The highly anticipated 2024 Toyota Tacoma has finally arrived, sending ripples of excitement through the automotive world, especially among dedicated truck enthusiasts and loyal “Taco” fans. After years of eager speculation and countless rumors, Toyota has delivered a next-generation mid-size truck that not only meets but genuinely surpasses lofty expectations. This revolutionary iteration of the Tacoma redefines what a pickup can be, blending robust capability with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled comfort.
Our initial experience with the new Tacoma takes place on the stunning Big Island of Hawaii—a truly fitting backdrop, as the Tacoma is affectionately known as the unofficial state vehicle of Hawaii, perfectly at home navigating its diverse and challenging landscapes.
Next-Gen Powertrains for Every Adventure
Under the hood, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma offers two exceptional engine options, meticulously engineered to cater to diverse driving demands, from daily commutes to extreme off-road excursions.
The standard powerhouse is the innovative i-FORCE turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. This robust powertrain generates an impressive 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque, providing brisk acceleration and ample muscle for both demanding work and spirited recreational drives. Paired with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission, it delivers a responsive and engaging driving experience.
For those who demand uncompromising performance and formidable towing capabilities, the available i-FORCE MAX turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain sets a new benchmark. This advanced hybrid system elevates the Tacoma’s output to a staggering 326 horsepower and a colossal 465 lb.-ft. of torque. This makes the i-FORCE MAX Tacoma a true force to be reckoned with, offering instant torque for challenging terrain and effortless highway cruising, all while boasting improved fuel efficiency.
Beyond raw power, Toyota has meticulously engineered these powertrains for optimal efficiency and reliability, ensuring the 2024 Tacoma is not just powerful but also practical for long-term ownership. The continued availability of a manual transmission option for certain grades further delights purists, offering a direct and engaging connection to the driving experience.
More photos of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Sport:
Unmatched Suspension Systems for Every Terrain
A cornerstone of the 2024 Tacoma’s redesign is its revolutionary suspension architecture. Toyota has introduced a state-of-the-art multi-link rear suspension system, a significant upgrade that replaces the previous generation’s leaf springs with coils on most grades. This advancement dramatically improves ride quality, handling dynamics, and overall comfort, especially over varied terrain. While leaf springs remain standard for the SR, SR5 XtraCab, and TRD PreRunner models, the widespread adoption of the multi-link system elevates the Tacoma’s capabilities to an entirely new level.
Toyota’s commitment to delivering a tailored driving experience is evident in the meticulously fine-tuned suspension setups for each Tacoma trim:
- TRD Sport: Equipped with red TRD sport-tuned shocks, this trim offers heightened responsiveness and a more engaging, athletic feel, perfect for spirited on-road driving.
- TRD Off-Road: For serious trail performance, the TRD Off-Road grade features monotube Bilstein remote reservoir shocks. These advanced shocks are engineered to provide extended wheel travel and superior heat dissipation, ensuring consistent damping performance during challenging off-road expeditions.
- TRD Pro: The pinnacle of off-road prowess, the TRD Pro steps up with FOX’s cutting-edge QS3 three-way adjustable internal bypass shocks, complete with remote reservoirs. These shocks are specifically tuned for enhanced high-speed off-road performance, allowing drivers to fine-tune compression damping on the fly. Complementing this, FOX Internal Floating Piston (IFP) rear bump stops are integrated to prevent harsh bottoming out, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride even over the most aggressive landscapes.
- Trailhunter: Designed for the ultimate overlanding enthusiast, the Trailhunter trim proudly features the legendary Old Man Emu (OME) 4×4 Suspension by ARB. This robust setup is expertly tuned for optimal off-road control, exceptional durability, and impressive load-carrying capability, making it ideal for extended backcountry adventures.
- Limited: For those who prioritize refined comfort, the Limited grade showcases Toyota’s Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system. This intelligent system constantly adjusts damping forces in real-time based on changing road conditions, delivering an exceptionally smooth, quiet, and luxurious ride.
This diverse range of suspension options ensures that every 2024 Tacoma owner can find a configuration perfectly suited to their lifestyle and preferred type of adventure, whether it’s daily commuting, high-speed desert running, or multi-day overlanding trips.
