The Biggest Highlights of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma

A blue 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport driving on a dirt trail after leaving a Toyota dealer.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma has been making huge waves in the truck market as the start of a completely redesigned fourth generation with a new look, new stance, new platform, new styling, new powertrain, and new performance, functionality, and features. There is so much that the 2024 Tacoma has to offer that it would take pages upon pages to go through all of the little details and every single one of the features. That's why we decided to focus only on the biggest highlights for the 2024 model year, so you have a good picture of what to expect and what to shop for if you decide to visit us at San Marcos Toyota, your Toyota dealer, to purchase a 2024 Tacoma for yourself. So, let's get started with the powertrain lineup.

All-New Powertrain Lineup With Enhanced Performance

Toyota's complete generational revamp of the Tacoma has included cutting out the old 2.7-liter four-cylinder and the 3.5-liter V6 from the outgoing model year. The Tacoma now features the all-new i-FORCE lineup of powertrains, which powers Toyota's newer large vehicles. This gives the Tacoma a significant boost in power and enhanced performance for a wide range of different driving disciplines. This is thanks to Toyota's CALTY engineering team working closely with the rest of the designers tasked with developing the new Tacoma to give it a bit of the Baja-inspired race DNA as part of its performance tuning. As a result, the Tacoma is now geared up and ready to be the ultimate midsize adventure truck, and it's in large part thanks to being powered by the 2.4-liter i-FORCE engine.

The engine is configured in three different ways for the 2024 Tacoma. This includes a standard turbocharged 2.4-liter i-FORCE that outputs 228 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque while being paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission; it’s available in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. This entry-level iteration of the i-FORCE is perfect for those who want a great truck that offers good performance for daily driving, light workloads, and occasional weekend adventures. However, if you need a more powerful iteration of the engine with higher torque output for better off-road performance, the 2.4-liter i-FORCE for the higher trims can produce up to 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. It is also available with an eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission.

Finally, there is the 2.4-liter i-FORCE MAX turbocharged hybrid, combining a 1.87 kWh NiMH battery pack and a 48 hp electric motor with the i-FORCE engine, enabling it to achieve a combined rating of 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid is configured in four-wheel drive with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This makes the 2024 Tacoma even more capable, even more powerful, and even more performance-driven than any previous generation of the nameplate. If you want the best that the Tacoma has to offer, the i-FORCE MAX is there to meet your needs.

All-New Suspension Tuning for Better Handling and Off-Roading

With a slate of new powertrain configurations, the 2024 Tacoma also needed all-new suspension tuning to handle that power. This was made possible via the switch to the body-on-frame TNGA-F platform. TNGA stands for Toyota New Global Architecture, and it is the basis of not only the Toyota Tacoma but also the new Tundra, Sequoia, Land Cruiser, and 4Runner. It offers the engineers better scalability for handling and off-roading, including the move to a multi-link rear coil suspension for select trims.

An all-new electronic front-stabilizer bar disconnect is available for more suspension articulation, and it's even compatible with OEM lift kits. You have undercarriage support in the form of skid plates, side body protection in the form of rock rails, and an electronically locking rear differential. You also have Multi-Terrain Select with multiple modes based on the terrain, including modes for 4WD High and 4WD Low settings for rock-crawling or water fording. The Tacoma offers a max ground clearance of 11.5 inches and features a 34.4-degree approach angle, a 26.1-degree breakover angle, and a 26.1-degree departure angle. Plus, with electric power steering, you have proper control over the Tacoma with responsive feedback and stability at your fingertips.

A green 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter and a white TRD Pro are shown facing opposite directions.

All-New Trailhunter and PreRunner Trims

Part of the off-road adventure theme that the new generation Tacoma has adopted is the introduction of the brand new Trailhunter trim for the 2024 model year. This provides Tacoma owners with the ultimate overlanding experience for the popular midsize pickup truck. It features a comprehensive series of protective measures for off-roading, including skid plates for the transfer case, fuel tank, engine, and rear differential, ensuring your truck stays protected at all times. The Trailhunter also comes standard with rock rails and an added front-frame cross member for improved durability. Plus, with the available overlanding kit, you can take your Tacoma deep into the wilderness for long getaways and the ability to travel well beyond the boundaries of modern civilization.

