Toyota is the undisputed champion within the mid-size truck phase, a lot to the chagrin of Ford and Common Motors. It’s an unlikely upset given Detroit’s dominance within the full-size phase, however the Tacoma outsold the Chevrolet Colorado by greater than 2:1 final 12 months and it trounced the Ranger by greater than 150,000 items.

So how does Toyota plan to maintain the ‘taco truck’ related within the face of recent variations of the Colorado, Canyon, and Ranger? An entire redesign that pulls closely from the bigger Tundra, however one which doesn’t sacrifice conventional truck options that many rivals have given up.

A Mid-Measurement Truck That Doesn’t Make You Compromise

Should you’ve been following the most recent crop of mid-size vans, you’ve undoubtedly seen a pattern creating as nearly all of them can be found completely in a Crew Cab configuration with a brief mattress.

The transfer is sensible from a enterprise perspective, but it surely has alienated some patrons. Fortunately, just like the Nissan Frontier, the Tacoma will provide Prolonged (XtraCab) and Crew Cab (Double Cab) configurations. The excellent news doesn’t finish there because the Crew Cab variant shall be supplied with each 5′ and 6′ beds.

We’re not completed with bedtime tales fairly but because the field advantages from a 7% improve in quantity, whereas patrons can even discover 12V and 120V retailers. Accessing the mattress is simpler than ever because the aluminum tailgate options an accessible energy open and shut perform with jam safety. You don’t even must fiddle round with the important thing fob as buttons are built-in into every taillight.

The Tacoma was designed and developed in the US, and embraces the theme of “Badass Journey Machine.” Nevertheless, that’s a bit optimistic because it’s primarily Tundra Jr.

The similarities instantly stand out, however the Tacoma is extra restrained because it incorporates a smaller grille and slimmer headlights. They’re joined by a well-known greenhouse and closely stylized bodywork that echoes the bigger pickup.

Whereas it’s déjà vu on a barely smaller scale, the Tacoma is notable for that includes built-in roof and tailgate spoilers. The roof additionally options “built-in attachment holes” that enable for the straightforward set up of a roof rack. The latter is an attention-grabbing contact, however a nook step rear bumper would have been a welcome addition.

It’s usually mentioned ‘selection is the spice of life’ and Toyota took that message to coronary heart as the corporate will provide eight completely different trims together with an all-new Trailhunter. We’ll have extra to say about that exact variant in a separate article, however Tacoma Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown mentioned “We strove to offer even better attribute separation between grades.”

Full particulars shall be introduced nearer to launch, however the entry-level SR options LED lighting items and what feels like 17-inch steelies. The SR5 upgrades to alloy wheels, whereas the TRD PreRunner has a entrance raise and all-terrain tires. The TRD Sport goes in a distinct path because of a hood scoop, further physique coloration elements, and bigger 18-inch wheels with a black end. The TRD Off-Highway could be geared up with 33-inch tires, whereas the Restricted is wearing chrome and options energy working boards in addition to “signature headlamps.”

A Trendy, Tundra-Like Inside

The Tundra-inspired design continues within the cabin with an all-new inside that pulls inspiration from its predecessor in addition to its bigger counterpart.

Drivers sit behind an all-new steering wheel and discover themselves a contemporary instrument cluster with a 7-inch show. It’s a notable improve from the earlier 4.2-inch multi-information show and prospects can get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on higher-end variants.

Talking of shows, the Tacoma sports activities new 8- and 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia programs. They’re a big enchancment and have Android Auto in addition to Apple CarPlay compatibility. Different options embrace an accessible wi-fi smartphone charger and a number of USB-C charging ports.

Placing expertise apart, the Tacoma has a small shelf on the sprint the place the entrance seat passenger can stash their smartphone. Elsewhere, there are MOLLE panels on the middle console and doorways. Toyota additionally aimed to make the truck extra cargo-friendly as there’s thrice extra space for storing beneath the rear seats. The rear seatback additionally folds down to help in hauling bigger objects.

Apart from the sensible touches, there are a number of oddities together with rubber grips all through the cabin and a “hidden aspect pocket on the motive force’s aspect dashboard.” The latter has a QR code that takes customers to a web site the place they will be taught to “design and 3D print their very own equipment resembling a lantern, multitool, or toolkit.”

Tools particulars shall be introduced nearer to launch, however the Tacoma Restricted will come properly geared up with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and a head-up show. The truck can even have heated and ventilated entrance seats, a digital rearview mirror, and a moonroof.

Extra curiously, the Restricted can have a ten speaker JBL audio system with a conveyable speaker. The latter is put in within the high of the sprint, however it may be eliminated to convey the occasion open air. In Bluetooth speaker mode, it offers six hours of enjoyable and it’s additionally seaside pleasant because the speaker could be submerged in as much as three toes (914 mm) of water.

The Tacoma Goes Turbo, Affords Non-compulsory Hybrid Powertrain

Whereas the Tacoma is America’s best-selling mid-size truck, its 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is a gradual shifting senior citizen with 159 hp (119 kW / 161 PS) and 180 lb-ft (244 Nm) of torque. That’s woefully insufficient, however fortunately the mill has reached retirement.

Instead is a brand new household of turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines. The bottom powertrain is discovered completely on the entry-level SR, the place it produces 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS) and 243 lb-ft (329 Nm) of torque. That’s barely lower than the 237 hp (177 kW / 240 PS) and 259 lb-ft (351 Nm) you’ll discover within the most cost-effective Colorado.

Whereas the bottom engine is obtainable completely with an eight-speed computerized transmission, the mid-level 2.4-liter i-Power powertrain develops 270 hp (201 kW / 274 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque when paired to the accessible six-speed handbook. Choosing the eight-speed computerized will increase the output to 278 hp (207 kW / 282 PS) and 317 lb-ft (429 Nm).

