The Toyota Tacoma III Double Cab (facelift 2020) represents a mid-cycle refresh of the third generation of Toyota’s immensely popular compact pickup truck. Introduced in 2020 and continuing through 2023, this iteration of the Tacoma aimed to enhance the vehicle’s appeal with updated styling, improved technology, and continued refinement of its renowned off-road capability. Primarily sold in North America, the Tacoma has consistently been a top-selling vehicle in its segment, known for its reliability, durability, and strong resale value. The 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine option, detailed here, provides a more economical entry point into the Tacoma lineup, catering to buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and everyday usability over outright power.
Toyota Tacoma III Double Cab (Facelift 2020): An Overview
The Tacoma occupies a unique position in the American automotive landscape. While other compact pickups have come and gone, the Tacoma has maintained a loyal following, largely due to its reputation for being virtually indestructible. The facelifted 2020 model brought subtle but significant changes to the exterior, interior, and standard equipment. The Double Cab configuration offers increased passenger space, making it a practical choice for families or those needing to transport multiple occupants. This particular model, equipped with the 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and ECT-i automatic transmission, is geared towards buyers who prioritize fuel economy and everyday driving comfort over high-performance off-roading, though it still retains the Tacoma’s inherent capability.
Engine & Performance
The heart of this Tacoma variant is the 2TR-FE 2.7-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 159 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 244 Newton-meters (179.97 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3800 rpm. While not the most powerful engine option available in the Tacoma lineup, the 2.7-liter provides adequate performance for daily commuting and light-duty tasks. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) technology, optimizing efficiency and responsiveness. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission with ECT-i (Electronic Controlled Transmission – intelligent) functionality, which adapts shift patterns based on driving conditions. The weight-to-power ratio stands at 11.6 kg/Hp, translating to 86 Hp/tonne, while the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.6 kg/Nm, or 132 Nm/tonne. Fuel economy is rated at 11.2 l/100 km combined (21 US mpg, 25.2 UK mpg, 8.9 km/l). The engine meets ULEV III emission standards.
Design & Features
The 2020 facelifted Tacoma Double Cab maintains the rugged and utilitarian aesthetic characteristic of the Tacoma lineage. The body-on-frame construction provides a robust foundation for both on- and off-road driving. The Double Cab configuration offers seating for five passengers across two doors, with a spacious cabin compared to the Access Cab variant. Key exterior design elements include a prominent grille, sculpted headlights, and a muscular stance. Inside, the Tacoma features a functional and durable interior with updated infotainment options in the facelifted model. Standard features typically include air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a basic audio system. Safety features, while evolving with each generation, include anti-lock brakes (ABS) and a suite of airbags. The Tacoma’s dimensions are substantial, measuring 5392 mm (212.28 in.) in length, 1890 mm (74.41 in.) in width, and 1793 mm (70.59 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 3236 mm (127.4 in.). Ground clearance is a respectable 239 mm (9.41 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma III Double Cab (facelift 2020) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.7 4CYL (159 Hp) ECT-i |
| Start of production | 2020 |
| End of production | 2023 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg, 23.9 UK mpg, 8.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg, 27.7 UK mpg, 9.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg, 25.2 UK mpg, 8.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Emission standard | ULEV III |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.6 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 |
| 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 | 5.1 l (5.39 US qt | 4.49 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 8.6 l (9.09 US qt | 7.57 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1848 kg (4074.14 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2540 kg (5599.74 lbs.) |
| Max load | 692 kg (1525.6 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1588 kg (3500.94 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 159 kg (350.53 lbs.) |
| 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 track | 1605 mm (63.19 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 239 mm (9.41 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.385 |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.4 m (40.68 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 29° |
| Departure angle | 23.5° |
| Ramp-over angle | 20-21° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Type of gearbox | automatic transmission ECT-i |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer, Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 273.05 mm |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 254 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 245/75 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
The Toyota Tacoma III Double Cab (facelift 2020) with the 2.7-liter engine continues to be a compelling option for buyers seeking a reliable, capable, and fuel-efficient pickup truck. Its blend of practicality, durability, and off-road heritage ensures its continued popularity in the competitive mid-size truck segment.
