After nearly two decades, Toyota redesigns the Tacoma for 2024

It finally happened, although it seemed like it never would have. Toyota finally redesigned its midsize pickup truck, the Toyota Tacoma, for the 2024 model year.

Of course, you can’t blame Toyota for milking every bit of profit out of the old truck. After all, it has long dominated its market segment, selling more than two-and-a-half times as many pickups as its closest rival in 2022, the Chevrolet Colorado. Yet given the sheer number of new midsize pickup truck rivals, the Tacoma was long overdue for a makeover, as Toyota had not redesigned it in nearly two decades.

Thankfully, for 2024, the Toyota Tacoma is all-new. Built using the TNGA-F global truck platform, its high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame also underpins the all-new Toyota Tundra, Sequoia and Land Cruiser. Designed at Toyota’s CALTY Design Research Center in California and engineered at Toyota’s Ann Arbor, Michigan, office, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma comes in Xtra Cab and Double Cab configurations with either a five- or six-foot bed. Trim levels start with the with the SR grade and rise though SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter trims.

The truck’s overall shape is a deft imitation of the larger Toyota Tundra while retaining its classic Tacoma grille. Off-road models have up to 11.5 inches of ground clearance as well as flared fenders and all-terrain tires. And it’s about two inches taller than before.

Thankfully, Toyota also had the chance to address a key complaint about the current Tacoma: its driving position. The current 2023 model feels as if you’re sitting on the floor. That’s changed for 2024, with a far more ergonomically pleasing seating position and a generously sized first row. When it comes to the second row, you’ll be dependent on the kindness of those in front for sufficient legroom. But the rear seat now boasts three times the amount of storage found in the 2023 Tacoma.

Otherwise, interior ambiance will feel familiar. As you might expect, the instrument panel is centered around a new standard 8-inch infotainment touchscreen; a larger 14-inch touchscreen is optional. Both run Toyota’s new user interface, which is far more intuitive to use than before. Yes, there are USB-C ports up front. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Uniquely, the front center audio system speaker is removable, becoming a portable Bluetooth speaker. Finally, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster comes standard, a 12.3-inch screen is optional.

Given the extensive redesign, it’s no surprise that the Tacoma’s drivetrains have been revised. All Tacomas use a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, dubbed the i-Force, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Opt for the entry-level SR and you’ll have to make do with 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. Upgrading to the Tacoma SR5 brings the power and torque up to 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet. However, say you’d like a six-speed manual transmission in your truck. Toyota is happy to oblige on SR Double Cab 4×4, TRD Sport Double Cab 4×4, and TRD Off-Road Double Cab 4×4 trims. If you do, power drops to 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. In all Tacomas, power flows to the rear wheels, or all four. Maximum towing is rated at 6,500 pounds for the i-Force engine, while payload was rated at 1,460 pounds.

Come spring, Toyota will introduce the same engine mated to electric motors. Known as the i-Force Max, it will be the Tacoma’s first gas-electric hybrid model. It generates a healthy 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. But the new model’s hybrid driveline is aimed at increasing increase power and torque without affecting fuel economy.

If you’re off-roading, you’ll appreciate the Tacoma’s 34.4-degree approach, 26.1-degree breakover and 26.1-degree departure angles.

We had the chance to sample pre-production versions of both the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD PreRunner XtraCab with a six-foot bed, as tested $38,100, as well as a Tacoma Limited Double Cab with a five-foot bed, as tested $52,100. A hybrid model wasn’t available for testing.

The new driveline feels far more refined, and the use of an eight-speed automatic transmission allowed Toyota to tune the driveline so that there’s always plenty of torque when you need it. It also gave the company a chance to quell the clamor from under the hood, providing this Tacoma with an interior that’s far quieter than before, no matter what’s happening. Say you’re off-roading, clambering over rocks. Not only is the cabin blissfully silent, but you can disconnect the front sway bar for maximum articulation. With more than 11 inches of ground clearance, it seems as if the Tacoma can ascend or descend over just about any obstacle. Or so it seems. But once when civilization intrudes and macadam reappears, reconnecting the sway bar provides a comfortably civilized ride. It’s here where the Tacoma Limited has an advantage in comfort thanks to its adaptive suspension, one of three suspension options for 2024.

There’s plenty more to know about the Tacoma and its various iterations. But the bottom line is this: Toyota has revamped the Tacoma for 2024 to great effect, ensuring it retains its crown as America’s leading midsize pickup. Look for it to reach dealers sometime in December.

NUTS & BOLTS

MSRP:$38,100

Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine

Horsepower/Torque: 278/317 pound-feet

EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 2 0 mpg city/24 mpg highway

Fuel required: 87 Octane

Length/Width/Height: 213/77.9/74 inches

Ground clearance: 11.5 inches

Payload: 1,460 pounds

Towing capacity: 6,500 pounds