The 4th gen Tacoma changed nearly every fluid spec that 3rd gen owners had memorized. The engine takes less oil than the V6, the 8-speed holds twice the fluid of the old 6-speed, the transfer case moved to a thin 75W oil, and the diffs took Toyota's 75W-85. This page lists every capacity and fluid type from Toyota's own manual so you buy the right amount of the right stuff.
Where this comes from. Toyota's 2025 Tacoma owner's manual (OM04011U) and 2026 owner's manual (OM04051U), "Specifications" chapter. Both cover the gasoline i-FORCE truck with the automatic or manual transmission. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid has a separate manual; its engine, transmission and axle fluids are the same types, but confirm its capacities (and the inverter coolant) in the hybrid manual. Toyota calls each capacity a "reference quantity": fill to the mark or the fill-plug level, not to the number.
Every Fluid in One Table
| SYSTEM | CAPACITY | TOYOTA SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil, with filter | 5.9 qt (5.6 L) | SAE 0W-20, ILSAC GF-6A ("Toyota Genuine Motor Oil" or equivalent) |
| Engine oil, without filter | 5.6 qt (5.3 L) | Same |
| Engine and intercooler coolant | 12.6 qt (11.9 L) on model codes TZNA41L-PRZSTA, TZNA41L-CRZSTA, TZNA46L-PRZSTA and TZNA46L-CRZSTA; 12.8 qt (12.1 L) on all others | Toyota Super Long Life Coolant, or a non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, non-borate ethylene glycol coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid technology |
| Automatic transmission (8-speed) | 12.2 qt (11.5 L) total fill | Toyota Genuine ATF WS only |
| Manual transmission (6-speed) | 2.6 qt (2.5 L) | Toyota Genuine Manual Transmission Gear Oil GL-3 (GL-4) or equivalent, SAE 75W-90 |
| Clutch hydraulics | Top up to the mark | FMVSS 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703; free play 0.2–0.6 in |
| Transfer case (4WD) | 1.2 qt (1.1 L) | Toyota Genuine Transfer Gear Oil LF, SAE 75W |
| Front differential (4WD) | 1.4 qt (1.3 L) | Toyota Genuine Differential Gear Oil LT 75W-85 GL-5 |
| Rear differential | 4.8 qt (4.5 L); 5.0 qt (4.8 L) on manual-transmission TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road | Toyota Genuine Differential Gear Oil LT 75W-85 GL-5 |
| Brake fluid | Top up to the mark | FMVSS 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 (DOT 4 / SAE J1704 also listed) |
| Fuel | 18.2 gal (69 L) | Unleaded, 87 octane (RON 91) or higher |
Engine Oil: 5.9 Quarts of 0W-20
The T24A-FTS turbo four takes 5.9 qt with a new filter. Two 4-quart jugs cover it with a little left for top-ups. Toyota's manual allows 5W-20 once if 0W-20 is not available, with a return to 0W-20 at the next change. Check the level with the truck on level ground, about 8 minutes after shutting off a warm engine, and keep it between the low mark and the refill upper limit. The interval is 10,000 miles or 12 months under normal use and 5,000 under dusty, short-trip or towing conditions; the full schedule is in our 4th gen maintenance checklist.
Coolant: Two Capacities, One Type
Toyota lists two cooling system capacities for the gas truck and ties them to the model code on the certification label: 12.6 qt for TZNA41L-PRZSTA, TZNA41L-CRZSTA, TZNA46L-PRZSTA and TZNA46L-CRZSTA, and 12.8 qt for the rest. The TZNA41/TZNA46 codes are the lower-output SR models, so the 0.2 qt difference tracks the engine calibration and hardware differences between the SR and the 278 hp trucks. Either way, the fluid is Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (the pink 50/50 premix) or an equivalent meeting the same chemistry. The intercooler shares the circuit. Toyota's schedule changes it at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Do not use plain water.
Transmission: ATF WS and 12.2 Quarts
The 8-speed automatic holds 12.2 qt of Toyota Genuine ATF WS, and Toyota's notice is blunt: other fluids can cause noise, vibration or damage. Like other Toyota WS transmissions, there is no dipstick; the level is set with the fluid at a specified temperature through a check plug, so a drain-and-fill replaces only part of the 12.2 qt. The manual transmission takes 2.6 qt of 75W-90 GL-3 (GL-4) gear oil, and Toyota notes that oil choice can change idle sound and shift feel.
