The 2024 Toyota Tacoma finally has the goods to go toe to toe with modernized mid-size rivals such as the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado. Not only does the all-new Taco have brawny bodywork, but its interior finally qualifies as contemporary, with an attractive aesthetic supplemented by crisp digital displays. The Tacoma lineup is also more diverse than most alternatives, offering two cab and bed configurations. Power comes from a new turbocharged four-cylinder with different output levels, but the mightiest Tacoma is the 326-hp hybrid model, which we review separately. Most models also trade the archaic leaf-spring rear suspension for more sophisticated coil springs, yet another example of the Tacoma’s newfound competitiveness that helped earn it a spot on our 2024 Editors’ Choice list.
The Tacoma is fully redesigned for the 2024 model year, which marks the mid-size pickup truck’s fourth generation. Along with inheriting a variant of the body-on-frame TNGA-F platform shared with the recently redesigned Toyota Tundra, the new Tacoma receives updated powertrains, more modern features, and a wider selection of trim levels, which includes the newly introduced Trailhunter that’s geared towards people who enjoy overlanding.
The price of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma starts at $32,995 and goes up to $53,595 depending on the trim and options.
Toyota hasn’t yet released pricing details on the 2024 Tacoma’s top two trims. But the best value lies in the SR5 model, which comes with the 278-hp version of the Tacoma’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 17-inch aluminum wheels, blind-spot monitoring, fog lamps, integrated cargo-bed tie-down clamps, push-button start, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
A turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder powers every Tacoma. However, the engine comes in two forms and pairs with either an eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. Rear- and four-wheel drive are both available. The base 228-hp turbo four is only found in the entry-level SR, and the rest of the lineup gets mightier i-Force variations with up to 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. While all Tacomas feature a body-on-frame construction, there are two different rear suspensions. The SR, SR5 extended cab, and the TRD PreRunner are buoyed by old-school leaf springs, whereas the rest have coil springs. We had the chance to drive the nonhybrid Tacoma and came away impressed with the truck’s newfound on-road refinement. Especially models with the new coil springs, which offer a significantly improved ride over those with the older leaf spring hardware. When we tested the Tacoma with the 278-hp four, it managed a 7.0-second run to 60 mph. Around town, the powertrain provides more than adequate thrust, and highway merging and passing tasks are completed without much stress. Since the Tacoma makes its bread playing in the dirt, the off-road-focused models come with the hardware to go almost everywhere.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The maximum towing capacity for the 2024 Toyota Tacoma is 6500 pounds. It can also haul up to 1705 pounds of payload. The hybrid model (reviewed separately) is capped at a 6000-pound tow rating or it can carry a payload of up to 1709 pounds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates the two-wheel drive Tacoma’s fuel economy as high as 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway; with four-wheel drive, its estimates are as high as 20 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. Those numbers aren’t much of an improvement over the previous-generation Tacoma, which was offered with a V-6 engine. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, the TRD Off-Road model we tested returned 22 mpg. For more information about the Tacoma’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the redesigned Tacoma makes big strides in both design and packaging. The dashboard boasts nicer materials along with high-resolution screens and traditional switchgear. While most Tacos have a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster, TRD Off-Road models and up feature a larger 12.3-inch all-digital unit. A head-up display comes standard on the Limited and above, with those models also packing heated and cooled front seats. Every model also benefits from a raised seating position with similarly added headroom, meaning the driver no longer feels like they’re sitting on the floor. A more adjustable steering column should make the truck more comfortable for more people. Like its predecessor, the 2024 Tacoma is offered with extended-cab (called XtraCab) and crew-cab (called Double Cab) body styles. The XtraCab only pairs with a six-foot cargo bed, but the Double Cab is offered with either the longer box or a shorter five-foot version.
Infotainment and Connectivity
An 8.0-inch touchscreen is the standard infotainment system on most Tacomas, but a larger 14.0-inch display is optional. The Limited model comes standard with the bigger screen. Every model includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless charging pad is optional, as is a JBL audio system. The latter even includes a Bluetooth speaker that can be detached from the top of the dashboard.
