Three decades have passed since the original Tacoma arrived in the United States, and despite being the most seasoned model in its class, the current Tacoma is still the most well-liked. Toyota sold more than 230,000 units last year. But as the 2024 truck makes its premiere with a number of firsts, like a hybrid powertrain and a challenging new Trailhunter trim level, the following few years may be even better.
Exterior
The 2024 Tacoma goes for a rougher look than some of its rivals. The front bumper features slim headlamps with running-mascara faux vents that drip down toward the lower grille. The TRD Sport has a simple black grille with a central Toyota jellybean badge, whilst the luxury Limited has the same Toyota badge but completed in chrome with chrome horizontal slats and matching chrome wheels.
The rugged TRD Pro and Trailhunter models both include the classic “TOYOTA” wordmark over the grille, in addition to other rugged visual cues like a front skid plate, horizontal LED running lights, and special off-road-specific wheel and tire combinations. The Trailhunter marries unusual 18-inch bronze alloys with the same rubber while the TRD Pro uses black 18-inch wheels with 33-inch Goodyear off-road tires.
High-strength steel is used throughout the chassis of the 2024 Tacoma new TNGA-F platform to increase rigidity, and aluminium is used on the upper part of the body to assist reduce weight. On the SR5 double cab and on the TRD Sport trim and above, an optional multi-link rear suspension replaces the leaf springs from last year with a new coil system, with the suspension calibrated specifically for each model.
Interior
Inside the Tacoma, a new 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard, while the Limited, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter come standard with an optional 14.0-inch display. While a smaller 7.0-inch cluster is included as standard, that larger screen pairs with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Both displays make use of the outstanding Toyota infotainment system first seen in the Tundra, which also supports Qi wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And the 10-speaker JBL audio upgrade comes with the option for a detachable Bluetooth speaker from JBL.
Engine power and transmission
Under the hood, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma’s engine offers four distinct outputs, starting with the base SR model, which is the most intriguing aspect. The base model is a new turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder with an eight-speed automated transmission that produces 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque.
From there, buyers can upgrade to the SR5, which comes with a more potent version of the same turbocharged engine that produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. Long live the stick, even better, that’s with a six-speed manual transmission with automatic rev-matching. The output is increased to 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft by using the eight-speed automatic transmission with the same improved engine.
For the first time, the Tacoma provides an optional hybrid powertrain at the top of the lineup. Borrowing the I-Force Max moniker from the larger Tundra, a 1.9-kilowatt-hour battery pack and 48-hp electric motor join the turbocharged 2.4-litre engine to produce a healthy 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. That’s roughly double the amount available on the previous V6 model, and it’s only second in horsepower behind the new 405-horsepower Ranger Raptor (albeit the Taco still has more torque).
The rear-wheel drive remains standard on grades such as the SR and SR5, but it now includes a limited-slip differential. Four-wheel-drive variants receive an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high- and low-range gearing, as well as an updated Active Traction Control system with a limited-slip differential. Choose the top-of-the-line Limited model, which comes with a hybrid I-Force Max engine and full-time four-wheel drive with a centre-locking differential.
Towing capacity
The TRD Off-Road model employs the same Bilstein shocks as last year, while the TRD Sport has unique TRD-tuned shocks for an enhanced on-road feel. The TRD Pro still has the roughest equipment of the group with conventional Fox shocks.
Tacoma’s reduced ability to tow compared to the previous model is one drawback. The SR5 I-Force and TRD PreRunner models’ maximum towing capacity is specified as 6,500 pounds, which is around 300 pounds less than in the previous model year. The good news is that the TRD Off-Road model’s payload increases to an astonishing 1,709 pounds from its previous maximum rating of 1,685 pounds.
Safety and Driver assistance features
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is also standard on all Tacoma models for 2024, making the Tacoma safer than ever. Pre-collision with pedestrian recognition, lane-departure alert with steering aid, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a new Proactive Driving feature are among the features included.
Proactive Driving combines the Tacoma’s camera and radar sensors to create a more advanced version of adaptive cruise control that allows for braking, throttle, and steering adjustments even on modestly curved routes. This system is new to Toyota and debuts on the 2024 Tacoma.
2024 Toyota Tacoma Price
The base SR variant of the 2023 Toyota Tacoma starts at $27,250. The SR5 is priced at $29,040, the Limited at $40,055, and the Trail Special Edition at $40,470.