Transfer Case and Differentials
- Transfer case: 1.2 qt of Toyota Transfer Gear Oil LF, SAE 75W (part 08885-81080). This is a thin, specific oil; do not substitute 75W-90.
- Front differential: 1.4 qt of Differential Gear Oil LT 75W-85 GL-5 (part 08885-02506).
- Rear differential: 4.8 qt of the same 75W-85, or 5.0 qt on manual-transmission TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road trucks.
All three fill from a side plug: pump oil in until it runs back out of the fill hole with the truck level. Under towing or dirt-road use, Toyota's schedule replaces the differential oil every 15,000 miles and the transfer case oil every 30,000.
Ignition, Brakes, Tires
- Spark plugs: NGK DILZKAR8E7H iridium, gap 0.027 in (0.7 mm), do not re-gap; replaced every 40,000 miles.
- Battery: 12.3 V or higher open-circuit at 68°F after 30 seconds of high beams; slow charge 5 A maximum.
- Brake pad wear limit: 0.04 in (1.0 mm). Pedal free play 0.04–0.24 in.
- Tire pressures (cold): 35 psi on 245/70R17; 30 psi on 265/70R17; 32 psi on 265/65R18; compact spare 60 psi. Check your door placard; the hybrid trims differ.
- Lug nut torque: 97 ft-lb (131 N·m) on aluminum wheels, 154 ft-lb (209 N·m) on steel wheels. Re-check after the first 1,000 miles on aluminum wheels.
What Changed From the 3rd Gen
| FLUID | 3RD GEN (3.5L V6) | 4TH GEN (2.4L TURBO) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil | 6.1–6.2 qt 0W-20 | 5.9 qt 0W-20 |
| Automatic transmission | 6-speed, ATF WS | 8-speed, 12.2 qt ATF WS |
| Transfer case | 75W-85 GL-5 (LT) | 75W LF |
| Rear differential | 75W-85 GL-5 (LT) | 75W-85 GL-5 (LT); 5.0 qt on manual TRD |
| Spark plug interval | 60,000 mi | 40,000 mi |
| Fuel tank | 21.1 gal | 18.2 gal |
The 3rd gen numbers are from our Tacoma fluid capacities guide (2005–2024).
Links below are affiliate links: toyotadata earns a commission from VEVOR and, as an Amazon Associate, from qualifying Amazon purchases, at no extra cost to you. Confirm fitment for your exact truck before you order.
| ITEM | USED FOR | BUY |
|---|---|---|
| Genuine Toyota 0W-20 motor oil, 4 qt | Oil changes (5.9 qt with filter) | Shop on Amazon |
| Toyota Super Long Life Coolant, 50/50 premix | Engine and intercooler coolant | Shop on Amazon |
| Genuine Toyota ATF WS, 1 qt | 8-speed automatic | Shop on Amazon |
| Toyota LT 75W-85 GL-5 gear oil (08885-02506) | Front and rear differentials | Shop on Amazon |
| Toyota Transfer Gear Oil LF 75W (08885-81080) | Transfer case | Shop on Amazon |
| Genuine Toyota DOT 3 brake fluid | Brake and clutch fluid | Shop on Amazon |
| NGK DILZKAR8E7H iridium spark plugs | 40,000-mile plug change | Shop on Amazon |
| ATF fill pump with transmission adapters, 8 L | Filling the diffs, transfer case and transmission through the fill plugs | Shop at VEVOR |
| Vacuum coolant refill kit | Coolant change without air pockets | Shop at VEVOR |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much oil does a 2024 Tacoma take?
5.9 quarts (5.6 L) with a new filter, or 5.6 quarts without, SAE 0W-20 ILSAC GF-6A, per Toyota's owner's manual.
What transmission fluid does the 4th gen Tacoma use?
Toyota Genuine ATF WS only. The 8-speed automatic holds 12.2 quarts total. The 6-speed manual takes 2.6 quarts of 75W-90 GL-3 (GL-4) gear oil.
What gear oil goes in the 2024 Tacoma differentials?
Toyota Differential Gear Oil LT 75W-85 GL-5: 1.4 qt in the front diff and 4.8 qt in the rear (5.0 qt on manual-transmission TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road trucks).