Earlier than we get too far forward of ourselves, the six-speed handbook options computerized rev matching and anti-stall expertise. The automated additionally will get a nod for being all-new and that includes two further cogs.

The large information is the Tacoma goes hybrid with an all-new i-Power Max powertrain. It consists of a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, a 1.87 kWh nickel-metal hydride battery, and an electrical motor that’s built-in into the eight-speed computerized transmission.

Because of the fun of electrification, the powertrain develops a powerful 326 hp (243 kW / 331 PS) and 465 lb-ft (630 Nm) of torque. That’s an enormous enchancment over the previous 3.5-liter V6 and it simply beats GM’s turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder that maxes out at 310 hp (231 kW / 314 PS) and 430 lb-ft (582 Nm) of torque.

It additionally blows previous the Ranger’s all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, which develops 315 hp (235 kW / 319 PS) and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque. Nevertheless, the Ranger Raptor sports activities a class-leading 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 405 hp (302 kW / 411 PS) and 430 lb-ft (582 Nm) of torque.

The i-Power Max powertrain will come commonplace on the Tacoma TRD Professional and Trailhunter. Prospects also can get the engine on the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Highway, and Restricted.

Placing engines apart, the Tacoma will come commonplace with rear-wheel drive and a limited-slip differential. Choosing four-wheel drive rewards patrons with an electronically managed two-speed switch case, lively traction management, and the aforementioned limited-slip differential. That being mentioned, Restricted fashions with the i-Power Max powertrain come geared up with a full-time four-wheel drive system and a middle locking differential. Prospects can even discover an digital locking rear differential on the TRD PreRunner, TRD Off-Highway, TRD Professional, and Trailhunter.

A New Platform And Trendy Driver Help Techniques

An all-new truck wants an all-new platform and the 2024 Tacoma makes use of the TNGA-F structure, which additionally underpins the bigger Tundra and Sequoia. It incorporates a high-strength metal ladder body with laser welds, strengthened crossmembers, and an all-new entrance crossmember for the steering field. The latter not solely improves rigidity, but in addition guarantees to boost steering enter and dynamics.

Whereas the SR, SR5 XtraCab, and TRD PreRunner have conventional rear leaf springs, higher-end trims have a multi-link coil suspension that guarantees to ship improved dealing with and a extra snug journey.

Toyota went on to say the suspension has been “tuned particularly to every grade” because the TRD Sport has sport-tuned shocks for a extra responsive really feel. Within the case of the TRD Off-Highway, it comes geared up with “monotube Bilstein distant reservoir shocks for prolonged wheel journey and better warmth dissipation.” The Restricted trim, alternatively, options an Adaptive Variable Suspension system that constantly adjusts damping primarily based on highway circumstances.

The Tacoma will come commonplace with four-wheel disc brakes because the drums have been banished to the 1980’s the place they belong. The truck additionally adopts an electrical energy steering system, which permits for the “incorporation of further security and comfort options.”

When it comes time to enterprise off the crushed path, drivers shall be completely satisfied to discover a new entrance stabilizer disconnect. It’s accessible on off-road targeted variants and disconnects the entrance stabilizer on the push of a button. Toyota says this improves articulation by 10 %, in comparison with the previous truck, and can even be appropriate with sure raise kits.

On the subject of off-roading, the Tacoma options Downhill Help Management, a Multi-Terrain Monitor, and a Multi-Terrain Choose system that now features in each 4WD-Excessive and 4WD-Low. The CRAWL Management perform has additionally been improved and is “considerably quieter.”

The 2024 Tacoma comes commonplace with the Toyota Security Sense 3.0 suite of driver help programs and it brings a handful of recent options to the truck. Highlights embrace Full-Velocity Vary Dynamic Radar Cruise Management (Adaptive Cruise Management), Lane Tracing Help (Lane Centering), and a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. There’s additionally Automated Excessive Beams, Highway Signal Help, and Proactive Driving Help.

Tows Up To six,500 Kilos

Vehicles and towing go collectively like timber and the nice open air, however sadly Toyota has solely launched a number of particulars. That being mentioned, sure variants with the i-Power engine and the eight-speed computerized transmission can have a towing capability of as much as 6,500 lbs (2,948 kg). Vehicles with the i-Power Max powertrain can have a barely decrease ranking of as much as 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg).

To place these numbers into perspective, the 2024 Ford Ranger can tow as much as 7,500 lbs (3,402 kg) whereas the Colorado tops out at 7,700 lbs (3,493 kg). Even the Frontier is extra succesful because it maxes out at 6,720 lbs (3,048 kg).

Whereas it won’t have bragging rights, the Tacoma presents an assortment of towing applied sciences together with a trailer brake controller and Trailer Again Up Steerage. The mannequin additionally presents a Straight Path Help system, which allows the truck and trailer to be simply reversed in a straight line.

Getting again to functionality, the Tacoma TRD Off-Highway can have a most payload capability of 1,709 lbs (775 kg). Toyota was mum on the opposite variants, however the Ranger is extra succesful at 1,805 lbs (819 kg).

Arrives Later This 12 months To Battle Ford And Chevy

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma will go on sale later this 12 months, though you’ll have to attend till subsequent spring to get a truck with the i-Power Max powertrain.

Pricing shall be introduced nearer to launch, however the present Tacoma begins at $28,250 earlier than a $1,335 vacation spot cost. We wouldn’t be stunned to see costs climb, however hopefully Toyota can preserve any potential will increase in examine because the mid-size truck phase is shaping as much as be the one to look at.