The new Tacoma is not just a capable and reliable choice but a well-rounded and enjoyable vehicle for both daily commutes and weekend adventures.
In the fiercely competitive realm of mid-size trucks, the Toyota Tacoma has consistently set benchmarks in reliability, off-road capability, and practical design. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma, with its comprehensive redesign and enhanced features, aims to elevate the driving experience and assert its leadership in the segment.
Key to its transformation is the new TNGA-F body-on-frame architecture, shared with the Tundra, Sequoia, and Lexus models. This advanced frame significantly enhances the Tacoma’s performance and payload capacity, especially evident in the 4×4 Double Cab configuration with the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, capable of hauling up to 1,705 lbs.
The engine lineup sees substantial refreshment. The standard i-FORCE 2.4L Turbo Engine, available in two states of tune, delivers up to 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque. The base SR model offers 228 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque, while the i-Force variant ramps up to 278 hp and 317 lb-ft. The torque peaks early in the rev range, providing ample low-end power. The much-anticipated hybrid version, joining in spring 2024, is a game-changer. The i-FORCE MAX combines the same 2.4-liter engine found in the i-FORCE grades and adds a 48-horsepower electric motor integrated into the eight-speed transmission that draws power from a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack. With 326 hp and a massive 465 lb-ft of torque, it’s the most torque-rich option in the mid-size truck segment.
The Tacoma’s towing capacity is a respectable 6,500 lbs in its rear-wheel-drive configuration, slightly less in the 4×4 variant, aligning with the truck’s ethos as a reliable and practical hauler. The redesigned Tacoma also introduces smart towing technology, including an available trailer brake controller and Trailer Back Up Guidance for enhanced towing convenience.
Off-road capabilities remain a cornerstone of the Tacoma’s appeal. The TRD Off-Road model features an electronically disconnected front sway bar, locking rear differential, and high-quality Bilstein shocks. The new model further improves its off-road prowess with a front stabilizer bar disconnect system, increasing suspension flex and articulation.
On-road performance should also see significant enhancements. The 2024 Tacoma should be quieter and more comfortable than its predecessors, balancing the inherent body-on-frame characteristics with composed, everyday drivability.
The interior transformation brings a sleek, modern design with a more user-friendly layout. Noteworthy is the available 14-inch touchscreen display featuring the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia System.
The 2024 Tacoma, starting at an MSRP of $31,500, is expected in Toyota dealerships in December 2023. Among its offerings are two distinct cab styles: the spacious four-door Double Cab and the newly introduced two-door XtraCab. The latter is designed for maximum utility and efficiency, available in SR, SR5, and TRD PreRunner grades. It features exclusive two-seating arrangements, a six-foot bed, and innovative storage solutions, including lockable compartments on the rear floor and back panel, ideal for securely stowing tools, outdoor gear, or work equipment. The XtraCab’s interior is further optimized for convenience with a long-slide driver’s seat equipped with slide memory, and a multifunctional passenger seat that can fold flat to serve as a makeshift workspace.
The Tacoma’s lineup extends across various grades, including SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, TRD Pro, and the all-new Trailhunter. Each grade offers unique features and enhancements. The TRD PreRunner, available only in XtraCab with two-wheel drive, boasts a lifted suspension and larger all-terrain tires for enhanced off-road capabilities. The TRD Sport, on the other hand, emphasizes a sportier aesthetic with black TRD wheels and distinctive styling elements. For off-road enthusiasts, the TRD Off-Road grade has been upgraded with advanced Bilstein shocks and a front stabilizer bar disconnect system.
In the realm of luxury and technology, the Limited grade stands out with its upscale interior, cutting-edge technology like a 14-inch touchscreen, and adaptive variable suspension, ensuring a smooth and sophisticated driving experience. For adventurers, the Trailhunter emerges as a ready-to-explore overlanding option, fully equipped to handle the rigors of outdoor escapades. Each grade of the Tacoma is thoughtfully designed to fulfill specific user needs, from utility and sportiness to luxury and adventure readiness, making the 2024 Tacoma a versatile and appealing choice for a wide range of truck enthusiasts.
This truck, designed and engineered for the U.S. market, demonstrates Toyota’s commitment to quality, durability, and reliability while incorporating modern technology, rugged styling, and versatile capability.
From a design perspective, the 2024 Tacoma draws inspiration from Toyota’s truck DNA and Baja race trucks, characterized by a high lift, big tires, a slim body, and a powerful stance. The design work, led by Toyota’s CALTY Design Research Center, emphasizes Toyota’s truck family resemblance while giving each model a unique character.
The engineering efforts, conducted across Toyota Technical Centers in Michigan, Arizona, and California, have focused on enhancing the Tacoma’s on- and off-road capabilities. The new multi-link rear coil suspension, available on most grades, replaces the previous generation’s leaf springs, improving ride and handling. Additionally, the truck’s frame has been strengthened to increase durability and accommodate various accessories.
In summary, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma represents a significant evolution of the model. While retaining its core strengths in reliability and off-road capability, it has made remarkable improvements in performance, comfort, and technology. The new Tacoma is not just a capable and reliable choice but a well-rounded and enjoyable vehicle for both daily commutes and weekend adventures.