2024 Toyota Tacoma Targets Everyone, Trailhunter Joins Lineup

Featured Sponsor

Store	Link	Sample Product
UK Artful Impressions	Premiere Etsy Store

Toyota has been quietly studying the midsize truck competition and preparing a big offensive.

On Thursday, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma debuted in a dizzying array of configurations not seen in the midsize pickup segment. This is a complete redesign. While it’s the first update since 2016, the last truck used a frame that dates back to 2005. When the first models arrive this year, it will feature turbocharged and hybrid powertrains, seats with built-in shock absorbers, and the new Trailhunter model.

The 2024 Tacoma lineup changes and expands with eight trims, three powertrains and two four-wheel drive systems. It continues with two cab sizes and two bed lengths, but the smallest cab also gets a new configuration.

Pricing has not been announced, but most models will arrive in dealerships later this year. Off-road-oriented TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims, along with any other optional trucks with the hybrid powertrain, will follow in spring 2024.

2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport

toyota tacoma engines

The tried and true 3.5-liter V-6 and 5-speed automatic transmission are dead. RIP.

Every Tacoma has a turbocharged engine. Base Tacomas are powered by a detuned 2.4-liter turbo-4 rated at 228 hp and 243 pound-feet of torque. Trucks with this engine drop an oil cooler, motor mount, and some sound mufflers that more powerful Tacomas have.

Most Tacomas feature a 2.4-liter turbo-4 with more boost than the base engine for an output of 278 hp and 310 lb-ft. It’s the same turbo-4 found in the Highlander crossover SUV, but it sits longitudinally instead of transversely and some internal components have been beefed up.

Available on TRD Sport, TRD, Off-Road and Limited, and standard on TRD Pro and Trailhunter models, there’s a new 2.4-liter turbo-4 hybrid powertrain with a 48-hp electric motor integrated into the transmission for combined power. of 326 hp and 465 pound-feet.

Every Tacoma comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission, but a rev-matched 6-speed manual transmission is available on the base SR trim. Manual transmission models get the upgraded turbo-4 slightly detuned at 270 hp and 310 lb-ft, as well as a smaller 8.5-inch rear diff (upgraded turbo-4 models have a 9.5-inch rear diff) with limited torque. in first gear due to shaft rotation.

2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter

Rear-wheel drive with a limited-slip differential comes standard. Part-time four-wheel drive with a 2-speed transfer case is available, as is an electronic rear-locking differential. The more expensive Limited models get full-time four-wheel drive with a 2-speed transfer case, and the TRD Pro and Trailhunter models get the same equipment plus a locking center differential. All Tacomas use disc brakes on all four corners, as the rear drums are gone for the first time.

Toyota hasn’t provided full specifications, but said upgraded turbo-4 models with an automatic transmission can tow up to 6,500 pounds and hybrid models can tow up to 6,000 pounds. The hybrid’s maximum payload is recorded at 1,709 pounds. Toyota said the Tacoma will have up to 11.0 inches of ground clearance, a 33.8-degree approach angle, a 23.5-degree draft angle and a 25.7-degree departure angle, though the automaker didn’t say which model these figures represent. .

2024 Toyota Tacoma

Toyota Tacoma gets bigger

The Tacoma’s overall clearance hasn’t changed, which means it’ll still fit in an 18-foot garage. The rear axle has been moved back to stretch the wheelbase 4.5 inches, which in turn should improve ride quality. The width hasn’t changed, but the beefier trucks have been flared 2.6 inches for a more assertive stance in corners or on the trail.

built on the TNGA-F platform shared with him full size tundra and sequoia jeep, the Tacoma sits on a high-strength steel ladder frame that’s stiffer than ever before. Crossmembers are stronger for better durability and less twisting. Toyota said the aluminum body panels reduce weight, but didn’t say how much.

Lower-level SR, SR5, and TRD PreRunner models in Xtra Cab configuration still use rear leaf springs, but all Double Cab models swap out a multi-link rear suspension with coil springs for a better ride.

The base XtraCab is a regular two-door cab with no rear seat, but it has plenty of storage space behind the seats thanks to lockable cubbies in the floor and rear panel. It replaces last year’s Access cab, which was a four-door extended cab with rear-hinged rear doors and a pair of fold-flat seats. The front passenger seatback can be folded down to become a work space with a built-in cup holder. The SR, SR5, and TRD PreRunner can be configured with the XtraCab and a 6-foot bed.

Crew cab models have four full doors and seating for five with a 5- or 6-foot bed. Non-hybrid models get more storage space under the rear seats than current Tacomas, but hybrid versions use that space for the battery pack just like the largest tundra. All beds have 7% more volume than the current Tacoma due to new packaging.

2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

Tacoma TRD Pro and Trailhunter target off-roading

The Off-road TRD Pro model uses upgraded TRD upper control arms with revised geometry and reduced unsprung weight. It rides on Fox 2.5-inch internal-bypass shocks with three compression damping settings manually adjusted via a dial on the shock body. There are also Fox bump stops for when suspension travel reaches its maximum, plus an electronically controlled disconnecting front sway bar. TRD Pro models ride 2.0 inches higher in front and 1.5 inches higher in rear with a 3.0-inch-wider stance compared to an SR5 model. TRD-specific 18-inch wheels are wrapped in 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires. Toyota also trades in for a high-clearance ARB metal rear bumper with integrated recovery hooks and an aluminum front skid plate.

2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter

2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter

2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter

The new Trailhunter model is designed for overlanding. It features ARB Old Man Emu (OME) position-sensitive 2.5-inch monotube shocks at all four corners, and the rear shocks have external remote reservoirs. Available with a 5-foot or 6-foot bed, the Trailhunter features a bed-mounted air compressor, bed utility bar with removable Molle panels, a steel rear bumper with recovery points, and the same tires and ride height as the TRD Pro model. Additionally, a snorkel-like air intake mounts to the passenger-side A-pillar, a set of rock rails comes standard to protect the rocker arms, and several (Toyota did not elaborate) steel skid plates from high resistance protect the bottom of the truck. Toyota even installs a high-clearance exhaust tip to keep you off the rocks.

2024 Toyota Tacoma Limited

Toyota Tacoma looks like a Tacoma

The new Tacoma design is evolutionary at best, with some of the best parts copied from the full-size Tundra.

The blocky shape sports a blunt front end, steeply angled front bumper corners for better approach angles, and bulging fenders that cover the wider axles. The low sides of the bed are retained for easy access, unlike the Forest ranger and chevrolet colorado. Each of the eight trim levels has its own design elements, but they’re all chunky. TRD Pro and Trailhunter models stand out with their raised ride heights, large off-road tires, and additional LED lighting. The Tundra’s best feature, the electronic liftgate release that can be opened with an elbow bump next to the driver’s-side taillight, plugs into the Tacoma. Toyota took the feature a step further and installed the same electronic release on the passenger side taillight as well.

2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter

2024 Toyota Tacoma Limited

Inside, Tacoma’s dash is topped by an 8.0-inch or 14.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the word TACOMA on the passenger side. Higher trim models have a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a 7.0-inch digital cluster comes standard. TRD Pro models go a bit wild with shock absorbers built into the seat backs to help with lateral stabilization while off-roading. Non-hybrid Tacomas come with a 400-watt AC inverter in the bed (along with a second one on the center console inside the cabin), but hybrids upgrade the bed’s power to 2400 watts.

2024 Toyota Tacoma Limited

Toyota Tacoma Safety Features

Toyota equips every Tacoma with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, and an emergency stop feature that brings the truck to a stop if the driver fails to respond to alerts and warnings. Blind spot monitors and a surround view camera system are available.