The 2024 Toyota Tacoma: What's New?

On Nov. 28, Toyota announced the all-new 2024 Tacoma, with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just $31,500.

“This truck offers customers more of everything, including technology, style, and capability, all with an attractive starting MSRP. This is a segment Toyota has carried for years, and we feel this next iteration of Tacoma only raises the bar,” said Dave Christ, Toyota group vice president and general manager in a recent news release.

Available on most grades, the new coil spring multi-link rear suspension improves overall ride and handling for a new Tacoma for on- or off-road manners.

The all-new 2024 i-FORCE Tacoma are expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships in December of 2023, with i-FORCE MAX models expected to arrive in the spring of 2024.

MSRP for i-FORCE MAX models will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Improved Power

The Tacoma diversifies its powertrain choices, with two options that improve both both use a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The turbocharged i-FORCE 2.4-liter engine produces up to 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque.

The i-FORCE MAX hybrid produces up to 326 horsepower and a massive 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Most grades will offer up to 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque when paired with the new eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i).

The entry-level SR’s powertrain will generate up to 228 horsepower and 243 lb.-ft. of torque all of this while getting up to a manufacturer 26 MPG (Hwy). Enthusiasts will be pleased to know that a six-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT) with rev-matching and stall-avoidance technology is also available. The manual transmission models produce 270 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque.

Additionally, a clutch start cancel feature has been incorporated, allowing the truck to start while in gear for use on steep grades or technical trail sections.

The Tacoma’s i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain is available on TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited grades, and comes standard on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter models. The i-FORCE MAX combines the same 2.4-liter engine found in the i-FORCE grades and adds a 48-horsepower electric motor integrated into the eight-speed transmission that draws power from a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack.

This combination results in a total system output of up to 326 horsepower and an impressive 465 lb.-ft. of torque.

A Tacoma for Everyone

Tacoma will be offered in numerous grades and configurations for its new generation. In terms of grades, Tacoma is available in:

• SR
• SR5
• TRD PreRunner
• TRD Sport
• TRD Off-Road
• Limited
• TRD Pro
• Trailhunter

Returning for 2024, the TRD PreRunner is available in the XtraCab configuration with two-wheel drive only.

XtraCab, available in SR, SR5, and TRD PreRunner grades, is all about maximum utility and comes exclusively with seating for two, a functional rear cabin storage area, and a six-foot bed. This configuration has no rear doors and no rear seat but makes the most of its cabin with all kinds of additional storage options.

Lockable storage on the rear floor is useful for storing things like small packs, toolboxes, or a tacklebox, and lockable storage on the back panel can store things like shovels and fishing poles. Quick access to rear storage is aided by a long-slide driver’s seat with slide memory.

Additionally, the passenger seat can fold flat and can be used as a workspace and includes a water bottle holder.

It has a lifted front suspension, larger diameter BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, and an electronically locking rear differential. For a sportier look and feel, TRD Sport gets black 18-in. TRD wheels, color-keyed door handles and over fenders, hood scoop, black exterior badging, and aluminum pedals.

The Bilstein remote reservoir monotube shocks for the TRD Off-Road grade offer better heat dissipation, in addition to the available front stabilizer bar disconnect system.

Limited grades offer more sophistication due in part to a luxurious interior and standard tech including power retractable sidesteps, head-up display, 14-inch touchscreen, JBL audio, digital rearview mirror, and a power moonroof along with the new smooth-riding adaptive variable suspension and full-time four-wheel drive on i-FORCE MAX-equipped models.

Two cab styles are available with either a five- or six-foot bed: a four-door Double Cab and a new two-door XtraCab with clever storage features behind the front two seats.

Tacoma Safety

All 2024 Tacoma models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, Toyota’s suite of active safety and convenience systems. New-to-Tacoma TSS enhancements are made possible by system sensors with improved detection capability. This suite of features includes:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Road Sign Assist
• Automatic High Beams
• Proactive Driving Assist
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)

Proactive Driving Assist is new to Toyota Safety Sense. When system operating conditions are met, using the vehicle’s camera and radar, this system is designed to provide gentle braking into curves or gentle braking and/or steering to help support driving tasks such as distance control between a preceding vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist.

Proactive Driving Assist is not a substitute for the Pre-Collision System and operates in different circumstances.

The Toyota Safety Sense features have been enhanced for TSS 3.0:

• The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection has been enhanced to receive enhanced intersection support with improved detection capability in certain circumstances. In addition to pedestrian and bicyclist detection, this system can now detect motorcyclists.
• Lane Departure Alert now provides Steering Assist as well as enhanced lane recognition that includes the detection of certain 3D objects, like guardrails, that may be used to help define the lane.
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control will have Full-Speed Range capability and adds a new fourth following distance setting. Enhanced vehicle detection allows for the ability to detect more than one preceding vehicle, as well as vehicles in adjacent lanes.
• Lane Tracing Assist is new to Tacoma, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control must be enabled for it to function. The system requires detectable lane markings to function. In addition to lane centering, this system also helps provide more space between vehicles being passed in adjacent lanes.
• An Emergency Driving Stop System is a new function of Lane Tracing Assist. It’s designed to monitor the driver’s inputs, such as steering operation, to determine if they’re inattentive or non-responsive, such as during a medical emergency. This feature is designed to bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver doesn’t respond to alerts to take control.
• Road Sign Assist is also new to Tacoma. This system is designed to detect speed limit signs, stop signs, Do Not Enter signs, yield signs, and certain warning signs, and display an icon of the sign on the Multi-Information Display (MID).

