The 2024 Tacoma features new powertrains, advanced technologies, and many safety features.
Having dominated the mid-size pickup truck market for close to two decades, the Toyota Tacoma is set to begin a new era. With the 2024 complete redesign, this truck, known for its versatile capabilities, has been further enhanced to support more ambitious adventures. Moreover, this new edition retains the beloved qualities that made it a favorite among truck enthusiasts, such as Toyota’s iconic quality, durability, and reliability, while introducing many more advancements.
Advanced Platform, New Suspension System
The Tacoma is built on Toyota’s TNGA-F global truck platform, shared with the all-new Tundra and Sequoia, employing high-strength steel and aluminum for increased rigidity and weight reduction. It features strengthened frame cross-members and a new front cross-member for the steering gearbox, enhancing durability, steering input, and handling dynamics.
The roof comes with integrated attachment holes for easy addition of roof rack rails on all models, accompanied by a roof channel sealer for a watertight seal, and a high lift jack point is integrated into the rear frame end.
The Tacoma has a newly available multi-link rear suspension and now comes with four-wheel disc brakes for increased braking performance. TRD models and above have a larger front brake package, and if equipped with i-FORCE MAX, a larger rear brake package is included as well.
The vehicle features an electronic parking brake and a brake hold function. Additionally, the Tacoma now has electric power steering to provide an improved steering feel and facilitate the incorporation of additional safety and convenience features.
Specially Tuned Suspensions
Each Tacoma grade has a suspension specifically tuned for its capabilities. Examples include red TRD sport-tuned shocks for the TRD Sport and monotube Bilstein remote reservoir shocks for the TRD Off-Road grade.
Some high-grade models, like the TRD Pro, come fitted with FOX’s new QS3 three-way adjustable internal bypass shocks and FOX Internal Floating Piston (IFP) rear bump stops. The Trailhunter includes new Old Man Emu (OME) 4×4 Suspension by ARB, while the Limited grade features a new Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system for constant adjustments based on road conditions.
Towing Capabilities and Bed Options
The Toyota Tacoma has a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 lbs. on the SR5 i-FORCE and TRD PreRunner XtraCab grades, and the payload increases to 1,709 lbs. on TRD Off-Road. It also comes equipped with several towing support features, such as a trailer brake controller, trailer backup guide, and digital display mirror.
The Tacoma offers enhanced utility with a 7-percent increase in bed volume, an available power open and close tailgate function with jam protection, and a quick release and close button integrated within either taillight. Furthermore, the truck offers 400W AC inverter outlets in the bed and rear center console for gas grades, while i-FORCE MAX grades come standard with a 2400W AC inverter.
For off-roading convenience, the Trailhunter model includes an integrated high-output air compressor in the bed, designed for quickly inflating large-diameter tires after deflating them for off-road activities.
Engines, Transmissions, and a New Hybrid
The Tacoma offers a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 243 lb.-ft. of torque for the SR grade, and a more powerful variant providing 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque for the other grades.
This engine works with an eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). Also, a six-speed intelligent manual transmission with automatic rev-matching and anti-stall technology is available.
Hybrid Option
New for 2024 is an i-FORCE MAX hybrid, the most powerful powertrain ever offered on Tacoma, generating a total system output of 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Notably, the i-FORCE MAX allows the Tacoma to ascend an 8-percent interstate grade without the need to downshift, enhancing long road trip experiences.
Rear-wheel-drive models feature an automatic limited-slip differential. Four-wheel-drive models have an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range and an automatic limited-slip differential.
Off-Road Chops
The Tacoma’s off-road capability is enhanced with an available front stabilizer bar disconnect, increasing articulation by 10 percent compared to the previous-gen truck. The new Tacoma offers up to a 33.8-degree approach, 23.5-degree breakover, and 25.7-degree departure angles on TRD Pro without the tow package. Its running ground clearance reaches up to 11 inches on TRD Pro.
The truck is equipped with several cameras that allow drivers to view potential obstacles on the trail via the Multi-Terrain Monitor, displayed on an available 14-inch touchscreen.
For recovery purposes, Tacoma comes standard with front recovery hooks and offers optional rear recovery hooks along with underbody protection. It features Multi-Terrain Select, adjustable for different terrains such as Mud, Dirt, and Sand, and a new, quieter CRAWL Control function that acts as a low-speed, off-road cruise control.
The Tacoma offers a locking rear differential for situations with extremely limited traction, Downhill Assist Control for navigating descents, and clutch start to cancel for manual-equipped models, allowing the truck to start in gear.
Modern Technologies
The all-new Tacoma introduces a new 8-inch or available 14-inch multimedia touchscreen, which displays Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system designed and engineered by Toyota’s Texas-based Connected Technologies team.
The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and pairs well with the available Qi wireless charging pad with enhanced power output.
For charging and data purposes, a USB-C data and charging port is integrated on the right side of the display, and dual USB-C charging ports are included in the front row and available for rear passengers. The vehicle also boasts a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with four different styles for higher grades and a 7-inch gauge cluster for lower grades.
Digital Key
The all-new Tacoma features a standard Smart Key System with a push-button start. Furthermore, with an active Remote Connect trial or subscription, an available Digital Key can connect with compatible smartphones to allow vehicle entry, tailgate access, and vehicle starting. This Digital Key can also be shared remotely, providing more control over vehicle access without the need for a physical key.
An additional feature for drivers is the available Smart Card key, a credit card-sized smart key that offers convenience and portability.
New Sound System
For music lovers, the Tacoma now offers a premium 10-speaker JBL audio upgrade, which includes a new externally coupled subwoofer for improved output and a unique JBL FLEX portable speaker. The portable speaker, when docked on the dash, charges and serves as the center channel speaker.
However, when undocked, it functions as a portable Bluetooth speaker with up to six hours of battery life, the ability to pair with other Toyota JBL FLEX Portable Speakers, and water resistance up to three feet.
2024 Tacoma: Two Cab Choices
The new-generation Tacoma comes in multiple grades and configurations, with options for either a four-door Double Cab or a two-door XtraCab. This allows for customization and versatility to meet varying customer needs.
The new two-door XtraCab, available on SR, SR5, and TRD PreRunner grades, emphasizes maximum utility. It offers seating for two, a rear cabin storage area, and a 6-foot bed. This configuration lacks rear doors and a rear seat but compensates with numerous additional storage options.
The XtraCab is designed with several innovative storage features, such as lockable storage on the rear floor for small items and on the back panel for longer items like shovels and fishing poles. Additionally, the long-slide driver’s seat with slide memory facilitates quick access to the rear storage. Moreover, the passenger seat in the XtraCab can fold flat, functioning as a workspace and featuring a water bottle holder.
Leading-Edge Safety Features
The 2024 Tacoma models are equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard. Notably, this suite encompasses a range of active safety and convenience systems designed to enhance the driving experience. The system’s sensors have been upgraded to improve detection capabilities.
Notable features include a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. It also offers Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Proactive Driving Assist to ensure safe and convenient travels.
Fierce Competition
The 2024 Tacoma arrives just as Ford introduces an all-new Ranger. In 2022, a new Nissan Frontier arrived. The segment also features fresh or updated models such as the Jeep Gladiator, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Honda Ridgeline.
Finally, we believe the 2024 Toyota Tacoma will hold its own in a fiercely competitive segment. Its handsome looks, choice of powertrains, and a raft of tech, safety, towing, and storage features should keep it relevant. Pricing is not yet known; we’ll have more information closer to its summer release date.
See Also — We Visual the Next-Generation Toyota Tacoma & Toyota 4Runner
