Toyota is the undisputed champion in the mid-size truck segment, much to the chagrin of Ford and General Motors. It's an unlikely upset given Detroit's dominance of the full-size car segment, butTacomasurpassing the Chevrolet Colorado by more than 2-1 last year and beating the Ranger by more than 150,000 units.
So how does Toyota plan to keep the "taco truck" meaning in the face of the new Colorado, Canyon and Ranger versions? A complete redesign that it relies heavily ongreater Tundra, but one that does not sacrifice traditional truck features that many competitors have given up.
A medium-sized truck that doesn't compromise
If you've been following the latest mid-size truck lineup, you've no doubt noticed a growing trend as almost all are available in short crew cab configurations only.
The move makes business sense, but has alienated some customers. Fortunately, howNissan FrontierThe Tacoma will offer Extended (XtraCab) and Crew Cab (Double Cab) configurations. The good news doesn't end there, as the Crew Cab variant will be offered with 5' and 6' beds.
We're not done with bedtime stories yet as the box has gained a 7% increase in volume and customers will also find 12V and 120V outlets. Access to the bed is easier than ever as the aluminum rear door has an anti-trap electric opening and closing feature available. You don't even have to mess with the pendant as the buttons are integrated into each tail light.
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Tacoma is designed and developed in the United States and features a "Badass Adventure Machine" theme. However, this is a bit optimistic because essentially Tundra Jr.
The similarities are immediately apparent, but the Tacoma is more reserved with a smaller grille and slimmer headlights. They are accompanied by a familiar greenhouse and heavily styled body, reminiscent of a larger pickup.
Although déjà vu is on a slightly smaller scale, the Tacoma is known for its integrated roof and tailgate spoilers. The roof also features "integrated mounting holes" that allow for easy installation of a roof rack. The latter is an interesting detail, but a rear bumper with an angular step would be a welcome addition.
It is often said that "variety is the spice of life" and Toyota has taken this message to heart by offering eight different trim levels, includingall-new Trailhunter. We'll have more to say about this particular variant in a separate article, but Tacoma's lead engineer Sheldon Brown said, "We tried to provide even more separation of attributes between classes."
Full details will be revealed closer to launch, but the base SR has LED lighting units and what sounds like 17-inch steel. The SR5 goes to alloy wheels, and the TRD PreRunner gets a front linkage and off-road tires. The TRD Sport goes in a different direction with a flared bonnet, additional body-color accents and larger 18-inch wheels with a black finish. The TRD Off-Road can be fitted with 33-inch tires while the Limited is clad in chrome and has strong side sills and 'signature headlights'.
Modern interior like a tundra
TheTundra-inspired designcontinues in the cabin with an all-new interior that draws inspiration from its predecessor as well as the larger model.
Drivers sit behind the all-new steering wheel and look at the modern instrument panel with a 7-inch screen. This is a significant upgrade over the previous 4.2-inch multifunction display, and buyers can get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on higher-end variants.
Speaking of screens, Tacoma has new 8- and 14-inchToyota multimedia systems. They are a significant upgrade and have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Other features include an available wireless smartphone charger and a range of USB-C charging ports.
Technology aside, the Tacoma has a small dashboard shelf where a passenger can store their smartphone. Elsewhere on the center console and doors are MOLLE panels. Toyota also intended to make the truck more cargo-friendly, with three times more storage space under the rear seats. The rear seat backrest can also be folded down to make it easier to carry larger items.
Aside from the practical touches, there are a few quirks, including rubber grips throughout the cabin and a "hidden side dash pocket on the driver's side." The latter has a QR code that takes users to a website where they can learn to "design and 3D print their own accessories, such as a lamp, multi-tool or utility."
Trim details will be announced closer to launch, but the Tacoma Limited will be well equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 14-inch infotainment system and head-up display. The truck will also feature heated and ventilated front seats, a digital rear-view mirror and a sunroof.
More interestingly, the Limited will be equipped with a ten-speaker JBL audio system with a portable speaker. The latter is installed on top of the panel, but can be removed for an outdoor party. In Bluetooth speaker mode, it provides six hours of entertainment and is also suitable for the beach as the speaker can be submerged in water up to three feet (914 mm).
Tacoma becomes Turbo, offers optional hybrid powertrain
While the Tacoma is America's best-selling midsize truck, its 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is slow for the elderly, with 159 horsepower (119 kW/161 hp) and 180 lb-ft (244 Nm) of torque. This is woefully insufficient, but fortunately the mill has reached retirement age.
In its place comes a new family of 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The entry-level powertrain is exclusive to the entry-level SR, producing 228 hp (170 kW/231 hp) and 243 lb-ft (329 Nm) of torque. This is slightly less than the 237 hp (177 kW / 240 hp) and 259 lb-ft (351 Nm) found incheapest colorado.
