The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size pickup truck manufactured by Toyota since 1995. The Tacoma has been a consistently popular choice in the North American market, known for its reliability, off-road capability, and strong resale value. The third generation, introduced in September 2015 and continuing through 2020, represented a significant evolution of the platform, offering increased refinement, updated technology, and a more powerful engine option. This generation Tacoma, particularly 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: An Overview
The Tacoma III Access Cab, equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 engine and a four-wheel-drive system, caters to buyers seeking a versatile and capable pickup. The Access Cab body style provides a smaller rear seat and bed compared to the Double Cab, making it a good compromise for those who occasionally need rear passenger space but prioritize a more manageable vehicle size. This particular configuration was produced from 2015 to 2020, representing a key period in the Tacoma’s third-generation lifecycle. It’s designed for both daily commuting and recreational activities, offering a blend of comfort, utility, and off-road prowess.
Engine & Performance
The heart of this Tacoma variant is the 3.5-liter 2GR-FKS V6 engine, producing 278 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 360 Newton-meters (265.52 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4600 rpm. This engine utilizes direct injection and a DOHC-VVT-i valvetrain to optimize performance and efficiency. The engine is longitudinally mounted in the front of the vehicle. The power-to-weight ratio stands at 7 kg/Hp (142.3 Hp/tonne), while the torque-to-weight ratio is 5.4 kg/Nm (184.3 Nm/tonne). Power delivery is managed through a six-speed automatic transmission, sending power to all four wheels via a sophisticated 4×4 system. Fuel economy is rated at 11.8 liters per 100 kilometers combined (19.9 US mpg, 23.9 UK mpg, 8.5 km/l), with figures of 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg, 21.6 UK mpg, 7.6 km/l) in urban settings and 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg, 27.7 UK mpg, 9.8 km/l) on the highway. The engine has a displacement of 3456 cm3 (210.9 cu. in.) and a compression ratio of 11.8:1.
Design & Features
The Tacoma III Access Cab is a two-door pickup truck with seating for four passengers. Its body-on-frame construction provides a robust platform for both on-road comfort and off-road durability. The Access Cab configuration features a smaller rear seat and a shorter bed compared to the Double Cab models. Key features include a McPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, and a coil spring rear suspension. Braking is handled by ventilated discs at the front and drums at the rear, supplemented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The Tacoma’s design emphasizes ruggedness and functionality, with a high ride height (239 mm / 9.41 in) providing ample ground clearance for off-road adventures. Available tire sizes include 245/75 R16, 265/70 R16, 265/65 R17, and 265/60 R18, mounted on 16, 17, or 18-inch wheel rims. The steering system utilizes a rack and pinion setup for precise control.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma III Access Cab |
| Type (Engine) | 3.5 V6 (278 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | September, 2015 |
| End of production | 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg, 21.6 UK mpg, 7.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg, 27.7 UK mpg, 9.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg, 23.9 UK mpg, 8.5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7 kg/Hp, 142.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.4 kg/Nm, 184.3 Nm/tonne |
| 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 | 10.5 l (11.1 US qt | 9.24 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1953 kg (4305.63 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2540 kg (5599.74 lbs.) |
| Max load | 587 kg (1294.11 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 (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, automatic 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 |
The Toyota Tacoma III Access Cab 3.5 V6 4WD Automatic represents a well-rounded package for those seeking a capable and reliable mid-size pickup. Its blend of power, technology, and off-road capability has cemented its reputation as a popular choice among truck enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
