The Toyota Tacoma II Access Cab 2.7, produced from 2004 to 2012, represents the second generation of Toyota’s popular compact pickup truck. Sold primarily in North America, the Tacoma quickly gained a reputation for reliability, durability, and strong resale value. This generation Tacoma offered a significant upgrade in size, refinement, and capability compared to its predecessor, catering to both recreational and light-duty commercial users. The 2.7-liter engine variant, discussed here, served as the base engine option, providing a balance of affordability and adequate performance for everyday tasks. The Access Cab configuration, featuring extended cab seating, broadened the Tacoma’s appeal to families and those needing occasional rear passenger space.
Toyota Tacoma II Access Cab 2.7: An Overview
The Tacoma II, including the Access Cab 2.7 model, was designed to address the evolving needs of the North American truck market. Toyota focused on improving interior space, ride quality, and overall comfort while maintaining the ruggedness expected of a pickup truck. The Access Cab specifically added smaller rear doors and jump seats, increasing passenger capacity without the full size of a crew cab. This model competed with other compact pickups like the Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, and Chevrolet Colorado, establishing itself as a leader in its segment.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Tacoma II Access Cab 2.7 is a 2.7-liter (2694 cm3 or 164.4 cu. in.) inline four-cylinder engine, designated the 2TR-FE. This naturally aspirated engine produces 159 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 159 Nm (117.27 lb.-ft.) of torque, also at 5200 rpm. Power is delivered through a four-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels. While not a performance powerhouse, the 2TR-FE is known for its longevity and fuel efficiency. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (D-VVT-i) technology to optimize performance and economy. The weight-to-power ratio is 10 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 10 kg/Nm. Fuel economy is rated at approximately 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg) in urban driving and 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg) in extra-urban conditions.
Design & Features
The Tacoma II Access Cab is a two-door pickup truck with seating for four passengers. Its body-on-frame construction provides a robust platform for both on- and off-road driving. The Access Cab configuration features smaller rear doors and jump seats, offering limited but useful rear passenger space. The truck’s exterior design is characterized by a relatively conservative, functional aesthetic. Key features included standard anti-lock brakes (ABS), and a steering rack and pinion system. The interior, while not luxurious, was designed for durability and ease of use. The Tacoma’s relatively high ground clearance (206 mm or 8.11 in.) and available four-wheel drive (not applicable to this specific 2.7L RWD model) contributed to its off-road capability. The truck’s dimensions are 5286 mm (208.11 in.) in length, 1834 mm (72.2 in.) in width, and 1669 mm (65.71 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 3231 mm (127.2 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma II Access Cab |
| Type (Engine) | 2.7 (159 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | August, 2004 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 10 kg/Nm |
| Power | 159 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 59 Hp/l |
| Torque | 159 Nm @ 5200 rpm (117.27 lb.-ft. @ 5200 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 |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, D-VVT-i |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.8 l (6.13 US qt | 5.1 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 8.6 l (9.09 US qt | 7.57 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1592 kg (3509.76 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2200 kg (4850.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 608 kg (1340.41 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Length | 5286 mm (208.11 in.) |
| Width | 1834 mm (72.2 in.) |
| Height | 1669 mm (65.71 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3231 mm (127.2 in.) |
| Front track | 1549 mm (60.98 in.) |
| Rear track | 1549 mm (60.98 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 206 mm (8.11 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive, Internal Combustion engine |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, 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 | 245/75 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
The Toyota Tacoma II Access Cab 2.7 remains a popular choice in the used truck market due to its reputation for reliability and affordability. While not the most powerful or feature-rich pickup available, it provides a practical and durable transportation solution for a wide range of needs. Its enduring appeal is a testament to Toyota’s engineering and commitment to building long-lasting vehicles.
