2016 Toyota Tacoma Specs
The 2016 Tacoma is the first year of the 3rd generation; Toyota's brochure calls it all-new. It comes with a 159 hp 2.7L four-cylinder or a 278 hp 3.5L V6, in Access Cab and Double Cab form with 4x2 or 4x4. Against 2015, the 3.5L V6 replaces the 236 hp 4.0L, the 2.7L gets a 6-speed automatic instead of the 4-speed, maximum V6 towing rises to 6,800 lb (6,500 lb in 2015), and Toyota's maintenance guide moves oil changes from 5,000 to 10,000 miles.
2 versions · 3rd gen · Updated Oct 2026
- Oil capacity
- 6.1–6.2 qt
- by version ↓
- Tire size
- P245/75R16
- MPG combined
- 21 mpg
Versions #versions
Compare versions #compare
| 2.7L 4-Cylinder | 3.5L V6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 159 hp | 278 hp |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft | 265 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic / 5-speed manual | 6-speed automatic / 6-speed manual |
| Oil capacity | 6.2 qt | 6.1 qt |
| Tire size | P245/75R16 | P245/75R16 |
| MPG combined | 21 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Curb weight | 3,980 lb | 4,060 lb |
Recalls #recalls
-
Accessory hood scoop may detach
NHTSA 17V425000 · Jul 3, 2017 · Distributor-installed hood scoop
Southeast Toyota Distributors is recalling trucks fitted with accessory hood scoops by SET or its dealers; the adhesive may weaken and let the scoop come off.
-
Crank position sensor may stall the V6
NHTSA 17V356000 · Jun 1, 2017 · Crankshaft position sensor (V6)
On trucks with the six-cylinder engine, the crankshaft position sensor may malfunction, which can make the engine stall.
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Rear differential may leak oil
NHTSA 17V285000 · Apr 27, 2017 · Rear differential
Oil may leak where the rear differential carrier joins the axle housing; driving with too little oil can make the differential seize and cause a loss of control.
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Knee air bag installed with wrong bolts
NHTSA 15V656000 · Oct 14, 2015 · Driver knee air bag
On trucks built August 20 to September 10, 2015, incorrect bolts were used to install the driver's knee air bag module; they may loosen and affect the air bag's performance.
FAQ
What is the lug nut torque on a 2016 Toyota Tacoma?
Toyota specifies 83 lb-ft (113 N·m) for the wheel nuts.
How much can a 2016 Tacoma tow?
Toyota's 2016 owner's manual gives a trailer weight rating of 3,500 lb for every 2.7L truck and for V6 trucks without the towing package. With the towing package the V6 is rated 6,800 lb as an Access Cab 2WD and 6,500 lb as an Access Cab 4WD; Double Cab 2WD trucks are rated 6,700 lb (model code GRN325L-PRTSHA) or 6,600 lb (GRN325L-PRTLHA and GRN330L), and Double Cab 4WD trucks 6,400 lb, or 6,000 lb for model code GRN310L-PRTLHA. The model code is on the Certification Label.
What is the payload of a 2016 Tacoma?
Toyota's 2016 brochure lists 1,620 lb for the Access Cab 2.7L 4x2 automatic and 1,540 lb for the Access Cab V6 4x2 automatic, down to 1,120 lb for the Limited Double Cab V6 4x4.
How big is the gas tank on a 2016 Tacoma?
21.1 gallons.
Sources: 2016 Toyota Tacoma Owner's Manual (OM04005U; capacities, trailer weight ratings), 2016 Toyota Tacoma Warranty & Maintenance Guide, 2016 Toyota Tacoma brochure (horsepower, torque, curb weight, payload, towing, trim tire sizes), EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA recalls. Updated Oct 2026.