The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size pickup truck manufactured by Toyota since 1995. The Tacoma, known for its reliability and off-road capability, has become a mainstay in the American pickup truck market. The third generation, introduced in September 2015 and continuing through 2020, represented a significant evolution of the model, offering increased refinement, technology, and capability. This generation, including the Access Cab configuration with the 3.5-liter V6 engine and four-wheel drive, solidified the Tacoma’s position as a leading contender in the competitive mid-size truck segment.
Toyota Tacoma III Access Cab 3.5 V6 4WD: An Overview
The Tacoma III Access Cab 3.5 V6 4WD is a four-door, two-wheel drive pickup truck designed to balance passenger comfort with utility. The Access Cab body style provides a smaller rear seat area compared to the Double Cab, making it suitable for occasional rear passengers or cargo flexibility. The 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a four-wheel-drive system delivers robust performance both on and off-road. This particular iteration of the Tacoma was primarily sold in North America, where mid-size trucks maintain a strong following due to their maneuverability and practicality compared to larger full-size pickups.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Tacoma III Access Cab 3.5 V6 4WD is Toyota’s 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 (Dual Overhead Camshaft with Variable Valve Timing-intelligence) valvetrain, contributing to its efficiency and responsiveness. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 7.1 kg/Hp (141.7 Hp/tonne), and the torque-to-weight ratio is 5.5 kg/Nm (183.5 Nm/tonne). The 6-speed manual transmission allows for driver control, while the four-wheel-drive system provides enhanced traction in various conditions. Fuel economy is rated at 13.8 l/100 km (17 US mpg, 20.5 UK mpg) in urban driving, 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg, 25.2 UK mpg) in extra-urban driving, and 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg, 22.8 UK mpg) combined.
Design & Features
The Tacoma III Access Cab maintains the rugged aesthetic characteristic of Toyota trucks. Its body-on-frame construction provides durability and off-road capability. The Access Cab configuration features a smaller rear door and rear seating area compared to the Double Cab, prioritizing cargo space flexibility. The truck’s exterior design incorporates a bold front grille, sculpted body lines, and a high ride height (239 mm or 9.41 inches) for improved ground clearance.
Inside, the Tacoma offers a functional and durable interior. Standard features typically include air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a basic audio system. Higher trim levels add features like a touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, and premium audio. Safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a suite of airbags. The Tacoma’s focus is on providing a practical and reliable vehicle for work and recreation, rather than luxurious appointments. The interior is designed to withstand the demands of off-road use and everyday wear and tear.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma III Access Cab |
| 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 | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.8 l/100 km (17 US mpg, 20.5 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg, 25.2 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg, 22.8 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm |
| 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 capacity | 10.2 l (10.78 US qt | 8.97 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1962 kg (4325.47 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2540 kg (5599.74 lbs.) |
| Max load | 578 kg (1274.27 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 | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, 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 3.5 V6 4WD remains a popular choice for those seeking a reliable, capable, and versatile mid-size pickup truck. Its blend of performance, durability, and off-road prowess continues to appeal to a wide range of buyers.
