The Toyota Tacoma I xTracab 2.7, produced between 1995 and 2000, represents the first generation of Toyota’s immensely popular compact pickup truck in North America. While Toyota had offered smaller trucks previously, the Tacoma was specifically designed to appeal to the growing North American market for versatile, mid-size trucks. The xTracab designation refers to the extended cab configuration, offering limited rear seating and storage space, differentiating it from the standard cab models. Powered by a 2.7-liter inline-four engine producing 182 horsepower, the Tacoma I xTracab 2.7 4WD Automatic quickly gained a reputation for reliability and off-road capability, establishing a strong foothold for Toyota in the competitive American truck market.
Toyota Tacoma I xTracab 2.7: A First Generation Overview
The first-generation Tacoma, internally known as the YN80 series, was a significant departure from the Hilux trucks that Toyota had previously offered in limited quantities in the US. It was designed with American preferences in mind, offering a more comfortable ride, increased interior space (particularly with the xTracab configuration), and a wider range of features. The xTracab model, with its small rear jump seats, provided a compromise between the practicality of a standard cab and the space of a full-size crew cab. This generation Tacoma was instrumental in establishing Toyota as a major player in the North American pickup truck segment, paving the way for the highly successful subsequent generations.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Tacoma I xTracab 2.7 is the 3RZ-FE 2.7-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine delivers 182 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 240 Newton-meters (177.01 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. While not a powerhouse, the 3RZ-FE is renowned for its durability and reliability. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder and utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout contributes to a balanced weight distribution. Power is transmitted to all four wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission, making it a capable performer both on and off-road. The power-to-weight ratio of 67.6 horsepower per liter reflects a focus on usability and efficiency rather than outright performance.
Design & Features
The Toyota Tacoma I xTracab is a two-door pickup truck with seating for five passengers. The xTracab configuration features small, upward-facing jump seats in the rear, suitable for occasional use. The body-on-frame construction provides a robust platform for both on-road comfort and off-road durability. The Tacoma’s styling was relatively conservative for its time, prioritizing functionality over flashy aesthetics. Key features included ventilated front disc brakes and drum brakes in the rear, providing adequate stopping power. Ride height, or ground clearance, is a substantial 215 mm (8.46 inches), enhancing its off-road capabilities. Available tire sizes ranged from 205/75 R15 to 235/55 R16, depending on the trim level and wheel size (15 or 16 inches). The Tacoma’s design focused on providing a practical and reliable work truck with a degree of comfort and convenience.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma I xTracab |
| Type (Engine) | 2.7 (182 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | 1995 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 182 Hp @ 4800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 67.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 4000 rpm / 177.01 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 3RZ-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 | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.4 l / 5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt |
| Coolant | 8.2 l / 8.66 US qt | 7.21 UK qt |
| Max. weight | 1928 kg / 4250.51 lbs |
| Fuel tank capacity | 57 l / 15.06 US gal | 12.54 UK gal |
| Length | 5055 mm / 199.02 in |
| Width | 1689 mm / 66.5 in |
| Height | 1560 mm / 61.42 in |
| Wheelbase | 3096 mm / 121.89 in |
| Front track | 1311 mm / 51.61 in |
| Rear (Back) track | 1440 mm / 56.69 in |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 215 mm / 8.46 in |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Tires size | 205/75 R15; 235/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 15; 16 |
The Toyota Tacoma I xTracab 2.7 4WD Automatic remains a popular choice among enthusiasts and collectors due to its legendary reliability, off-road capability, and relatively simple mechanical design. It represents a pivotal moment in Toyota’s North American truck strategy, establishing the Tacoma as a benchmark for compact pickup trucks and solidifying Toyota’s reputation for building durable and dependable vehicles.
