2020 Toyota Tacoma — Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma remains a staple in the midsize truck segment, renowned for its rugged reliability and impressive off-road prowess. Whether you are daily driving, rock crawling in a TRD Pro, or hauling a trailer across the country, your truck’s gearing is the unsung hero that dictates how power hits the pavement. Understanding your 2020 Toyota Tacoma transmission and axle gear ratios is crucial for maximizing towing efficiency, fuel economy, and off-road capability.

Below, we’ve outlined the complete gear specifications for the 2020 Tacoma, how to identify your truck's setup, and what it all means for your daily drive.

Transmission gear ratios

For the 2020 model year, the Toyota Tacoma is offered with two primary 6-speed transmissions mated to the 3.5L V6: a 6-speed ECT-i automatic (AC60E/F) and a 6-speed manual (RC62F). (Note: The 2.7L 4-cylinder uses a slightly different A750 automatic, but the AC60 and RC62F are by far the most common).

Here is how the internal gear ratios break down for the 3.5L V6 transmissions.

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (AC60E / AC60F)

This transmission is designed for a balance of smooth shifting, fuel economy in the higher gears, and adequate low-end torque for acceleration and towing.

6-Speed Manual Transmission (RC62F)

Available on TRD models, the 6-speed manual offers a more engaging driving experience with a slightly more aggressive first gear for getting moving under load.

Available axle ratios

Unlike domestic trucks that offer a wide menu of optional gear ratios, Toyota strictly pairs its rear axle ratios with specific engine and transmission combinations.

How to identify your axle ratio

While Toyota keeps things relatively simple by tying the axle ratio to the powertrain, you might still want to verify exactly what is under your truck—especially if you bought it used and suspect a previous owner may have re-geared it.

1. The Door-Jamb Sticker: Open the driver’s side door and locate the vehicle certification label (the black and white sticker with the VIN and tire pressure info). Look at the bottom of the sticker for a line that reads "C/TR/A/TM" (Color/Trim/Axle/Transmission). The code under "A" is your axle code. For example, a code like "B04A" typically denotes the 8-inch ring gear with a 3.909 ratio.
2. VIN Decoder: You can run your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through Toyota’s official owners portal or a trusted online VIN decoder. This will generate a build sheet that explicitly lists your factory axle ratio.
3. Differential Tag: If the door sticker is missing or illegible, look closely at the differential housing itself. Sometimes, factory assembly stickers or stamped tags are still present on the housing, detailing the gear ratio.

Towing vs MPG impact

When it comes to gear ratios, it is always a game of give and take.

• Numerically Lower Ratios (e.g., 3.909): Often referred to as "taller" gears, these allow the engine to run at lower RPMs at highway speeds. This translates to better fuel economy (MPG) and a quieter cabin on long road trips. The 3.909 ratio paired with the V6 automatic provides a great balance for the typical Tacoma owner who commutes but still needs to occasionally haul a load.
• Numerically Higher Ratios (e.g., 4.30): Known as "shorter" gears, these provide more mechanical torque multiplication. This is fantastic for towing, aggressive off-roading, or turning heavy aftermarket 33-inch or 35-inch tires. The downside? Your engine will rev higher on the highway, burning more fuel and slightly increasing cabin noise.

Common issues

The Tacoma’s driveline is famous for its durability, but the 2020 model is not completely immune to mechanical wear and tear. If you are inspecting a Tacoma or currently own one, keep an ear out for these known concerns:

• Front Differential Needle Bearing Vibration: A very common issue on 4x4 Tacomas (especially those with a suspension lift). A subtle hum, vibration, or grinding noise that disappears when you switch into 4WD often points to a worn needle bearing on the driver's side of the front differential. Many owners upgrade to an aftermarket clamshell bushing to solve this permanently.
• Driveshaft Carrier Bearing Wear: If you feel a shudder upon takeoff or vibration at low speeds, the center carrier bearing on the two-piece driveshaft may be worn out or sitting at an improper angle (again, common on lifted trucks).
• Rear Differential Whine: While relatively rare on the 2020 generation, high-mileage or abused trucks that have done a lot of heavy towing without fluid changes may develop ring and pinion whine. This usually manifests as a high-pitched noise under acceleration that goes away when coasting.

Find a driveline shop on Repairius. Whether you need to diagnose a humming differential, upgrade to a 4.88 or 5.29 gear set for your oversized tires, or just perform routine gear oil maintenance, you need a mechanic you can trust. Find a top-rated driveline shop on Repairius today to keep your Tacoma running strong on and off the trail.