While the base engine is only offered with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the mid-range 2.4-litre i-Force powertrain develops 270 hp (201 kW / 274 hp) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque when paired with six-speed manual transmission available. The choice of an eight-speed automatic transmission increases power to 278 hp (207 kW / 282 hp) and 317 lb-ft (429 Nm).
Before we get too far ahead, the six-speed manual transmission features automatic rev-matching and anti-lock technology. The automatic also takes a bow for being brand new and having two extra gears.
The big news is that Tacoma is leavinghybridwith the all-new i-Force Max drivetrain. It consists of a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 1.87 kWh nickel-metal hydride battery and an electric motor integrated into an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Thanks to the pleasure of electrification, the powertrain develops an impressive 326 hp (243 kW / 331 hp) and 465 lb-ft (630 Nm) of torque. This is a big improvement over the old 3.5-liter V6 engine and easily outperforms GM's 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 310 hp (231 kW/314 hp) and 430 lb-ft (582 Nm) of torque ).
It also beats the Ranger's all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, which develops 315 hp (235 kW / 319 hp) and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque. HoweverRanger Raptorhas a class-leading 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with 405 hp (302 kW/411 hp) and 430 lb-ft (582 Nm) of torque.
The i-Force Max drivetrain will be standard on the Tacoma TRD Pro and Trailhunter. Buyers can also get the engine for TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road and Limited.
Aside from the engines, the Tacoma will come standard with rear-wheel drive and a limited-slip differential. The choice of four-wheel drive rewards buyers with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case, active traction control and the aforementioned limited slip differential. In addition, Limited models with the i-Force Max driveline feature permanent four-wheel drive and a center differential. Buyers will also find an electronic rear differential lock on the TRD PreRunner, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro and Trailhunter.
New platform and modern driver assistance systems
An all-new truck needs an all-new platform, and the 2024 Tacoma uses the TNGA-F architecture, which also underpins the larger Tundra andRedwood. It features a highly durable laser welded steel ladder frame, reinforced cross members and an all new front steering gear cross member. The latter not only improves stiffness, but also promises improved input dynamics and handling.
While the SR, SR5 XtraCab and TRD PreRunner models have traditional rear leaf springs, the higher-end versions feature a multi-link coilover suspension that promises better handling and a more comfortable ride.
Toyota added that the suspension is "specifically tuned for each stage" as the TRD Sport has sports dampers for a better feel. For the TRD Off-Road, it features "Bilstein single-tube remote reservoir shocks for more wheel travel and better heat dissipation." The Limited trim package, on the other hand, has an adaptive suspension system that constantly adjusts damping based on road conditions.
The Tacoma will come standard with four wheel disc brakes as the drums have been carried over to the 80s where they belong. The truck also has electric power steering that allows "additional safety and convenience features to be installed."
When it's time to get off the beaten track, riders will be happy to find the new front sway bar link. It is available in off-road versions and detaches the front stabilizer at the push of a button. Toyota says this improves articulation by 10 percent over the old truck and will even be compatible with some lift kits.
As for off-road driving, the Tacoma has Downhill Assist Control, Multi-Terrain Monitor and the Multi-Terrain Select system, which now works in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low modes. The CRAWL Control feature has also been improved and is "significantly quieter".
The 2024 Tacoma comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver assistance systems and brings several new features to the truck. Key features include dynamic full speed radar cruise control (adaptive cruise control), lane keeping assist (lane centering) and collision avoidance with pedestrian detection. Automatic High Beam, Traffic Sign Assist and Proactive Driving Assist are also available.
Tows up to 6,500 pounds
Trucks and towing go together like trees and nature, but unfortunately Toyota has only revealed a few details. In addition, some variants with the i-Force engine and eight-speed automatic transmission will have a towing capacity of up to 6,500 lb (2,948 kg). Trucks with the i-Force Max powertrain will have slightly lower payloads up to 6,000 lb (2,722 kg).
To put these numbers in perspective,2024 Ford Rangerit can tow up to 7,500 lb (3,402 kg), while the Colorado peaks at 7,700 lb (3,493 kg). Even the Frontier is more efficient with a maximum weight of 6,720 lb (3,048 kg).
While it may not have bragging rights, the Tacoma offers an assortment of towing technology, including trailer brake control and trailer reversing guidance. The model also offers the Straight Path Assist system, which allows the truck and trailer to easily move backwards in a straight line.
Coming back to capabilities, the Tacoma TRD Off-Road will have a maximum payload of 1,709 pounds (775 kg). Toyota was mum in other variants, but the Ranger is more capable at 1,805 lb (819 kg).
It will come later this year to take on the likes of Ford and Chevy
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma will go on sale later this year, though you'll have to wait until next spring to get your hands on a truck with the i-Force Max powertrain.
Pricing will be announced closer to launch, but the current Tacoma starts at $28,250 before a destination fee of $1,335. We wouldn't be surprised if prices went up, but hopefully Toyota can keep potential gains in check as the mid-size truck segment is shaping up to be one to watch.
