Price: $32,995- $53,595
8 /10
Rating
Pros
- Exceptional off-road capabilities.
- Powerful engine performance.
- Spacious interior with modern tech.
- Improved suspension for smoother ride.
Cons
- Higher starting price.
- Fuel economy could be better.
- Limited rear-seat space.
- Firm ride on highways.
Overview: 2024 Hyundai Palisade
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is an all-new mid-size truck designed to compete with rivals like the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado. Its brawny bodywork and attractive interior aesthetic are complemented by digital displays and a diverse lineup of cab and bed configurations. Powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder, with the mightiest hybrid model delivering 326-hp, the Tacoma showcases significant upgrades like replacing the archaic leaf-spring suspension with sophisticated coil springs. These updates, along with its competitiveness, earned it a spot on the Editors’ Choice list, cementing its place as a contemporary and capable model.
It boasts an updated chassis and suspension for smoother rides over ruts and bumps. The old V6 has been replaced by turbocharged four-cylinder engines, while the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain delivers a stout 465 lb-ft of torque. With trims like the TRD Pro and Trailhunter, the Tacoma offers maximum off-road capability with minimal fuel economy benefit, making it a versatile choice for adventurers.
What's New in the Toyota Tacoma TRD?
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is fully redesigned, with a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine that replaces the discontinued V6. The Tacoma now boasts a modernized interior, with comfortable features, and high-performance drivetrains, including the TRD Pro and Trail hunter models, both designed for off-road capability. The truck is built on the body-on-frame TNGA-F platform, shared with the Toyota Tundra, offering an impressive lineup of trim levels, powertrains, and the newly introduced Trail hunter variant geared for overlanding. The fourth generation of the mid-size pickup brings greater flexibility, with modern features and a versatile selection, marking a significant improvement for the 2024 model year.
The Tacoma’s improved cabin
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma has made notable improvements in its interior, especially addressing some of the longest-standing complaints from previous midsize pickup models. The cabin is now ruggedly styled with squared-off angles and chunky control knobs that give it a more robust look, while the buttons are easy to tap. The steering wheel and seat adjustment provide a more natural-feeling seating position, especially for tall drivers, making the Tacoma more comfortable than before. I personally felt the improved range of the adjustments really enhanced the driving experience, as it was no longer like sitting on the floor like the previous version. The 12.3-inch digital display makes it simple to display navigation maps or switch to camera views, making everything more accessible while on the move.
Competitors to consider
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is entering a golden age of competition in the midsize truck market, with several strong competitors challenging the Taco. Among the rivals are the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, both offering updated models with improved features. Ford Ranger and the Jeep Gladiator, especially in their off-road-focused trims, provide serious competition for buyers interested in customization and off-roading capabilities. While the Tacoma stands out, the 2024 models from Ranger and Gladiator have been dramatically updated and offer serious off-road capability for performance. Whether you’re shopping for a midsize truck for daily use or one capable of more rugged adventures, these models are all worth considering, and you’ll find a variety of options for every type of buyer.
Pricing, Trim Levels, and Best Choice
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma starts at $32,995 and can go up to $53,595 depending on the trim and options. The best value lies in the SR5 model, which comes with a 278-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, aluminum wheels, push-button start, and blind-spot monitoring. It also features fog lamps, tie-down clamps, an integrated cargo-bed, and a rear-view mirror with auto-dimming. These trim levels offer great pricing details, making it easy to choose the best option based on your budget and needs.
$32,995
$37,695
$39,595
$40,895
$43,295
$53,595
Powertrain, Transmission, and Driving Dynamics
When I drove the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, I was immediately impressed by the performance and feel of the truck. The entry-level SR model comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that provides a respectable 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. What stands out is how the powertrain works seamlessly with the six-speed manual or automatic transmission, delivering smooth acceleration. The TRD Pre Runner model, with its coil springs and leaf springs, handles off-road terrain with ease, while the extended cab provides more cabin space for comfort.
