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 2016, received a significant facelift in 2020, enhancing its styling, technology, and standard safety features. This article details the 2020-2023 Toyota Tacoma III Access Cab, specifically equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 D-4S engine and a four-wheel-drive (4WD) drivetrain.
Toyota Tacoma III Access Cab (2020-2023)
The Tacoma III represents a substantial evolution of the Tacoma lineage. The 2020 facelift brought updated front-end styling, including a more prominent grille and redesigned headlights. Interior improvements focused on infotainment upgrades and enhanced comfort. The Access Cab configuration offers a smaller rear seat and a shorter bed compared to the Double Cab, catering to buyers prioritizing maneuverability and fuel efficiency over maximum passenger or cargo space. This generation Tacoma competes with other mid-size trucks like the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, and Nissan Frontier.
Engine & Performance
The 2020-2023 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab facelift is primarily powered by the 3.5-liter 2GR-FKS V6 engine, utilizing Toyota’s D-4S fuel injection system – a combination of direct injection and multi-port manifold injection. This engine produces 278 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 264.78 lb-ft of torque at 4600 rpm. The engine’s longitudinal front-mounted layout contributes to a balanced weight distribution. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, providing drivers with a traditional driving experience. The Tacoma’s 4WD system allows for on-demand engagement of the front axle, enhancing traction in challenging conditions. The weight-to-power ratio is 7.1 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 5.5 kg/Nm, indicating a responsive powertrain. Fuel economy is rated at 13.1 l/100 km combined (18 US mpg, 21.6 UK mpg, 7.6 km/l), with urban consumption at 13.8 l/100 km (17 US mpg, 20.5 UK mpg, 7.2 km/l) and extra-urban consumption at 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg, 23.9 UK mpg, 8.5 km/l). The engine meets ULEV III emission standards.
Design & Features
The Tacoma Access Cab is a two-door pickup truck with seating for four passengers. Its body-on-frame construction provides durability and robustness, essential for both on-road and off-road use. The 2020 facelift brought a bolder exterior design, with a more aggressive front grille and updated headlight design. The interior features a functional layout with durable materials. Standard features include air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a basic infotainment system. Higher trim levels offer upgrades such as a larger touchscreen display, navigation, premium audio systems, and advanced driver-assistance features. Safety features include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and a comprehensive airbag system. The Tacoma’s relatively compact size and a turning circle of 12.4 meters (40.68 ft) make it maneuverable in urban environments. Ground clearance is a substantial 239 mm (9.41 in), contributing to its off-road capability, along with approach, departure, and ramp-over angles of 29°, 23°, and 24° respectively. The drag coefficient is rated at 0.389.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma III Access Cab (facelift 2020) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.5 V6 D-4S (278 Hp) 4WD |
| Start of production | 2020 |
| End of production | 2023 |
| 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, 7.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg, 23.9 UK mpg, 8.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg, 21.6 UK mpg, 7.6 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Emission standard | ULEV III |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 278 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 359 Nm @ 4600 rpm (264.78 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 | 93.98 mm (3.7 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 83.06 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection and Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | VVT-i |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.6 l (5.92 US qt | 4.93 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 9.7 l (10.25 US qt | 8.53 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1969 kg (4340.9 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2540 kg (5599.74 lbs.) |
| Max load | 571 kg (1258.84 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1588 kg (3500.94 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 159 kg (350.53 lbs.) |
| 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.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.4 m (40.68 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 6, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer, Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 273.05 mm |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 254 mm |
| Tires size | 265/65 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
