Welcome to the world debut of the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma. Here is an exclusive hands-on look at the new Tacoma lineup. The Tacoma is by far the best-selling midsize pickup truck in the United States, and Toyota is looking to retain this title with an all-new truck. Let’s dig in.
2024 Toyota Tacoma
Toyota is going after midsize truck buyers with a huge amount of choices. The company presents eight fully redesigned trim levels, four power options, five damper/suspension designs, three versions of four-corner disk brakes, at least two rear axle sizes, and several new interior options.
This is the first-ever Tacoma Hybrid (Toyota calls it i-FORCE MAX). Toyota is bringing back the Tacoma PreRunner 2WD truck with a two-door XtraCab. There is also an all-new Tacoma Trailhunter trim level that is available with a crew cab and a longer 6-foot bed. There is a lot of ground to cover.
Tacoma SR
It all starts with the SR trim. This is the entry-level truck that will be the most affordable. The old 2.7-liter I4 and the 3.5-liter V6 engines are gone. They are replaced with several versions of the new 2.4-liter turbocharged I4 engine. The base Tacoma SR gets a power rating of 228 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 243 lb-ft of torque at 1,700 rpm. This engine can be mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or a new 8-speed automatic transmission. The Tacoma SR manual transmission can be had with the crew cab configuration only (Toyota calls it a “Double Cab”).
This truck comes with a slightly smaller rear axle and leaf strings. The SR can also be had with a two-door XtraCab and a 6-foot bed. This truck is focused on utility and affordability. Pricing is not announced yet, but I expect it to be somewhere close to the $30,000 mark for the 2WD version. Why $30K? It’s because the all-new 2023 Chevy Colorado 2WD work truck also starts near $30,000. The current-generation Tacoma starts at around $28,000.
All of the new 2024 Tacoma trucks get push-button start, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) driver assistance technology package, LED lights, and digital gauge/infotainment screens.
All new Tacomas get a redesigned cabin and interior. The cabin is approximately 2.4 inches taller than the previous Tacoma to get a higher seating position. Yes, this has been my personal complaint for a very long time, and now I can no longer complain about this because I fit way easier into the new Tacoma.
Tacoma SR5
This is the next step up in the lineup. The SR5 crew cab can be had with the multi-link rear coil-sprung suspension. You can still buy a Tacoma SR5 XtraCab with leaf strings as well. The 2.4-liter turbo-four gets more power. The upgraded power level is 278 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 317 lb-ft of torque @ 1,700 rpm when this “core” engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic. Toyota calls it the “core” engine version because they expect this one to be the option that most Tacoma customers will choose.
If you go for the 6-speed manual transmission, the engine output comes down a little to 270 hp @ 5,400 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque @ 1,700 rpm. This is not a big drop, but it ensures that the engine and the transmission are the best match for each other.
Tacoma PreRunner
Yes, the 2WD-only lifter Tacoma PreRunner truck is back! It has an electronically actuated locking rear differential, a lifted suspension, and all-terrain tires. It can only be had in XtraCab configuration, and you can get it with a manual transmission.
Tacoma TRD Sport
This trim level is meant more for street-driving. This truck’s suspension is tuned with a focus on handling pavement. You can still get a manual transmission, all of the technology features with the larger 14-inch center infotainment screen. This is the trim level where you can start to option the new Tacoma with the hybrid “i-FORCE MAX” powertrain.
This is a combination of the 2.4-liter turbo, electric motor, 8-speed automatic transmission, and a 1.87 kWh Nickel-Metal Hydride battery. The electrical system is taken from the existing Tundra Hybrid and Sequoia Hybrid.
Total hybrid power output is 326 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and monstrously class-leading 465 lb-ft of torque @ 1,700 rpm.
Tacoma TRD Off-Road
Many Tacoma customers will be looking at the new TRD Off-road trim level. Unfortunately, we do not have any images of this trim yet. We know that it will be offered with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. If you choose the automatic, then you can also option this one with the Hybrid powertrain.
The TRD off-road model will be equipped with the Bilstein monotube remote reservoir shocks, a selectable locking rear diferential, front stabilizer bar disconnect, composite skid plates, and available 33-inch tires. It can also be configured with a premium JBL audio system with removable JBL FLEX portable speaker.
Tacoma Limited
The new Tacoma Limited is the most luxurious new midsize pickup from Toyota, and it may just be the most luxurious midsizer in the entire segment. The new Tacoma Limited can be had with power retractable running boards, plush interior, heads-up display, Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), and a full-time 4WD system with a lockable center differential that is very similar to the one in the current Toyota 4Runner.
The Tacoma Limited comes only with a four-door crew cab. You can choose if you want the i-FORCE turbo or the Hybrid powertrain.
Tacoma TRD Pro
The TRD Pro continues to lead the “fast off-roader” designation for the Tacoma. It’s a bit wider than other Tacomas, it comes standard with 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory RT tires. (33-inch all-terrain tire is the largest that is currently offered on the new 2024 Tacoma). Naturally, it has a locking rear differential, 4H & 4L, and a disconnecting front stabilizer bar.
You will only be able to get the new Tacoma TRD Pro with a Hybrid powertrain. The new Tacoma Hybrids will come to market a bit after turbocharged new Tacoma trucks. Toyota says the Toyota Tacoma Hybrid will go on sale in early 2024, while other Tacoma models will be available near the end of 2023 calendar year.
The new TRD Pro uses FOX 2.5 internal-bypass QS3 dampers with rear piggyback remote reservoirs, and rear FOX IFP bump stops. You can use a manual shock valve switch on these shocks to change the damping to your liking.
This truck can also be optioned with a 2,400 Watt AC inverter and three Auxiliary DC switches. The front of the truck does not have a low-hanging air dam. There is a TRD aluminum front skid plate in the front. The rear has a steel ARB bumper and recovery points.
Tacoma Trailhunter
Finally, there is the all-new Trailhunter trim level that is Toyota’s answer to slower speed off-roading, camping, overlanding, and long-distance adventure driving. This truck with its own color scheme, wheel design, and an optional long 6-foot bed option!
It has many ARB components, including the rear bumper, recovery points, sports bar rack in the bed, and LOTS of skid plates underneath. The Trailhunter version rides on specially tuned Old Man EMU dampers. It appears that the new Tacoma Trailhunter is Toyota’s answer to the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison and the GMC Canyon AT4X AEV edition.
The Trailhunter does not offer a front bumper provision for a winch, and it does NOT come with 35-inch all-terrain tires. However, it can be configured with a 2,400 Watt AC Inverter and an on-board air compressor with PSI presets to make airing up easier.
Check out first 2024 Toyota Tacoma world debut video here:
