Your Tacoma oil fill amount depends on the model year and engine. Most U.S.-market 2020-2023 Tacoma trucks with the 2.7L 4-cylinder or 3.5L V6 take about 6.2 quarts with a new filter. The 2024 Tacoma uses a 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder engine, and most trims take about 5.9 quarts with a new filter. Start a little below the listed capacity, run the engine briefly, wait 3-5 minutes, and check the dipstick on level ground before you top off.
Quick Answer
A 2020-2023 Toyota Tacoma usually takes about 6.2 quarts of 0W-20 oil with a filter change, whether you have the 2.7L 4-cylinder or 3.5L V6. A 2024 Tacoma with the 2.4L turbo engine takes about 5.9 quarts with a filter change. Use the dipstick as the final check because drain time, filter fill, and parking angle can change the reading.
Key Takeaways
- Use about 6.2 quarts for most 2020-2023 Tacoma 2.7L and 3.5L oil changes with a new filter.
- Use about 5.9 quarts for most 2024 Tacoma 2.4L turbo oil changes with a new filter.
- Pour slightly less than the listed capacity first, then top off after a warm dipstick check.
- Use SAE 0W-20 unless your owner’s manual or oil cap lists a different grade for your truck.
- Check the oil level on level ground after the engine has run and oil has settled.
What’s in This Article
- How Much Oil Does a Toyota Tacoma Take? (V6 & 4-Cyl, 2020-2024)
- Tacoma Oil Capacity by Year and Engine
- Before You Begin
- How to Fill and Check Oil (Step-by-Step)
- Using a 5-Quart Jug and Topping Off: Real Pour Amounts
- Why Oil Capacity Differs: Model, Filter, and Prefilled Units
- Dipstick Readings, Warnings, and Safety Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
How Much Oil Does a Toyota Tacoma Take? (V6 & 4-Cyl, 2020-2024)
Wondering how much oil your 2020-2024 Toyota Tacoma needs? You need to separate the third-generation trucks from the redesigned 2024 model. Most 2020-2023 Tacoma models with the 2.7L 4-cylinder or 3.5L V6 use about 6.2 quarts with a new filter. The 2024 Tacoma uses a 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder engine, and most models use about 5.9 quarts with a new filter.
Toyota lists 0W-20 synthetic oil for these trucks in normal use, and some references allow 5W-20 only when 0W-20 is not available. If you use 5W-20 in that case, switch back to 0W-20 at the next oil change. Always confirm the grade on your oil cap and in your owner’s manual before you pour.
Do not treat the listed capacity as the exact amount you must dump in at once. Drain time, filter replacement, oil trapped in passages, and the parking surface can change the final dipstick reading. Pour a little less than the listed amount, check carefully, and add small amounts until the oil reaches the full mark.
Tacoma Oil Capacity by Year and Engine
Use this table as a planning guide before you open the drain plug. Your manual still gives the final answer for your exact trim, market, and engine code.
| Model year | Engine | Oil capacity with filter | Oil grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2023 | 2.7L 4-cylinder | About 6.2 quarts | SAE 0W-20 |
| 2020-2023 | 3.5L V6 | About 6.2 quarts | SAE 0W-20 |
| 2024 | 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder | About 5.9 quarts | SAE 0W-20 |
According to Toyota’s 2024 Tacoma release information, the redesigned 2024 Tacoma uses a 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder engine family instead of the older 3.5L V6. That change explains why 2024 oil capacity differs from many 2020-2023 guides.
Before You Begin
Gather the right supplies before you start the fill. You need the correct oil, a new filter, a new drain plug gasket if your service setup uses one, a funnel, clean rags, and a safe way to collect used oil.
Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and let hot parts cool enough to touch safely. If you raise the truck, support it with rated jack stands on solid ground. Never rely on a jack alone while you work under the vehicle.
Warning: Hot oil can burn your skin, and an unsupported truck can fall without warning.
How to Fill and Check Oil (Step-by-Step)
Estimated total time: 30-45 minutes for a careful DIY oil change and level check.
After you drain the old oil and install the filter, fill the engine slowly. Use the listed system capacity as a target, not as a one-pour command.
- Pour about 5.8-6.0 quarts for a 2020-2023 Tacoma, or about 5.5 quarts for a 2024 Tacoma.
- Install the oil cap, then run the engine for 30-60 seconds to circulate oil through the filter and galleries.
- Shut the engine off and wait 3-5 minutes so oil can drain back into the pan.
- Pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and read the level again.
- Add oil in 0.25-quart amounts until the level reaches the full mark without going above it.
- Secure the oil cap, check for leaks, and record the service date, mileage, oil grade, and amount used.
Use the same check method each time. A consistent warm check on level ground gives you a more useful reading than a quick check on a slope.
