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The all-new fourth-generation Toyota Tacoma breaks cover with a new hybrid powertrain, oodles of off-road goodies, and loads of new tech.
Fourth-Gen Tacoma Arrives
Today, Toyota unveiled the much-anticipated fourth-generation Tacoma with a host of new off-road features, new (and returning) trims, and a potent new hybrid powertrain. All those new features are wrapped in a fresh look that turns up the Taco’s already prodigious ruggedness to Clint Eastwood levels. Among the spicy additions is the new Trailhunter trim which capitalizes on the upsurge in overlanding interest for an epic out-of-the-box adventure vehicle. We will get to that and a whole lot more below.
New Hybrid Powertrain
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma drops its stalwart V6 in favor of two new powertrains. The default engine is a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder which, at the base SR trim level, makes 228 horsepower and 243 lb.-ft. of torque. For all other trims, those numbers go up to 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. when equipped with the eight-speed automatic transmission and 270 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. when equipped with the six-speed manual (that is right, you will still be able to get your Tacoma with a manual in 2024!).
For both more power and greater efficiency, there is the new i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain that combines the 2.4L turbo with a 48-horsepower electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic. This set up produces a combined 326 horsepower and a stout 465 lb.-ft. of torque. While official mpg numbers are not yet available, you can expect both powertrains to improve on the out-going V6 fuel economy.
New Looks
The 2024 Tacoma is getting a major facelift with the advent of its fourth generation. The third generation might have looked chunky and substantial, but the next-gen truck turns that aesthetic up to eleven. Toyota says the wide upper grille and narrow width are meant to invoke the first-generation Hilux, the original Toyota pickup from which the Tacoma derives. The interior continues the theme by focusing on durability and ease-of-use by retaining things like physical HVAC controls and a volume knob. Where some Toyota products are over-styled, the new Tacoma keeps a purpose-built demeanor.
Off-Road Chops Aplenty
As Toyota’s go-to off-roader, the new 2024 Tacoma is heavily laden with equipment and features for trail running, mudslinging outdoor adventures. New features include an optional multi-link rear suspension on upper trims (the SR, SR5 XtraCab, and TRD PreRunner keep their leaf springs in back). Four-wheel disc brakes are also new. TRD trims get larger front brakes, and those equipped with the hybrid powertrain get bigger rear brakes as well.
Each of the upper trims gets a unique suspension set up. The TRD Sport gets, predictably, sport-tuned shocks. The TRD Off-Road gets Bilstein shocks with a remote reservoir. The TRD Pro upgrades to FOX three-way adjustable shocks. And the new Trailhunter gets an Old Man Emu 4×4 suspension from Australian customizers ARB. The high-end Limited trim gets an adaptive variable suspension.
The rear-wheel drive version, including the TRD PreRunner, comes with an electronic limited-slip differential. The four-wheel drive versions come with an electronic two-speed transfer case and automatic limited-slip differential. TRD trims, along with the Trailhunter trim, also come with an electronic locking rear diff while the Limited has all-time four-wheel drive and a center locking diff when equipped with the hybrid powertrain.
Additional Features and Specs
Towing on the new Tacoma will max out at 6,500 lbs. (in the SR5 i-FORCE) and payload tops out at 1,709 lbs. (in the TRD Off-Road). Beds come in five- or six-foot varieties. Inside the Tacoma gets new goodies as well, chief among them the optional 14-inch infotainment touchscreen and optional 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Toyota upgrades the Tacoma’s advanced driver assist tech with their Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 that adds Proactive Driving Assist, a more advanced, “smarter” lane keep system, to the usual list of lane departure warnings and automatic high beams.
A Taco for Every Season
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is a dizzying eight different trim levels. The various suspension configurations and available features allow buyers to find just the right Tacoma for their needs, or quickly induce decision paralysis. Trim levels start at the base SR and progress to the SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, TRD Pro, and finally the new Trailhunter. Those last two are especially compelling.
The TRD Pro gets the trophy truck treatment with an added three inches in width, two additional inches up front in height, and another 1.5-inches of lift in the back. The means a fill 11 inches of ground clearance and 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires.
The all-new Trailhunter trim is a factory-developed overlanding spec created with the help of Australian customization house ARB. The Trailhunter comes with an ARB bed rack for all your overlanding gear, from jerry cans to your portable shower. Like the TRD Pro, the Trailhunter gets 33-inch Goodyear off-road tires. Typical overlanding bits like skid plates and a snorkel are also included.
The Unknowns
Toyota says the new 2024 Tacoma will see release in early 2024. Pricing will be announced closer to that final release date, but you can expect the new Trailhunter trim to command a premium.
