Turbocharged 2.4-Liter Engine, New Muscle, New Toyota Tacoma TRD PRO 2024
Estimated starting price of $28,000
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma finally seems to have the goods to go head-to-head with modernized mid-size rivals like the Ford Ranger and the Chevy Colorado. . The Tacoma range is more diverse than most alternatives, offering two cabin and bedding configurations. Power comes from a new turbocharged four-cylinder with different output levels; The most powerful of these is the hybrid iForce Max, which produces 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque – more than any of its competitors. This setup is standard on the new off-road-focused Trailhunter rig and the ultimate all-terrain vehicle, the extended TRD Pro. Most models also use archaic leaf spring rear suspension for more sophisticated coil springs, another example of Tacoma's newfound competitiveness.
A turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder powers every Tacoma. However, the engine comes in myriad forms and is paired with either an eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission. Both rear and all-wheel drive are available. The base 228-hp turbo four is only available on the entry-level SR, and the rest of the lineup gets more powerful iForce variations with 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The iForce Max (auto only) dominates the perches with 326 horses and 465 pound-feet. It's a hybrid setup that includes an electric motor and a small nickel-metal hydride battery between the engine and transmission. While all Tacomas have an on-body structure, there are two different rear suspensions. The SR, SR5 extended cab and TRD PreRunner are supported by old-fashioned leaf springs.
Toyota has not disclosed maximum towing ratings and payload capacities for all Tacoma configurations, but the auto-equipped iForce drivetrain is rated to be able to tow up to 6500 pounds. The hybrid iForce Max, meanwhile, is limited to a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds and can carry up to 1709 pounds.
Interior, Comfort and Cargo
Inside, the redesigned Tacoma is making big strides in both design and packaging. The board has higher resolution displays and traditional switching hardware, as well as nicer materials. Most Tacos have a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster, while TRD Off-Road models and higher have the larger 12.3-inch all-digital unit. A head-up display comes standard on Limited and higher models, and these models also feature heated and cooled front seats. Speaking of seats, the TRD Pro offers an IsoDynamic seat with an oil-to-air system designed to better control body movement on uneven surfaces.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard infotainment on most Tacomas. The limited model is when the larger 14.0-inch touchscreen comes into play, and it's also at the heart of the Trailhunter and TRD Pro. Each model includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless charging pad is optional, as is a JBL sound system. The latter even include