What’s old is new: 2024 Toyota Tacoma adds tech, trims, hybrid powertrain

Competes with: Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, Jeep Gladiator, Nissan Frontier

Looks like: A beefier version of the current Tacoma, a baby Tundra

Powertrain: 278 hp, turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (228 hp for SR, 270 hp for manual transmission) or 326-hp, turbo 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid; eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission; rear or four-wheel drive

Hit dealers: End 2023 (2024 for hybrids)

Aside from its latest redesign in 2016, the Toyota Tacoma has seen few significant changes in nearly two decades, yet it remains the best-selling midsize pickup truck on the market. After a series of teasers, the next-generation 2024 Tacoma has been fully revealed, giving Taco fans and potential buyers a closer look at the inside, outside and under the hood.

Related: 2021 Toyota Tacoma Review: Over the Hill We Go

The mid-size Tacoma follows the lead of its full-size stablemates, using Toyota’s body-on-frame global truck platform that it shares with the Tundra pickup and Sequoia SUV. Like the Tundra before it, the 2024 Tacoma also gets an available hybrid powertrain, which will likely improve on the current model’s mediocre fuel economy. The Tacoma also gets new trims, configurations, off-road enhancements, and tech and safety features that promise to modernize the aging truck.

New skin, stronger bones

The new Tacoma is inspired by the off-road capability of Toyota’s Baja racing trucks and its comparably sized HiLux counterpart sold overseas, according to the automaker. The new exterior look is intended to bear a family resemblance to the Tundra and Sequoia, while still maintaining its distinct character with unique features for each of its eight trim levels. The front of the Tacoma gets a facelift with a new hexagonal grille, high-mounted headlights, skid plates and side air intakes. The pickup also takes a more athletic stance with a narrow body and larger tires, Toyota says.

Other notable changes are found under the skin. Toyota says that the rigidity of the pickup is increased thanks to high-strength steel in the chassis, steering input and handling is improved, and aluminum used in the upper body has resulted in weight reduction.

Powertrain Picks: Gas-only or hybrid

2024 Toyota Tacoma | Manufacturer image

In addition to the updated exterior and stronger chassis, the 2024 Tacoma gets significant changes under the hood with a pair of new engines that bring a boost in horsepower and cargo, but reduce the maximum towing capacity. Replacing the outgoing Tacoma’s base 159-hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is Toyota’s gas-only turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes up to 278 hp and 317 pound-feet of torque (in the base SR trim , the engine’s output drops to 228 hp and 242 pound-feet).

While the current Tacoma’s available 3.5-liter V-6 disappears before 2024, shoppers who want more power can opt for the i-Force Max turbo 2.4-liter hybrid four-cylinder that increases output to 326 hp and torque to 465 pound-feet.

Both engines can be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the gas-only four-cylinder also offers a six-speed manual that Toyota promised would remain around for the new generation. Tacoma models with the single gas engine and a manual transmission make 270 hp and 310 pound-feet of torque.

The Tacoma’s standard engine paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission offers the model’s highest towing capacity of 6,500 pounds, according to the automaker’s estimates, while the hybrid engine can tow up to 6,000 pounds. (Currently, the 2023 Tacoma tows up to 6,800 pounds when equipped with the V-6 engine and a towing package.) While its maximum towing numbers take a hit, the new Tacoma’s cargo capacity grows—at least in the hybrid variant. Toyota has revealed that cargo capacity will top out at 1,709 pounds for hybrid models, which is an increase from the 2023 model’s 1,685-pound maximum. Cargo capacity for models with gas engines will be confirmed at a later date.

Another lingering question is how the hybrid powertrain will affect fuel economy. Currently, the 2023 Tacoma is EPA-rated at up to 20/23/21 mpg city/highway/combined for its four-cylinder and V-6 engines with rear-wheel drive. The new Tacoma has yet to receive an official EPA rating, but Toyota says it will provide estimates for the 2024 model closer to the on-sale date.

Upon its arrival, the 2024 Tacoma will be the only midsize pickup to offer a hybrid engine, setting it apart from gas-only rivals like the Chevrolet Colorado, Nissan Frontier and redesigned Ford Ranger. Currently, shoppers looking for a hybrid pickup truck can choose from the compact Ford Maverick or the full-size Ford F-150 and Toyota’s Tundra.