What is the 4th gen Tacoma transfer case fluid?
Toyota Transfer Gear Oil LF, SAE 75W, 1.2 quarts. It is a different, thinner oil than the 75W-85 used in the differentials.
What spark plugs does the 2.4L turbo Tacoma use?
NGK DILZKAR8E7H iridium plugs gapped at 0.027 in (0.7 mm). Toyota says not to adjust the gap and replaces them every 40,000 miles.
What is the lug nut torque on a 2024 Tacoma?
97 ft-lb (131 N·m) on aluminum wheels and 154 ft-lb (209 N·m) on steel wheels, per the owner's manual.
Related Tacoma Guides
- 4th Gen Tacoma Maintenance Schedule and Checklist
- Tacoma Fluid Capacities and Types (2005–2024)
- 4th Gen Tacoma MPG and Range
- The Toyota Truck Home Garage Tool List
Sources: Toyota 2025 Tacoma Owner's Manual (OM04011U) and 2026 Tacoma Owner's Manual (OM04051U), chapter 8-1 Specifications; Toyota 2025 Tacoma Warranty and Maintenance Guide (T-MMS-25Tacoma) for intervals.
Keep reading
4th Gen Tacoma Maintenance Schedule: 5k to 150k Mile Checklist (2024+)
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months: rotate the tires, check fluids, brakes and wipers. Every 10,000 or 12 months: oil and filter (0W-20, 5.9 qt). Every 15,000: re-torque the propeller shaft bolts and run the under-truck inspection. Every 30,000: engine air filter and cabin air filter, plus a transmission fluid and transfer case inspection. Every 40,000: spark plugs. The 2.4L turbo's plug interval is 40,000 miles, not the 60,000 or 120,000 of the old V6. 100,000: first engine and intercooler coolant change, then every 50,000. Dirt roads and towing move the oil to 5,000 miles and add differential and transfer case oil changes every 15,000 to 30,000. Compiled from Toyota's 2025 Tacoma Warranty and Maintenance Guide.
The Toyota Truck Home Garage Tool List: What You Need for Every Job
To do your own oil, tire, brake and fluid work on a Toyota truck you need six things: a 3-ton floor jack, a pair of jack stands, a 1/2-inch click torque wrench that reaches at least 100 ft-lb (154 ft-lb for steel wheels on a 2024+ Tacoma or 2022+ Tundra), a metric socket set, an OBD2 scanner, and a drain pan. That kit costs roughly $300–400. Add a fluid pump for differential and transmission fills, a vacuum coolant filler, and a smoke machine for EVAP codes and you can handle almost every job on our maintenance schedules. Toyota's lug nut torque is 83 ft-lb on 2nd and 3rd gen Tacomas and 97 ft-lb on aluminum wheels for the 4th gen Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia and Land Cruiser 250, per the owner's manuals.
Toyota Towing Capacity Chart: Every Truck and SUV (2026)
Tundra up to 12,000 lb (2022+ gas, 2WD Double Cab, no SR Package; 11,450 lb hybrid). Sequoia up to 9,520 lb (2023+). Tacoma up to 6,500 lb (2024+; 6,800 lb on a 2016 to 2023 2WD V6 Access Cab). 4Runner 6,000 lb (2025+; 5,000 lb for 2010 to 2024). Land Cruiser 250 6,000 lb (2025+, GCWR 12,725 to 12,945 lb). These are maximums: many configurations are rated lower, so use the door-jamb label for your truck.
Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity by Year, Engine and Cab (2015–2026)
Maximum Tacoma towing is 6,500 to 6,800 lb, but only in the right configuration. 4th gen (2024+): 6,400–6,500 lb with the 278 hp i-FORCE turbo; 3,500 lb on the SR with the 228 hp engine; up to 6,000 lb on i-FORCE MAX hybrid grades. 3rd gen (2016–2023): 6,800 lb for a 2WD V6 Access Cab, 6,400–6,700 lb for most V6 Double Cabs, 6,000 lb for the lowest-rated 4WD Double Cab long bed, and 3,500 lb with the 2.7L. 2nd gen (2015 manual): 6,500 lb for the V6 with the towing package, 3,400–3,500 lb without it, 3,300–3,500 lb with the 2.7L. Your exact rating is set by the model code on your door jamb. All figures from Toyota owner's manuals.