Toyota is heading into the 2024 model year with a new Tacoma to give us a lot more in a midsize truck. Will this new Toyota truck be the one you want to drive?
For generations, the Toyota Tacoma has been one of the most active, aggressive, capable, and useful midsize trucks in the market. The Tacoma TRD Pro packed a lot for your off-road adventures, but the next generation version brings much more to the lineup, including a new Trailhunter overlanding trim and two new powertrains.
Let’s take a look at some of the improved qualities of the new Tacoma.
This new Toyota truck is more muscular and aggressive
Toyota took the rugged looks of the Tundra and translated them to the smaller Tacoma. This means we’ve got a truck with chiseled body contours that looks mean and ready for business. If you want a midsize truck that projects strength and durability, this Toyota truck gives you that and much more. In addition to the rugged new style, you’ll find amazing new LED lights and robust fender flares that make it look even better. This new model is tougher and more aggressive than ever before.
The first hybrid Tacoma
The new Tacoma makes many headlines with the addition of the new i-Force MAX hybrid powertrain. The i-Force MAX name has become a staple of the Toyota lineup, but it’s utilized for a smaller engine in the Tacoma than in the Tundra and Sequoia. This new powertrain is a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a 48-horsepower electric motor to bring the power output to 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This new hybrid powertrain is standard for the TRD Pro and Trailhunter models.
Even the base powertrain is better
The previous generation of the Tacoma included an underpowered 4-cylinder engine. That’s gone, and in its place, we see a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine without hybridization as the base unit. This powertrain gives the SR trim 228 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. Move up to higher trims with this powertrain, and the power is tuned up to 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This new powertrain gives you an improved truck with more power and capability wherever you take this pickup.
Brand new seats in the TRD Pro
The TRD Pro trim has always been the hardcore off-roader in the Toyota lineup. For this new Tacoma, the seats are segment-first IsoDynamic Performance Seats that help offer a smooth, confidence-inspiring ride for the front two occupants. These seats have adjustable air-over-oil shock absorbers built into the seatbacks to dampen body movement and stabilize the head and neck to keep alignment with the spine. These seats ensure the driver and front passenger aren’t nearly as fatigued as they could be after a rough and tumble ride on the trails.
The Tacoma TRD Pro brings better off-road equipment
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro sits two inches higher in the front and 1.5 inches higher in the rear than the SR5 model. The track is also three inches wider than lower trims. This off-road-ready truck also brings an excellent package of features for better off-roading, including:
- Red aluminum front TRD upper control arms to reduce unsprung weight
- Fox internal bypass 2.5-inch manual model Quick Switch 3 shocks
- 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires
An all-new Trailhunter trim enters the fray
One of the most exciting aspects of the new Tacoma is the addition of the Trailhunter trim. For the first time ever, we have an overlanding midsize truck right from the factory. This new model brings OME position-sensitive 2.5-inch forged monotube shocks, a steel rear bumper, robust recovery points, and a bed utility bar with removable MOLLE panels. This trim also includes a high-clearance trail exhaust to ensure the Tacoma can ride over everything in its path.
Toyota offers a Tacoma for everyone
In a midsize truck market where most of the models have transitioned to one body style or one configuration, Toyota continues to offer choices. You can have the new Tacoma with either a 5 or 6-foot bed, a four-door Double Cab, or a new two-door XtraCab configuration. The XtraCab model is offered for the SR, SR5, and TRD PreRunner trims. This cab configuration has only two seats but a sizeable cargo area in the rear for items you might need to take with you that should stay out of the weather.
The new Tacoma takes several steps forward with new powertrains, a brand-new trim level, and classic features that we’ve come to know and love about this impressive Toyota midsize truck.
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