The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size pickup truck manufactured by Toyota since 1995. The Tacoma III, produced from 2015 to 2020, represents the third generation of this popular vehicle. Specifically, the Double Cab configuration offers extended passenger space, making it a versatile option for families and those needing more interior room. This iteration of the Tacoma, particularly when equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 engine and automatic transmission, became a mainstay in the American pickup truck market, known for its reliability, off-road capability, and strong resale value.
Toyota Tacoma III Double Cab 3.5 V6: An Overview
The Tacoma III Double Cab 3.5 V6 is a four-door, five-passenger pickup truck designed to balance work and lifestyle needs. It caters to buyers seeking a capable truck for hauling and towing, combined with the comfort and space of a family vehicle. The third-generation Tacoma introduced a more refined interior, updated technology, and a more powerful engine option compared to its predecessors. It quickly gained traction as a leading contender in the competitive mid-size truck segment, often praised for its durability and off-road prowess. While not initially offered with the advanced driver-assistance systems found in some competitors, the Tacoma’s core strengths of reliability and capability ensured its continued success.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Tacoma III Double Cab 3.5 V6 is Toyota’s 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 (Dual Overhead Camshaft with Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) valvetrain to optimize performance and efficiency. Power is delivered through a six-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels as standard. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 6.9 kg/Hp (144.9 Hp/tonne), and the torque-to-weight ratio is 5.3 kg/Nm (187.6 Nm/tonne), providing adequate performance for both on-road driving and light-duty hauling. Fuel economy is rated at approximately 11.2 liters per 100 kilometers (21 US mpg) combined, with 12.4 l/100km (19 US mpg) in urban settings and 9.8 l/100km (24 US mpg) on the highway. The engine displacement is 3456 cm3 (210.9 cu. in.), with a bore of 94 mm (3.7 in.) and a stroke of 83.1 mm (3.27 in.).
Design & Features
The Tacoma III Double Cab features a traditional pickup truck body style with a separate cab and bed. The Double Cab configuration provides significantly more rear passenger space than the Access Cab model. The truck’s design emphasizes ruggedness and functionality, with a bold front grille and muscular body lines. Inside, the Tacoma offers a functional and durable interior, with available features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, and premium audio. Safety features include standard ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a suite of airbags. The suspension system consists of an independent McPherson strut setup in the front and independent coil springs in the rear, providing a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. Ride height (ground clearance) is a substantial 239 mm (9.41 in.), enhancing its off-road capability. Available tire sizes range from 245/75 R16 to 265/60 R18, depending on the trim level and wheel size (16, 17, or 18 inches).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma III Double 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 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| 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 | 6.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.3 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 | 1919 kg (4230.67 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2540 kg (5599.74 lbs.) |
| Max load | 621 kg (1369.07 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 |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| 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 3.5 V6 remains a popular choice in the mid-size truck segment, offering a compelling combination of capability, reliability, and comfort. Its enduring appeal is a testament to Toyota’s commitment to building durable and dependable vehicles.
