Preview: 2024 Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is the best-selling mid-sized pickup truck in the U.S.A. The last generation model lasted eight model years with a few updates. The segment has been pivoting towards turbocharged four-cylinder engines for standard power, as well as more robust designs and capabilities.
It was time for a new Tacoma. Toyota delivered on a mid-size pickup truck that matches the market, if not exceeds it. It has done so by utilizing their best assets and creating a market leader that should stay out front of the rest.
For starters, the Tacoma is built on a more robust high-strength boxed steel ladder frame derived from the latest Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck. It is also shared with the new Land Cruiser. This frame forms the basis of several new components and drivelines that have made a huge difference in the Tacoma’s drivability and strength.
There are two cabs and two bed sizes available, giving the Tacoma three different configurations to choose from. The Xtra Cab is strictly a two-door model with no rear seat. The space behind the driver and passenger is reserved for items that need to be protected from the outside with a way to organize your things for both work and play. The Xtra Cab is only available with a six-foot bed.
Overall, the exterior design itself is bolder than the previous model. It appeared evolutionary, but solid enough to distinguish it from its bigger sibling, the Tundra.
The cab itself is a major improvement with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster with various levels of customization, depending on the grade you choose. A lot of the controls have been upgraded from the Tundra, which means they will work much better than previous generation of Tacomas. Depending on the trim level, you can either control your audio and smartphone from an eight- or 14-inch touchscreen on the center stack.
In the Double Cab, there is space for five. Realistically, we’re talking four average-size adults. At least headroom has greatly improved inside the new Tacoma.
Power will come a choice of two engines. It all starts with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. There are three performance levels available, ranging from 228 to 278 horsepower. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual gearbox. An eight-speed automatic transmission is widely available across the Tacoma lineup.
The new Tacoma will also become the first in its class to be equipped with a hybrid driveline. The i-FORCE MAX combines the turbocharge four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. All told, this driveline is specified for 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. This is connected only by an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Consumers have the choice of going with rear wheel drive or 4Wheel Demand. Select models also get CRAWL Control, along with Downhill Assist Control. Combined, the system automatically controls the Tacoma’s ability to get through various traction challenges – including both up- and downhill maneuvers.
One major change in the 2024 Tacoma is the rear suspension for all grades from the SR5 and up have an independent coil spring multi-link set-up. This was developed with delivering superb on- and off-road ride and handling.
A brief drive in a Tacoma SR5 Double Cab with the standard turbocharged engine and four-wheel drive showed a huge leap in improvement overall. Drivability is much better thanks to the standard turbo engine and the rear suspension set-up. Overall quality has improved, as well.
As a bonus, we tested the Tacoma SR5 on an off-road course after a snowstorm blanketed the area. Grip and control were superb, and the Tacoma powered through with flying colors. The SR5 was not equipped with CRAWL Control or the Downhill Assist Control, but proper off-road technique made for easy work without these features.
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma lineup starts at $31,500. You now have eight trim levels to choose from.
The Tacoma is primed to continue its dominance in among mid-sized pickup trucks. It still has plenty of competition that it compares very well to. Currently, the Tacoma is compared to the Ford Ranger, Jeep Gladiator, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, and Nissan Frontier.
The new and improved 2024 Toyota Tacoma should continue to be the leader in its class. They increased the sturdiness and will now be powered by strong and more efficient engines. While there are a lot of changes to this mid-size pickup truck, the essence remains the same. We cannot wait to bring one in for a full review on here.
Credits: CarSoup Editors
