Reviewing the Tacoma is somewhat like reviewing the moon. The Tacoma is one of the best-selling midsized trucks on the planet.
But the redesigned 2024 model is one of the most perfect Tacomas ever produced, and attention must be paid. Built on the TNGA-F global truck platform shared with Tundra, Sequoia and Land Cruiser, the all-new Tacoma was designed and engineered specifically for the U.S. market.
It’s the first Tacoma I’ve ever pounded where I didn’t say to myself, at some point, “This is all right, but I’d rather have a Tundra.”
The company has produced a severely rugged, macho, throw-it-around version of this truck that delivers much style and power as well as the ability to crawl over mud and lite water and anything you’ll find on or off road.
What’s new?
The Limited tosses all sorts of standard features into the mix, like chromed 18-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof and liftgate, power running boards, a bed-mounted integrated high-output air compressor, and a bed storage box. It looks, in other words, ready for work. For a complete, detailed list of upgrades, click here. Base price is MSRP $52,100. Final price with all options and delivery charge wasn’t made available at press time, but you can peruse all the options and their prices and get an idea.
Inside
There’s a plethora of leatherette upholstery, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, climate-controlled front power seats and so much more. But the dominant feature is the center touchscreen which in this case was the (optional) 14-inch screen with simple menus and and a vivid resolution, so you can really see what your outside cameras are doing. There are also plenty of honest-to-goodness buttons and knobs.
Tech
There’s an upgraded infotainment system with a wireless charging pad, 14-inch touchscreen, and ten-speaker JBL audio system providing ok sound – not fantastic. Added driver assists include a trailer camera and backup guide, a trailer-brake controller, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera. Adaptive suspension is optional. The climate system/Nav worked well enough.
A 12.3-in. digital meter with selectable gauge display screens and fuel economy, Driver Assist, vehicle/trip information, and warning messages is decipherable for the average Joe.
The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, neither of which I used because I hate them, and pairs well with the available Qi wireless charging pad with enhanced power output. A USB-C data and charging port is integrated on the right side of the display, and dual USB-C charging ports are included in the front row and available for the rear passengers. It’s nice Toyota paid attention to the little details, and doesn’t discrimate against Droid users with the outlets – some manufacturers think the whole world uses iPhones.
Engine
Every 2024 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine offered in one of three configurations – standard, i-Force, or i-Force Max hybrid configuration. My Limited housed a 2.4 Liter Turbo engine making 278 hp@ 6,000 RPM, with torque listed at 317 lb.-ft. @ 1,700 RPM. Mileage is a predictably just-ok 22 MPG combined highway/city.
It is, of course, a non-monstrous engine, which is the only complaint anyone will probably have. But you deal. You just don’t sit up high on top of a grumbling beast as with bigger trucks.
The Drive
It held all roads, whether curvy or straightaway. Braking and steering were suitably solid and sure, with minimal body roll even when pushed around. (My test was done with an empty bed, of course.)
The Limited trim features an available new Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system that constantly adjusts damping forces based on changing road conditions. The linear solenoid-type AVS system features built-in actuators in the front and rear shock absorbers to continuously change damping force based on suspension movement severity to help give the new Tacoma a smooth and, dare I say, luxurious ride.
Visibility is above average and shifting gears is a prompt, painless endeavor thanks to a great big shift as opposed to an infernal wheel or pushbuttons. New towing features like an available trailer brake controller that is within easy reach of the driver’s seat and a Tow/Haul drive mode that increases throttle response and adjusts transmission shift points are here, too.
An available Panoramic View Monitor provides a 360-degree top-down view to aid overall visibility, including tough-to-see areas around the truck. When operating with Toyota’s integrated trailer brake controller, the Blind Spot Monitor is designed to recognize blind spots for not only the truck but certain trailers as well.
Getting a trailer hooked up is easier now, too, with the aid of the backup camera and the available hitch lamps built into the tailgate to illuminate the hitch area for easy visibility. Bye, bye, mag light! The tailgate will also open and close with the push of a button.
Another handy available accessory is the wireless trailer camera. When installed on the back of your trailer it provides a live, high-definition view of what is behind the trailer displayed on the digital rearview mirror. When loaded up for an overlanding trip or towing a boat to the lake, the all-new manual headlight leveling switch is used for glare reduction for vehicles ahead. The switch is located within easy reach of the driver’s seat.
Safety
All 2024 Tacoma models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, Toyota’s suite of active safety and convenience systems. New-to-Tacoma TSS enhancements are made possible by system sensors with improved detection capability. This suite of features includes:
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Lane Tracing Assist
Road Sign Assist
Automatic High Beams
Proactive Driving Assist
In sum, this is a capable, gorgeous Tacoma, suitable for anyone’s trucking needs if they’re looking for a smaller trim. Bravo, Toyota.