The mid-size truck section is booming due to new entries from Ford, Normal Motors, and Toyota. Consequently, should you’re out there for a brand new pickup, your timing couldn’t be higher.

That’s actually true because the Chevrolet Colorado impressed us throughout our first drive, whereas the Jeep Gladiator is undeniably cool due to its rugged seems and detachable roof. Final month, we additionally checked out the 2024 Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma. We’re specializing in the latter at the moment and it’s undoubtedly the truck to beat.

Toyota Threw The whole lot At The Wall And Most Of It Sticks

Footage: Michael Gauthier/CarScoops

Whereas the newest crop of mid-size vans was designed with pesky issues like profitability in thoughts, Toyota appears to have taken a ‘certain, why not?’ perspective. You need 5’ and 6’ beds? Certain, why not? You desire a two-door XtraCab (Prolonged Cab) that doesn’t have rear soar seats or simply accessible storage? Certain, it doesn’t make a lot sense however, why not? You desire a handbook that can enchantment to love 5% of patrons? Certain, why not?

We might go on and on, however you get the concept as Toyota threw all the things on the wall to see what sticks. It’s ridiculous and superior, and that’s even earlier than mentioning the 2024 Tacoma provides at least eight completely different trims. That’s overkill by any stretch of the creativeness, however it introduced us the all-new Trailhunter.

It’s undoubtedly the best trim and Toyota payments the Tacoma Trailhunter as a purpose-built overlanding rig that you would be able to purchase proper off supplier heaps. Officers added Toyota is the “de facto alternative” of the overlanding neighborhood, so it is smart to supply an overlanding truck straight from the manufacturing facility.

Extra: 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter And TRD Professional Debut With 33-Inch Tires And 326 Hybrid Ponies

Fortunately, the corporate acknowledged they might make the truck higher by working with the aftermarket so that they teamed up with ARB. This collaboration pays large dividends because it spawned a rugged pickup that’s warrantied and has off-road targeted gear that doesn’t intervene with driver help programs.

The outcomes communicate for themselves because the Trailhunter seems nice and includes a muscular entrance finish with a heritage-inspired grille that boasts an built-in gentle bar in addition to bronze “TOYOTA” lettering. That’s simply the tip of the iceberg because the truck has a raised air consumption and LED fog lights, which might change between yellow and white.

Transferring additional again, designers put in prolonged fender flares, rock rails, and a mattress utility bar with detachable MOLLE panels. The latter are a novel addition, however they’re not the one notable improve because the truck rides on 18-inch bronze wheels which are wrapped in 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires.

Rounding out the highlights are an ARB metal bumper, a high-clearance exhaust system, pink restoration factors, and lights that encompass the mattress and can be utilized when overlanding. Patrons may also discover skid plates, an built-in air compressor, and an Outdated Man Emu suspension that lifts the truck 2 inches (51 mm) on the entrance and 1.5 inches (38 mm) on the rear.

Sadly, ‘common’ fashions have an air dam that goes on for days. It’s large and hideous, however designers stated ‘certain, why not?’ whereas presumably cursing out the executives who determined to break their truck by grafting a Tupperware container onto it.

This was completed within the identify of gasoline effectivity and aerodynamics, however it seems terrible. Officers prompt it’s comparatively simple to take away, however that looks like a copout and it means there might be quite a lot of ugly vans rolling round.

On the reverse finish, there’s a light-weight aluminum tailgate with an out there energy open and shut operate which may be operated by buttons built-in into every taillight. It is a good function, particularly for a mid-size truck, because it permits homeowners to simply decrease the tailgate after they’ve received one thing of their arms.

Different highlights embody a small sliding rear window and out there AC energy within the mattress. The Tacoma additionally eschews a nook step rear bumper, however the firm provides a retractable step as a substitute.

A Tundra-Like Cabin With Loads Of Tech

Footage: Michael Gauthier/CarScoops

Whereas the outside seems nice apart from the dam, the inside is the place the Tacoma actually shines because it has one of many nicest cabins in its class. Design and materials high quality far outpaces the Ford Ranger, and the cabin feels comparatively elegant for a mid-size truck.

This shouldn’t be too stunning as the inside is closely impressed by the bigger Tundra. That’s very true in higher-end variants, which have a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system identical to their full-size counterpart. Nonetheless, even the bottom mannequin comes with a 7-inch show and an 8-inch infotainment system.

