In response to a rapidly growing demand for mid-sized pickup trucks, Toyota is pulling out all the stops to maintain its dominant position. The automaker is combining the allure of luxury SUV features with off-road capabilities in the newest iteration of its long-time bestseller, the Tacoma. The thoroughly updated 2024 Tacoma is poised to roar into an automotive landscape that has seen the market share for mid-sized pickups double over the past decade.
Known fondly as the “Taco,” the 2024 model brings a host of new features to the table. Demonstrating its commitment to eco-friendliness, Toyota has introduced a hybrid engine into the mix. For those with a love for off-road driving, the company has created a robust all-terrain model called the “Trailhunter.” The diverse array of offerings caters to an expansive audience, ranging from eco-aware buyers to thrill-seeking adventurers.
According to data from Edmunds.com, mid-sized pickup trucks now account for 3.6% of all new vehicle sales in the U.S, a significant increase from a decade ago. Edmunds.com industry analyst, Ivan Drury, attributes this growth to the balance of practicality and comfort that today’s trucks provide. “Buyers appreciate the versatility. In addition, with sophisticated suspension systems and upscale interiors, they also offer a very comfortable ride,” he said.
The 2024 Tacoma faces stiff competition from a number of rivals, including the recently unveiled Ford Ranger, the remodeled GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado from General Motors, and the Nissan Frontier. The off-road Trailhunter version will also compete against the Jeep Gladiator and the new GMC Canyon AT4X AEV model.
At the heart of the basic model of the new Tacoma is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 228 horsepower. The top-of-the-line models will be equipped with a turbocharged variant of the same engine, tuned to output 278 horsepower, equivalent to the current Tacoma’s V6. Toyota will also offer a manual transmission option, a feature becoming rarer in today’s trucks.
However, the launch of the hybrid variant is creating the most excitement. Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid system, designed more for towing and hauling prowess than fuel economy, will be an option for the Tacoma. This hybrid system combined with the 2.4-liter engine produces a potent 326 horsepower and an impressive 465 pound-feet of torque, highlighting formidable raw pulling power.
While official pricing has yet to be disclosed, it’s expected that the new models will likely be priced between $30,000 and $50,000, based on current Tacoma prices.
The off-road lineup for the new Tacoma includes the TRD Pro, TRD Off-Road, and the Trailhunter model. The TRD Pro, featuring the hybrid engine system, is engineered for high-speed off-road driving with specialized suspension and shock absorbers. The TRD Off-Road model will offer the hybrid system as an optional feature and is designed for rugged terrain. The Trailhunter, exclusively equipped with the hybrid system, will be outfitted with 33-inch diameter tires and a unique off-road suspension, giving it a 2-inch ground clearance advantage over the base model.
The luxury-centric Tacoma Limited will include power retractable side steps, auto-adjusting suspension, and a new 10-speaker stereo system with a detachable speaker for outdoor use, mimicking features often seen in luxury SUVs.
The new Tacoma models are set to hit the market later this year, while the i-Force hybrid system-equipped trucks are slated for a spring 2024 release. The 2024 Tacoma seeks to cater to all mid-sized pickup fans, whether they value luxury, eco-friendliness, or off-road capabilities. As the battle for market share intensifies, the new Tacoma is certainly one to keep an eye on.
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