The Toughest Tacoma Yet

Toyota builds the fourth-generation Tacoma on its formidable TNGA-F global truck platform – just like the all-new Sequoia and Tundra. Off-roaders should be enthusiastic about the high-strength boxed-steel ladder frame, which helps to make this the most rugged Tacoma to date. Other new features of note are the multi-link coil rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and front stabilizer bar disconnect system. The Limited trim, though, gets an adaptive suspension, while the TRD Pro gets its own suspension with Fox internal bypass shocks. Buyers of every trim can add the optional Multi-Terrain Select system with Crawl mode.

Features such as high ground clearance, all-terrain tires, large wheel arches, and skid plates make it clear that the Tacoma is ready and willing to leave the pavement behind. It also has high-mounted headlights, side air intakes, integrated roof rails, and spoilers on the tailgate. Plus, the TRD Pro is now the first in the midsized pickup class to have IsoDynamic performance seats, which help keep occupants planted when trail riding becomes intense.

Trims, Configurations, and Mechanical Specs

As always, Toyota gives Tacoma buyers lots of choices, with eight trim grades to select from: SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off Road, Limited, TRD Pro, and the overlanding-focused Trailhunter. The four-door Double Cab configuration returns, with a choice of a 5-foot or 6-foot bed. The two-door XtraCab makes its debut, pairing just two seats with a 6-foot bed. It’s available on the SR, SR5, and TRD PreRunner). The front passenger seat in the XtraCab can fold flat to form a handy work area, adding versatility for those who use their Tacoma for business. There are plenty of clever storage areas, too, including a locking back-panel compartment.

Both of the powertrains presented for the Tacoma are new for 2024. The base is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder, while a turbocharged gas-electric hybrid 2.4-liter four-cylinder called the i-FORCE MAX is offered as an upgrade. The gas-only engine has an output of 278 hp and 317 lb.-ft. of torque, while the hybrid version makes a bit more at 326 hp and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Either way, the transmission is a new eight-speed automatic – but the base engine can be paired with an optional six-speed manual (with rev matching and anti-stall technology – a handy feature for crawling up the trails), which should delight Tacoma purists.

An automatic limited-slip differential is also standard, with 4WD versions getting an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high and low ranges, plus an active traction control system. When the redesigned Tacoma is equipped to tow, it will be able to pull as much as 6,500 pounds. The payload limit tops off at 1,709 lb.

Standard Features

The SR has proximity keyless entry, cloth seats, auto on/off LED headlights, push-button ignition, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column (manual), a pair of USB ports, four fixed cargo bed tie-down points, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The SR5 adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a Class IV towing hitch receiver, a body-color rear bumper, and a deck rail system (a combination of fixed and adjustable cargo tie-down points). The TRD PreRunner expands the equipment list with a skid plate (composite material) and fuel-tank protection, LED fog lights, automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a 60/40-split folding rear seat with storage underneath, a fold-flat front passenger seat, a locking rear storage panel with pegboard, and a locking deep storage compartment.

The Tacoma’s mid-grade trim packages bring in additional elements for rugged driving. The TRD Sport is upgraded with a multi-link rear suspension (coil spring), sport-tuned shocks, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED bed lighting, and some trim-specific exterior styling. The TRD Off-Road boasts Bilstein remote reservoir shocks (with an end stop control valve), 120-volt AC outlet, a composite front skid plate with underbody protection for the transfer case and fuel tank, and 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires.

The Trailhunter mixes serious attributes that earn it its name, including some ARB brand components, starting with an Old Man Emu 4x4 suspension with forged aluminum upper control arms. It also gets an ARB steel rear bumper with red recovery hooks and a modular cargo-bed utility bar with MOLLE panels (removable). Also standard on this formidable trim are steel rock rails, Rigid LED fog lights, steel underbody protection, a high-clearance front bumper, a high-mount air intake (low-profile, rear-facing), a high-clearance trail exhaust, and 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires on 18-inch alloy wheels. For comfort, the Trailhunter gets a heated steering wheel, Softex upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, digital key, wireless device charging, a power moonroof, automatic climate control with two zones, eight-way power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, a head-up display, a power-sliding rear window with privacy glass, and a storage box for the cargo bed.

The TRD Pro gets an appealing mix of amenities such as heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a power moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control) and rugged components such as FOX’s QS3 three-way adjustable internal bypass shocks with remote reservoirs, which improve high-speed off-road performance, and FOX internal floating piston (IFP) rear bump stops that help to absorb impact on the trails. The Limited grade goes full throttle on comfort, with power running boards, SofTex upholstery, heated/ventilated front seats, a head-up display, a power moonroof, a heated steering wheel, eight-way power front seats with lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-sliding rear window with privacy glass, chrome-finished exhaust tips, sequential LED turn indicators, a cargo-bed storage box, an integrated air compressor, and 18-inch alloy wheels with chrome finish. It also gets a trailer backup guide with monitors that help the driver get a full picture.

Advanced Safety Technology

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is the latest version of the automaker’s driver-assist suite. Its components are full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic high beams, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, and proactive driving assist, which provides braking help and steering support in specific situations. Note that some of the sensor technology in those features has been upgraded as part of the redesign. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on all grades except for the base SR, where it’s optional. The Limited gets a surround-view monitor, which is an option for some of the other trims. The TRD Pro, Trailhunter, and Limited all receive specialized features for more confident trailer maneuvering; these technologies are available on all but the SR.

Staying Entertained and Connected

The revamped multimedia system in the all-new Tacoma has an 8-inch touchscreen in most grades, but the Trailhunter, TRD Pro, and Limited receive a 14-inch touchscreen instead (the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road are eligible for that upgrade). All trims have wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Wi-Fi hotspot access, as well as access to Toyota Connected Services (for Cloud Navigation, emergency help, and remote features). A top-quality JBL sound system is standard on the Trailhunter, TRD Pro, and Limited and comes with a ruggedized portable Bluetooth speaker (it’s water-resistant up to a 3-foot depth). The lower grades have a more basic sound system, with four speakers in the SR, SR5, and TRD PreRunner; the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road get six speakers.