The 2016–2019 Toyota Tacoma RWD with the 2GR-FKS 3.5-litre V6 sits in a very specific sweet spot. It is a mid-size pickup that blends everyday usability with genuine working ability, while staying relatively simple to own. The N300 generation modernised the Tacoma with a stiffer frame, upgraded interior, and a new V6 using Toyota’s D-4S dual-injection system and an Atkinson-capable cycle for better efficiency.
In rear-wheel drive form, this Tacoma targets buyers who spend most of their time on pavement, tow or haul occasionally, and want lower running costs than a 4×4 without giving up capability. It is also attractive to fleet users and warm-climate owners who do not need four-wheel drive complexity.
This guide walks through the key specs, dimensions, performance, reliability patterns, safety ratings, maintenance needs, and how the Tacoma 3.5 RWD compares with rivals, so you can decide whether it fits your usage and budget over the long term.
Top Highlights
- Strong 2GR-FKS 3.5-litre V6 (278 hp) gives confident acceleration and solid highway passing.
- Stout frame, generous payload, and high towing ratings for a mid-size truck, especially with the tow package fitted.
- Long-term reputation for durability and resale value helps keep ownership costs predictable.
- Known V6 crankshaft position sensor recall means recall completion history is important when buying used.
- Typical engine oil change interval is 10,000 km or 6 months with the correct 0W-20 oil, or shorter under severe use.
Navigate this guide
- Tacoma 3.5 RWD Overview
- V6 RWD Specs and Data
- RWD V6 Trims and Safety
- Reliability of 3.5 RWD Tacoma
- Maintenance Plan and Buying Guide
- Driving Feel and Performance
- Tacoma 3.5 RWD versus Rivals
Tacoma 3.5 RWD Overview
The N300 Toyota Tacoma launched for 2016 as a heavily updated mid-size pickup. In rear-wheel drive form with the 2GR-FKS 3.5-litre V6, it targets owners who mainly drive on-road, tow moderate loads, and value efficiency and simplicity over hardcore off-road hardware. You still get a boxed frame, leaf-sprung rear axle, and proper truck underpinnings, but without the extra mass and drivetrain losses of a 4×4 system.
The 2GR-FKS engine is central to this package. It combines port and direct fuel injection, variable valve timing on both camshafts, and an efficiency-focused combustion strategy. In the Tacoma, it is tuned for 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, paired to a 6-speed automatic in most RWD V6 configurations. Manual gearboxes are rare and primarily linked to 4×4 models, so buyers considering a 3.5 RWD will almost always be looking at the automatic.
Compared with the previous 4.0 V6 Tacomas, this generation feels more refined and quieter at speed. Cabin materials improved, ergonomics are better, and available features such as advanced audio, keyless entry, and driver-assistance systems brought the Tacoma closer to modern crossovers while retaining its work-truck feel.
From an ownership standpoint, the RWD 3.5 offers several advantages:
- Lower initial price than comparable 4x4s of the same trim.
- Slightly better fuel economy, especially at highway speeds.
- Fewer driveline components to maintain (no front differential or transfer case).
The trade-offs are obvious: reduced traction on loose or slippery surfaces, and lower resale appeal in regions where 4×4 trucks dominate. In warm or mostly urban markets, however, the 3.5 RWD Tacoma can be a smart, lower-cost way to get into the Tacoma ecosystem without sacrificing payload or towing capability.
V6 RWD Specs and Data
This section focuses on the typical configuration of a 2016–2019 Tacoma RWD with the 2GR-FKS V6 and 6-speed automatic, using a Double Cab short bed as a representative example. Exact numbers vary slightly by model year, cab, bed length, and equipment.
Engine and Performance
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine code | 2GR-FKS |
| Displacement | 3.5 l (3,456 cc) |
| Configuration | 60° V6, aluminium block and heads, DOHC |
| Valvetrain | 4 valves/cyl, dual VVT-iw (intake) and VVT-i (exh) |
| Fuel system | D-4S direct and port injection |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Compression ratio | Approx. 11.8:1 |
| Max power | 278 hp @ around 6,000 rpm |
| Max torque | 265 lb-ft @ around 4,600 rpm |
| Timing drive | Chain (no scheduled replacement) |
| Recommended fuel | Regular unleaded (87 AKI) |
EPA fuel economy for a 2WD V6 automatic Tacoma is typically around 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, depending on year and configuration. Real-world users often see high-teens in mixed driving and low-20s on the highway if driven sensibly and not heavily loaded.
