Toyota of Smithfield
Bolstered Construction and Beefed-up Performance
For 2024, Toyota is assembling their popular Tacoma pickup truck on the same TNGA-F global truck platform shared by the redesigned Tundra and Sequoia models. This fourth-generation version gets a new high-strength boxed-steel ladder frame and adds several components that off-road enthusiasts will appreciate, including a redesigned multi-link coil rear suspension, new four-wheel disc brakes, and a new front stabilizer bar disconnect system. Plus, the Limited grade will now have a performance-optimizing adaptive variable suspension, while the TRD Pro uses a trim-specific suspension with Fox internal bypass shocks. All trims will be eligible for the elevated Multi-Terrain Select system, which gains a new Crawl mode that functions as a low-speed off-road cruise control.
The 2024 Tacoma will be offered with two new powertrains as well: a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a hybrid turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder (i-FORCE MAX). The gas-exclusive powerplant will put out up to 278 hp and 317 lb.-ft. of torque, whereas the available hybrid setup will make 326 hp and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Both will pair with a new eight-speed automatic transmission, although a six-speed manual gearbox (with rev matching and anti-stall technology) will be optional with the base (gas-only) engine.
All Tacomas will come with an automatic limited-slip differential, but four-wheel drive versions will also receive an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high and low ranges, plus an active traction control system. When it’s properly provisioned, the ’24 Tacoma will be able to tow up to 6,500 pounds or carry as much as 1,709 lb. of payload.
A Configuration for All
The upcoming 2024 Toyota Tacoma will give buyers a choice of eight trim grades: SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off Road, Limited, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter. The debuting Trailhunter will be factory-developed as an overlanding rig complete with the latest off-road hardware from ARB, Old Man Emu, and RIGID. While it comes ready for adventure straight from the factory, the Trailhunter is compatible with a third-party aftermarket accessory line so that buyers can customize it even further.
Two new cab styles will be offered with either a 5- or 6-ft. bed. They are the four-door Double Cab and the new two-door XtraCab. The debuting XtraCab (which pairs with the longer bed and is offered for the SR, SR5, and TRD PreRunner) has seating for two up front, but the passenger’s seat can fold flat at a job site for use as a work area (it even has a cup holder). Behind the seats, there’s an assortment of innovative storage solutions, including a storage area with a lockable back-panel compartment.
Updated Design and Exterior Utility
The 2024 Tacoma is primed for adventure, as evidenced by its aggressive appearance. It boasts a high lift, beefy tires set beneath prominent wheel arches, a lean figure, and a robust stance. The truck’s signature design elements include a wide upper grille inspired by the original Toyota HiLux pickups, skid plates, high-mounted headlights, side air intakes, integrated roof rails, and tailgate spoilers.
The Tacoma is now more functional than ever, thanks to its increased bed volume and available power tailgate. You’ll be able to charge large electronic items on the go, too: the gas-only grades will be issued a bed-mounted 400-watt AC inverter and the hybrids will get a 2,400-watt inverter. As the ultimate adventure vehicle, the Trailhunter trim will be stocked with a high-output air compressor for refilling its large-diameter tires after a hard day spent off the beaten path.
Overhauled Interior
The upcoming 2024 Tacoma will be outfitted with the latest in cutting-edge technology. The default infotainment system will have an 8-inch touchscreen, with the higher trims upgrading to a 14-inch interface with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless phone charging will be available, along with a variety of USB-C data and charging ports, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a concert-quality 10-speaker JBL audio system with an externally coupled subwoofer and a portable dust-proof JBL FLEX speaker. This ruggedized speaker can run for six hours undocked, pair with other JBL FLEX speakers, and be submerged in up to three feet of water).
The gas-only ’24 Tacomas have triple the amount of storage space under the rear seat compared to the previous model, and the rear seatback can even fold flat to expand the vehicle’s total loading surface. Among the other noteworthy storage enhancements will be an integrated instrument panel shelf and MOLLE panels in the center console and door pockets. One of the more unique facets of the ’24 Tacoma is its hidden QR code located in the side pocket of the driver’s-side dashboard. When this is scanned, it’ll take you to the Toyota website, where you can find dimensions to design and 3D print your own accessories. For cabin comfort and safety, the Baja-inspired TRD Pro debuts segment-first IsoDynamic performance seats that help keep occupants firmly in place during intense off-road outings.
Advanced Safety Aids
All 2024 Tacoma trims will receive the updated Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, which bundles a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, automatic high beams, and proactive driving assist (designed to provide gentle braking and/or steering support in certain driving situations). Several of those aforementioned systems have been enhanced for 2024 with heightened sensors and improved detection capability. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert will be available, as will a variety of trailering assistance features, including a trailer brake controller, trailer backup guidance, straight path assist, and a surround-view camera.