2016 Toyota Tacoma Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

The 2016 Toyota Tacoma kicked off the highly anticipated third generation of the midsize truck, introducing new powertrains, improved fuel efficiency, and legendary off-road capabilities. Whether you are climbing steep rocky trails, towing a boat, or commuting on the highway, your truck’s gearing dictates how effectively engine power is transferred to the wheels.

Understanding the transmission and axle gear ratios in your 2016 Toyota Tacoma is essential for planning gear swaps, optimizing towing capacity, or diagnosing driveline behavior. Below is a comprehensive guide to the gear and axle ratios available for the 2016 Tacoma.

Transmission gear ratios

For 2016, Toyota offered three distinct transmissions depending on the engine and driveline configuration: a 6-speed automatic (available with both the 2.7L I4 and 3.5L V6), a 6-speed manual (exclusive to the V6), and a 5-speed manual (exclusive to the I4).

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (AC60E / AC60F)

This transmission is standard on most trims and is paired with both the 2.7L inline-four and the 3.5L V6 engines.

6-Speed Manual Transmission (RC62F)

Available on TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro models equipped with the 3.5L V6 and 4WD.

5-Speed Manual Transmission (R155 / R155F)

Available strictly on the base 2.7L 4-cylinder models.

Available axle ratios

The differential ratio (or final drive ratio) in the axles works together with the transmission to balance acceleration, towing torque, and highway fuel economy. The 2016 Tacoma simplified its axle offerings compared to previous generations, primarily relying on two ratios.

How to identify your axle ratio

If you need to replace your rear differential or are curious about what gearing your truck left the factory with, identifying the axle ratio is a straightforward process:

1. Door-Jamb Sticker: Open the driver’s side door and look for the Vehicle Identification Certification Label on the door jamb. At the bottom of this sticker, look for a sequence of characters labeled "C/TR/A/TM" (Color/Trim/Axle/Transmission). The "A" value is the Axle Code (e.g., A01A, B02A).
2. VIN Decoder: Because the 2016 Tacoma uses a highly standardized combination of engines and transmissions, any reliable Toyota VIN decoder can instantly tell you which axle ratio was installed at the factory based on your powertrain combination.
3. Spin Test: If you suspect a previous owner has re-geared the truck, you can perform a spin test. Jack up the rear of the truck, put the transmission in neutral, mark the driveshaft and a tire, and spin the tire exactly one full revolution. Count how many times the driveshaft rotates. If it rotates just under 4 times, you have 3.91 gears. If it rotates a little over 4 and a quarter times, you have 4.30 gears.

Towing vs MPG impact

When evaluating gear ratios, it is important to remember the tradeoff between pulling power and fuel economy:

• Numerically Lower Ratio (e.g., 3.91): Often referred to as "taller" gearing. This allows the engine to run at lower RPMs at highway speeds, resulting in better MPG and a quieter cabin. However, it provides less off-the-line torque, making heavy towing or steep hill climbs slightly more labored.
• Numerically Higher Ratio (e.g., 4.30): Referred to as "shorter" or "lower" gearing. This gives the truck greater mechanical leverage. It is better for towing, hauling heavy payloads, and driving over off-road obstacles. The tradeoff is that the engine will spin at higher RPMs on the highway, slightly reducing your fuel economy.

Common issues

While the 2016 Toyota Tacoma driveline is robust and well-regarded, there are a few common issues owners should be aware of:

• Rear Differential Howl/Whine: Some early 3rd generation Tacomas (2016-2017) experienced a noticeable whine or howling noise coming from the rear differential at speeds between 40 and 60 mph. This is usually traced back to improper ring and pinion gear setup or premature wear of the carrier bearings from the factory.
• Vibration and Center Bearing Wear: Lifted Tacomas often alter the driveline geometry, putting extra stress on the two-piece driveshaft's carrier bearing. This can cause a shudder during takeoff.
• Transmission "Hunting" for Gears: A highly documented complaint on the 2016 V6 automatic models is the transmission constantly shifting between 5th and 6th gear on the highway. This is partially due to the tall 6th gear (0.580) combined with the 3.91 axle ratio, causing the truck to drop down to 5th or 4th at the slightest incline.

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