Transmission and Driveline
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel drive |
| Final drive ratio | Typically around 3.91:1 |
| Rear differential | Open; Auto LSD (brake-based) function |
RWD models do not have a transfer case or low-range. Traction is managed via stability control and the Auto LSD function that uses braking to simulate a limited-slip differential on the rear axle.
Chassis and Dimensions
Typical Double Cab Short Bed RWD V6 figures:
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Overall length | ~5,390 mm (212.3 in) |
| Width (without mirrors) | ~1,910 mm (75.2 in) |
| Height | ~1,790 mm (70.6 in) |
| Wheelbase | ~3,236 mm (127.4 in) |
| Ground clearance | ~239 mm (9.4 in), trim-dependent |
| Curb weight | ~1,850–1,900 kg (4,080–4,200 lb) |
| GVWR | ~2,540+ kg (around 5,600 lb) |
| Fuel tank capacity | ~80 l (21.1 US gal) |
| Turning circle (kerb-to-kerb) | About 12.4 m (40.8 ft), cab/tyre dependent |
Payload sits roughly in the 1,100–1,400 lb range depending on trim and options. Tow ratings vary, but properly equipped RWD V6 Tacomas can tow up to about 6,800 lb under SAE J2807, depending on configuration and tow package fitment.
Brakes, Suspension, and Tyres
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Front suspension | Double wishbone / coil spring / stabiliser bar |
| Rear suspension | Leaf springs with live axle |
| Steering | Rack-and-pinion, power assisted |
| Brakes (front) | Ventilated discs |
| Brakes (rear) | Drums on most trims |
| Typical tyre sizes | 245/75 R16 or 265/65 R17 depending on trim |
The combination of a boxed frame and leaf-sprung live axle is conservative but proven. It favours durability and payload over ultimate ride comfort, which matters to buyers using the truck for hauling or light commercial purposes.
RWD V6 Trims and Safety
For 2016–2019, the V6 RWD Tacoma was offered across multiple trims in North America, including SR, SR5, TRD Sport, and Limited. TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro were typically associated with 4×4 models, though local markets and special orders may differ.
Trims and equipment patterns
- SR V6 RWD
Basic work truck specification with cloth interior, simpler audio, and fewer cosmetic extras. It can still be optioned with useful packages (tow package, upgraded infotainment), making it popular with fleets and budget-conscious buyers. - SR5 V6 RWD
Adds more comfort and convenience: alloy wheels, additional storage and trim features, and a more feature-rich head unit, depending on year. This trim is often the most balanced in terms of price, equipment, and resale desirability. - TRD Sport V6 RWD
Focuses on on-road handling and style rather than off-road capability: firmer suspension tuning, larger wheels/tyres, hood scoop, and sport-themed interior touches. For a rear-drive truck used mostly in town or on highway, this trim feels the most “car-like” in its road manners. - Limited V6 RWD
Luxury-focused: leather or leatherette seats, premium audio, more chrome and body-coloured trim, and a higher level of standard technology. It is aimed at buyers using the Tacoma as a daily driver with occasional light towing.
Within each trim, equipment changed slightly by year—infotainment features evolved, option packages were adjusted, and Toyota Safety Sense rolled in and expanded. When shopping, it is worth decoding the VIN or checking the build sheet to verify tow package presence, axle ratio, and key options such as proximity key or upgraded audio.
Safety ratings
In crash testing, the 2016–2019 Tacoma performed well overall for a body-on-frame mid-size pickup. Double Cab models tested by major safety organisations received strong scores in most core crashworthiness categories (small overlap, moderate overlap, side, roof strength, and head restraints). Headlight performance was a weaker point, with some trims receiving lower headlight ratings.
Frontal airbag, side airbag, and curtain airbag coverage is comprehensive, and Tacoma’s structure is engineered to manage crash loads typical for its class. Rear-seat child-seat installation uses LATCH anchors that are workable but not class-leading.
Safety systems and driver assistance
Depending on year and trim, the Tacoma RWD V6 typically offers:
- Stability and traction control with roll-sensing functionality.
- Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.
- Rear-view camera as standard in later years.
- Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), which may include:
- Pre-collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
- Lane departure alert.
- Automatic high beams.
- Adaptive cruise control on some higher trims.
These systems may require calibration after windshield replacement, collision repair, or suspension geometry changes. Any used example with body repair history should be checked to confirm that ADAS calibration procedures were completed and documented.
Reliability of 3.5 RWD Tacoma
The Tacoma nameplate has a strong reputation for durability, and the 3.5 RWD N300 generally follows that pattern. However, there are some generation-specific points to know, especially around the V6 engine, 6-speed automatic, and frame-related components.
Powertrain reliability
The 2GR-FKS belongs to a V6 family widely used by Toyota and Lexus, known for robust bottom ends and long-lived timing chains. In the Tacoma, the dual-injection system and Atkinson-capable valve timing introduce some complexity, but serious internal engine failures are rare when oil is changed with the correct viscosity and specification.
Key engine-related points:
- Crankshaft timing rotor / crank position sensor recall
Certain 2016–2017 V6 Tacomas were subject to a safety recall for a crankshaft timing rotor with excessive anti-corrosion coating. This could cause the crankshaft position sensor to malfunction, leading to rough running, misfire, or stalling. The fix is replacement of the sensor (and where required related components) with improved parts. Any 2016–2017 truck should be checked by VIN to confirm recall completion. - Oil quality and consumption
The 2GR-FKS is generally not known for chronic oil consumption, but extended intervals with low-quality oil can lead to varnish and sludge, especially with significant idling or towing. A used truck with full oil-change history, ideally using 0W-20 as specified, is a safer bet. - Cooling system
Water pump seepage can show up as a mild coolant smell or crusting around the pump housing as miles accumulate. It is typically a medium-cost repair if caught early.
Transmission and driveline
The 6-speed automatic paired to the RWD V6 can feel busy and “gear-hunty” in stock calibration, as Toyota prioritised economy. Owners occasionally report:
- Hesitation or delayed downshifts when demanding power.
- Frequent shifting in rolling terrain at highway speeds.
These are usually calibration traits rather than hardware failures. Updated software flashes in some markets improved shift logic, and a test drive should focus on how the transmission behaves in your typical conditions (urban, hilly, towing).
Driveline issues to watch for:
- Driveshaft vibration or clunk on take-off or during transitions from drive to reverse, often due to wear in joints or slip yokes.
- Rear leaf spring noise or sag in heavily used trucks; repeated overloading accelerates wear.
Neither issue is Tacoma-specific, but the truck’s strong resale value means some examples may have led hard lives in fleets or construction without obvious external clues.
Chassis, body, and corrosion
Toyota improved corrosion protection for the N300 generation compared with earlier frames, but these are still body-on-frame pickups and susceptible to rust in harsh climates. Common areas include:
- Frame rails near rear leaf-spring mounts.
- Cross-members and spare-wheel carriers.
- Rocker panels and cab corners, especially on trucks that see winter road salt.
Rust progression depends heavily on region, undercoating, and wash habits. A proper pre-purchase inspection on a hoist is strongly recommended in snow-belt regions.
Electronics and minor issues
Electronics on this generation are relatively straightforward. Reported issues can include:
- Infotainment glitches requiring software updates or head unit replacement.
- Occasional sensor faults (oxygen sensors, evap system components) with age.
- Faulty or dirty wheel-speed sensors triggering ABS and traction control lights.
Most of these are low to medium cost to repair and not systemic design flaws.
Maintenance Plan and Buying Guide
A clear maintenance plan is key to keeping a Tacoma RWD V6 reliable beyond 200,000 km. Below is a practical outline; always cross-check with the official maintenance schedule for your market and VIN.
