After nearly two decades of dominance in the mid-size pickup truck market, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma is set to take the next big leap in its legendary legacy. This fourth-generation Tacoma brings a complete overhaul that pushes the boundaries of performance, design, and innovation, all while maintaining Toyota's hallmark qualities of quality, durability, and reliability.
Built for Adventure
The 2024 Tacoma is built on Toyota’s TNGA-F global truck platform, which it shares with the Tundra and Sequoia. This platform was developed with the U.S. market in mind, and it is engineered for ultimate off-road capability and on-road comfort. The new Tacoma features a high-strength boxed steel-ladder frame for enhanced durability, and a redesigned multi-link coil rear suspension that improves ride quality and handling. Under the hood, the Tacoma offers two turbocharged four-cylinder engines, with the top-tier i-FORCE MAX hybrid variant delivering a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. For those looking to push the limits of adventure, Toyota has also introduced the Trailhunter grade, a factory-ready overlanding truck that debuted as a concept at the 2022 SEMA show.
Toyota’s Dave Christ, Group Vice President and General Manager, expressed his confidence in the new Tacoma: "With even more off-road capability and the quality, durability, and reliability that our customers expect, we’re confident the Tacoma will remain the top choice for mid-size pickup buyers when it arrives later this year."
Design and Development: Embracing "Tacoma-ness"
The design of the new Tacoma was led by Toyota’s CALTY Design Research centers in Newport Beach, California, and Ann Arbor, Michigan. The goal was to stay true to the rugged, outdoor spirit that has always defined the Tacoma. According to Kevin Hunter, President of CALTY, the inspiration for the Tacoma’s design comes from Toyota's Baja race trucks, aiming to capture the truck's off-road prowess with a powerful, athletic stance.
The design team dubbed the Tacoma a "Badass Adventure Machine," reflecting its strength and capability. Key design elements emphasize the truck's rugged nature and its readiness for any terrain or challenge.
Key Design Features:
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High Lift and Big Tires: A powerful lift and large tires enhance the truck's off-road capability and give it a commanding presence on the road. This also contributes to the Tacoma's stance and overall rugged look.
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Narrow Body and Wide Upper Grille: The narrow body recalls the iconic Toyota HiLux, a classic model known for its toughness. The wide upper grille gives the Tacoma an aggressive front-end appearance while improving engine airflow.
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Aggressive Skid Plates: Designed to protect the underbody when tackling rough terrains, the skid plates enhance the truck's durability.
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High-Mount Headlamps: These headlamps improve visibility when driving at night or off-road, while also contributing to the Tacoma’s bold aesthetic.
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Functional Air Intakes and Hexagonal Grille Motif: Functional air intakes help cool the engine, while the hexagonal grille motif adds to the truck's aggressive front styling.
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Integrated Roof and Tailgate Spoilers: These features enhance the vehicle's aerodynamics and add a cohesive, sporty look to the truck.
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The Ultimate Adventure Machine
The 2024 Tacoma is built to tackle some of the toughest trails on the planet, thanks to a suite of advanced off-road features:
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Front Stabilizer Bar Disconnect: This feature increases flexibility by 10%, giving the Tacoma even better off-road performance. It is compatible with Toyota-approved lift kits.
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Enhanced Angles: The TRD Pro model boasts an impressive 33.8-degree approach, 23.5-degree breakover, and 25.7-degree departure angles with 11 inches of ground clearance, providing superior capability on difficult terrain.
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Multi-Terrain Monitor: Available on the TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter, this system allows drivers to monitor obstacles via a 14-inch touchscreen, improving situational awareness during off-road driving.
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Multi-Terrain Select: Functional in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low, this system allows the driver to manage wheel spin across various surfaces such as Mud, Dirt, and Sand.
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CRAWL Control: This feature acts as low-speed, off-road cruise control, so drivers can focus on steering while the system manages throttle and braking.
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Locking Rear Differential: This helps send 50/50 power to the rear wheels in low-traction conditions, improving traction on slippery surfaces.
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Downhill Assist Control: Helps maintain a controlled speed on steep descents, preventing loss of control.
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Clutch Start Cancel: Available as standard on manual Tacomas, this feature allows the truck to start in gear, making it ideal for off-road situations where starting from a standstill is challenging.
A Bold Step Forward: Conclusion
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma sets a new standard for mid-size pickup trucks, offering unparalleled off-road capability, a rugged and modern design, and the reliability that Toyota is known for. With its combination of advanced technology, innovative features, and purpose-built options like the Trailhunter, the new Tacoma is more than just a vehicle—it's an adventure-ready machine that’s prepared to take on any challenge.
For those seeking a truck that embodies the spirit of adventure while offering a refined driving experience, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma is the ultimate choice. With its blend of power, design, and durability, the new Tacoma promises to redefine what a mid-size pickup can do. Whether you're hitting the trails or cruising through city streets, this truck is ready to elevate your driving experience to new heights.
Get ready to embrace the adventure of a lifetime with the 2024 Toyota Tacoma!
