Toyota Tacoma
All generations, specs and history
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By Felix Hartmann, Automotive Technology & EV Contributor
- Built
- 1995–present
- Generations
- 4
- Top power
- 243 kW (330 PS)
Timeline
Tacoma generations
Click a generation for its own page
- Tacoma I 1995–2004 · Pickup
- Tacoma N220 2004–2015 · Pickup
- Tacoma N300 2015–2023 · Pickup
- Tacoma IV Current 2023–now · Pickup · 170–243 kW (231–330 PS)
Newest first · 4 generations since 1995
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2023
-
2015
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2004
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1995
All generations by year: Tacoma IV (2023–now) · Tacoma N300 (2015–2023) · Tacoma N220 (2004–2015) · Tacoma I (1995–2004)
Which one is mine?
Pick the year of first registration to see which generation it is.
Check by VINWhich Tacoma to choose
Our verdict · Felix Hartmann
- For maximum torque: the i-Force Max hybrid with 243 kW and 630 Nm.
- For a manual gearbox: a fourth-generation i-Force with the six-speed manual on selected trims.
- For off-road use: the TRD Pro or Trailhunter with 33-inch tyres and CRAWL Control.
- For a used V6: a third-generation 3.5 V6 with up to about 3,080 kg towing capacity.
- For a used first or second generation: check the frame for corrosion and the warranty or settlement history.
Toyota's pickup for other world markets is the Toyota Hilux. Rivals include the Ford Ranger, and Toyota's off-road SUVs are covered in the guide to the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.
The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size pickup truck built for North America since 1995. It replaced the compact Toyota Truck in the US. Four generations have been built: the first from 1995 to 2004, the second from 2005, the third from 2015 and the fourth, on the TNGA-F platform of the Tundra, since 2024. The current truck has turbocharged four-cylinder engines only, including the i-Force Max hybrid with 243 kW (326 hp).
In short
- Four generations: 1995–2004, 2005–2015, 2016–2023 and since 2024 (revealed 19 May 2023).
- Fourth generation: 2.4-litre turbo four with up to 207 kW (278 hp) and 430 Nm; i-Force Max hybrid with 243 kW (326 hp) and 630 Nm.
- Third-generation V6: 3.5 litres, 207 kW (278 hp), towing up to 6,800 lb (about 3,080 kg).
- US sales of 274,638 trucks in 2025.
Specs by version
| Version | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid · 1 version | |||
| Tacoma IV · 2.4 i-Force Max hybrid | 4 cyl · Hybrid | 243 kW 330 PS326 hp | 630 Nm465 lb-ft |
| Petrol · 5 versions | |||
| N220 · 2.7 2TR-FE | 4 cyl · Petrol 2TR-FE | 122 kW 166 PS164 hp | 248 Nm183 lb-ft |
| N220 · 4.0 V6 1GR-FE | 6 cyl · Petrol 1GR-FE | 183 kW 249 PS245 hp | 382 Nm282 lb-ft |
| N300 · 2.7 2TR-FE | 4 cyl · Petrol 2TR-FE | 119 kW 162 PS160 hp | 244 Nm180 lb-ft |
| N300 · 3.5 V6 2GR-FKS | 6 cyl · Petrol 2GR-FKS | 207 kW 281 PS278 hp | 359 Nm265 lb-ft |
| Tacoma IV · 2.4 i-Force | 4 cyl · Petrol T24A-FTS | 207 kW 281 PS278 hp | 430 Nm317 lb-ft |
Verified Manufacturer and type-approval data from our catalog · Sources and methodology
Toyota Tacoma at a glance
| Specification | Toyota Tacoma |
|---|---|
| Production | since 1995; San Antonio (Texas) and Tijuana (Mexico) for the third generation; earlier Fremont (California) |
| Generations | 1995–2004, 2005–2015, 2016–2023, since 2024 |
| Platform (fourth generation) | TNGA-F, shared with the Tundra |
| Cabs (fourth generation) | XtraCab (two doors, two seats), Double Cab (four doors) |
| Beds | 5 ft or 6 ft |
| Engines (current) | 2.4 turbo four-cylinder (i-Force), 2.4 turbo hybrid (i-Force Max) |
| Gearboxes | eight-speed automatic; six-speed manual on some trims |
| Multimedia | up to 14-inch touchscreen |
Generations
| Generation | Years | Engines | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | 1995–2004 | - | fully boxed frame; corrosion warranty extensions |
| Second (N220–N270) | 2005–2015 | 2.7 I4, 4.0 V6 | open C-section frame rails; US production moved to San Antonio in 2010 |
| Third (N240/N260, V6 N300) | 2016–2023 | 2.7 I4, 3.5 V6 | Access Cab and Double Cab; facelift for 2020 |
| Fourth | since 2024 | 2.4 turbo, 2.4 turbo hybrid | TNGA-F; XtraCab and Double Cab |
All generations are listed in the Toyota catalogue.
First generation (1995–2004)
Toyota introduced the Tacoma in the US in February 1995 as the successor to the Toyota Truck. Unlike its successors it had a fully boxed frame. Frame corrosion became a known problem: in 2008 Toyota announced a 15-year, unlimited-mileage corrosion warranty for 1995–2000 trucks, later extended to the 2001–2004 models. In November 2012 about 150,000 trucks from 2001 to 2004 were recalled because the spare tyre could fall off.
