Autofocus: The 2024 Toyota Tacoma
A Rugged Redesign for a Mid-Size Legend
The 2024 model year brings an exciting transformation for Toyota’s Tacoma as the company introduces a thorough overhaul. This update arrives after nearly twenty years of Toyota’s dominance in the mid-size pickup truck market. The redesigned Tacoma embraces a range of inventive features and state-of-the-art technologies, with the primary goal of elevating the renowned reliability, durability, and quality that Tacoma has become synonymous with.
Overhauled Construction and New Features
Built upon the TNGA-F global truck platform, the fourth-generation Tacoma shares its foundation with the Tundra and Sequoia. Its sturdy construction includes a resilient high-strength steel-ladder frame, designed to withstand demanding conditions. Boasting a variety of features tailored for off-road adventures, the Tacoma solidifies its reputation as a capable off-roader. Notably, Toyota is set to introduce the Trailhunter grade with the Tacoma, offering a factory-equipped overlanding setup. Originally showcased as a concept at the 2022 SEMA show, the Trailhunter grade will provide enthusiasts with a ready-to-go option for their overlanding pursuits.
Powerful, Efficient Powertrains
Under the hood, the new Tacoma is equipped with a pair of turbocharged four-cylinder engines, offering power and efficiency. At the pinnacle of the lineup is the i-FORCE MAX hybrid engine, delivering an impressive output of 326 horsepower and a robust 465 lb.-ft. (630 Nm) of torque. This hybrid system ensures an exhilarating driving experience, combining performance with eco-consciousness. With such substantial power and torque, the new Tacoma promises to deliver a thrilling and dynamic ride.
Design Aesthetic: Embracing the ‘Tacoma-ness’
For the 2024 Tacoma, the design process was spearheaded by Toyota’s CALTY Design Center based in North America, resulting in a striking aesthetic that embodies ruggedness and utility, a concept aptly named ‘Tacoma-ness’. The exterior design features distinctive elements that contribute to its robust appearance. A wide upper grille and assertive skid plates are among the signature design elements that enhance the truck’s overall ruggedness and reinforce its purposeful nature. The combination of these design features results in a visually compelling Tacoma that exudes toughness and exuberates its iconic style.
Engineering Excellence
Extensive research and development activities have been carried out at Toyota Technical Centers located in Michigan, Arizona, and California to optimize the Tacoma’s capabilities across diverse environments. These efforts have been focused on enhancing the truck’s off-road prowess while simultaneously refining its performance on paved roads.
By leveraging the expertise and resources available at these technical centers, Toyota has been able to fine-tune the Tacoma’s features and engineering to deliver superior performance in various terrains. The aim is to provide drivers with a vehicle that excels in off-road adventures while also offering a comfortable and smooth on-road experience.
Through rigorous testing and advanced engineering techniques, the Tacoma’s suspension, drivetrain, and overall performance have been optimized to tackle challenging off-road conditions with confidence and ease. At the same time, refinements have been made to ensure a refined and enjoyable driving experience on regular roads, balancing comfort and capability.
The collaborative efforts across the Toyota Technical Centers have resulted in a Tacoma that offers a harmonious blend of rugged off-road capability and refined on-road performance, providing drivers with a versatile and dependable truck for a wide range of driving scenarios.
Ride Comfort and Handling
One of the noteworthy enhancements in the all-new Tacoma is the inclusion of a multi-link coil rear suspension. This updated suspension system is designed to enhance ride comfort and improve handling dynamics, providing a smoother and more controlled driving experience. By utilizing a multi-link configuration, the Tacoma’s rear suspension can better absorb bumps and uneven road surfaces, resulting in improved comfort for occupants.
In terms of braking performance, the new Tacoma now features four-wheel disc brakes. This upgrade offers enhanced stopping power and more consistent braking performance, allowing drivers to have greater confidence and control while driving.
Additionally, the Tacoma has transitioned to electric power steering, replacing the traditional hydraulic power steering system. This change not only improves steering feel and responsiveness but also facilitates the integration of additional safety and convenience features. Electric power steering enables the implementation of advanced driver-assistance systems and other technological innovations to enhance safety and provide a more connected driving experience.
