Renowned for its rugged design and versatile capabilities, the Toyota Tacoma has garnered a loyal following among truck enthusiasts worldwide. It holds the distinction of being the best-selling midsize truck in the US, and it has been able to maintain this position for an impressive 18 consecutive years. With the introduction of the new Tacoma, Toyota aims to further strengthen its position in the market by building upon the truck's already established reputation.
The all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma is genuinely all-new. It showcases a completely redesigned body-on-frame chassis, which it shares with the recently revamped Tundra and Sequoia, and incorporates an all-new 2.4-liter engine along with two transmission options. Additionally, it introduces fresh new trims like the Trail Hunter while also resurrecting popular trims such as the TRD PreRunner and the all-new Trailrunner trim.
The interior of the truck has also undergone a complete makeover, resulting in a more contemporary and stylish appearance along with the updated exterior. But that's not all. In a groundbreaking move, the new Tacoma introduces a hybrid powertrain option for the first time in the truck's history. So let's take a look at what the new 2024 Toyota Tacoma brings to the table.
1 New Chassis
Looking from the outside, you might assume that the new Tacoma has only had changes to its bodywork, but that couldn't be further from the truth. The 2024 Tacoma has been completely rebuilt from the ground up on a new chassis. The truck is built upon the TNGA-F global truck platform that's present on multiple trucks in Toyota's line-up.
Because of its new chassis, the Tacoma now boasts an impressive maximum ground clearance of 9.5 inches, contributing to its off-road capabilities. It also features a longer wheelbase, despite being the same length as the older models. Another welcome effect of the new chassis is more head and leg room in the interior, which now allows for better seating posture.
2 Bigger Bed And XtraCab
The latest iteration of the Tacoma introduces a bed that is 7% larger compared to previous generations, offering customers increased cargo space. However, for those seeking even more capacity, the XtraCab option is available on the SR and SR5 trims and comes standard on the TRD PreRunner trim. The XtraCab variant is a two-door configuration with seating for two and features a generous six-foot bed that can easily accommodate larger loads. Additionally, it provides a practical rear cabin storage area, enhancing its utility and versatility for various hauling needs.
3 Redesigned Interior And Exterior
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma showcases a refreshed, contemporary exterior and interior design, delivering notable enhancements over its previous model. Drawing inspiration from Toyota's latest design language evident in models such as the new Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, the exterior design of the 2024 Tacoma integrates updated styling elements, resulting in a sleeker, more modern, and visually appealing appearance.
Inside the cabin, the interior of the 2024 Tacoma has undergone a comprehensive redesign, leaving behind the outdated interior of its predecessor. Stepping into the new Tacoma, drivers, and passengers are welcomed by a stylish and sophisticated interior. The two-tone dash adds a touch of elegance, while the large 14-inch display on the dashboard of the higher trim levels, borrowed directly from the new Tundra, takes center stage, providing a user-friendly interface for various functions. A smaller 8-inch display is also provided on lower trims.
However, it is worth noting that Toyota has wisely chosen to retain physical buttons and dials for important controls such as the climate control, rather than integrating them solely into the touchscreen interface. This thoughtful design decision ensures that essential functions can be accessed and adjusted easily and intuitively, without the need for navigating through menus on the screen.
The interior enhancements continue with a completely redesigned steering wheel and a fully digital 12.3-inch gauge cluster on the higher trim levels and a 7-inch one on lower trims. The new additions also include a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, and a power moon roof.
One standout feature of the redesigned dash is the inclusion of a removable JBL Bluetooth speaker that users can take on the go or leave securely in the dash, harmonizing with the truck's own sound system. Another thing that drivers might notice is that is time around the Tacoma is a push start with a digital Key and doesn't have a conventional key like its older models. An additional change in the interior is its rear seats that now fold down completely flat, providing more cargo space in the back, Unlike older models where the seats couldn't fold down all the way.
