2024 Toyota Tacoma First Drive: Big Upgrade, But More Expensive
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport is quick, comfortable, and modernized inside and out, but is it worth the extra money over 2023? We think so.
Designed specifically for the U.S. market, the Toyota Tacoma is all-new for 2024. Built on the same TNGA-F global truck platform as the Tundra, Sequoia, and North American Land Cruiser, this fourth-generation Taco has been redesigned inside, outside, underneath, not to mention under the hood, and the PR and influencer hype machine is already in full effect calling it the best Tacoma ever (please like and subscribe).
But is the new Tacoma worth all the hype and early adoration?
To help me find out, Toyota loaned ClubLexus (and YotaTech) a 2024 TRD Sport prototype for a week to test out. As such, certain things like the interior door trim remain unfinished. So we won’t go so far as to call this a full review. Instead, we’re going to focus on visual aesthetics, generational improvements, and the new powertrain options.
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Inside, Outside, & Underneath
Visually speaking, the 2024 Tacoma joins the Tundra and Sequoia with Toyota’s newer, angular body styling. For those who enjoy this aesthetic, as I do, the result is a truck that’s more modern and aggressive, particularly in its various TRD models. Speaking of which, the 2024 Taco will be available in the following grades —
- SR (base model)
- SR5 (base model+)
- TRD PreRunner (2WD street truck with leaf springs)
- TRD Sport (good off-roading)
- TRD Off-Road (better off-roading)
- Limited (the fancy one)
- TRD Pro (king of Taco off-roading)
- Trailhunter (king of overlanding)
Underneath, the new Tacoma sits on an all-new boxed, steel-ladder frame that’s more rigid than the third-generation iteration, which suffers from C-shaped frame sections that are more prone to twisting than rectangular boxed frames. Out back, most models boast the same rear differential as the full-sized Tundra along with a coil spring multi-link rear suspension (although leaf springs remain available on SR, SR5 XtraCab, and TRD PreRunner.)
Inside, again the Tacoma feels like a smaller sibling to the Tundra and Sequoia with angular design elements and an optional 14-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen (that seems a touch too big for this application). For those who prioritize ergonomics, you’ll find USB-C charging ports everywhere along with a plethora of cup holders in the console and water bottle holders in each door. Overall, the new tech is well done and organized, but second-row seating remains unfit for taller adults.
Engine Options
The 2.7L 4-cylinder and 3.5L V6 are no more, my friends. In their place, you will find four engine configurations that all feature a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. If you’re a Toyota or Lexus enthusiast already, that engine size likely sounds familiar. It’s the new base engine in many different crossover and sedan applications. However, for the Tacoma, Toyota engineers claim to have completely redesigned the motor for added durability while off-roading, improved cooling throughout, and a different turbocharger made by Toyota’s commercial truck business.
In terms of power availability, here are the four options —
- iFORCE in the SR only – 228 hp, 243 lb-ft of torque
- iFORCE + 6-speed manual – 270 hp, 310 lb.-ft. of torque
- iFORCE + 8-speed auto – 278 hp, 317 lb.-ft. of torque
- iFORCE MAX (auto trans only) – 326 hp, 465 lb.-ft. of torque
The first three options (iFORCE) feature the 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder with a conventional manual or automatic transmission. iFORCE MAX models (Trailhunter & TRD Pro) are hybrids, much like all Sequoias and certain Tundras. For the Tacoma, the hybrid system adds a 48-horsepower electric motor inside the 8-speed auto along with a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack for improved performance and added efficiency, not to mention more curb weight.
2024 Toyota Tacoma First Drive Impressions
The outgoing naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 from the previous generation is a legend for its reliability. But outfit a Taco with wheels and tires and all the gear you need for a weekend adventure, and the previous generations often feels overwhelmed doing anything that isn’t slowly crawling up a trail. In a word, they are slow. Which is forgivable.
Less forgivable, especially for a truck, is that peak torque arrives around 4,000 RPM.
The new 2.4L turbocharged iFORCE motor is a revelation in torque management, especially when paired with the 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering max torque below 2,000 RPM. That’s usable power you can feel stoplight to stoplight, getting onto the highway, and crawling up those trails. Coupled with the revised suspension components and beefed-up frame, and the 2024 Tacoma is smoother and more assured as well. It still drives like a truck, mind you, but it’s very, very good. At home on smooth roads, bumpy city streets, and rolling highways.
In short, the Tacoma is now more comfortable than ever and almost, dare we say, sporty at times? No hype. No exaggeration. The engine and chassis are notable upgrades that are probably worth the price of admission by themselves. (And we haven’t even gotten to test out the more powerful iFORCE MAX with the adjustable TRD PRO suspension yet!)
As Tested: Tacoma TRD Sport Pricing & Spec
The TRD Sport is the mid-level model in the Tacoma TRD family. Where the TRD Off Road and TRD Pro offer more off-road capabilities, the TRD Sport is a 4×4 truck with mostly visual upgrades. TRD exterior accents, LED lights, 18-inch wheels, fabric seating, a blue TRD color strip across the dash, and TRD badging and floormats. It starts at $42,600 with the 5-foot bed, before destination and delivery, but our loaner included —
- 14-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen with 6-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, SiriusXM with 3-month Platinum Plan trial subscription
- Deck rail system with four adjustable tie-down cleats and fixed cargo bed tie-down points
- Moonroof
- Heated seats
At time of publishing, we don’t yet have full pricing on packages and accessories, but based on previous model years, we’d expect this one to sticker around $47,000 to $48,000 with all of the options and any transport charges. For comparison, trying to spec a similar 2023 TRD Sport model (3.5L V6, 4-door with the 5-foot bed, tech package, etc.) results in a price that’s just over $45,000.
Bottom Line
While it’ll be several years before the 2.4L turbo motors are dubbed reliable (or not) and we still have several trims to experience in person, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma impresses out of the box. The new generation is quicker and smoother than ever before, not to mention all the new tech and safety features. On the flip side of the coin, second-row seating remains uncomfortable for taller passengers and prices are up for this generation.
Recommendations – If you recently bought a 2020+ Tacoma, I wouldn’t rush to upgrade. Your truck is slower, sure, but modern and reliable and should last for many years. If you’re Taco is five, ten, fifteen years old, or you have a lease that’s going to end soon, this next generation is a nice step forward. As for the TRD Sport package, I found it to be comfortable and stylish for a (mostly) road truck, and something someone could build over time after saving some money compared to the Off Road and PRO models.
2024 Tacoma TRD Sport Image Gallery
Images: Michael S. Palmer