Core maintenance intervals (general guidance)
- Engine oil and filter
Change every 10,000 km or 6 months with 0W-20 full synthetic. Consider 5,000–8,000 km intervals if you tow, drive in heavy traffic, or make frequent short trips. - Engine air filter
Inspect every 15,000 km; replace around 30,000–40,000 km, sooner in dusty regions. - Cabin filter
Replace every 20,000–25,000 km or once a year. - Spark plugs
Iridium plugs are commonly specified around 160,000 km; replacing slightly earlier can be useful in severe service. - Coolant
First change around 160,000 km or 10 years, then at shorter intervals thereafter, depending on the coolant type. - Brake fluid
Replace every 2–3 years regardless of mileage. - Automatic transmission fluid
Some documentation calls it “lifetime”, but a drain-and-fill every 60,000–80,000 km is prudent for long-term ownership, especially if towing or driving in hot environments. - Differential oil (rear axle)
Replace every 60,000–80,000 km under mixed use; more frequent changes if towing or hauling often. - Serpentine belt and hoses
Inspect from 80,000 km onwards; replace when cracking, glazing, or swelling appears. - Alignment and tyre rotation
Rotate tyres every 10,000–12,000 km. Check alignment yearly or after any major impact, suspension work, or tyre replacement. - 12V battery
Test annually after 4–5 years; replacement is common around 5–7 years depending on climate.
Torque-critical items such as wheel nuts, driveshaft flange bolts, and major suspension fasteners should always be tightened to specification after any work or major off-road events.
Fluids and capacities (typical)
Always verify for your specific truck:
- Engine oil capacity: roughly 6 litres including filter, 0W-20 meeting Toyota’s specification.
- Coolant: Toyota Super Long Life coolant (pink) premix or correct concentrate mixture.
- ATF: Toyota WS (World Standard) fluid or equivalent meeting the same specification.
- Differential: gear oil meeting GL-5, typically 75W-85 or 75W-90 depending on climate.
Buyer’s checklist for a used Tacoma 3.5 RWD
When assessing a used example:
- Service history
- Look for regular oil changes with correct grade and intervals.
- Confirm coolant, ATF, and differential fluids have been changed at least once on higher-mileage trucks.
- Recall and TSB status
- Run the VIN through the official recall lookup for your region to confirm the crankshaft position sensor recall and any other campaigns are completed.
- Frame and underbody
- Put the truck on a lift; inspect frame rails, spring mounts, cross-members, and brake lines for corrosion.
- Check for evidence of thick undercoating that might be hiding rust.
- Driveline and suspension
- Listen and feel for clunks in the driveshaft during gear changes.
- Look for uneven tyre wear, wandering steering, or excessive play in ball joints and bushings.
- Towing history
- Signs such as aftermarket brake controllers, heavy-duty hitches, or discoloured ATF suggest regular towing. That is not a deal-breaker if fluids were changed, but it increases the importance of a detailed inspection.
- Interior and electronics
- Test all electronics, especially infotainment, cameras, and safety systems.
- Verify that airbag and warning lights illuminate on key-on and then extinguish correctly after start.
Well-maintained trucks command higher prices, but the premium is justified by reduced risk of expensive catch-up maintenance.
Driving Feel and Performance
On the road, the Tacoma 3.5 RWD feels distinctly “truck-like” but well controlled for its class. The combination of a ladder frame, leaf-sprung rear axle, and relatively tall ride height means it will never ride like a crossover, but this generation is more civilised than its predecessor.
Ride, handling, and NVH
Unladen, the rear suspension can feel firm and occasionally choppy over sharp bumps, especially with larger wheel and tyre packages. Adding 150–250 kg of cargo in the bed usually smooths the ride noticeably. Road and wind noise are moderate; the cab is quieter than the previous generation, though not as hushed as some full-size pickups.
Steering is light at parking speeds and weights up reasonably on the highway. The truck tracks straight without constant correction when alignment and tyres are in good condition. Body roll is present but predictable in corners; you are always aware you are in a tall, relatively narrow truck, but grip is adequate on decent all-season tyres.
Braking performance is solid for everyday use, with firm pedal feel and effective ABS tuning. Under emergency stops with a load in the bed, nose dive is present but controlled, and the truck remains stable if tyres and brake components are in good shape.
Powertrain character
The 2GR-FKS V6 is smooth and willing to rev. It does its best work above about 3,000 rpm, where the engine pulls strongly and the Tacoma accelerates with confidence for passing and on-ramp merges.
Common driving impressions:
- Low-rpm performance is adequate but not diesel-like; you may need more throttle than expected when towing or climbing at low speed.
- The 6-speed automatic sometimes hunts between gears on gentle inclines, prioritising fuel economy. Using “S” mode to limit top gear or selecting a lower fixed gear when towing improves feel and temperature control.
- Once settled in top gear at highway speed, the powertrain is relaxed, with modest engine noise and low vibration.