More photos of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Limited:
Robust Towing and Hauling Capabilities
The 2024 Tacoma truly excels in the utility department, offering impressive towing and hauling capacities that make it an ideal choice for both work and play. With an exceptional towing capacity of up to 6,500 lbs, specifically for the SR5 i-FORCE and TRD PreRunner XtraCab models, the Tacoma is ready to haul boats, trailers, or camping gear with confidence. Furthermore, it boasts a maximum payload capacity of 1,709 lbs, allowing you to load up the bed with all your essential equipment.
Toyota has integrated a comprehensive suite of advanced features to make towing easier and safer than ever before. These include an integrated trailer brake controller, a sophisticated trailer backup guide, and a crystal-clear digital display mirror. The intuitive trailer backup guidance system actively assists drivers in maneuvering trailers, while the innovative Straight Path Assist feature helps keep your truck and trailer reversing in a perfectly straight line, simplifying a traditionally challenging task. The addition of 360-degree cameras provides a comprehensive top-down view, significantly enhancing overall visibility and making it easier to navigate tight spaces around the truck and trailer.
When combined with Toyota’s integrated trailer brake controller, the enhanced Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) can detect blind spots not only for the truck itself but also for certain types of trailers, providing an extra layer of safety on the highway. Additionally, the bed volume of the 2024 Tacoma has been increased by a significant 7 percent, offering even more versatile capacity for gear, tools, or supplies, especially when paired with an optional tonneau cover for added security and weather protection.
Enhanced Braking and Precision Steering
Responding directly to enthusiast feedback, Toyota has significantly upgraded the braking and steering systems across the entire 2024 Tacoma lineup. All grades now come standard with responsive four-wheel disc brakes, providing superior stopping power and improved fade resistance compared to previous generations. Additionally, electric power steering has been implemented across all models, offering a more precise, lighter, and customizable steering feel, enhancing maneuverability at low speeds and stability at higher speeds. TRD grades and above further benefit from an upgraded, larger front disc brake package, ensuring even more robust braking performance when it matters most.
Diverse Trim Levels and Configurations to Suit Every Need
The 2024 Tacoma offers an impressive array of grades and configurations, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every driver’s lifestyle and requirements. Buyers can choose between the spacious four-door Double Cab and the innovative two-door XtraCab, which boasts clever storage features located conveniently behind the front seats. Both cabin styles are available with either a practical five-foot or six-foot bed.
The new XtraCab configuration, available in SR, SR5, and TRD PreRunner grades, is engineered to maximize utility. It exclusively provides seating for two and features an expansive, functional rear cabin storage area alongside a six-foot bed. By foregoing rear doors and a rear seat, the XtraCab optimizes interior space for cargo, offering a variety of additional storage options perfect for gear, tools, or supplies that need to be kept secure and out of the elements.
The comprehensive 2024 Tacoma lineup encompasses an impressive range of grades, each with its unique character and capabilities:
- SR and SR5: These entry and mid-level grades provide excellent value, robust capability, and a solid foundation for customization.
- TRD PreRunner: Making a triumphant return for 2024, the TRD PreRunner is exclusively available in the XtraCab configuration and offered with two-wheel drive. Designed for desert-running enthusiasts, it features a lifted front suspension, larger-diameter BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, and an electronically locking rear differential, ready to tackle sandy washes and challenging trails.
- TRD Sport: This trim enhances the Tacoma’s aesthetic and handling with black 18-inch TRD wheels, color-keyed door handles, a distinctive hood scoop, black exterior badging, and aluminum pedals, delivering a sportier and more dynamic appearance and driving feel.
- TRD Off-Road: Built for serious off-road excursions, the TRD Off-Road grade delivers improved capability with new Bilstein remote reservoir monotube shocks for enhanced heat dissipation. An optional front stabilizer bar disconnect system further boosts wheel articulation and off-road prowess.
- Limited: The Limited grades exude sophistication and luxury, featuring a premium interior and a host of standard technology. Highlights include power-retractable sidesteps, a head-up display, a large 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a premium JBL audio system, a digital rearview mirror, and a power moonroof. Models equipped with the i-FORCE MAX powertrain also benefit from the smooth-riding adaptive variable suspension and full-time four-wheel drive, ensuring an exceptionally refined and capable driving experience.