Talking of kit, the Tacoma may be outfitted with heated and ventilated entrance seats, a digital rearview mirror, and a moonroof. Essentially the most attention-grabbing function although is a JBL audio system with a conveyable speaker. The latter resides on prime of the sprint and may be eliminated to convey the occasion outside. When separated from the car, it operates as a Bluetooth speaker that may present as much as six hours of playback.

Extra: 2024 Toyota Tacoma Is The Swiss Military Knife Of Pickups As It Presents Hybrid Energy, Handbook And 6′ Mattress

We’ll study extra particulars nearer to launch, however the truck makes a superb first impression because it options spacious and closely bolstered entrance seats. They need to maintain you in place whereas off-roading, however the seats felt somewhat on the agency facet.

Like most different mid-size vans, rear legroom is restricted however acceptable for adults. Nonetheless, the TRD Professional’s IsoDynamic Efficiency seats appear to eat up some priceless second-row knee room and that’s disappointing to say the least.

Headroom can also be in brief provide, however the ceiling is sculpted to make the very best of the scenario. Nonetheless, issues is likely to be higher in vans that eschew a moonroof.

Whereas passenger area is restricted, there’s thrice extra space for storing beneath the rear seats. The rear seatback additionally folds down to assist in hauling massive and ponderous objects.

As for the remainder of the cabin, it has an intuitive design with tons of bodily switchgear. They’re joined by padded surfaces and rubberized grips that fortunately really feel good. Nonetheless, a few of the plastics are so-so and the MOLLE panels on the middle console and doorways don’t appear notably particular. On the brilliant facet, there’s a good quantity of space for storing together with a ‘hidden’ compartment on the driving force’s facet.

It’s additionally inconceivable to not point out the “Toyota” or “Tacoma” badging on the passenger facet dashboard. The daring lettering is a bit a lot and it’s about as cool as having your identify Sharpied in your underwear.

An All-New Turbo Engine And Accessible Hybrid Energy

When you can learn extra in regards to the truck’s engine lineup and capabilities in our authentic piece, we’ll do a short recap right here and point out the mannequin comes normal with an all-new turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder. It produces 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS) and 243 lb-ft (329 Nm) of torque within the fleet-focused Tacoma SR. 

That’s an enormous enchancment over the outdated 2.7-liter four-cylinder, which made a laughable 159 hp (119 kW / 161 PS) and 180 lb-ft (244 Nm) of torque. Nonetheless, the brand new engine falls in need of the Colorado’s entry-level output of 237 hp (177 kW / 240 PS) and 259 lb-ft (351 Nm).

The mid-level 2.4-liter i-Drive turbo will energy most vans and it produces 278 hp (207 kW / 282 PS) and 317 lb-ft (429 Nm) of torque when paired to an eight-speed automated transmission. A six-speed handbook may also be out there, though it comes with a lowered output of 270 hp (201 kW / 274 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm).

The latter numbers are equivalent to the Ranger’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, which additionally develops 270 hp (201 kW / 274 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. Nonetheless, that truck is barely out there with a ten-speed automated transmission.

Elsewhere in truck land, the Colorado’s mid-level 2.7-liter four-cylinder develops 310 hp (231 kW / 314 PS) and 390 lb-ft (528 Nm) of torque, whereas the Gladiator’s 3.6-liter V6 produces 285 hp (209 kW / 289 PS) and 260 lb-ft (353 Nm) of torque. Likewise, the Frontier’s 3.8-liter V6 has 310 hp (231 kW / 314 PS) and 281 lb-ft (381 Nm) of torque.

Whereas the mid-level engine trails a variety of rivals, Toyota has an ace up its sleeve within the type of the all-new i-Drive 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 automated transmission. This permits the truck to supply 326 hp (243 kW / 331 PS) and 465 lb-ft (630 Nm) of torque.

This outguns a variety of rivals together with the Ranger’s new 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, which has 315 hp (235 kW / 319 PS) and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque. Then again, it falls in need of the Ranger Raptor’s 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 which boasts a class-leading 405 hp (302 kW / 411 PS) and 430 lb-ft (582 Nm) of torque.

Toyota Seems to be Like It Has A Winner On Its Fingers

We’ll get a greater thought of how the Tacoma stacks up after we drive it later this yr, however it makes a superb first impression and we’re wanting to see how a lot the brand new multi-link coil suspension has improved the trip high quality.

That being stated, Toyota seems to have a winner on its arms. Solely time will inform, however the Tacoma combines attractiveness with an aesthetic cabin, tons of choices, and the one hybrid powertrain in its class.

Footage: Michael Gauthier/CarScoops