During my drive, I tested the rear suspension, and it performed impressively well on rough roads. Despite being non-hybrid, the truck offers excellent thrust, and the performance on highway merging and passing is superb. On the 4WD models, i-Force technology further enhances the truck’s off-road capability, providing strength and smooth driving across dirt trails. What’s even more impressive is the 7.0-second time to reach 60 mph, showing that the Tacoma packs a punch while offering on-road refinement. The body-on-frame construction ensures solid durability, whether you’re driving in the city or taking on tougher trails.
Fuel Efficiency and Driving Range
When I took the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road for a spin, I was curious about its fuel economy. According to the EPA estimates, the two-wheel drive version delivers 21 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, while the four-wheel drive model gets 20 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. I tested the truck on a 75-mph highway route, and it returned 22 mpg, which felt solid considering the V-6 engine. Although there isn’t much improvement over the previous-generation Tacoma, the fuel economy still holds up. If you’re looking for more information or want to dive deeper into the specifics, you can visit the EPA’s website.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma delivers impressive towing capacity, with a maximum of 6500 pounds. If you need to haul gear or equipment, it can handle a payload of 1705 pounds, making it a solid choice for work or adventure. I had the chance to test the hybrid model, which, while slightly less capable in towing, offers a 6000-pound tow rating and can carry up to 1709 pounds of payload. I was impressed by how well it handled the task, and it’s clear that the Tacoma is built for tough jobs. The hybrid model, though reviewed separately, still holds its ground with excellent towing and payload capacity.
Premium Interior and Comfort
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma has made impressive strides in interior comfort and cargo space. The driver now sits higher thanks to the raised seating position, offering more headroom for a more comfortable ride. The front seats are well-designed, and heating is available for those colder days. The XtraCab and crew-cab versions both provide ample space, with the extended-cab version offering even more. The 12.3-inch all-digital gauge cluster and high-resolution screens in the Limited trim give a premium feel, while the adjustable steering column ensures a personalized driving experience. The TRD Off-Road model is equipped with body styles that make it ideal for off-road adventures. When it comes to cargo, the Tacoma offers both a 5-foot and a 6-foot cargo bed, and the longer box provides plenty of storage for gear. Overall, the materials and switchgear in the dashboard showcase Toyota’s focus on design and packaging, with the predecessor model offering a solid foundation for these improvements.
Infotainment, Connectivity, and Smart Tech
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma has stepped up its infotainment system with a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen, but the Limited model offers an upgraded 14.0-inch display for those seeking a bigger screen. Both options include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easier than ever to connect your devices. A charging pad is available as an optional feature, and the JBL audio system offers clear sound quality, further enhanced by a Bluetooth speaker that can be detached from the top of the dashboard for portable use. I’ve found that these features bring a sense of modern convenience to the truck, making it feel more connected and comfortable on both short drives and long road trips.
Safety and Driving Support
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma comes with a suite of driver-assistance features, including automatic high-beam headlamps that make night driving easier. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also available, but they do come at an extra cost. During my test drive, I appreciated the added safety that these features provide, especially when navigating tight spots. For those interested in more information, you can visit the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for detailed crash-test results and more safety features.
Key features:
✅ Standard safety features include forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning.
✅ Automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist provide additional protection.
✅ Adaptive cruise control ensures smooth driving during long trips.
Toyota's Warranty and Maintenance Plan
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma stands out with its best warranty coverage and complimentary scheduled maintenance plan, offering more value than many rivals in its class. I’ve found that this kind of support makes the ownership experience even more appealing, knowing that Toyota goes the extra mile to take care of your vehicle long after you drive it off the lot. The scheduled maintenance ensures that the Tacoma stays in top condition, keeping it reliable for years to come.
Key features:
✅ The powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles.
✅ The limited warranty provides coverage for three years or 36,000 miles.
✅ Complimentary maintenance is included for two years or 25,000 miles.
✅ Tacoma’s warranties offer strong coverage for long-term reliability.
What’s it like to live with?
Our test team is currently evaluating the 2024 Tacoma TRD Off-Road over a year-long journey, covering 20,000 miles. This long-term test gives our editors a chance to explore what they love and what they don’t about the truck. From daily drives to handling work, tackling family duty, enjoying recreational use, and even heavy hauling, the Tacoma is being pushed to its limits in every scenario. This hands-on experience truly reflects how the truck performs in real life.
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