No one knows midsize trucks better than Toyota. Despite being last updated in 2016, the Toyota Tacoma continues to dominate the market with its reputation for unbeatable reliability and dependable performance. In the last twelve months, we’ve seen some strong competition unveiled in the redesigned 2023 Chevy Colorado, 2023 GMC Canyon, and 2024 Ford Ranger—but now it’s time for the master to show how it’s done.
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is a tour de force of truck design, combining cutting-edge technology with traditional truck features to create a pickup that will likely continue to reign as the king of the hill.
A Real Truck for Real Truckers
Ask any hardcore pickup owner their opinion on the latest Ranger or Colorado and it probably won’t be long before they mention how these trucks are only available with a short bed. The rise of crew cab trucks is great for daily driving, but when it comes to doing actual ‘truck’ stuff, you need a long bed. That’s why Toyota is offering the 2024 Tacoma with your choice of two configurations: a two-door XtraCab with a six-foot bed or a four-door Double Cab with a five-foot bed. And despite the odd name, the XtraCab is a true two-seater with prioritized cargo space instead of a back row of seats.
Toyota also stuck to its guns in offering a manual transmission for the 2024 Tacoma. If you’re a fan of having three pedals, you can option a six-speed manual instead of the automatic transmission. Even better, the manual comes standard with a clutch start cancel feature. This feature means you can start the truck in gear without having to depress the clutch, preventing rollback or wheelspin in extreme situations. However, if you prefer an automatic transmission, the new eight-speed gearbox is a major upgrade from the aging six-speed automatic in the 2023 model, which was widely considered one of the few weak points of the previous-generation Tacoma.
New Engines, New Features
The powertrain options for the 2024 Tacoma are all-new. The starting option is now a turbocharged 2.4L engine producing 228 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful version of this engine is available in the higher trims, offering 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque when paired with the eight-speed automatic or 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with the six-speed manual. Finally, at the top of the heap is the i-FORCE MAX Hybrid powertrain; this integrates a 48-hp electric motor into the automatic transmission to provide a total output of 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. All in all, the 2024 Tacoma has the most torque of any midsize truck on the market, easily exceeding the Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel and the Ford Ranger Raptor.
In addition to its incredible torque output, the i-FORCE MAX Hybrid powertrain comes standard with a 2.4 kW AC inverter and power outlets in the cab and bed. These will allow you to power tools, camping gear, or anything else that needs electricity. Even if you don’t choose the Tacoma hybrid, you can still opt for a 400 W inverter. If you’re an off-roader, using this feature to power an air compressor probably crossed your mind––but if you opt for the new overlanding Trailhunter trim, the Tacoma actually comes with an integrated air compressor in the bed! The Trailhunter also comes with rock rails, skid plates, a 20-inch LED light bar, three upfitter switches, and more.
Long Live the King
Toyota certainly went all-out with the new 2024 Tacoma, and we’ve only scratched the surface of everything this truck offers. For instance, Toyota even decided to add an available front swaybar disconnect, putting the Tacoma in the rarefied company of models like the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Ram 2500 Power Wagon! However, Toyota also didn’t neglect the basics, continuing to offer sought-after features like a six-foot bed and a six-speed manual transmission.
Whether you are in the market for a ready-to-go overlanding rig like the Trailhunter, an off-road monster like the TRD Pro, a luxurious commuter like the Limited, or a basic work truck like the SR XtraCab, the new 2024 Toyota Tacoma has something for you.
