The Toyota Tacoma III Double Cab Long, produced from 2015 to 2020, represents the third generation of Toyota’s popular mid-size pickup truck. This iteration of the Tacoma, while not initially offered with the same widespread availability as full-size trucks in the United States, gained significant traction as a versatile and reliable option for both work and recreational use. The Double Cab Long configuration specifically caters to buyers needing increased passenger space, making it a popular choice for families and those frequently carrying multiple occupants. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the Tacoma III aimed to balance capability with improved fuel efficiency compared to its predecessors, while maintaining Toyota’s reputation for durability and resale value.
Toyota Tacoma III Double Cab Long: An Overview
The Tacoma has long been a staple in the North American pickup truck market, known for its off-road prowess and longevity. The third generation, introduced in 2015, continued this tradition, offering a more refined interior, updated technology, and a new powertrain option. The Double Cab Long model distinguishes itself with an extended cab providing ample room for passengers, making it a practical choice for everyday use. It competes with other mid-size trucks like the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, and Nissan Frontier, offering a compelling blend of capability, comfort, and value.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Toyota Tacoma III Double Cab Long is the 2GR-FKS 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 278 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 360 Newton-meters (265.52 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4600 rpm. The engine features direct injection and a DOHC-VVT-i valvetrain, contributing to its responsive performance and relatively efficient operation. Power is delivered through a 6-speed manual transmission, sending power to all four wheels via a 4×4 drivetrain. While offering a substantial power output for its class, the Tacoma’s fuel economy is typical for a pickup truck, averaging 12.4 liters per 100 kilometers (19 US mpg) in combined driving conditions. Urban fuel consumption is rated at 13.8 l/100km (17 US mpg), while extra-urban driving yields 11.2 l/100km (21 US mpg). The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout contributes to balanced handling and weight distribution.
Design & Features
The Tacoma III Double Cab Long is a four-door pickup truck with a seating capacity of five. Its body-on-frame construction provides a robust platform for both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The Double Cab configuration offers significantly more rear passenger space than the standard Access Cab, making it suitable for families or those who regularly transport passengers. Key features include a standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) for enhanced safety, and a choice of wheel sizes ranging from 16 to 18 inches, paired with tire sizes of 245/75 R16, 265/70 R16, 265/65 R17, or 265/60 R18. The suspension system utilizes independent McPherson struts with coil springs and an anti-roll bar at the front, and independent coil springs at the rear, providing a comfortable ride and capable handling. The Tacoma’s ride height, or ground clearance, is a substantial 239 mm (9.41 inches), further enhancing its off-road credentials. The vehicle’s dimensions are considerable, with a length of 5728 mm (225.51 in), a width of 1890 mm (74.41 in), and a height of 1793 mm (70.59 in). The wheelbase measures 3571 mm (140.59 in).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma III Double Cab Long |
| Type (Engine) | 3.5 V6 (278 Hp) 4WD |
| Start of production | September, 2015 |
| End of production | 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 13.8 l/100 km (17 US mpg, 20.5 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg, 25.2 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg, 22.8 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 278 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 80.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 360 Nm @ 4600 rpm (265.52 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 2GR-FKS |
| Engine displacement | 3456 cm3 (210.9 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 94 mm (3.7 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 83.1 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct 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 | 10.2 l (10.78 US qt | 8.97 UK qt) |
| Max. weight | 2540 kg (5599.74 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 79 l (20.87 US gal | 17.38 UK gal) |
| Length | 5728 mm (225.51 in.) |
| Width | 1890 mm (74.41 in.) |
| Height | 1793 mm (70.59 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3571 mm (140.59 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, 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 Double Cab Long remains a popular choice in the mid-size truck segment, offering a compelling combination of reliability, capability, and practicality. Its robust construction, capable V6 engine, and available four-wheel drive system make it well-suited for a variety of tasks, from daily commuting to off-road adventures.
