As small trucks go, the Toyota Tacoma rules.
Known affectionately as the “Taco” to its loyal fans, it’s the consistent top seller among midsize pickups. It’s also the only one to frequently outsell its full-size sibling – in this case, the recently redesigned Tundra. That put pressure on the brand to be careful not to stray from what made that fan base happy when sculpting the restyled 2024 Toyota Tacoma.
Initial impressions were positive after a few hours behind the wheel. Overall, what was good is still there, while what wasn’t – primarily its awkward seating position – is fixed. Tested here is the gas-only version, which goes on sale in Canada early in 2024, while a hybrid truck will follow next spring.
A Mechanical Overhaul
The 2024 Tacoma rides on a new frame that’s fully-boxed and derived from a global truck platform that’s also the basis for the Tundra and Sequoia full-size sport utility. The rear leaf springs are gone in favour of a multi-link suspension with coil springs, and the rear drum brakes are replaced with discs. The outgoing model is offered in a cab-and-a-half configuration, but all 2024 trucks will be four-door crew cab. The American market still gets both versions, and Toyota’s reps say there’s a possibility the former may eventually return here as well.
All Canadian trucks feature four-wheel drive. It’s a part-time system with high- and low-range gearing; only the Limited Hybrid will have an automatic setting that can be driven on dry pavement. The selectable settings in the rest of the lineup are designed for low-traction environments and not intended for steady use otherwise.
Instead of a V6 engine, the Tacoma now uses a turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder. It makes 278 hp, just as the V6 did, but with 317 lb-ft of torque to the six-cylinder’s 265 lb-ft. The old six-speed automatic transmission is replaced with an eight-speed, but a six-speed manual will still be available in two trims (output drops to 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with that transmission).
The upcoming hybrid will use that same 2.4L and eight-speed automatic, but overall output will rise to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. Similar to the Tundra, the hybrid will be more about high torque than Prius-style fuel economy. For the gas-only version, preliminary fuel consumption figures are 11.8 L/100 km combined for most trims.
For the non-hybrid Tacoma, the base trim is the SR5; from there, it’s the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Sport Plus, and TRD Sport Premium.
Restyled the Right Ways
The chunky new styling suits the Tacoma, giving it some of the Tundra’s swagger but with a much better looking front end (the plain fender flares on the prototype tested here will be textured on the production truck). The lightweight-and-damped aluminum tailgate is easy to open and close, and hybrid models will offer a hands-free powered version. The TRD Sport rides on 18-inch rims; all others have 17-inch alloys. LED front and rear lighting is standard, but the running-light strips above the bumper look too much like cheap flea-market add-ons.
All trims start with a six-foot bed, but the Off-Road Premium can be ordered with a five-foot version. The Off-Road and Sport are the only trims offered with the manual transmission, and opting for that gives you a five-foot bed, too. Higher box sides on all trims increase bed volume by seven per cent.
Much Improved Interior
The outgoing Tacoma’s glaring issue was its seating position: the high cabin floor and low-slung seat meant most drivers had their legs uncomfortably stuck straight out or folded up high next to the steering wheel. The seat still doesn’t seem as tall as in competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado or Nissan Frontier, but it’s vastly improved to the point that most should finally find it reasonable during long drives.
The interior styling is as chiseled as the outside, with big buttons and dials that are easy to use with gloves; a decent amount of small-item storage; and an available two-phone wireless charger. The rear seats hide a larger-than-before storage cubby under them, and the seatbacks fold flat. The multimedia system, run through a seven-inch screen in lower trims and a 14-inch unit in the top one, contains trial versions of connectivity services – up to 10 years for basic ones – and available Google-based navigation that requires a subscription. Standard driver-assist features include emergency front braking with pedestrian detection, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights.
It’s All About the Drive
The turbocharged engine sounds diesel-like outside the truck, with a gruff clatter, but other than a bit of turbo whine it’s quiet in the cabin. It’s impressively strong and responsive, too: it has good passing power on the highway, but it’s also linear and well-behaved under light throttle load for moving through city traffic. The power steering is now electric and dialled in very well; the truck responds quickly and smoothly to steering input, and it’s a pleasure to drive.
I tested the TRD Off-Road, with Bilstein rear shocks that ccan be a bit bouncy over bumps, but that’s expected in a truck that’s outfitted for trail use. The various terrain modes now work with the transfer case set in either high- or low-range gears, and there’s an improved crawl control function.
The hybrid powertrain will be exclusive to the TRD Pro trim, with Fox internal-bypass shocks, and the Trailhunter with suspension by off-road supplier ARB, as well as a plusher Limited trim.
And About the Capacity
Figures haven’t been finalized, but expect a maximum towing capacity around 2,903 kg (6,400 lb) for the gas engine, and maximum payload, depending on trim, starting at 626 kg (1,380 lb). Available features include an integrated trailer brake controller, trailer back-up guidance lines, and straight-line hands-free trailer back-up. The blind-spot monitoring system can also easily estimate a trailer’s length and include it in its warning.
2024 Toyota Tacoma Pricing
The Tacoma in its SR5 trim will start at $48,880, including a non-negotiable delivery fee of $1,930. The TRD Off-Road shown here will be $52,580, while the lineup will top out with the TRD Sport Premium at $60,080. Hybrid prices will be announced later.
Final Thoughts
The Taco always came by its fan club honestly: a tough little go-anywhere truck with a bed intended for hauling bikes and camping gear. Its major flaw was its interior packaging, and Toyota has fixed it. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is better-looking and enjoyable to drive, and my prediction is that this new truck will have no trouble continuing its predecessor’s popularity.
You may also like
