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 designed for the North American market, the Tacoma consistently ranks among the best-selling vehicles in its class, renowned for its reliability, durability, and strong resale value. The Double Cab configuration offers expanded rear seating, making it a practical choice for families and those needing passenger space alongside cargo capacity. This generation marked a significant step forward in terms of refinement, technology, and available features, while retaining the core off-road capability that Tacoma owners expect.
Toyota Tacoma III Double Cab: A Detailed Overview
The Tacoma III Double Cab filled a crucial niche in the American pickup truck landscape. While full-size trucks like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado dominated sales, many buyers sought a more manageable and fuel-efficient option. The Tacoma, along with competitors like the Nissan Frontier and Ford Ranger, catered to this demand. The Double Cab model specifically addressed the need for a pickup that could comfortably accommodate five passengers, making it suitable for daily commuting and family use, in addition to work and recreational activities.
Engine & Performance
The primary engine offered in the 2015-2020 Toyota Tacoma III Double Cab was the 3.5-liter 2GR-FKS V6 gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produced 278 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 265.52 lb-ft of torque at 4600 rpm. The engine featured direct injection and Toyota’s DOHC-VVT-i (Dual Overhead Camshaft with Variable Valve Timing-intelligence) technology, optimizing performance and fuel efficiency. Power was delivered through a six-speed automatic transmission to a four-wheel-drive system. The Tacoma’s weight-to-power ratio of 7.3 kg/Hp (136.8 Hp/tonne) provided adequate acceleration, while the weight-to-torque ratio of 5.6 kg/Nm (177.2 Nm/tonne) contributed to its respectable towing and hauling capabilities. Fuel economy figures were rated at 19.9 US mpg combined (11.8 l/100 km), with 18 US mpg (13.1 l/100 km) in urban driving and 23.1 US mpg (10.2 l/100 km) on the highway.
Design & Features
The Tacoma III Double Cab is a four-door pickup truck with a body-on-frame construction, emphasizing durability and off-road prowess. The Double Cab configuration provides a more spacious rear seat compared to the Access Cab (extended cab) version. Stylistically, the Tacoma III adopted a more aggressive and modern appearance than its predecessor, with a prominent grille and sculpted body lines.
Inside, the Tacoma offered a functional and relatively comfortable interior, though materials were generally durable rather than luxurious. Available features included a touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels added features like leather upholstery, heated seats, and a premium sound system. Safety features, increasingly important in this era, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), stability control, and multiple airbags. The Tacoma’s ride height (ground clearance) of 239 mm (9.41 in) and robust suspension system – independent McPherson struts in the front and independent coil springs in the rear – contributed to its off-road capability. The truck’s maximum load capacity was 508 kg (1119.95 lbs), and it could tow a substantial amount, depending on configuration.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma III Double 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 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg, 21.6 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg, 27.7 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg, 23.9 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 | 10.5 l (11.1 US qt | 9.24 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2032 kg (4479.79 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2540 kg (5599.74 lbs.) |
| Max load | 508 kg (1119.95 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 |
| Tires size | 245/75 R16; 265/70 R16; 265/65 R17; 265/60 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17; 18 |
The Toyota Tacoma III Double Cab continued the Tacoma’s legacy as a reliable, capable, and versatile mid-size pickup truck. Its combination of passenger comfort, cargo capacity, and off-road ability made it a popular choice for a wide range of buyers, solidifying its position as a leader in the American truck market.
