota Tacoma III Access Cab 2.7: An Overview
The Tacoma III Access Cab 2.7 represents a significant iteration in the Tacoma lineage. Positioned within the competitive mid-size truck segment, it aimed to provide a versatile vehicle suitable for both work and recreational use. The “Access Cab” configuration denotes an extended cab with smaller rear doors and seating, offering increased passenger space compared to the standard cab models. The 2.7-liter engine option provided a balance between fuel efficiency and adequate power for everyday tasks and light-duty hauling.
Engine & Performance
The Tacoma III Access Cab 2.7 is powered by the 2TR-FE 2.7-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 159 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 245 Newton-meters (180.7 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3800 rpm. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) technology, optimizing performance and fuel efficiency. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission and a 4×4 drivetrain. The weight-to-power ratio is 12 kg/Hp, or 83.1 Hp/tonne, while the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.8 kg/Nm, or 128 Nm/tonne. The engine’s displacement is 2694 cm3 (164.4 cu. in.) with a bore and stroke of 95 mm (3.74 in.). The compression ratio is 10.2:1.
Fuel economy figures are as follows: 12.4 liters per 100 kilometers (19 US mpg, 22.8 UK mpg, 8.1 km/l) in urban driving, 10.7 liters per 100 kilometers (22 US mpg, 26.4 UK mpg, 9.3 km/l) in extra-urban driving, and a combined consumption of 11.8 liters per 100 kilometers (19.9 US mpg, 23.9 UK mpg, 8.5 km/l). These figures reflect the vehicle’s weight and the demands of a four-wheel-drive system.
Design & Features
The Tacoma III Access Cab is a two-door pickup truck with seating for four passengers. It features a longitudinal front-engine layout. The body style is a traditional pickup, designed with both functionality and a rugged aesthetic in mind. The Access Cab configuration provides rear seats suitable for occasional passengers, making it more versatile than a standard cab.
Key features of the Tacoma III Access Cab 2.7 include an independent McPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, and an independent coil spring rear suspension. Braking is handled by ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear, supplemented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety. The steering system utilizes a rack and pinion setup. Available tire sizes include 245/75 R16, 265/70 R16, 265/65 R17, and 265/60 R18, mounted on 16, 17, or 18-inch wheel rims. The vehicle boasts a ground clearance of 239 mm (9.41 in), contributing to its off-road capability. The fuel tank capacity is 79 liters (20.87 US gal, 17.38 UK gal).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma III Access Cab |
| Type (Engine) | 2.7 (159 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | September, 2015 |
| End of production | 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg, 22.8 UK mpg, 8.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg, 26.4 UK mpg, 9.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg, 23.9 UK mpg, 8.5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12 kg/Hp, 83.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.8 kg/Nm, 128 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 159 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 59 Hp/l |
| Torque | 245 Nm @ 3800 rpm (180.7 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 |
| Cylinder Bore | 95 mm (3.74 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 95 mm (3.74 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC-VVT-i |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.9 l (6.23 US qt | 5.19 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.6 l (9.09 US qt | 7.57 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1914 kg (4219.65 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2540 kg (5599.74 lbs.) |
| Max load | 626 kg (1380.09 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 79 l (20.87 US gal | 17.38 UK gal) |
| Length | 5392 mm (212.28 in.) |
| Width | 1890 mm (74.41 in.) |
| Height | 1793 mm (70.59 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3236 mm (127.4 in.) |
| Front track | 1600 mm (62.99 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1605 mm (63.19 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 239 mm (9.41 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic 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 |
The Toyota Tacoma III Access Cab 2.7 4WD Automatic offered a compelling package for buyers seeking a reliable, capable, and versatile mid-size pickup truck. Its blend of proven Toyota engineering, practical features, and reasonable fuel economy contributed to its continued success in a competitive market.