- TRD Pro: The ultimate high-performance off-roader, detailed further below.
- Trailhunter: The factory-built overlanding specialist, also detailed further below.
Adding to its personalization potential, the 2024 Tacoma offers an extensive color selection, including striking options such as Supersonic Red, Blue Crush Metallic, Underground, Wind Chill Pearl, Solar Octane, Celestial Silver Metallic, Black, Ice Cap, and many more, allowing owners to truly express their style.
The Ultimate Overlander: Introducing the 2024 Tacoma Trailhunter
For overlanding enthusiasts who demand uncompromising quality, durability, and reliability, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter represents a groundbreaking achievement. First teased at SEMA, this trim is now a reality: a factory-developed overlanding vehicle available directly from Toyota, meticulously engineered to tackle multi-day backcountry adventures right off the showroom floor.
To create the Trailhunter, Toyota forged a strategic partnership with the legendary Australian-based off-road experts, ARB. This co-development resulted in a suite of remarkable, integrated features:
- Old Man Emu (OME) Suspension: Position-sensitive 2.5-inch forged monotube shocks with rear external piggyback-style remote reservoirs, expertly tuned for optimal off-road control and exceptional load-carrying capability.
- ARB Protection: A sturdy steel rear bumper, robust rear recovery points, and a versatile bed utility bar complete with removable MOLLE panels for customizable gear attachment.
- RIGID Lighting: Cutting-edge integrated off-road lighting solutions.
The Trailhunter is available in Double Cab configurations with both 5- and 6-foot bed options, providing ample space for all your expedition gear. True overlanding adventurers can further enhance their Trailhunters by opting for available light- or heavy-duty versions of a full ARB bed rack. This robust rack offers additional support for essential overlanding equipment such as rooftop tents, canopies, or even a portable camp shower, elevating the adventure to new heights.
Thanks to the OME shocks and aggressive 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires, the Trailhunter boasts an impressive two-inch lift in the front and one-and-a-half inches in the rear, ensuring enhanced ground clearance to conquer challenging obstacles. This remarkable truck also features a high-clearance trail exhaust tip to prevent damage on rough terrain and a low-profile, high-mount Trailhunter Air Intake. This snorkel-like intake is ingeniously routed up the passenger-side A-pillar to draw cleaner air for the i-FORCE MAX powertrain, crucial for dusty trails or water crossings. Essential protection elements include robust rock rails and a range of hot-stamped, high-strength steel skid plates, ensuring the Trailhunter is ready for off-the-grid adventures straight from the factory.
The Trailhunter’s design seamlessly blends rugged functionality with distinctive style. It proudly displays a bronze-colored “TOYOTA” heritage-inspired grille with an integrated 20-inch LED light bar, providing powerful illumination. This striking feature is complemented by white/yellow color-switching RIGID LED fog lamps, offering optimal visibility in various conditions. Thoughtfully positioned lighting in the bed area eliminates dark spots, while integrated bedside scene lights illuminate the surroundings for a seamless camp setup at night.
Inside the Trailhunter, convenience and power are paramount. A powerful 2400W AC inverter delivers electricity to two locations in the cabin and the rear deck, offering ample power for charging laptops, cameras, or operating small appliances. Furthermore, the cabin features multiple 12V outlets and USB ports for charging other essential gadgets, such as an ARB Fridge Freezer. Toyota has truly anticipated every overlander’s need, even pre-wiring the Trailhunter for additional accessories with three auxiliary toggle switches conveniently located on the dashboard.
For those seeking further personalization, Toyota offers an extensive array of additional accessories through the Associated Accessory Products (AAP) program. Customers can customize their Tacoma Trailhunters precisely as they desire by choosing from over 100 accessories. From essential off-road recovery gear and robust rack attachment brackets for storage equipment to versatile outdoor sporting equipment carriers, the AAP ecosystem has it all. What’s more, these accessories can be conveniently included in customers’ monthly payments, making accessorizing your Tacoma easier than ever before. And the best part? The AAP program isn’t exclusive to the Trailhunter—it’s available for all 2024 Tacoma models, allowing every owner to truly make their truck their own, configured for their unique adventures.
