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, durability, and off-road capability. The third generation, introduced in September 2015 and continuing through 2020, represented a significant evolution of the model, offering updated styling, improved technology, and a more refined driving experience. The Tacoma III was offered in a variety of configurations, including the Access Cab body style, which features extended rear seating, and a range of engine and drivetrain options. This article focuses on the Tacoma III Access Cab equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an automatic transmission.
Toyota Tacoma III Access Cab 3.5 V6: An Overview
The Tacoma III Access Cab 3.5 V6 occupied a crucial position in Toyota’s lineup, catering to buyers seeking a versatile and capable pickup truck. The Access Cab configuration provided a balance between cargo space and passenger comfort, making it suitable for both work and family use. The 3.5-liter V6 engine offered a substantial increase in power compared to the previous generation’s four-cylinder option, enhancing both towing capacity and overall performance. This generation Tacoma aimed to improve upon the already strong reputation of its predecessors, offering a more modern and feature-rich package while maintaining the core values of reliability and off-road prowess.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Tacoma III Access Cab 3.5 V6 is Toyota’s 2GR-FKS 3.5-liter V6 engine. This naturally aspirated powerplant produces 278 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 265.52 lb-ft of torque at 4600 rpm. The engine utilizes direct injection and a DOHC-VVT-i (Dual Overhead Camshaft with Variable Valve Timing-intelligence) valvetrain to optimize performance and fuel efficiency. The 3.5-liter engine represents a significant upgrade over the previous generation, providing more responsive acceleration and improved towing capabilities. The engine is longitudinally mounted in the chassis and paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, delivering smooth and efficient power delivery. The weight-to-power ratio is 6.6 kg/Hp, or 150.9 Hp/tonne, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 5.1 kg/Nm, or 195.4 Nm/tonne. Fuel economy is rated at 21 US mpg combined (11.2 l/100 km), with 19 US mpg in urban driving (12.4 l/100 km) and 24 US mpg on the highway (9.8 l/100 km).
Design & Features
The Tacoma III Access Cab is a two-door pickup truck with seating for four passengers. The body-on-frame construction provides a robust and durable platform, well-suited for both on- and off-road driving. The Access Cab configuration features extended rear doors and a smaller rear seat compared to the Double Cab model, offering a compromise between passenger space and cargo bed length. The exterior styling of the Tacoma III is more aggressive and modern than previous generations, with a prominent grille and sculpted body lines.
Key features of the Tacoma III Access Cab include standard ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for enhanced safety, a steering rack and pinion system for precise handling, and a range of available tire sizes (245/75 R16, 265/70 R16, 265/65 R17, 265/60 R18) to suit different driving conditions. The suspension system consists of an independent McPherson strut setup with coil springs and an anti-roll bar at the front, and an independent coil spring setup at the rear. Braking is provided by ventilated discs at the front and drums at the rear. The Tacoma’s ride height (ground clearance) is a substantial 239 mm (9.41 inches), contributing to its off-road capability. The interior features a functional and durable design, with a focus on practicality and ease of use.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma III Access Cab |
| Type (Engine) | 3.5 V6 (278 Hp) 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 (urban) | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 278 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| 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 | 1842 kg (4060.91 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2540 kg (5599.74 lbs.) |
| Max load | 698 kg (1538.83 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.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
The Toyota Tacoma III Access Cab 3.5 V6 continued the Tacoma’s legacy as a reliable, capable, and versatile mid-size pickup truck. Its combination of a powerful V6 engine, robust construction, and available features made it a popular choice for a wide range of buyers, solidifying its position as a leader in the competitive pickup truck market.