4 New Hybrid Models
For the first time in the truck's history, the new Tacoma comes with an i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain. The hybrid system has a 48-horsepower electric motor strapped to a 2.4-liter engine that increases the total output to 326 horsepower and a whopping 465 pound-feet of torque, which is almost double that of the previous-generation trucks with the V-6 engines. It's important to note that not all variants of the Tacoma have a hybrid system. The system is only available as an option for the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited trims and comes as standard on the TRD Pro and Trail hunter variants.
5 All New 2.4-liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine
The hybrid powertrain is not the only change found under the hood of the new Tacoma. Toyota has made the decision to replace the V-6 engine that used to be provided by older models with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine as the standard across all variants. However, it's important to note that the power output varies across different trims, meaning not all models will have identical performance capabilities.
For the entry-level SR grades, the engine will generate 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. On the other hand, all other mid-level non-hybrid grades will feature an increased power output, delivering 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. While top trim levels featuring the hybrid powertrain will produce 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque.
6 Two Transmission Options
The new Tacoma features two transmission options. The first is an eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with Toyota's ECT-i. And the second option is a six-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT2) with automatic rev-matching and anti-stall technology. The manual transmission is exciting, but it should also be noted that it produces less power than the automatic, being limited to 270 horsepower.
7 Rear Disk Brakes On All Variants
Another welcome addition to the new Tacoma is the inclusion of disc brakes on all four wheels for better stopping power, replacing the previous generation's drum brakes on the rear wheels. With the adoption of disc brakes, Toyota has been able to introduce additional features like an electronic parking brake, low-speed radar cruise control, and a brake hold function. These functionalities further contribute to the overall driving experience, providing convenience, safety, and peace of mind for Tacoma owners.
8 A New Trail Hunter Variant
The new Toyota Tacoma Trail Hunter is an exciting addition to the lineup of variants. Developed in collaboration with the renowned Australian-based ARB Engineering, this factory-developed Overlander embodies Toyota's long-standing reputation for quality, durability, and reliability. The Trail Hunter boasts exclusive features such as Old Man Emu (OME) position-sensitive 2.5-inch forged monotube shocks, 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires, and robust recovery points. The new tires, along with the new shocks, also work to increase the Trail Hunter's height by an additional two inches.
The Trail Hunter also features an integrated LED light bar, high-strength steel skid plates for better off-road capabilities, optional ARB bed racks for additional gear, and removable MOLLE panels. On top of all of this, customers can now further personalize their Trail Hunter through Toyota's Associated Accessory Products program, making customization easier than ever.
9 Tacoma TRD Pro
The TRD Pro variant has received some long-overdue upgrades and has been strengthened to compete with trucks like the Ranger Raptor and the Colorado ZR2. The truck now comes standard with the new iForce Max hybrid powertrain, which produces 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, and its suspension has received significant upgrades. It comes equipped with 2.5-inch Fox QS3 adjustable dampers, a rear Fox IFP hydraulic bump stop system, and a standard disconnecting front anti-roll bar.
The TRD Pro also boasts a 3.0-inch wider track stance than the standard variants and extended fender flares to accommodate the larger size. In the interior, the variant includes the upscale 14-inch display and the larger 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. It also comes equipped with Toyota’s new IsoDynamic Performance Seats.
These seats incorporate two cylinders on the backrest, which work in a manner akin to a gimbal stabilizing a camera. The purpose of these cylinders is to provide enhanced stability and support for the occupants while driving. By dynamically adjusting to the vehicle's movements, the new Seats help minimize body sway and promote a more comfortable and controlled seating experience.
10 Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 Standard Across All Trims
Another welcome addition to the new Tacoma is Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 that's standard on every trim. Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0 is an advanced suite of safety technologies and driver assistance systems developed by Toyota to enhance safety on the road. TSS 3.0 introduces several enhancements over its previous versions. These enhancements include upgraded forward-facing cameras with higher resolution and wider angles, as well as improved radar sensors with an extended field of view.
TSS 3.0 utilizes camera and radar technology to detect potential hazards and support driver performance. It is designed to help protect drivers, passengers, and other road users by providing features that contribute to collision avoidance and mitigation like Lane Tracing Assist and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist.