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 variant powered by a 2.7-liter inline-four engine producing 159 horsepower, sold primarily in the North American market from 2015 to 2020.
Toyota Tacoma III Access Cab 2.7: An Overview
The Tacoma III Access Cab 2.7 (4WD) 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 daily commuting and recreational activities. 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 typical truck duties. This generation Tacoma saw improvements in interior refinement, technology, and safety features compared to its predecessors.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Tacoma III Access Cab 2.7 (4WD) is the 2TR-FE 2.7-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine delivers 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 through a 5-speed manual transmission to an all-wheel drive (4×4) system. The weight-to-power ratio is 12 kg/Hp, or 83.6 Hp/tonne, while the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.8 kg/Nm, or 128.7 Nm/tonne. While not a performance-oriented engine, the 2TR-FE provides sufficient power for everyday driving and light-duty hauling. Fuel economy is rated at 11.8 liters per 100 kilometers (19.9 US mpg combined), with figures of 12.4 l/100km (19 US mpg) in urban settings and 11.2 l/100km (21 US mpg) on the highway.
Design & Features
The Tacoma III Access Cab maintains the traditional pickup truck body style, featuring a separate cab and bed configuration. The Access Cab variant offers four seats and two doors, with the rear doors providing access to the smaller rear seating area. The truck’s design emphasizes a rugged and utilitarian aesthetic. Key features include a robust suspension system designed for both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The front suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear employs an independent coil spring configuration. 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 Tacoma’s ride height (ground clearance) is a substantial 239 mm (9.41 inches), contributing to its off-road prowess. Available tire sizes range from 245/75 R16 to 265/60 R18, depending on the trim level and wheel size (16, 17, or 18 inches).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma III Access Cab |
| Type (Engine) | 2.7 (159 Hp) 4WD |
| Start of production | September, 2015 |
| End of production | 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 159 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| 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 capacity | 8.7 l (9.19 US qt | 7.65 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1903 kg (4195.4 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2540 kg (5599.74 lbs.) |
| Max load | 637 kg (1404.34 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 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 | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual 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 |
| Tires size | 245/75 R16; 265/70 R16; 265/65 R17; 265/60 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17; 18 |
The Toyota Tacoma III Access Cab 2.7 (4WD) remains a popular choice in the used vehicle market due to its reputation for reliability and capability. It represents a solid option for buyers seeking a versatile and durable mid-size pickup truck.
