The Toyota Tacoma III Double Cab, produced from 2015 to 2020, represents the third generation of Toyota’s immensely popular mid-size pickup truck. Specifically, the 3.5 V6 4WD variant offered a significant upgrade in power and capability compared to previous generations, solidifying the Tacoma’s position as a leading choice for both recreational and work-oriented drivers in the North American market. This generation Tacoma saw a shift towards increased refinement, technology, and a more robust powertrain, while retaining the rugged durability the nameplate is known for. It primarily competed with the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, and Nissan Frontier.
Toyota Tacoma III Double Cab: An Overview
The Tacoma has long been a staple in the American pickup truck landscape, and the third generation continued this legacy. The Double Cab configuration, offering seating for five passengers, broadened the Tacoma’s appeal to families and those needing more interior space. The 3.5-liter V6 engine, paired with a four-wheel-drive system, provided a compelling combination of power, torque, and off-road prowess. This model year marked a substantial redesign, moving away from the more utilitarian aesthetic of earlier Tacomas towards a more modern and aggressive styling.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Tacoma III Double Cab 3.5 V6 4WD is the 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 utilizes direct injection and a DOHC-VVT-i valvetrain to optimize performance and efficiency. The 3.5-liter displacement (210.9 cubic inches) provides a good balance between power delivery and fuel economy. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 7.3 kg/Hp, or 137.9 Hp/tonne, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 5.6 kg/Nm, or 178.6 Nm/tonne. A six-speed manual transmission was available, providing drivers with a more engaging driving experience. Fuel consumption is rated at 13.8 l/100 km (17 US mpg, 20.5 UK mpg) in urban conditions, 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 Double Cab is a four-door pickup truck with a robust body-on-frame construction. Its dimensions are 5392 mm (212.28 in) in length, 1890 mm (74.41 in) in width, and 1793 mm (70.59 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 3236 mm (127.4 in). The truck boasts a ground clearance of 239 mm (9.41 in), enhancing its off-road capability. The Double Cab configuration provides ample space for passengers, making it suitable for both daily commuting and family adventures.
Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The interior focused on durability and functionality, with materials chosen to withstand the demands of truck ownership. Available features included a touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, and various driver-assistance technologies. The Tacoma’s design prioritized a blend of ruggedness and modern aesthetics, with a prominent grille and muscular body lines. The suspension system, featuring independent McPherson struts in the front and independent coil springs in the rear, aimed to provide a comfortable ride while maintaining off-road capability. Wheel options ranged from 16 to 18 inches, accommodating tire sizes of 245/75 R16, 265/70 R16, 265/65 R17, and 265/60 R18.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma III Double 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 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 13.8 l/100 km (17 US mpg, 20.5 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg, 25.2 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg, 22.8 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.6 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 | 10.2 l (10.78 US qt | 8.97 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2016 kg (4444.52 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2540 kg (5599.74 lbs.) |
| Max load | 524 kg (1155.22 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, 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 |
The Toyota Tacoma III Double Cab 3.5 V6 4WD remains a popular choice in the used truck market, appreciated for its reliability, capability, and strong resale value. Its blend of modern features and traditional truck attributes continues to appeal to a wide range of buyers.
