Well, the new fourth gen 2024 Toyota Tacoma is almost here (late 2023 release), and some might say that the updates the Taco needed for years have finally arrived. The high-end Chevy Colorados and Ford Rangers now have some serious competition from their rival at Toyota. There are numerous cosmetic and style changes on the new Tacoma, but the big difference is under the hood where words like “turbo” and “hybrid” are now used. The Trailhunter along with TRD Pro trims have been the talk for months. The TRD Pro comes standard with 2.5-inch Fox internal-bypass shocks which is a first for Toyota. Not to mention the game changing IsoDynamic shock absorbing seats that nobody can wait to see in person, Including us.

Drivetrain/Powertrain

One of the biggest changes Toyota made is the powertrain options. Say goodbye to the V6 we have all fell in love with over the years and say hello to turbos! Every Tacoma trim will now include a turbo charged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, but there will be a few different variations and power outputs available. The base 4-cylinder with 228 HP is only offered in the SR trim. All other trims have either a 278 HP/317 pound-feet of torque standard combustion, or the iForce Max Hybrid, similar to the new Tundra hybrid, with 326 HP/465 pound-feet of torque. All powertrain options also pair with either an 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual and obviously have 4×2 and 4×4 capabilities depending on the trim/options. The higher end of the lineup now comes with a new coil-sprung rear axle and a locking rear differential.

Trims & Pricing

Pricing of the 2024 Tacoma is not fully known at this point, but Car & Driver (link) estimates about $28k for the base SR trim up to and over $50k for the TRD Pro. As for the new Trailhunter trim, we would expect that to be a bit less than the TRD Pro, if not the same.

Interior

Although the updated powertrain is quite different from previous generations, the styling and comfort is what people notice first and the 4th generation Tacoma does not disappoint. If you don’t believe us, just take a look at the previously mentioned TRD Pro’s air-adjustable, shock absorbing seats which control body movement on uneven surfaces. Wow… Just wow! The rest of the interior had some much-needed updates making it look and feel higher end altogether. Toyota claims the 2024 model gains three times more storage space under the rear seats which is a huge deal in this midsize segment. The rear seats also fold flat, creating a levelled cargo area. Some of the new options offered (depending on trim) include a 12.3-inch digital dash with an optional 10- speaker JBL audio system, heated and cooled front seats, raised seating with added headroom, higher end materials, heads up display, driver assist technologies, power tail gate, a welcomed wider wheel base, and probably a lot more we don’t know about yet.

Exterior/Suspension

Overall, the truck still looks like a Tacoma, just a beefier, nicer feeling one that resembles its big brother, the Tundra. So yes, the exterior has also changed a bit. There are a couple noticeably different lines on the profile view, but the front and back is where most changes are noticed. At first glance one might think Tundra as they have incorporated the same sort of styling in the new Tacoma, especially in the head and tail lights. Other than that, it still retains the basic body lines as well as the iconic shape of the front grille, which helps it keep that standard Taco look we have all loved for years. The higher end of the lineup now comes with game changing 2.5-inch Fox internal bypass QS3 shocks as we mentioned earlier, ARB bumpers, a new coil-sprung rear axle, forged aluminum upper control arms, front anti-roll-bar disconnect, and bigger 33- inch Goodyear tires. The new tires and suspension improvements help the new TRD Pro achieve up to a 33.8-degree approach angle, 23.5-degree breakover, and 25.7- degree departure angle. This all equates to a claimed stock ground clearance of 11 inches which is 1.5 inches higher than the current generation 2023 TRD Pro.

Our thoughts

The photos look amazing and we believe most would agree. Many of us (LTO included) will miss the naturally aspirated /bullet proof V6 that has only seen minor updates over the last 20+ years. Heck, I shouldn’t say we’ll miss it, we will be working on and modifying previous model Tacomas forever. From the first gen 5VZ-FE engine to the third gen 2GR-FKS, the Tacoma has always remained a popular choice for not only off road enthusiast but also for those simply seeking a tried-and-true dependable truck. We will miss the V6 for both reasons. It was only a matter of time that the Tacoma switched over to a full blown 4 cylinder/hybrid lineup and we know how much Toyota has riding on this engine and release as a whole. This alone makes us happy and we can’t wait for the first TRD Pro to roll through our shop so that we can sit our asses on those new IsoDynamic seats.