It’s been quite a while since Toyota has released a new Tacoma, but that hasn’t mattered to Tacoma fans, since the truck continues to lead the segment. Even with its dated interior and underwhelming engine the Tacoma has managed to stay ahead of the competition. Now Toyota has introduced the all-new 2024 Tacoma, which gets some big improvements that will undoubtedly keep it ahead of its midsize truck competitors.
The last generation Tacoma stuck around for quite a while, with some updates along the way to keep it fresh, but there were some things that could have been better, like its dated tech features, underwhelming powertrain and small cabin.
The 2024 Tacoma moves to a new platform, that’s shared with the larger Tundra. It’s now based on a version of the TNGA-F platform that’s also shared with the Sequoia and new Land Cruiser. The new platform features a boxed frame from end to end. Toyota also gave the suspension a nice upgrade with coil springs on crew cab models, although the extended cab version keeps leaf springs. Disc brakes at all four wheels also improve the stopping power.
On the outside it now looks even more rugged than before, making it one of the best looking trucks in the segment.
Under the hood, there’s a big change. The previous four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines are gone. At launch there are two versions of the same turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine is also used by other Toyota models, like the Highlander, but Toyota gave it some upgrades to its cooling system to make it more capable.
The base 2.4-liter generates 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. The upgraded version gets revised engine tuning to give it either 270 hp and 310 lb-ft or 278 hp and 317 lb-ft. Why are there two specs for the upgraded version? It depends on which transmission you choose. The six-speed manual gets the lower 270 hp version, while the eight-speed automatic offers the most power under the hood.
The most fuel efficient version is the base engine with rear-wheel drive is rated at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined, which is an improvement over the old engines.
The new engine and platform bring some big improvements to how the Tacoma feels on the road. The turbocharged engine has more torque that’s available earlier than the old engines, which makes it pull away from a stop easier with a more refined feel. Although if you push it hard, the sound of the engine is not great. But Toyota added active noise cancelation to help improve the sound from what’s going on under the hood. Manual transmission versions don’t get the artificial engine noise, like the automatic versions, which means that it does sound a bit worse.
Around town or passing others on the highway, the new Tacoma is far more capable than before, since it has more of a low end punch than the previous Tacoma. The upgraded automatic transmission is also an improvement since it shifts more smoothly and faster than before. It’s great news that Toyota is keeping the manual alive by offering it with the Tacoma, but it isn’t a great experience. The manual shifter feels awkward and the long clutch pedal travel makes it hard to shift it smoothly.
Since the 2024 Tacoma is now based on the new more modern platform, the ride and handling has been improved significantly. The chassis is very stiff and new suspension provides a more smooth ride than before. It feels more refined than before without the nose dive and sloppy handling of the previous Tacoma. For more capability, the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road versions get unique shocks. The Sport version gets special TRD shocks, while the Off-Road version gets Bilstein shocks with a second stage valve. The Limited version has electronically adjustable shocks.
Toyota gave us the chance to check out the capability of the TRD Off-Road version on some dirt trails. The updated Crawl control off-road cruise control system is now more refined and the optional electronic disconnecting front anti-roll bar improves articulation when disconnected. The Off-Road version also adds 33-inch tires with 17-inch wheels, skid plates, an electronic locking rear differential and multiple terrain modes. If you want even more off-road capability there are the TRD Pro and Trailhunter versions, which we haven’t driven yet, since Toyota did not let us drive the hybrid versions of the Tacoma.
Inside there are some significant improvements. Starting with the seating position, for a while the Tacoma featured a low seating position, which basically made you feel like you were sitting on the floor. The new seating position is higher, which makes it more comfortable. The design of the dashboard now looks more modern, but it retains large control knobs for the sound, climate and drive mode systems.
The infotainment system has been upgraded with either 8- or 14-inch versions. Both versions get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a new digital instrument cluster that looks more modern than the previous system. On the safety front, the Tacoma gets the latest version of the Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance systems, which not only includes adaptive cruise control, but a new Proactive Drive Assist system. The new system will automatically adjust the speed and steering to help you avoid a collision, even when the adaptive cruise control system isn’t activated. A surround view camera system, head up display, JBL audio system with a removable Bluetooth speaker, power tailgate, bed mounted air compressor, and power tailgate are available.
In terms of pricing, all these upgrades do come at a cost. The base price for the two-wheel drive SR extended cab is priced at $32,995, including destination. That’s an increase of almost $3,000 over the previous SR. There are quite a few versions to choose from:
SR XtraCab 4×2 – $32,995
SR Double Cab 4×2 – $35,195
SR XtraCab 4×4 – $36,195
SR5 XtraCab 4×2 – $37,695
SR Double Cab 4×4 – $38,395
SR Double Cab 4×4 6MT – $38,395
SR5 Double Cab 4×2 – $38,695
SR5 Double Cab 4×2 6’ Bed – $39,915
TRD PreRunner XtraCab 4×2 – $39,595
SR5 XtraCab 4×4 – $40,895
TRD Sport Double Cab 4×2 – $40,895
TRD Sport Double Cab 4×2 6′ Bed – $41,395
SR5 Double Cab 4×4 – $41,895
SR5 Double Cab 4×4 6′ Bed – $42,395
TRD Sport Double Cab 4×4 6MT – $43,295
TRD Off-Road Double Cab 4×4 6MT – $43,295
TRD Sport Double Cab 4×4 – $44,095
TRD Off-Road Double Cab 4×4 – $44,395
TRD Sport Double Cab 4×4 6′ Bed – $44,595
TRD Off-Road Double Cab 4×4 6′ Bed – $44,895
Limited Double Cab 4×4 – $53,595
At the end of the day, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma is a significant improvement over its predecessor. It’s now more competitive with its improved powertrain and ride and handling. The upgraded interior is also the icing on the top of a great midsize truck that’s going to easily keep it on top of the sales charts.