These updates in suspension, braking, and steering systems reflect Toyota’s commitment to continually improving Tacoma’s overall performance and refining its driving characteristics. The incorporation of these features aims to deliver a more comfortable, capable, and technologically advanced pickup truck to meet the evolving needs and expectations of drivers.
Performance and Towing Capability
The new Tacoma boasts an improved towing capacity, reaching a maximum of 6,500 lbs (2,948 kg) on select models. This enhancement allows drivers to tow heavier loads with confidence and expands the truck’s utility for various hauling needs. Additionally, the maximum payload capacity on the TRD Off-Road variant has been increased to 1,709 lbs (775 kg), providing ample capability for carrying heavy loads in the truck bed.
To further support towing activities, the Tacoma is equipped with a range of convenient and safety-oriented features. One such feature is the trailer brake controller, which enables precise control and modulation of the trailer brakes, ensuring smoother and safer towing experiences.
Moreover, the Tacoma includes a trailer backup guide, enhancing maneuverability and simplifying the process of backing up while towing. This feature provides visual guidance and assistance, allowing drivers to navigate with more precision and confidence when reversing with a trailer.
By integrating these towing-focused features, Toyota aims to make towing operations more convenient, safer, and user-friendly for Tacoma owners. Whether it’s for recreational purposes or professional applications, the improved towing capabilities and supporting features contribute to a more capable and efficient towing experience with the Tacoma.
On the Trail with Tacoma
The 2024 Tacoma takes its legendary off-road capabilities to new heights with several notable enhancements. One of the key additions is the availability of a front stabilizer bar disconnect feature. This feature allows the driver to disconnect the front stabilizer bar, improving the truck’s articulation by approximately 10 percent compared to the previous generation. This increased articulation enables the Tacoma to better navigate challenging off-road terrain, providing improved traction and stability.
Furthermore, the 2024 Tacoma is equipped with Multi-Terrain Select, a system that allows the driver to choose different modes based on the type of terrain they are traversing. This feature optimizes the vehicle’s performance by adjusting throttle response, traction control, and other parameters to suit specific off-road conditions. It ensures that the Tacoma maintains optimal grip and control, regardless of the terrain it encounters.
Additionally, the CRAWL Control function, now significantly quieter, is included in the 2024 Tacoma. CRAWL Control is an advanced off-road assist system that automatically modulates the throttle and brakes to maintain a consistent low-speed crawl, especially in challenging off-road scenarios. With the reduced noise level, the CRAWL Control function provides a quieter and more comfortable off-road experience while ensuring precise control and maneuverability.
These enhancements in off-road capabilities, including the front stabilizer bar disconnect, Multi-Terrain Select, and the quieter CRAWL Control function, demonstrate Toyota’s commitment to delivering a truck that is exceptionally capable in off-road environments. The 2024 Tacoma is designed to tackle rough terrain with improved articulation, versatility, and advanced off-road technologies to provide drivers with an exhilarating off-road experience.
Trailhunter: Factory-Ready Overlander
As part of the new Tacoma lineup, Toyota introduces the Trailhunter grade, a factory-developed overlanding rig designed to take on serious off-the-grid adventures. Developed in collaboration with the well-regarded Australian-based company ARB, the Trailhunter grade comes equipped with a range of robust features, all straight from the factory.
With the Trailhunter grade, the Tacoma offers a comprehensive package for enthusiasts seeking to explore remote and rugged terrains. This variant combines capability, efficiency, and innovation to cater to the demands of off-road enthusiasts and overlanding enthusiasts alike. The Trailhunter grade is built to withstand challenging off-road conditions and provide the necessary features and equipment for extended off-grid journeys.
By introducing the Trailhunter grade and enhancing the overall capability, efficiency, and innovation of the Tacoma lineup, Toyota aims to maintain its leading position in the competitive mid-size pickup truck market. The 2024 Tacoma continues to cater to drivers who prioritize adventure, reliability, and versatility, solidifying its reputation as a top choice in its segment.
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