Introducing Trailhunter, TRD Pro Enhanced

After teasing the Tacoma Trailhunter in April, Toyota has revealed more details about its new overland trim. The Trailhunter was developed with aftermarket accessory company ARB and has exclusive off-road features such as Old Man Emu forged monotube shocks, a steel rear bumper and a bed utility bar. Retailers can also add an available ARB bed rack to support adventure gear such as a roof tent. The Trailhunter’s shocks and 33-inch Goodyear tires result in an additional 2-inch lift in the front and 1.5-inch lift in the rear. It also gets a high-mounted air intake, standard high-clearance trail exhaust tip, rock rails, an ARB steel rear bumper with tow hooks, and high-strength steel skid plates for added protection off-road.

The Trailhunter can be identified with a bronze grille with “Toyota” lettering, a 20-inch LED light bar and LED fog lamps. Camping-ready features include integrated bed lights and a power supply for the cabin and bed.

The off-road-oriented TRD Pro class of the Tacoma returns for 2024 with the hybrid engine standard and an off-road-tuned suspension with Fox shocks and bump stops enhanced for high-speed off-road capability. New to the TRD Pro are Toyota’s IsoDynamic performance seats that use a shock-absorbing system to stabilize and dampen body motion for proper alignment; the automaker says that the technology improves focus and comfort while reducing fatigue during off-road jaunts.

Performance and Utility

2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro | Manufacturer image

Ride, off-road ability, utility and storage are also improved in the redesign. A newly available multilink rear suspension found on higher trims replaces leaf springs with coils to improve ride and handling. A new front stabilizer bar disconnect is available and increases articulation by 10% over the outgoing model. The Tacoma’s maximum ground clearance of 9.5 inches is almost unchanged from the outgoing model’s 9.4 inches, while the pickup’s maximum approach, breakover and departure angles measure 33.8, 23.5 and 25.7 degrees, respectively.

Toyota says that the Tacoma’s bed volume has increased 7%, and a new XtraCab long bed is available for the SR, SR5 and raised TRD PreRunner trims; the two-door configuration seats two and comes with a 6-foot bed. The XtraCab is intended to serve as a workhorse with a focus on cargo space and in-cabin storage; lockable storage can be found in the rear floor and rear panel for work tools and longer items such as shovels, and the passenger seat folds flat to double as an additional workspace.

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Interior adds storage, technology and security

Inside, the Tacoma sees improvements to its cargo space and storage options. Storage space under the rear seat increases three times over the outgoing model, according to Toyota, and the rear seat folds flat for easier loading.

The Tacoma’s tech upgrades include a standard 8-inch touchscreen or an available 14-inch display with the latest version of Toyota’s multimedia system that first launched on the 2022 Tundra; our review of the new system found it user-friendly with simple menus and faster processing times. The new display replaces the 2024 Tacoma’s standard 7-inch unit and gains available wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A 7-inch gauge cluster is standard, with an available 12.3-inch digital cluster on higher trims. The Tacoma also adds a newly available 10-speaker JBL audio system that comes with a portable speaker geared for outdoor adventures.

The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 driver-assist suite comes standard on all Tacoma trims and includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and lane-center steering, which now works with adaptive cruise control. A new feature included in Toyota Safety Sense is Proactive Driving Assist, which enables automatic cornering braking, plus braking and steering support to keep distance from a vehicle in front. Road sign assist is also new for the 2024 Tacoma.

Trims, Price and Release Date

2024 Toyota Tacoma | Manufacturer image

The 2024 Tacoma’s eight trims upon arrival will be the SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, Trailhunter and TRD Pro. The TRD PreRunner is offered exclusively with the XtraCab’s two-door, two-seat configuration and rear-wheel drive. The SR, SR5 will also offer the XtraCab option, while higher trims are only available with a four-door double cab setup with a 5- or 6-foot bed. The new PreRunner gets a raised front suspension, all-terrain tires and an electronic locking rear differential. The TRD Sport returns with unique black 18-inch wheels, color-keyed door handles and fenders, a hood scoop and black exterior badging. The Limited adds power-retractable sidesteps, a head-up display, standard 14-inch touchscreen, digital rearview mirror and power moonroof.

The Tacoma’s i-Force Max hybrid drivetrain is available on the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road and Limited, and it comes standard on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims. The SR, SR5 and PreRunner are powered exclusively by the base gas-only i-Force engine.

Gas-only variants of the 2024 Tacoma are expected to arrive in late 2023, followed by hybrid models in early 2024. Pricing for the redesigned pickup is expected to be announced closer to its arrival. With significant updates made to the Tacoma’s powertrain, engineering and capabilities, shoppers should expect a price bump over the 2023 Tacoma, which starts at $29,585 for the base SR and $49,020 (prices including destination) for the range- topping TRD Pro with a manual transmission.

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