The Toyota Tacoma II Single Cab (facelift 2012) 2.7 4WD represents a significant iteration in Toyota’s long-running Tacoma mid-size pickup truck lineage. Introduced as part of the second-generation Tacoma (2005-2015), the 2012 facelift brought styling updates and refinements to an already popular and capable vehicle. Primarily sold in North America, the Tacoma consistently ranks among the best-selling trucks in its class, lauded for its reliability, durability, and strong resale value. This particular configuration – the single cab with a 2.7-liter engine and four-wheel drive – catered to buyers prioritizing functionality and affordability over passenger space and luxury. It served as a workhorse for individuals and businesses needing a rugged and dependable truck for hauling and light-duty tasks.
Toyota Tacoma II Single Cab (facelift 2012): A Detailed Overview
The Tacoma’s success stems from Toyota’s commitment to building trucks that can withstand demanding conditions. The second-generation Tacoma, and specifically the 2012 facelift, built upon this reputation with improvements to both its mechanical components and its overall design. While not as feature-rich as some of its competitors, the Tacoma focused on core truck values: reliability, off-road capability, and longevity. The single cab configuration, while less common than the extended or double cab models, offered a more compact footprint and a lower price point, making it an attractive option for those who didn’t require a large passenger area.
Engine & Performance
Powering the 2012 Toyota Tacoma II Single Cab 2.7 4WD is the 2TR-FE 2.7-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine produces 182 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 240 Newton-meters (177.01 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. While not the most powerful engine in the mid-size truck segment, the 2TR-FE is known for its durability and fuel efficiency. The engine features a naturally aspirated design with multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain incorporating Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) technology. This helps optimize performance and fuel economy across a wide range of driving conditions. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout contributes to a balanced weight distribution. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, delivering power to all four wheels via a robust four-wheel drive system. This configuration provides ample capability for both on-road driving and off-road adventures.
Design & Features
The 2012 facelift of the Tacoma II Single Cab brought subtle but noticeable changes to the truck’s exterior styling. These included a revised front grille, updated headlights, and a redesigned front bumper. The body-on-frame construction, a hallmark of traditional trucks, provides a solid and durable platform. The single cab configuration features two doors and a seating capacity of three passengers. The interior, while functional, is relatively spartan compared to more modern trucks, focusing on durability and ease of use. Standard features typically included air conditioning, a basic audio system, and power windows and locks. Safety features, while not as comprehensive as those found in newer vehicles, included anti-lock brakes (ABS). The truck’s relatively compact size and tight turning radius make it maneuverable in urban environments, while its high ground clearance (215 mm / 8.46 inches) allows it to tackle moderately challenging off-road terrain. The 80-liter (21.13 US gallons) fuel tank provides a respectable driving range.
Technical Specifications
| General Information | |
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma II Single Cab (facelift 2012) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.7 (182 Hp) 4WD |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 3 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Performance Specs | |
| 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 Specs | |
| 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 | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, D-VVT-i |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.8 l / 6.13 US qt | 5.1 UK qt |
| Coolant | 8.7 l / 9.19 US qt | 7.65 UK qt |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l / 21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 4836 mm / 190.39 in. |
| Width | 1834 mm / 72.2 in. |
| Height | 1671 mm / 65.79 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2783 mm / 109.57 in. |
| Front track | 1549 mm / 60.98 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1549 mm / 60.98 in. |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 215 mm / 8.46 in. |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension | |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 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 | 215/70 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Toyota Tacoma II Single Cab (facelift 2012) 2.7 4WD remains a popular choice in the used truck market due to its proven reliability and affordability. Its simple, rugged design and capable four-wheel drive system make it a practical and dependable vehicle for a variety of tasks. While it may lack some of the modern amenities found in newer trucks, its core strengths continue to resonate with buyers seeking a durable and trustworthy pickup.
