The midsize truck corner of the market has always been dominated by rigid ideas of what a truck should be, and that’s why the Tacoma has always stood out. Toyota prides itself in marching to the beat of its own drum, and the result is a one-of-a-kind truck that provides a unique blend of power, practicality, and reliability in any situation.
Now that it’s officially entered its fourth generation, the 2024 Tacoma is ready to rock in Northridge, and it’s packing a ton of new features. Let’s check ‘em out.
Prius and Prius Prime Fuel Mileage and Efficiency
The 2024 Tacoma can now be optioned with not one, but two new available engines.
Base models come with a shiny new standard i-FORCE turbocharged inline 4-cylinder, which puts out 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. This is a serious boost from the 2.7-liter of yesteryear, which only had 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet.
The new generation does away with the V6 entirely. In its place, we have the mighty i-FORCE MAX hybrid that puts out 326 ponies and 465 pound-feet of torque. The new hybrid Tacoma engine is tuned to crank out more power than ever before, and as an added bonus, drivers even get to enjoy a slight boost in gas mileage.
Most grades also now come standard with a new 8-speed automatic transmission, but aficionados will be glad to hear that the Intelligent 6-speed manual is still alive and well in multiple trims.
New Grades to Choose From
Many of the fan favorites carry over from the 2023 Tacoma, but the list also features some exciting newcomers.
SR
$31,500
SR5
$36,200
TRD PreRunner
$38,100
TRD Sport / TRD Sport Hybrid
$39,400 / $46,300
TRD Off-Road / TRD Off-Road Hybrid
$41,800 / $46,600
Limited / Limited Hybrid
$52,100 / $55,800
Trailhunter
$62,900
TRD Pro
$63,900
The SR, SR5, and TRD PreRunner come with the meat-and-potatoes gas engine, while the top-level Trailhunter and TRD Pro get the i-FORCE MAX. TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited trims can be optioned with either engine, giving buyers an unprecedented amount of choice.
Improved Off-Road Dynamics
Built from the ground up, the Tacoma’s suspension has been greatly improved. Coil spring multi-link rear suspension is now standard across most trims, and both the TRD Pro and Trailhunter get their unique suspension setups with performance-grade parts. The Tacoma Trailhunter was envisioned specifically as an overlanding vehicle.
The all-new Tacoma is also capable of newfound heights of articulation with the available front stabilizer bar disconnect system. The system works with the push of a button and is even said to be compatible with Toyota-approved lift kits.
Apart from the physical upgrades, several notable technological improvements aid in off-roading nastiness. Multi-Terrain Select can now be used in both 4-High and 4-Low, and the settings have been fine-tuned for extraordinary traction. Upper-level trims can also be fitted with exterior trail cameras to aid in assessing those extra sketchy trails.
Capability to Do More
For the newest iteration of Toyota’s midsize king of the trail, the bed dimensions have been noticeably expanded. Width and height have grown over an inch, resulting in a 7 percent increase in total volume for all cargo carrying needs.
Bed technology is better than ever too. The tailgate can be configured with a power function that comes with hands-free closing and a quick release with jam protection. i-FORCE grades can also be optioned with a 400-watt AC inverter outlet, while the i-FORCE MAX comes with a robust 2,400-watter. 12-volt DC power is also available.
Multiple grades across the lineup can access the highest tow rating of 6,500 pounds; and ample power to drag a camper, toy hauler, or a small boat to a campsite of your choosing. There’s also an abundance of trailering assist features including a trailer brake controller, Tow/Haul drive mode, and Trailer Back-Up Guidance. Driver assistance features like a backup camera and Blind Spot Monitor make hooking up, driving, and unhooking a breeze.
Tech From the Future
One of the most massive improvements you’ll notice when you slide into the seat is the center infotainment setup. The standard 8.0 inches is impressive enough, but the true star of the show is the 14.0-inch touchscreen multimedia display. Regardless of choice, all Tacoma models come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as access to all of Toyota’s connected services including Drive Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, Safety Connect, and an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot.
In the higher grades, audio multimedia is paired with a 12.3-inch driver information center, plus an available heads-up display.
And for the audiophiles out there, there’s now a premium JBL audio system with 10 speakers and a subwoofer. If that wasn’t cool enough, one of our all-time favorite features with the package is that it also comes with a built-in JBL FLEX portable speaker, which plugs into the dash when not in use.
Even More Safety Features
Toyota has always been known as a paragon of safety, and the trend continues—the 2024 Tacoma is guaranteed to be one of the safest trucks on the road.
All models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which is even more responsive this year thanks to improved sensors. Features include:
• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Road Sign Assist
• Automatic High Beams
• Proactive Driving Assist
Notably, Proactive Driving Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist are all completely new features to the Tacoma.
Grab a 2024 Toyota Tacoma Near Los Angeles Today
In their review, Car and Driver noted that this year’s Editor’s Choice-winning Tacoma is “improved in nearly every way, [it] can compete with—and even beat—its rivals.”
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