Second generation (2005–2015)
The second Tacoma was launched on 18 October 2004 as a 2005 model. It was built in Tijuana, Mexico, and in Fremont, California, until US production moved to San Antonio, Texas, in 2010. The frame changed to open C-section rails. A 2016 class-action settlement covered frame rust on 2005–2010 trucks.
| Engine (second generation) | Power | Torque | Towing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7 2TR-FE four-cylinder | 122 kW (164 hp) | 248 Nm | - |
| 4.0 1GR-FE V6 | 183 kW (245 hp) | 382 Nm | 6,500 lb (about 2,950 kg) |
The V6 had a payload of 1,650 lb, about 750 kg. It delivered 61 kW more than the four-cylinder engine. In 2009 the IIHS named the Tacoma a Top Safety Pick, helped by its active head restraints.
Third generation (2016–2023)
Toyota unveiled the third generation in January 2015, and US sales started on 10 September 2015 for the 2016 model year. It was built in San Antonio and Tijuana. The regular cab was dropped, leaving the Access Cab and the Double Cab. A facelift came for the 2020 model year.
| Engine (third generation) | Power | Torque | Towing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7 2TR-FE four-cylinder | 119 kW (159 hp) | 244 Nm | - |
| 3.5 2GR-FKS V6 | 207 kW (278 hp) | 359 Nm | up to 6,800 lb (about 3,080 kg) with tow package |
The four-cylinder models kept the older chassis codes N240 and N260, while the V6 trucks moved to N300. The 3.5 V6 had 88 kW more than the 2.7 four-cylinder. With the V6 and the towing package this generation was the strongest towing Tacoma for which Wikipedia gives a figure, at about 3,080 kg.
Fourth generation (since 2024)
The fourth Tacoma was revealed on 19 May 2023. It moved to the TNGA-F body-on-frame platform shared with the Toyota Tundra. The XtraCab has two doors, two seats, a 6 ft bed and a leaf-sprung rear axle. The Double Cab has four doors, a 5 ft or 6 ft bed and coil springs at the rear.
| Engine (fourth generation) | Power | Torque | Gearbox |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 i-Force turbo four-cylinder | 170 to 207 kW (228 to 278 hp) | 329 to 430 Nm | eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual |
| 2.4 i-Force Max turbo hybrid | 243 kW (326 hp) | 630 Nm | - |
Output depends on the trim and the gearbox. Compared with the third-generation V6, the i-Force Max hybrid has 36 kW and 271 Nm more. Toyota offers eight grades: SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, TRD Pro and Trailhunter. The two-seat XtraCab is offered on the SR, SR5 and TRD PreRunner grades. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter have 18-inch wheels with 33-inch all-terrain tyres, multi-terrain select and CRAWL Control. Inside, a 14-inch touchscreen, a trailer camera and 3D camera views are available.
Safety
The 2024 Tacoma crew cab was an IIHS Top Safety Pick. It scored "Good" in the small and moderate overlap front tests, the updated side test and pedestrian crash prevention, and "Acceptable" for headlights. The LATCH child-seat anchors were also rated "Acceptable".
Sales
| Year | US sales |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 147,295 |
| 2015 | 179,562 |
| 2019 | 248,810 |
| 2023 | 234,768 |
| 2024 | 192,813 |
| 2025 | 274,638 |
US sales fell to 192,813 in 2024, the first year of the fourth generation, and rose to 274,638 in 2025, according to Wikipedia's table. Between 2015 and 2019 annual US sales grew by almost 70,000 trucks.
Photo gallery
Toyota Tacoma evolution in numbers
Did you know?
- The Toyota Tacoma has been around for 31 years: 4 generations in our catalog since 1995.
- The longest-running generation is the Tacoma N220 (2004–2015): 11 years.
- The biggest jump in power came with the Tacoma IV: up to 243 kW (330 PS), 36 kW more than the Tacoma N300.
Most powerful version, kW
Figures from the 1cars catalog: power is the strongest version of each generation; generations without the figure are left out.
Image credits · Photos from Wikimedia Commons under free licences
- Toyota Tacoma N220 · Photo: IFCAR / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
- Toyota Tacoma N300 · Photo: Alexander Migl / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Toyota Tacoma in our rankings
More powerful than 45% of ranked pickup trucks in the 1CARS catalog (No. 11 of 20).
Toyota Tacoma photos 6
FAQ
How many generations of the Toyota Tacoma are there?
Four: 1995–2004, 2005–2015, 2016–2023 and the current truck since 2024.
What engine does the new Tacoma have?
A 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder with up to 207 kW (278 hp), or the i-Force Max hybrid with 243 kW (326 hp) and 630 Nm.
What is the Tacoma i-Force Max?
The hybrid version of the fourth-generation 2.4-litre turbo engine. It delivers 243 kW (326 hp) and 630 Nm, the most of any Tacoma; Toyota calls it the most powerful Tacoma powertrain.
Which Tacoma years had frame rust?
The first generation (1995–2004), which Toyota covered with an extended corrosion warranty, and 2005–2010 second-generation trucks, which were part of a 2016 class-action settlement.
Does the Tacoma still have a V6?
No. The 3.5 V6 ended with the third generation in 2023.
Data sources
Data checked by an editor against the sources below.
- Wikipedia - Toyota Tacoma
- Toyota
