The 2016 Tacoma Access Cab layout and seating

The 2016 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab is a mid-size pickup with a smaller rear door that opens at a wider angle than a standard door, giving easier access to the back seat. The rear doors are hinged at the back of the front doors rather than at the frame, which means they open only when the front doors are open first. This design trades rear legroom for a shorter overall truck length compared to the Double Cab model.

The Access Cab seats five people: two in front and three in back, though the middle rear seat is narrower and less comfortable for long trips. The back seat is genuinely tight for adults, making it better suited for children or occasional use. If you regularly carry passengers in the rear, the Double Cab or CrewMax models offer more space and comfort.

Key Takeaways

  • The Access Cab has smaller rear doors that open wider than standard doors but only when the front doors are open first.
  • Rear legroom is limited compared to the Double Cab, making the back seat best for children or short trips.
  • The 2016 model came with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder or 3.5-liter V6 engine, both paired to a five-speed automatic transmission.
  • Bed length options were 5 feet or 5.5 feet, making the overall truck length shorter than Double Cab versions.
  • Standard safety features included stability control and airbags, but the 2016 model predates many modern driver-information systems now common on newer trucks.

Engine and transmission choices for 2016

The 2016 Tacoma Access Cab came with two engine options. The base engine was a 2.7-liter four-cylinder producing 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. The optional upgrade was a 3.5-liter V6 producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired to a five-speed automatic transmission with no manual option that year.

The four-cylinder is adequate for light towing and everyday driving but noticeably slower when loaded or merging on highways. The V6 is considerably more capable for towing and hauling, though it uses more fuel. Real-world fuel economy for the four-cylinder ranges from 18 to 22 miles per gallon depending on driving conditions, while the V6 typically sees 16 to 20 miles per gallon.

Bed length and cargo capacity

The 2016 Access Cab came with either a 5-foot or 5.5-foot bed. The 5-foot bed is more maneuverable in tight spaces and parking lots, while the 5.5-foot bed offers more cargo room without significantly increasing the truck's overall length compared to a Double Cab with a longer bed. Payload capacity was around 1,200 to 1,500 pounds depending on engine choice and configuration.

Towing capacity ranged from 3,500 pounds with the four-cylinder to 6,400 pounds with the V6, though actual capability depends on the specific equipment and load distribution. If you plan to tow regularly, the V6 is the more practical choice, and you should verify the exact rating for your intended use.

Trim levels and standard features

The 2016 Access Cab was offered in SR, SR5, and Limited trim levels. The SR was the base model with manual windows, a basic audio system, and cloth seats. The SR5 added air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, and an upgraded audio system. The Limited trim included leather seats, heated front seats, a power moonroof, and additional interior trim upgrades.

All 2016 models came standard with stability control, anti-lock brakes, and multiple airbags. However, the 2016 model year predates many modern safety systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping information, and blind-spot monitoring that became more common on Tacomas in later years. If those features matter to you, a newer model year will have more options.

Differences between Access Cab and other 2016 Tacoma body styles

Toyota offered three body styles for the 2016 Tacoma: the Access Cab, the Double Cab, and the CrewMax. The Access Cab is the shortest overall, making it easier to park and maneuver. The Double Cab has full-size rear doors and more rear legroom but is slightly longer. The CrewMax is the longest, with the most rear space and comfort, but it comes only with a 5-foot bed.

If you need to carry passengers regularly, the Double Cab or CrewMax will be more comfortable. If you prioritize a shorter truck length and rarely use the back seat, the Access Cab makes sense. The choice depends on how you actually use the truck, not on which sounds best in theory.

What to check when looking at a used 2016 Access Cab

The 2016 Tacoma is now eight years old, so condition varies widely. Check the truck bed for rust, especially along the bottom edges and corners where water collects. Look at the undercarriage for rust on the frame and suspension components, which is common in trucks exposed to road salt. Test all windows, locks, and the moonroof if equipped, as these are common repair items.

Have a mechanic inspect the transmission fluid condition and listen for any grinding or hesitation during shifts. Check the engine for oil leaks around the valve cover gaskets, which can develop over time. Verify that the four-wheel-drive system engages smoothly if equipped. Ask for service records showing regular oil changes and maintenance, which is a good sign the previous owner cared for the truck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fit a full-size pallet in the 5-foot bed?

A standard pallet is 48 inches wide and 40 inches deep. A 5-foot bed is 60 inches long, so a pallet fits lengthwise with room to spare. However, the bed width is about 60 inches inside, so a pallet fits but leaves little room on the sides for securing it properly. A 5.5-foot bed gives you more flexibility for securing cargo.

Is the 2016 Access Cab good for towing a small trailer?

The four-cylinder can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which covers small utility trailers and lightweight boat trailers. The V6 can tow 6,400 pounds, which opens up larger trailers and campers. Either engine can handle light towing, but verify the exact rating for your specific trailer and load before committing.

How much more fuel does the V6 use compared to the four-cylinder?

Real-world differences are typically 2 to 4 miles per gallon lower with the V6, depending on driving conditions. Over a year of typical driving, that could add $400 to $800 in fuel costs, so factor that into your decision if fuel economy matters to your budget.

Are the rear doors on an Access Cab a problem for safety?

The rear doors open wider than standard doors, which actually makes child safety seat installation easier. The main limitation is that the doors cannot open independently of the front doors, so passengers in back cannot exit if the front doors are locked or blocked. This is a design trade-off, not a safety defect.

What is the difference between 4x4 and 4x2 on a 2016 Tacoma?

A 4x4 has four-wheel drive, which sends power to all four wheels and improves traction in snow, mud, and off-road conditions. A 4x2 has two-wheel drive and sends power only to the rear wheels. Four-wheel drive costs more upfront and uses slightly more fuel, but it is worth the cost if you drive in snow regularly or on unpaved roads.