Using a 5-Quart Jug and Topping Off: Real Pour Amounts
A 5-quart jug will not complete most 2020-2024 Tacoma oil changes by itself. For a 2020-2023 Tacoma that needs about 6.2 quarts, plan on one 5-quart jug plus about 1.2 more quarts. For a 2024 Tacoma that needs about 5.9 quarts, plan on one 5-quart jug plus about 0.9 quart more.
Do not pour the full extra amount before you check the dipstick. Start below the listed capacity, run the engine briefly, wait, and then top off in small amounts. This method helps you avoid overfill, foaming, oil leaks, and messy drain-back corrections.
- Pour the 5-quart jug first.
- Add about 1.0 quart for a 2020-2023 Tacoma, or about 0.7 quart for a 2024 Tacoma.
- Run the engine briefly, shut it off, and let the oil settle.
- Add 0.25-quart amounts until the dipstick reaches the full mark.
Pro tip: Mark the side of your second oil bottle so you can measure each 0.25-quart top-off more easily.
Why Oil Capacity Differs: Model, Filter, and Prefilled Units
Several factors change how much oil your Tacoma actually takes after a drain. Engine design sets the main capacity, but the filter, drain time, oil temperature, and vehicle angle all affect the final reading. A short drain may leave more old oil inside the engine, while a longer drain may need a slightly larger refill.
The 2024 Tacoma also uses a different engine family from the 2020-2023 trucks. The older 2.7L 4-cylinder and 3.5L V6 commonly list about 6.2 quarts with a filter change. The 2024 2.4L turbo engine commonly lists about 5.9 quarts with a filter change.
Prefilling the filter can also change how the dipstick looks right after start-up. Many Tacoma filters do not need a full prefill, and some filter positions make prefilling messy. The safer rule stays simple: fill below capacity, circulate the oil, wait, then verify the level.
Dipstick Readings, Warnings, and Safety Tips
Use the dipstick as your final check, even when you know the listed capacity. Park on level ground, warm the engine briefly, shut it off, and wait a few minutes before you read the stick. Oil above the full mark can cause problems, so remove extra oil if you overfill.
Check the level again after your first short drive. Look under the truck for leaks near the drain plug and filter area. If the oil pressure light stays on, shut the engine off and inspect the oil level before you drive farther.
- Check consistently: Use the same level surface and the same wipe-and-read method.
- Add slowly: Top off in small amounts instead of guessing.
- Watch warnings: Stop the engine if the oil pressure light does not turn off.
- Inspect for leaks: Look around the filter, drain plug, and oil cap after start-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Oil Should I Put in My Tacoma?
For most 2020-2023 Tacoma trucks, plan for about 6.2 quarts with a new filter. For most 2024 Tacoma trucks, plan for about 5.9 quarts with a new filter. Start under the listed amount, then use the dipstick to finish the fill.
Can I Use 5W-30 Instead of 0W-20 Toyota Tacoma?
You should not switch to 5W-30 unless your owner’s manual, oil cap, or a qualified Toyota technician supports that choice for your exact truck. A thicker oil can affect cold starts, fuel economy, and variable valve timing performance. Use 0W-20 when your manual calls for it.
How Much Oil Does a 2020 Toyota Tacoma 4-Cylinder Take?
A 2020 Tacoma with the 2.7L 4-cylinder commonly takes about 6.2 quarts with a new filter. Do not stop at 5 quarts unless the dipstick already shows a correct level after you run the engine and let the oil settle.
How Much Oil Does a 2017 Toyota Tacoma 4-Cyl Take?
A 2017 Tacoma with the 2.7L 4-cylinder commonly uses about 6.2 quarts with a new filter. Use 0W-20, confirm the spec in your manual, and finish the job with a warm dipstick check.
How Much Oil Does a 2024 Toyota Tacoma Take?
A 2024 Tacoma with the 2.4L turbo engine commonly takes about 5.9 quarts with a new filter. Pour about 5.5 quarts first, run the engine briefly, wait, and top off carefully.
Safety Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional automotive advice. Always consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic before you service your truck.
Conclusion
The right Tacoma oil capacity depends on your model year and engine, so match the fill amount to your exact truck before you pour. Use about 6.2 quarts for most 2020-2023 models with a filter change, and use about 5.9 quarts for most 2024 models with a filter change. Pour below the target first, then let the dipstick guide the final top-off. A careful fill protects your engine and keeps your next oil change simple.
References
- 2024 Tacoma Manuals and Warranties – Toyota Owners, accessed May 2026
- 2024 Toyota Tacoma Is the Ultimate Adventure Machine – Toyota Pressroom, 2023
- 2020 Toyota Tacoma 3.5L V6 Engine Oil Specs – AMSOIL Product Guide, accessed May 2026
- 2020 Toyota Tacoma 2.7L 4-Cylinder Engine Oil Specs – AMSOIL Product Guide, accessed May 2026
- 2024 Toyota Tacoma 2.4L Turbo Engine Oil Specs – AMSOIL Product Guide, accessed May 2026
