2024 Toyota Tacoma Debuts, Offering Several Firsts Like Hybrid Power and A Rugged Trim

The competition among mid-size trucks is intensifying. The Nissan Frontier has become an attractive choice in its class, while Chevrolet, GMC, and Ford have recently launched their own updated versions of mid-size trucks, such as the Colorado, Canyon, and Ranger. Today, we have an official glimpse of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, showcasing its features after several months of anticipation.

This year commemorates the three-decade anniversary since the first Tacoma arrived in the US. Despite being the oldest design in its segment, the current Tacoma remains the most popular, with over 230,000 units sold last year. The upcoming years look even more promising, as the 2024 model brings several firsts to the table, including a hybrid powertrain and a rugged Trailhunter trim level.

Turbocharged and Hybrid Power Options

The most intriguing details lie under the hood. Toyota offers four different power outputs for the Tacoma, starting with the base SR model. The entry-level variant features a newly introduced turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque when mated to the standard eight-speed automatic transmission.

Moving up the ladder, the SR5 model offers a more robust iteration of the same turbocharged engine, pumping out 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, this variant comes with a six-speed manual transmission equipped with automatic rev-matching, catering to enthusiasts who appreciate manual shifting. The upgraded engine, combined with the eight-speed automatic transmission, further enhances performance to 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.

At the top end, the Tacoma introduces an optional hybrid powertrain for the first time. Adopting the I-Force Max nomenclature from the larger Tundra, this hybrid setup includes a 1.9-kilowatt-hour battery pack and a 48-hp electric motor, complementing the turbocharged 2.4-litre engine. The total power output reaches an impressive 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. This figure nearly doubles the output of the outgoing V6 model, falling second only to the 405-horsepower Ranger Raptor (though the Tacoma boasts more torque).

The SR and SR5 trims come standard with rear-wheel drive and a limited-slip differential. For four-wheel-drive models, an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high- and low-range gearing, along with an upgraded Active Traction Control system featuring a limited-slip differential, is available. The top-of-the-line Limited variant, equipped with the hybrid I-Force Max engine, boasts full-time four-wheel drive with a center-locking differential.

A Robust Foundation

The new Tacoma distinguishes itself with a more rugged design compared to some of its rivals. Slim headlights grace the front bumper, while faux vents cascade down towards the lower grille. The TRD Sport variant features a simple black grille with a central Toyota logo, whereas the upscale Limited model showcases a chrome-finished Toyota badge with horizontal slats and matching chrome wheels. Both the TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims exhibit the retro “TOYOTA” wordmark across the grille, along with additional rugged styling cues like a front skid plate, horizontal LED running lights, and unique wheel and tire combinations designed for off-road use.

The TRD Pro boasts black 18-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch Goodyear off-road tires, while the Trailhunter offers distinct 18-inch bronze wheels with the same off-road rubber. To enhance strength and reduce weight, the Tacoma utilizes high-strength steel throughout the chassis and incorporates aluminum in the upper body. The SR5 double cab, TRD Sport, and above trims feature a multi-link rear suspension with a coil setup, replacing the leaf springs from the previous year. The suspension tuning is tailored specifically for each model.

The TRD Pro stands out among the variants with its standard Fox shocks. The TRD Off-Road model retains the Bilstein shocks from the previous iteration, while the TRD Sport receives specially tuned TRD shocks for improved on-road performance.

One drawback is that the towing capacity of the Tacoma has slightly diminished compared to the previous model. The maximum towing capability ranges from 6,500 pounds on the SR5 I-Force and TRD PreRunner trims, which is around 300 pounds less than last year. However, payload capacity has improved, with the TRD Off-Road model now boasting an impressive 1,709 pounds, surpassing last year’s maximum rating of 1,685 pounds.

To facilitate towing, Toyota has equipped the new Tacoma with advanced trailering features, including a trailer brake controller, a trailer backup guide, and a digital rearview mirror.

Interior Features and Safety

Inside the Tacoma, an 8.0-inch touchscreen comes standard, while the Limited, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter trims offer a larger 14.0-inch display as standard. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster accompanies the larger screen, whereas a smaller 7.0-inch cluster is the base configuration. Both displays utilize the excellent Toyota infotainment interface introduced in the Tundra, providing wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as Qi wireless phone charging. Additionally, an optional 10-speaker JBL audio system includes a removable Bluetooth speaker.

Tacoma places a strong emphasis on safety, with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 now standard across all 2024 Tacoma variants. This suite of safety features includes pre-collision assistance with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a new Proactive Driving feature.

Proactive Driving combines Tacoma’s camera and radar systems to deliver an advanced form of adaptive cruise control. This system provides braking, throttle, and steering inputs, even on mildly curved roads. Proactive Driving debuts on the Tacoma as a new feature from Toyota.

Choose Your Adventure: Pro or Trail?

The Tacoma TRD Pro retains its status as the toughest truck in the lineup, receiving new off-road enhancements this year. Although the approach, departure, and break-over angles have slightly decreased – measuring at 33.8, 23.5, and 25.7 degrees, respectively, compared to last year’s 36.4, 24.7, and 26.6 degrees – several new options enhance its capabilities. The available front stabilizer bar disconnect improves articulation by 10 percent compared to the predecessor, while additional off-road cameras with a Multi-Terrain Monitor displayed on the 14.0-inch touchscreen provide an enhanced view of the terrain ahead.

The Multi-Terrain Select drive mode function now extends to both 4WD High and 4WD Low, offering three adjustable modes on the go: Mud, Dirt, and Sand. Toyota also highlights that the Crawl Control function, a form of off-road cruise control, operates more quietly than before and provides five adjustable speeds. Toyota has introduced the IsoDynamic Performance Seat to enhance comfort during off-roading, which incorporates embedded shock absorbers to dampen body movement and stabilize the driver’s head and neck.

Toyota introduces a new Trailhunter trim for the 2024 Tacoma for Overlanding enthusiasts. This trim replaces the TRD Pro’s Fox shocks with 2.5-inch forged monotube Old Man Emu shocks, specially designed by Australian-based ARB for long-range off-road travel. The Trailhunter features new steel bumpers, more robust rear recovery points, enhanced rigidity for accessories such as rooftop tents, and offers a choice between a five- or six-foot bed to meet different overlanding requirements.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma presents numerous appealing features, and it is yet to be driven. Pricing information will be released by the company closer to the on-sale date. Expect the new Tacoma to become available later in 2023.

Source and Images: Motor1