The Tacoma TRD PreRunner is another new trim that has been added to the lineup for the 2024 model year. It sits between the SR5 and TRD Sport as a sporty entry-level trim. The PreRunner is configured in rear-wheel drive with the XtraCab. It comes with a lifted suspension, BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, and an electronically locking rear differential. So it's a nice entry-level off-road machine that is also perfect for those looking for a capable truck that can work well as a fully functional daily driver.

All-New Towing and Payload Capacity

Part of the enhancement to the 2024 Tacoma's offerings comes in the form of its utilitarian functionality, which includes storage access, payload capacity, and towing capabilities. When properly configured, the Tacoma can trailer up to 6,500 lbs. You have either a short five-foot bed or a standard six-foot bed, enabling the Tacoma to haul up to 1,710 lbs worth of cargo when properly configured. This gives you a lot of versatility for the truck if you need a good midsize vehicle for hauling cargo around, either for recreation or for work. Plus, you now have an available trailer brake controller and an accompanying Tow/Haul mode that you can activate for convenient towing capabilities.

Added functionality such as the Panoramic View Monitor for the infotainment enables you to view every angle of the Tacoma so you know where the trailer aligns with the truck, which works well with the available wireless trailer camera so you can get a better view of the trailer during your travels. Added tech like Straight Path Assist offers hands-free guidance for backing up and aligning the truck and trailer in a straight line, which works in conjunction with Trailer Backup Guidance, so you have a lot of technological assistance with trailering various sized loads.

All-New Infotainment Stack With More Tech Features

The outgoing Tacoma had serviceable infotainment features, but it certainly wasn't cutting-edge. The 2024 Tacoma rectifies that with an all-new infotainment stack featuring either an eight-inch or 14-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. The all-new media center runs on the latest Toyota operating system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as available Qi-wireless charging.

If you still have devices that need to be charged the old-fashioned way, you have multiple USB ports available to charge your devices, including USB-C ports. You also have a standard seven-inch or available 12.3-inch digital driver display, along with Remote Connect functionality, including a Digital Key feature. A 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot is standard across the lineup, enabling you to stay connected wherever you happen to be traveling. One other really neat feature is the addition of a JBL surround sound system with a removable JBL FLEX Bluetooth wireless speaker. This way, you can enjoy the audio produced from the truck even while outside camping or fishing, making the Tacoma a truly versatile midsize pickup.

All-New Comfort and Convenience for a Smooth Experience

With so many new features made available for the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, it seems like there wouldn't be room to add much else, but that's where you would be wrong. The Tacoma offers an all-new interior experience, including brand-new IsoDynamic performance front seats available for the TRD Pro trim. The air-over-oil shock absorber system helps dampen body movement and maintain stability so you can keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.

Premium materials, refined SoftTex trimmed seats, and burl-wood accents accompany the Tacoma Limited trim, giving you the ultimate upscale experience that Toyota can provide for midsize truck owners. Rear under-seat storage comes standard, while the XtraCab's lockable rear panel storage and MOLLE panel side pockets provide a lot of extra storage functionality and usability throughout the Tacoma, regardless of which cab size or configuration you go with. Plus, for an extra bit of luxury, there is an available power moonroof, perfect for starry nights when you want to bring some of the great outdoors into the truck.

A person is shown leaning against a 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter drinking from a green mug.

Experience all the Biggest 2024 Tacoma Highlights for Yourself

There is nothing keeping you from test-driving a brand-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma today. All you have to do is make your way to San Marcos Toyota, and we can help get you situated behind the wheel of the Tacoma trim that speaks to you. Whether you're interested in the entry-level SR5 or want the luxurious Limited, we can help you find the perfect truck to test drive. For those looking for something rugged or more adventure-oriented, the TRD Off-Road and Trailhunter might be better options. Contact us to learn more, or take a trip to our dealership today to find the perfect 2024 Tacoma to test drive at your convenience so you can experience the biggest new features of this midsize truck firsthand.