The Toyota Tacoma I xTracab (facelift 2000) 2.4 represents a significant iteration of Toyota’s popular compact pickup truck, primarily sold in North America. Introduced as part of the first-generation Tacoma (1995-2004), the 2000 facelift brought updated styling and refinements to an already successful formula. This model occupied the compact pickup truck segment, competing with vehicles like the Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, and Chevrolet S-10. The xTracab configuration offered a unique blend of practicality and passenger space, featuring a small rear seat accessible via clamshell doors, making it a versatile option for both work and family use. The 2.4-liter engine option provided a balance between fuel efficiency and adequate power for typical light-duty tasks.
Toyota Tacoma I xTracab (facelift 2000) 2.4: A Detailed Overview
The facelifted 2000 Toyota Tacoma continued the tradition of Toyota’s reputation for reliability and durability. While not the most powerful pickup on the market, the 2.4-liter engine proved to be a dependable workhorse. The xTracab body style, with its extended cab, broadened the Tacoma’s appeal beyond purely utilitarian buyers. This generation Tacoma established a strong foothold in the American pickup truck market, paving the way for the highly successful subsequent generations.
Engine & Performance
Powering the 2000 Toyota Tacoma I xTracab 2.4 is the 2RZ-FE 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 142 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 217 Nm (160.05 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4400 rpm. While these figures aren’t exceptionally high by modern standards, they were competitive within the compact pickup segment at the time. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its relatively smooth operation and reasonable fuel economy. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout and rear-wheel drive configuration are typical for pickup trucks of this era. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, providing drivers with direct control over gear selection. The 2.4-liter engine, while not designed for heavy hauling or towing, was sufficient for everyday tasks and light-duty work. The power-to-weight ratio is approximately 59.4 horsepower per liter.
Design & Features
The 2000 Toyota Tacoma I xTracab features a traditional pickup truck body style with a two-door configuration and seating for five passengers. The xTracab designation refers to the extended cab, which includes a small rear seat accessed through unique clamshell-style rear doors. This design offered a degree of passenger flexibility not found in standard cab pickups. The exterior styling of the facelifted model included minor cosmetic updates compared to earlier versions, such as revised headlights and a refreshed front grille. The interior was functional and durable, prioritizing practicality over luxury. Standard features typically included air conditioning, an AM/FM radio, and basic instrumentation. Safety features were relatively limited by the standards of today, consisting primarily of seatbelts and a basic braking system with ventilated front discs and drum brakes in the rear. The Tacoma’s ride height (ground clearance) of 215 mm (8.46 inches) provided adequate capability for navigating moderately rough terrain. The vehicle’s dimensions – a length of 5138 mm (202.28 inches), a width of 1689 mm (66.5 inches), and a height of 1715 mm (67.52 inches) – positioned it squarely within the compact pickup truck category.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma I xTracab (facelift 2000) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4 (142 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2000 |
| End of production | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 142 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 59.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 217 Nm @ 4400 rpm / 160.05 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 2RZ-FE |
| Engine displacement | 2392 cm3 / 145.97 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 engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l / 5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt |
| Coolant | 7.8 l / 8.24 US qt | 6.86 UK qt |
| Max. weight | 1928 kg / 4250.51 lbs |
| Fuel tank capacity | 68 l / 17.96 US gal | 14.96 UK gal |
| Length | 5138 mm / 202.28 in |
| Width | 1689 mm / 66.5 in |
| Height | 1715 mm / 67.52 in |
| Wheelbase | 3096 mm / 121.89 in |
| Front track | 1461 mm / 57.52 in |
| Rear (Back) track | 1455 mm / 57.28 in |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 215 mm / 8.46 in |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive. Internal Combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual 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 (facelift 2000) 2.4 remains a popular choice among enthusiasts and those seeking a reliable and affordable pickup truck. Its blend of practicality, durability, and the Toyota brand’s reputation for quality have ensured its continued presence on roads and trails today. While surpassed by newer models in terms of technology and refinement, the 2000 Tacoma represents a pivotal moment in Toyota’s pickup truck history, solidifying its position as a major player in the North American market.