More photos of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter:
Conquer the Desert: The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
The newest generation of the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro takes its renowned go-fast, desert-running capabilities to unprecedented heights. Meticulously engineered for serious off-road enthusiasts, the TRD Pro boasts a host of enhancements that deliver an exhilarating and supremely commanding performance, especially in high-speed, challenging environments.
Key to its performance are the red aluminum front TRD upper control arms, which optimize front geometry while simultaneously reducing unsprung weight, ensuring precise handling and superior control over uneven terrain. The star of the show, however, is the remarkable Fox internal bypass 2.5-inch manual modal Quick Switch 3 (QS3) shocks. Featuring convenient dials on the shock bodies, these state-of-the-art shocks can be adjusted to three distinct settings—Soft, Medium, and Firm—allowing drivers to fine-tune compression damping on the fly to conquer any terrain, from smooth trails to aggressive whoops. When tackling rough landscapes, the new multi-link rear suspension, combined with FOX Internal Floating Piston (IFP) bump stops, provides an incredibly smooth and controlled ride, absorbing impacts and taking the edge off even the gnarliest trails, preventing bottoming out and ensuring stability.
The TRD Pro doesn’t just excel in performance; it commands attention with its menacing stance. Sitting two inches higher in the front and an inch and a half higher in the rear, it exudes an aura of dominance and offers improved ground clearance. Wider than its Tacoma SR5 counterpart by three inches, the TRD Pro commands the road and trail alike. Its exclusive black flow-formed TRD wheels are wrapped in aggressive 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires, providing the perfect combination of style, traction, and durability for demanding off-road conditions.
Efficiency and power are further enhanced with the TRD Pro’s standard i-FORCE MAX engine, benefiting from a TRD performance air intake for optimized airflow and a TRD cat-back dual tipped exhaust that provides a throaty, exhilarating exhaust note. Illuminating the path ahead, an integrated LED light bar seamlessly works with the LED headlights, optimizing the beam pattern for balanced light output and impressive range, crucial for night driving in remote areas. Additionally, a set of RIGID white LED fog lamps ensures heightened visibility in adverse weather conditions, cutting through fog and dust. Completing its rugged and protective profile, the TRD Pro features a high-clearance ARB rear metal bumper with eye-catching red recovery hooks and a robust aluminum TRD front skid plate, ready to withstand impacts and protect vital components from any obstacle on the trail.
A true segment-first innovation on the new TRD Pro is the revolutionary IsoDynamic Performance Seat, exclusively available for the driver and front passenger. This groundbreaking feature brings an entirely new level of comfort, stability, and confidence to off-road driving. Designed to actively reduce driver fatigue and enhance stability on rugged trails, the IsoDynamic Performance Seat is a patent-pending innovation that employs an advanced air-over-oil shock absorber system. This unique technology simultaneously enables precise vertical and lateral seat movement, effectively dampening body movement and stabilizing the head and neck. By ensuring alignment with the spine, it minimizes the jarring effects of rough terrain, allowing occupants to remain focused and comfortable for longer periods. To further enhance the experience, the dampening effect can be precisely adjusted based on individual body mass and occupant preference, allowing for a truly customizable and tailored ride. For those moments when an unobstructed experience is desired, the seatbacks are equipped with convenient levers that allow occupants to bypass the dampening system if desired, providing full control over their seating dynamics.
More photos of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro:
Is the New Tacoma Worth Your Consideration?
With an impressive array of advanced features, significant enhancements, and thoughtful innovations, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma directly addresses the needs and desires of previous generation owners while simultaneously setting new standards in the mid-size truck segment. From its powerful and efficient i-FORCE and i-FORCE MAX powertrains to its sophisticated multi-link suspension and groundbreaking trims like the factory-built Trailhunter and the high-performance TRD Pro with its segment-first IsoDynamic Performance Seat, the new Tacoma truly offers something for everyone.
The competition in the mid-size truck market remains fierce, with formidable contenders such as the updated Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Ranger vying for supremacy. However, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma distinguishes itself with its legendary reliability, exceptional off-road prowess, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled customization options. If you’re seeking a truck that seamlessly blends unrivaled performance, superior comfort, advanced safety features, and robust utility, the 2024 Tacoma is undoubtedly a worthy contender, poised to dominate its segment and win over a new generation of enthusiasts, alongside its loyal “Tacoma fanboy” base.