The Toyota Tacoma is one of the market's most popular and versatile midsize pickup trucks. It has a loyal fan base that appreciates its reliability, durability, and off-road capability. For 2024, Toyota has completely redesigned the Tacoma to make it even more adventure-ready with a new platform, engines, features, and trims. Here are some of the highlights of the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma.
New Platform and Design
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is built on a new platform that is shared with the Toyota Tundra and the Land Cruiser but scaled down to fit the midsize segment. The new platform is stronger, lighter, and more rigid than the previous one, which improves Tacoma’s handling, ride quality, and safety. The new Tacoma also has a longer wheelbase and a wider track, which enhances its stability and interior space.
The exterior design of the 2024 Tacoma is more modern and aggressive, with a large hexagonal grille, slim LED headlights, muscular fenders, and a sculpted tailgate. The Tacoma offers two cab configurations (Access Cab and Double Cab) and two-bed lengths (5 feet and 6 feet), as well as a variety of colors and accessories to customize the look. The Tacoma also has a roof with integrated attachment holes for mounting various gear, such as bikes, kayaks, or tents.
New Engines and Transmissions
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma has a new engine lineup that is more powerful, efficient, and refined than the old ones. The base engine is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine replaces the outdated 2.7-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder that made 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque.
The next engine is a high-output version of the same 2.4-liter turbo, which makes 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. This engine can be paired with either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission with automatic rev-matching. This engine replaces the 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 that made 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque.
The top engine is a hybrid version of the 2.4-liter turbo called the i-Force Max. This engine combines the turbocharged engine with an electric motor and a battery pack, resulting in a total output of 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel-drive system. This is the first hybrid engine offered in the Tacoma, and it promises to deliver impressive performance and fuel economy.
New Features and Technology
The 2024 Tacoma is packed with new features and technology that make it more comfortable, convenient, and connected. The Tacoma comes standard with a smart key system with push-button start, a Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package that includes pre-collision assist, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and more, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Tacoma also offers wireless charging, heated and ventilated front seats, a 10-inch head-up display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a JBL premium sound system, and a panoramic view monitor.
The Tacoma also has some features that are designed specifically for off-road adventures, such as a multi-terrain select system that adjusts the throttle, transmission, and traction control settings according to the terrain, a crawl control system that automatically controls the speed and brakes on steep or slippery surfaces, a locking rear differential that enhances traction on loose or uneven ground, and a terrain view monitor that shows the surroundings of the vehicle on the touchscreen.
New Trims and Packages
The 2024 Tacoma offers a wide range of trims and packages that cater to different needs and preferences. The base trim is the SR, which is an essential work truck that comes with the base engine, rear-wheel drive, and a 5-foot bed. The next trim is the SR5, which adds some cosmetic and convenience features, such as alloy wheels, fog lights, chrome accents, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The SR5 also offers options for a high-output engine, four-wheel drive, and a 6-foot bed.
The TRD Sport is the trim for those who want a sporty and stylish Tacoma, with features such as a hood scoop, body-colored bumpers, 18-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, and a wireless charging pad. The TRD Sport also offers the hybrid engine as an option. The TRD Off-Road is the trim for those who want a capable and rugged Tacoma, with features such as skid plates, all-terrain tires, Bilstein shocks, a locking rear differential, and a multi-terrain select system. The TRD Off-Road also offers the hybrid engine as an option.
The Limited is the trim for those who want a luxurious and refined Tacoma, with leather seats, a moonroof, a JBL sound system, a 10-inch head-up display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a panoramic view monitor. The Limited also offers the hybrid engine as an option. The TRD Pro is the trim for those who want the ultimate off-road Tacoma, with features such as a unique grille, blacked-out accents, 16-inch wheels, Fox shocks, a TRD exhaust, and a terrain view monitor. The TRD Pro comes standard with a high-output engine and four-wheel drive.
The Trailhunter is a new trim for the 2024 Tacoma, inspired by the Toyota Adventure Concept debuting at the 2021 Chicago Auto Show. The Trailhunter is based on the TRD Off-Road trim, but adds some exclusive features, such as a snorkel, a roof rack, a bed rack, a spare tire carrier, a winch, and a 40-quart cooler. The Trailhunter also has a special badge and a unique color called Lunar Rock. The Trailhunter is available with either the high-output engine or the hybrid engine.
Comparison with Competitors
The 2024 Tacoma faces some tough competition in the midsize pickup truck segment, which includes the Ford Ranger, the Chevrolet Colorado, the GMC Canyon, the Honda Ridgeline, and the Nissan Frontier. Here is a comparison table that shows how the 2024 Tacoma stacks up against its rivals in terms of price, power, fuel economy, towing, and payload.
| Model | Price | Power | Fuel Economy | Towing | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Toyota Tacoma | TBA | 228-326 hp | TBA | 1,709-6,500 lbs | TBA |
| Ford Ranger | $26,015-$40,000 | 270 hp | 21/26 mpg | 3,500-7,500 lbs | 1,560-1,860 lbs |
| 2022 Chevrolet Colorado | $26,395-$43,995 | 200-308 hp | 18/25 mpg | 3,500-7,700 lbs | 1,342-1,578 lbs |
| 2022 GMC Canyon | $27,595-$45,995 | 200-308 hp | 18/25 mpg | 3,500-7,700 lbs | 1,342-1,578 lbs |
| 2021 Honda Ridgeline | $37,665-$44,715 | 280 hp | 18/24 mpg | 3,500-5,000 lbs | 1,583 lbs |
| 2022 Nissan Frontier | $30,705-$40,235 | 310 hp | 18/24 mpg | 3,720-6,720 lbs | 1,020-1,610 lbs |
As you can see, the 2024 Tacoma offers a wide range of power options, from the base turbo-four to the hybrid i-Force Max. The Tacoma also has the highest payload capacity and one of the highest towing capacities in the segment. The Tacoma’s fuel economy ratings are not yet available, but we expect them to be competitive, especially with the hybrid engine. The Tacoma also has some features that are not offered by its competitors, such as a manual transmission, a roof with attachment holes, and a Trailhunter trim.
Conclusion
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is a major improvement over the previous generation, with a new platform, engines, features, and trims. The Tacoma is ready for any adventure, whether it’s on the road or off the beaten path. The Tacoma also has a loyal fan base that appreciates its reliability, durability, and off-road capability. The Tacoma faces some tough competition in the midsize pickup truck segment, but it has some advantages that make it stand out. The Tacoma is expected to go on sale by the end of the year, with the hybrid models coming early next year. The Tacoma should be on your list if you are looking for a versatile, capable, and fun midsize pickup truck.
