The 2017 Tacoma Access Cab layout and seating

The 2017 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab is a mid-size pickup truck with a smaller rear door that opens at a wider angle than a standard door, making it easier to climb into the back seat. The rear doors are hinged at the back of the cab rather than the front, which means they open backward. This design gives you a functional back seat without the length penalty of a full four-door crew cab.

The Access Cab seats five people total: two in front and three in back, though the middle rear seat is narrower than the two outer seats. The back seat has less legroom than a crew cab would offer, but more than a regular cab. If you regularly carry passengers, this middle ground works well for short trips or occasional use.

Key Takeaways

  • The Access Cab has rear doors that open backward and provide access to a functional back seat, making it easier to get in and out than a regular cab.
  • Engine options for 2017 include a 2.7-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6, with the V6 offering more power and towing capacity.
  • The truck bed is shorter than on crew cab models—either 5 feet or 5.5 feet long—because the cab takes up more space.
  • Trim levels range from base SR to higher-end Limited, with differences in features like air conditioning, power windows, and interior materials.
  • Fuel economy varies by engine choice and drivetrain, with four-cylinder models generally getting better mileage than V6 models.

Engine choices and what they mean for performance

The 2017 Tacoma Access Cab came with two engine options. The base engine is a 2.7-liter four-cylinder that produces 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. This engine is fuel-efficient and adequate for light to moderate hauling and towing, though it feels less powerful when the truck is fully loaded or when you need to merge quickly on a highway.

The optional 3.5-liter V6 produces 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, a significant jump in power. The V6 handles heavier loads better and tows up to 6,800 pounds when properly equipped, compared to 3,500 pounds for the four-cylinder. The trade-off is lower fuel economy—the V6 uses noticeably more gas, especially in city driving.

Both engines pair with a five-speed automatic transmission. Neither engine option came with a manual transmission in 2017, which differs from some earlier Tacoma model years.

Bed length and cargo space

Because the Access Cab body is longer than a regular cab, the truck bed is shorter to keep the overall truck length manageable. You get either a 5-foot bed or a 5.5-foot bed, depending on the model you choose. A crew cab Tacoma, by contrast, comes with a 5.5-foot bed as its longest option.

The shorter bed affects what you can carry. A standard sheet of plywood (4 feet by 8 feet) will not fit flat in a 5-foot bed without hanging over the tailgate. For construction work, landscaping, or hauling long materials, this is a real limitation. If you need to carry full-size sheets regularly, the 5.5-foot bed is the better choice, though even that is tight.

Trim levels and standard features

The 2017 Access Cab came in several trim levels: SR, SR5, TRD Off-Road, and Limited. Each step up adds comfort and convenience features rather than mechanical changes.

The SR is the base model with manual windows, manual locks, and a basic interior. The SR5 adds power windows, power locks, air conditioning, and a more comfortable interior. The TRD Off-Road trim includes all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a locking rear differential for better traction on rough ground. The Limited is the top trim, with leather seats, a power moonroof, and premium interior materials.

All trims include a backup camera and Bluetooth audio connectivity as standard, which were relatively new features for trucks in 2017. Higher trims add features like a touchscreen display, satellite radio, and heated seats.

Drivetrain options and fuel economy

You can choose between two-wheel drive (rear wheels only) or four-wheel drive (all four wheels). Two-wheel drive is lighter and gets better fuel economy, making it a good choice if you mostly drive on paved roads. Four-wheel drive costs more upfront and uses more fuel, but gives you traction in snow, mud, and off-road conditions.

Fuel economy depends on which engine and drivetrain you have. The four-cylinder with two-wheel drive gets around 21 miles per gallon on the highway and 18 in the city. The four-cylinder with four-wheel drive drops to about 20 highway and 17 city. The V6 gets roughly 19 highway and 16 city with two-wheel drive, and 18 highway and 15 city with four-wheel drive. These are EPA estimates; real-world mileage varies based on driving habits and conditions.

Towing and payload capacity

Towing capacity—how much weight you can pull behind the truck—depends on your engine and whether you have the towing package installed. The four-cylinder can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the package. The V6 can tow up to 6,800 pounds, more than double the four-cylinder's capacity. If you plan to tow a trailer regularly, the V6 is the more practical choice.

Payload capacity—how much weight you can carry in the bed—is around 1,200 to 1,400 pounds depending on the specific configuration. This is the weight of cargo plus passengers, so if you have three people in the cab, you have less payload capacity left for cargo. Check your truck's door jamb sticker for the exact number for your model.

Common maintenance and reliability notes

The 2017 Tacoma is known for reliability, and both engine options have proven track records in Toyota trucks. The four-cylinder engine in particular has a reputation for lasting well past 200,000 miles with regular maintenance. The V6 is also durable, though it requires more frequent oil changes and uses more fuel.

Routine maintenance includes oil changes every 10,000 miles, tire rotations, and brake inspections. The transmission fluid should be checked regularly, though Toyota does not specify a drain interval for the five-speed automatic in this generation. Rust can be an issue in areas with heavy salt use, so washing the undercarriage in winter helps extend the truck's life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fit a full-size pallet in the bed?

A standard pallet is 48 inches by 40 inches, which fits in either the 5-foot or 5.5-foot bed. However, if you need to stack pallets or carry items that extend beyond the pallet dimensions, the 5-foot bed becomes tight quickly. The 5.5-foot bed gives you more flexibility.

Is the back seat comfortable for long trips?

The back seat works for short trips or occasional passengers, but it is not designed for comfort on long drives. Legroom is limited, and the middle seat is narrower than the outer two. If you regularly carry passengers on long trips, a crew cab would be more comfortable.

How much does the V6 cost compared to the four-cylinder?

The V6 engine option typically added $1,500 to $2,000 to the purchase price in 2017, depending on the trim level. Used prices vary widely based on mileage and condition, so check current listings in your area for accurate pricing.

What is the difference between the TRD Off-Road and other trims?

The TRD Off-Road trim adds all-terrain tires, skid plates to protect the undercarriage, a locking rear differential for better traction, and electronic locking front hubs. These features make it better suited for unpaved terrain, but they also increase the price and slightly reduce fuel economy.

Does the 2017 Access Cab have a backup camera?

Yes, all 2017 Tacoma models, including the Access Cab, came standard with a backup camera and display. This was a significant safety addition for that model year and makes parking and reversing easier, especially given the truck's size.