What Is a 3rd Gen Tacoma? | Generation Guide

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A 3rd gen Tacoma is the 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma, the third-generation midsize pickup that preceded today’s 2024+ model.

If you’re shopping used trucks or browsing forums, “3rd gen” gets thrown around constantly, and the label matters more than you’d think. The third-generation Tacoma, sold in the U.S. for model years 2016 through 2023, is a completely different truck than the current model on dealer lots today. Toyota unveiled this generation in January 2015, with U.S. sales beginning September 10, 2015.

The confusion is understandable, because the current Tacoma is actually the fourth generation. Toyota redesigned the truck for the 2024 model year, which means a 3rd gen and a 4th gen share almost nothing under the skin. Here’s what separates them — and why the distinction matters for buyers and owners.

The Third Generation: What Defines A 3rd Gen Tacoma

The 3rd gen Tacoma is defined by its powertrains, platform, and interior. Toyota dropped the outgoing 4.0L V6 and introduced a 3.5L V6 for this generation, paired with either a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. A 2.7L inline-4 remained the base engine.

That combination gave the 3rd gen a distinctly different character from both its predecessor and the truck that replaced it.

How Does It Differ From The Current Model?

The difference between a 3rd gen and today’s Tacoma comes down to one word: redesign. Toyota’s current Tacoma page shows the present model is a 2024+ redesign powered by 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engines — a major shift away from the 3rd gen’s naturally aspirated 3.5L V6.

Hybrid versions use Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX system. The current lineup also brings standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 across every 2026 Tacoma.

None of that applies to a 3rd gen Tacoma, which is precisely why the label matters when you’re reading specs, browsing parts, or comparing trucks.

Why The Generation Label Matters To Buyers

Shopping for a Tacoma without knowing the generation is a recipe for confusion. The 3rd gen Tacoma commands a strong used-market following precisely because it’s the last generation with the naturally aspirated V6 — a configuration many Toyota enthusiasts prefer over the new turbocharged engines. But that popularity comes with trade-offs.

Third-gen parts, accessories, and spec references will not carry over to 2024+ Tacomas, because the truck was fully redesigned. Before buying accessories for a 3rd gen Tacoma, you should confirm what will actually fit your truck’s model year — our top 3rd gen Tacoma accessory picks can help you sort through what’s worth adding.

The safest way to verify exactly what a specific truck includes is to check the VIN against Toyota’s official specifications. Toyota’s own Tacoma model page covers the current generation, while used-market listings for 2016–2023 trucks will carry the third-generation specs.

FAQs

What years are considered third-generation Tacomas?

The third-generation Toyota Tacoma covers model years 2016 through 2023. Toyota unveiled the generation in January 2015 and U.S. sales began in September 2015, so early examples were sold as 2016 models. The 2024 model year marked the start of the fourth-generation Tacoma.

What engine does the 3rd gen Tacoma have?

The 3rd gen Tacoma came with two engine choices: a base 2.7L inline-4 and a 3.5L V6 that replaced the outgoing 4.0L V6. The V6 paired with either a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission, depending on trim and configuration.

Is the 3rd gen Tacoma the current model?

No. The 3rd gen Tacoma covers the 2016–2023 model years, and Toyota fully redesigned the truck for 2024. Today’s Tacoma is the fourth generation, powered by a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with hybrid options available on higher trims.

References & Sources

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