2024 Toyota Tacoma: A Long-Awaited Refresh for the Midsize Pickup Champion

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma arrives completely redesigned, marking a significant upgrade for this popular midsize pickup truck.  Known for its reliability and off-road prowess, the Tacoma has faced growing competition in recent years.  This overhaul aims to solidify its position as a leader in the segment. Let's explore what the 2024 Tacoma brings to the table.

Rugged Yet Refined Redesign

The 2024 Tacoma boasts a bolder and more muscular exterior compared to its predecessor. The chunky grille and prominent fenders exude a sense of ruggedness, while the available LED headlights and taillights add a touch of modernity. The overall design feels more assertive, reflecting the truck's capability.

The interior has also undergone a significant makeover.  Gone is the somewhat bland layout, replaced with a more modern and driver-focused design. The squared-off dashboard and chunky control knobs maintain a sense of functionality, but the use of higher-quality materials and available features like a massive 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system elevate the cabin's feel.  Importantly, both the driver's seat and steering wheel offer a wider range of adjustment, allowing for a more comfortable driving position.

Engine Options Cater to Different Needs

The 2024 Tacoma ditches the previous V6 engine option in favor of a lineup of turbocharged four-cylinder engines. This might sound like a downgrade on paper, but these new engines offer a good balance of power and fuel efficiency.

• Base Engine: The base SR and SR5 trims come equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. This provides adequate power for everyday driving and light hauling.

• Upgraded Power:  Higher trims like the TRD Sport and Limited get a more potent 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine putting out 285 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. This option delivers a significant bump in performance, making the Tacoma feel more at home when towing or tackling challenging terrain.

Capability Reigns Supreme: On and Off-Road

The Tacoma has always been known for its off-road prowess, and the 2024 model upholds that reputation.  All-wheel drive (AWD) is available on all but the base SR trim, and higher trims like the TRD Off-Road come with additional features like terrain-select drive modes, a locking rear differential, and skid plates for enhanced off-road capability.

Even on pavement, the Tacoma handles well. The new suspension offers a smoother ride over bumps and ruts compared to the previous generation.  However, some reviewers noted that the steering can feel a bit numb compared to some rivals.

Addressing a Long-Standing Complaint: The Tacoma's Tech

A major criticism of previous Tacoma models was their outdated infotainment systems. Thankfully, the 2024 model addresses this issue head-on. The base model comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while higher trims get a massive 14-inch unit.  The system is user-friendly with crisp graphics and supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Toyota also equips the 2024 Tacoma with a suite of standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offer additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Trims and Pricing

The 2024 Tacoma comes in six trim levels: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro. Here's a quick breakdown of the starting MSRP for each trim (prices may vary depending on options):

• SR: $28,395 (2WD) / $30,195 (AWD)

• SR5: $31,445 (2WD) / $33,245 (AWD)

• TRD Sport: $34,535 (AWD only)

• TRD Off-Road: $36,745 (AWD only)

• Limited: $39,845 (AWD only)

• TRD Pro: $43,345 (AWD only)

The Verdict: A Strong Contender in the Midsize Truck Segment

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is a significant improvement over its predecessor. The bold new design, revamped interior, and powerful turbocharged engines make it a compelling option in the crowded midsize truck segment.