2024 Toyota Tacoma introduces 326 HP Hybrid, new off-road trim (2023)

The midsize truck wars are heating up again. The Nissan Frontier has become an attractive option in the segment, while Chevrolet, GMC and Ford have all-new versions of their mid-size models in the Colorado, Canyon and Ranger respectively. Today we got our first official look at the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, with the first details revealed after months of teasing.

This year marks three decades since the first meetingtacomaArriving in the US, today's Taco remains a favorite even as the oldest design of its kind. last yeartoyotamove230,000 examples.But the next few years could be even better, as the 2024 truck will feature a number of firsts—including a hybrid powertrain and a powerful new Trailhunter trim level.

Turbo and hybrid

The most interesting details are under the hood. Starting with the base SR model, Toyota offers four different trims for the Tacoma. The entry point is a new 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque when mated to the standard eight-speed automatic transmission.

Buyers can step up to the SR5 from there and get a more powerful version of the same turbocharged engine with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. Even better, it's a six-speed manual with automatic rev-matching -long live the stickThe same upgraded engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission adds more thrust and boosts output to 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet.

As a range-topping model, the Tacoma offers an optional hybrid powertrain for the first time. borrowI-Force Maxfrom the biggest brandstundra, a 1.9-kWh rear-mounted battery and 48-horsepower electric motor join the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine for a combined output of 326 hp and 465 lb-ft. That's nearly twice as much as the outgoing V6 model, and second only to the new 405 hpRanger Raptor(But the Taco has more torque).

Rear-wheel drive is still standard on models like the SR and SR5, but now comes with a slip-resistant differential. All-wheel-drive models add an electronically controlled two-speed transmission with high- and low-range gears, along with an upgraded active traction control system and a limited-slip differential. Choose the selected Limited model with I-Force Max hybrid engine and permanent four-wheel drive with center differential.

solid foundation

The new Tacoma opts for a tougher aesthetic than some of its rivals. Slender headlights adorn the front bumper, and fake mascara vents trickle down to the lower grille. The TRD Sport gets a simple black grille with a Toyota jellybean emblem in the middle, while the luxury Limited model gets the same Toyota emblem, but now with a chrome finish, chrome horizontal rails and matching chrome wheels.

ruProfessional editionand Trailhunter models feature retro 'TOYOTA' wordmarking on the grille, and both feature extra rugged visual accents such as front skid plates, horizontal LED daytime running lights and a unique all-terrain wheel and tire combination. The TRD Pro gets 18-inch black wheels wrapped in 33-inch Goodyear off-road tires, while the Trailhunter gets unique 18-inch copper wheels with the same rubber.

tacos are newTNGA-F platformIt uses high-strength steel throughout the chassis for rigidity and aluminum for the upper body to help keep weight down. An available multi-link rear suspension drops last year's leaf springs, a new shock absorber for the SR5 Double Cab and TRD Sport trims and up, and the suspension can be tuned uniquely for each model.

The TRD Pro still gets the standard Fox shocks with the stiffest equipment available, while the TRD Off-Road model uses the same Bilstein shocks from last year, and the TRD Sport gets custom-tuned shocks for better on-road feel.

One downside is that the Tacoma loses a bit of traction compared to the previous model. SR5 I-Force and TRD PreRunner trims can tow up to 6,500 pounds, about 300 pounds less than last year. The good news is that the TRD Off-Road model's payload increases to an impressive 1,709 pounds, compared to last year's maximum rating of 1,685 pounds. To make towing easier, Toyota has equipped the new Tacoma with advanced towing features such as a trailer brake control, a trailer hill guide and a digital rearview mirror.

A new 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard on the Tacoma, while an optional 14.0-inch screen is standard on the Limited, TRD Pro and Trailhunter. This larger screen is paired with a 12.3" digital instrument cluster, while a smaller 7.0" instrument cluster is standard. Both screens use the excellent infotainment interface Toyota introduced on the Tundra, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless compatibility and Qi wireless phone charging. also thatDetachable JBL Bluetooth speaker optionAvailable with 10 speakers JBL Audio Upgrade.

The Tacoma is also safer than ever, with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 also standard on all Tacoma trims for 2024. This includes features like Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning with Steering Assist, All-Speed​​​​Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Sign Assist, automatic high beams and a new predictive driving function.

Proactive Driving combines the Tacoma's camera and radar systems to create a more advanced form of adaptive cruise control that provides brake, accelerator and steering inputs even on slightly curvy roads. The system is new to Toyota and debuted in the Tacoma.

Go Pro ή Tracking

The Tacoma TRD Pro remains the toughest truck in the lineup, made even tougher this year with a new off-road upgrade. Although the approach, departure and stall angles are technically slightly lower - 33.8, 23.5 and 25.7 degrees respectively this year compared to 36.4, 24.7 and 26.6 degrees last year - some new options help with improving opportunities elsewhere. An available front stabilizer link is 10 percent stiffer than on the previous truck, and an optional off-road camera that projects a multi-terrain display onto the 14.0-inch touchscreen provides a clearer view of the road ahead.

Multi-Terrain Select drive modes now expand to 4WD High and 4WD Low, with three modes that can be adjusted on the fly: Mud, Dirt and Sand. Toyota also says the crawl control mode - basically off-road cruise control - is much quieter than last year and has five adjustable speeds. To make you more comfortable on the road, Toyota has developed IsoDynamic Performance seats, which use integrated shock absorbers to reduce body movement and stabilize the driver's head and neck.

For the supercharger, however, Toyota will introduce a new Trailhunter investment in 2024. It ditches the TRD Pro's Fox shocks in favor of ARB Australia's 2.5-inch forged Old Man Emu monotube shocks designed for long-distance off-road driving. There are new steel bumpers, stronger rear recovery points, improved rigidity for things like the roof tent and a choice of five- or six-foot beds depending on your landing needs.

There's a lot to like about the new Tacoma - we haven't driven it yet. We don't know how much the 2024 Toyota Tacoma will cost. The company said it will release that information closer to the on-sale date. Expect the new Tacoma to go on sale in late 2023.