In independent testing and typical owner experience, 0–100 km/h times in the mid-7 to 8-second range are common for a 2WD V6 Tacoma, depending on configuration and load. Braking performance from 100–0 km/h is competitive for a mid-size pickup, especially with fresh pads and quality tyres.
Real-world efficiency and towing behaviour
Day-to-day fuel economy depends heavily on use:
- City commuting with light throttle: mid-teens mpg (around 14–16 L/100 km).
- Mixed driving: high-teens to low-20s mpg (around 11–13 L/100 km).
- Steady 110–120 km/h highway cruising with no load: roughly 10–11 L/100 km is realistic for many owners.
Under moderate towing (for example, 1,800–2,300 kg), anticipate a fuel-consumption penalty of 25–40%, depending on terrain and trailer aerodynamics. Transmission temperatures remain manageable if the factory tow package and cooling are intact, but heavy, long-grade towing should be done in a lower gear to reduce hunting and heat buildup.
Traction in wet or loose conditions is more limited than in 4×4 models. With an empty bed, RWD Tacomas can spin the inside rear tyre on slippery surfaces when driven aggressively. Good all-season or all-terrain tyres and using the Auto LSD function help, and adding weight over the rear axle improves traction, but this is not a snow-country truck without careful tyre and ballast choices.
Tacoma 3.5 RWD versus Rivals
When comparing the 2016–2019 Tacoma 3.5 RWD with other mid-size pickups, it is helpful to focus on use case: daily driving, occasional towing, and long-term ownership.
Against Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon V6
The GM twins offer a smooth V6 and, in some trims, more refined on-road manners, along with higher tow ratings in certain configurations. Their interiors can feel more car-like, and pricing may be keener on the used market.
However, the Tacoma tends to maintain higher resale values, and many owners view Toyota’s 3.5 V6 and frame hardware as safer long-term bets for high-mileage use. Parts availability and aftermarket support are very strong for the Tacoma, which is helpful if you plan to modify or keep the truck for a decade or more.
Against Nissan Frontier (previous generation)
The older Frontier V6 is robust but feels dated in cabin design and safety tech. Its powertrain is simpler and proven, yet fuel economy and refinement trail the Tacoma. Safety and driver-assistance technology are limited compared with a Tacoma equipped with Toyota Safety Sense.
On price alone, a Frontier may be cheaper to buy used, but for buyers prioritising modern safety systems, resale value, and a broader aftermarket, the Tacoma usually comes out ahead.
Against Honda Ridgeline
The Ridgeline is a unibody truck with a transverse V6 and independent rear suspension. In its front-drive or all-wheel drive forms, it drives more like a crossover: smoother ride, tighter handling, better efficiency in many conditions, and a more car-like interior. Bed features such as the in-bed trunk are unique advantages.
Yet for traditional truck users, the Tacoma’s ladder frame, higher ground clearance, and conventional truck packaging inspire more confidence for repeated hauling, rough roads, and modifications such as lift kits or heavy-duty bumpers. If you spend most of your time on paved roads and want car-like behaviour, the Ridgeline is compelling; if you value ruggedness and tuning flexibility, the Tacoma remains the preferred choice.
Overall positioning
The Tacoma 3.5 RWD is not the most refined or the cheapest mid-size pickup, but it offers:
- A strong reliability reputation and high retained value.
- Honest truck capability without overcomplication.
- A vast ecosystem of parts, accessories, and community knowledge.
For buyers who do not need 4×4 but want a durable, mid-size V6 truck that can be kept for many years, the 2016–2019 Tacoma RWD with the 2GR-FKS engine is a very sensible and well-balanced choice.
References
- 2017 Tacoma – Owners’s Manual 2017 (Owner’s Manual)
- Fuel Economy of the 2017 Toyota Tacoma 2WD 2017 (Fuel Economy Data)
- 2019 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab pickup 2019 (Safety Rating)
- Part 573 Safety Recall Report 17V-356 2017 (Recall Database)
- Toyota Recalls Certain Model Year 2016 Tacoma Vehicles 2017 (Recall Information)
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional diagnosis, repair, or official service information. Specifications, torque values, maintenance intervals, and procedures can vary by VIN, model year, market, and equipment level. Always confirm details against the official owner’s manual, service manual, and technical service bulletins for your specific vehicle, and consult a qualified technician before performing any work.
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