This week I'm behind the wheel of the next-generation 2024 Toyota Tacoma midsize pickup. My test vehicle is a pre-production prototype of the i-FORCE MAX-equipped model that will begin arriving at dealerships soon (a quick glance at Toyota's website for the Dallas, Houston and Los Angeles markets lists i-FORCE MAX models as in the "build phase", with some dealer listings noted as "Sale Pending".) The most powerful Tacoma to ever hit the road, its torque will astound you!
The Tacoma gains more modern, bolder looks without re-inventing itself - a wise move on the part of Toyota given its cult following.
My prototype, a Limited Double Cab with a 5' bed, wears Supersonic Red and rides on 18-inch chrome-finished alloy wheels beneath large, body-colored fender flares.
The Limited's aggressive front end means business with its large hood that flows down towards a statement-making chrome grille. Gaze lower and you find more chrome on the bumper that also houses cool LED fog lights. Beneath all of that, there's also a large removable air dam.
The Limited's retractable power running boards are a must. Tail end features include TACOMA-stamped tailgate and chrome-tipped exhaust.
One of the biggest updates is a new engine lineup. My prototype's new i-FORCE MAX turbocharged hybrid system is the most powerful powertrain ever offered on Tacoma. And it is fantastic. It pairs a 2.4-liter turbo with an electric motor and battery pack to an 8-speed automatic. The result is 326-horsepower and a jaw-dropping 465 pound-feet of torque. That's an astounding 75% increase in torque over the previous generation V6-powered truck. The Limited i-FORCE MAX models also now feature a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a center locking differential.
The new Tacoma's comfortable, user-friendly cabin melds an old-school rugged vibe with a new refinement. The top-of-the-line Limited trim sports patterned SofTex-trimmed front seats that are 8-way power, heated and wonderfully ventilated. They are cushiony and on the slimmer side with side bolstering.
The cabin features a soft-touch dash and door panels up front along with walnut burl-wood accents. TACOMA lettering emblazoned across the passenger side dash is a nice touch. An integrated shelf provides a place for passengers to set their cell phone or other small items. There are additional storage areas on the door panels and a lockable glove box.
The leather-trimmed steering wheel is on the beefier side befitting a pickup. Starting up the Tacoma is a bit of a reach however, with the push-button start located the up high to the right of the steering wheel. Higher trims feature a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that's bright and easy to read (lower grades feature a 7-inch gauge cluster.)
Click on Photo to Enlarge.
The redesigned center stack is home to dual-zone climate which sticks to traditional controls in lieu of haptic ones. The sizable center console lends ruggedness to the interior with its large gear shift knob and drive mode-tow/haul controller along with buttons for the automatic brake hold and electronic parking brake. Two large, rectangular cup holders look ready to handle anything. The cabin has both rubber grips and assist handles.
If I had a bone to pick with the new Tacoma, it would be the lack of room in the 60/40 split second row. The seats are cushiony, yes, but they are also stick straight. Which I guess is a plus if you're trying to work on your posture. But it could get uncomfortable for some, and head-room could be an issue for those very tall. The lack of A/C vents didn't really concern me as it's not a large pickup, plus there's a power rear window. Also, there's more plastic on the door panels back here, but that's not really unusual. On the plus side, there are nice soft-touch seat backs for passengers to gaze upon. There is also a bit of storage behind the seats. (You get under storage as well in non-hybrid models.)
Multimedia / Connectivity
Of course, similar to how I'm feeling about the all-new 2025 Toyota Camry currently in my driveway, I am all smiles about the Tacoma's much-needed tech upgrades. The Limited sports the larger 14-inch multimedia touchscreen display with Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system introduced on the 2022 Tundra.
The responsiveness, resolution quality, navigation and "Hey Toyota" voice command system are all tremendous upgrades over the old system. Though, if I'm being picky, Toyota's "voice command" could sound a bit more natural. The system is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. My prototype has a well-placed wireless charging pad in the center console and USB-C data ports for both rows.
New JBL Audio
The Limited's new 10-speaker JBL sound system sounds great. I must say I'm quite impressed the Tacoma has a JBL® FLEX portable Bluetooth speaker. I kept it docked on the dash where it charges and operates as the center channel speaker. If you undock it, it can run up to six hours and pair with other Toyota JBL® FLEX portable speakers. It can even survive being submerged in up to three feet of water.
Utility
Of course key to midsize truck buyers is utility, so let's talk about the truck bed. The 2024 Tacoma offers 7 percent more volume in the truck bed than the outgoing model. The Limited's remote power open and close aluminum tailgate is a terrific feature and operates at the perfect speed. A quick release and close button is also cleverly integrated within either taillight.
A deck rail system in the bed has four adjustable tie-down cleats and four fixed cargo bed tie-down points. The bed also features 12V DC power access, bed lighting and a bed storage box. In the truck bed. i-FORCE MAX grades also come standard with a 2400W AC inverter.
Towing
The Limited i-FORCE MAX can tow up to 6,000 pounds with a 1,610 payload (capability varies by grade). My prototype is equipped with an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, Class-IV towing hitch receiver and wiring harness with 7-pin/4-pin connector along with a Trailer Backup Guide, Trailer Blind Spot Monitor and Trailer Camera.
Ride and Drive
Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Tacoma to me? Its amazingly smooth ride. And my prototype doesn't even appear to be equipped with the Limited's new-for-2024 optional Adaptive Variable Suspension. When I checked the spec sheet I was pretty surprised to see it missing from the equipment list.
All I know is that my Limited prototype's ride is supremely comfortable and all-around enjoyable. The 5' bed makes it easy to park, and in general it's easy to maneuver. The turning radius is fairly tight and it managed to pass my U-Turn test.
It goes without saying that acceleration is outstanding thanks to the hybrid engine's horsepower along with its impressive torque. I enjoyed the responsive handling as well and the distinctly tightened steering in Sport + mode.
The Tacoma sits high off the ground, which makes the Limited's power running boards a must for me. The ground clearance coupled with tall seats would make it difficult entry for someone with mobility issues.
2024 Tacoma models come standard with enhanced Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which is Toyota's latest and best suite of active safety and convenience systems ever. They work great. TSS 3.0 features include: 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 and Proactive Driving Assist which is Toyota's semi-autonomous driving system. It's new to TSS and I think it's fantastic. Hill Start Assist Control is also standard.
Other available features on Tacoma include Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
The Limited is also equipped with a 3D Panoramic View Monitor, a head-up display and a digital rearview mirror.
A front parking sensor would be on my wish list.
My prototype's only option is the premium paint hue ($425) which takes you up to roughly $56,000 as equipped. That's about $10,000 more than the base i-FORCE MAX trim. If you go for the non-hybrid Tacoma, you'll find a much lower price point starting from $31,500.
If you want all the power the Tacoma lineup has to offer and its most premium, comfort-filled interior, the Limited i-FORCE MAX is the way to go. But yes, it'll cost you. Overall, Toyota did a fantastic job upgrading the Tacoma, giving it the updates it needed without reinventing the wheel, something sure to keep its cult following happy while attracting new buyers to the brand.
All-New 2024 Toyota Tacoma Limited i-FORCE MAX hybrid in a few words: It had me at 465 pound-feet!
Warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles basic warranty; 60 months/60,000 miles powertrain, 60 months/unlimited miles Corrosion Perforation.