Improvements to the Bed

Bed volume is increased by seven percent to help make loading gear a cinch, even when loading under the available tonneau cover. The bed is now deeper from rail to deck, as engineers designed it so a camp fridge or worksite gear could be stored under a closed tonneau cover. The truck bed is lightweight yet strong due to the new Sheet-Molded Compound (SMC) construction.

The lightweight but sturdy aluminum tailgate features an available power open and close function with jam protection. The Tacoma also has the Tundra tailgate’s quick release and close button that is integrated on the side of either taillight.

Gas grades offer an available 400W AC inverter outlet in the bed and on the rear of the center console, while i-FORCE MAX grades will come standard with a 2400W AC inverter. 12V DC power access is also available in both the bed and the cabin.

Built to Perform

High-strength steel with blanking and laser welds is used throughout the chassis to increase rigidity. Aluminum has been incorporated into the upper body for weight reduction. Frame cross members are also strengthened to increase durability and carry Toyota dealer-available accessories gear, such as rooftop tents, high lift jacks, and camp fridges.

Additionally, the roof is equipped with integrated attachment holes that allow the ability to add roof rack rails on all models.

The multi-link rear coil suspension ride system replaces the previous generation’s leaf springs on most models. Leaf springs remain available on SR, SR5 XtraCab, and TRD PreRunner grades.

Disc brakes are now standard on Tacoma for increased braking performance, and TRD models and higher grades are equipped with an even larger front brake package. TRD models and above equipped with i-FORCE MAX include a larger rear brake package as well. An electronic parking brake can be synced to engage when the truck is put in park.

This feature also allows for low-speed radar cruise control and a brake hold function. To provide an improved steering feel and facilitate the incorporation of additional safety and convenience features, Tacoma will now have electric power steering.

Smart Towing Tech

Tacoma has a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 lbs. on SR5 i-FORCE and TRD PreRunner and XtraCab grades, while its maximum payload increases on the new model to 1,710 lbs. for i-FORCE Max models.

Those numbers are paired with new towing features like an available trailer brake controller within reach of the driver’s seat and a Tow/Haul drive mode that increases throttle response and adjusts transmission shift points.

Trailer Back-Up Guidance is an available feature that aids in the overall maneuvering of trailers, while the available Straight Path Assist feature can provide a hands-free experience to help guide the trailer in a straight line when backing up.

The available Panoramic View Monitor provides a 360-degree top-down view to aid overall visibility, including tough-to-see areas around the truck.

Off-Road Capability

A front stabilizer bar disconnect system increases suspension flex at the push of a button. With the front stabilizer bar disconnected, Tacoma’s articulation increases compared to the outgoing-gen truck. The electronic stabilizer bar disconnect will even be compatible with Toyota-approved lift kits.

i-FORCE Tacoma’s have up to 34.4-degree approach, 26.1-degree breakover and 26.1-degree departure angles. Running ground clearance maxes out at 11.5 inches on TRD Off-Road.

With available cameras installed on the new Tacoma, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter, drivers can view potential obstacles looming on the trail via the Multi-Terrain Monitor that displays on the available 14-inch touchscreen. Tacoma offers standard front and optional rear recovery hooks and underbody protection.

Multi-Terrain Select, which is now functional in both 4WD High and 4WD Low, offers adjustable settings to help control wheel spin on a variety of terrains such as Mud, Dirt, and Sand.

When traction is limited, the available electronically activated locking rear differential can help split power 50/50 to the rear wheels. Downhill Assist Control is another off-road feature available and helps the driver navigate descents by limiting the speed of the vehicle.

Latest Tech Inside

The all-new Tacoma is filled with the latest technology and information screens that bring significant updates to the cabin. A new eight-inch or available 14-inch multimedia touchscreen displays Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system and is designed and engineered by Toyota’s Texas-based Connected Technologies team.

The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and pairs well with the available Qi wireless charging pad with enhanced power output. A USB-C data and charging port is integrated on the right side of the display, and dual USB-C charging ports are included in the front row and available for the rear passengers.

A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with four different styles is standard on higher grades, while a seven-inch gauge cluster is standard on lower grades.

Standard on all grades is a Smart Key System with a push-button start. With an active Remote Connect trial or subscription, an available Digital Key connects with compatible smartphones to allow vehicle entry, tailgate access, and vehicle starting (4G network dependent). The Digital Key can also be remotely shared with others to give more control over vehicle access rather than giving someone the physical key.

Additionally, a Smart Card key is available, which is a credit card-sized smart key that allows the driver to carry their key with them in a more convenient fashion wherever they go.

Limited Warranty

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against perforation from corrosion for 60 months with no mileage limitation.

Hybrid-related components that require repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship are covered for eight years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first from the original date of first use when sold as new. The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is transferable across ownership.

The 2024 Tacoma also comes with ToyotaCare, a plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance, for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and two years, of unlimited mileage of Roadside Assistance.

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet