First Look – 2024 Toyota Tacoma Pickup

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on First Look - 2024 Toyota Tacoma Pickup

Click for more information.

Toyota (NYSE:TM) revealed today extensive details of its 2024 Tacoma mid-size pickup truck now built off the same TNGA-F global truck platform used for the Tundra and Sequoia. The all-new 2024 Tacoma will go on sale later this year with i-FORCE MAX models arriving in early 2024. The manufacturer’s suggested retail pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale dates. (AutoInformed.com: 2016 Toyota Tacoma Pickup Debuts at NAIAS)

“With even more off-road capability and the quality, durability, and reliability that our customers expect along with a host of options for every owner, we’re confident that Tacoma will remain the top choice for mid-size pickup buyers when it arrives later this year,” said Toyota group vice president and general manager Dave Christ.

Now in its fourth generation, Tacoma has a new high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame and an optional multi-link coil rear suspension. This system replaces the previous model’s leaf springs with coil springs. However, leaf springs remain standard on SR, SR5 XtraCab, and TRD PreRunner grades. Tacoma also adds new XtraCab long bed configuration.

There are two turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains – the most expensive is dubbed the i-FORCE MAX hybrid, rated at 326 horsepower and a 465 lb.-ft. of torque. This 2.4-liter engine is linked with a 48-hp electric motor using a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack. The motor is integrated into the eight-speed transmission. All told, the result roughly doubles the torque output of the third-generation Tacoma with the V6 engine.

The standard turbo engine Tacoma debuts Toyota’s Trailhunter grade, first revealed at the 2022 SEMA show as a Trailhunter concept, that’s a purpose-built of-road truck. On entry-level SR grades, this engine produces 228 horsepower and 243 lb.-ft. of torque. For all other grades, output increases to 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque with a new eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). A six-speed “intelligent” manual transmission (iMT2) with automatic rev matching and anti-stall technology is optional. Manual transmission models are rated at 270 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque.

Tacomas with rear-wheel drive have an automatic limited-slip differential (Auto LSD) Four-wheel-drive models have an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range along with Active Traction Control and an automatic limited-slip differential. An electronic locking rear differential is standard on TRD PreRunner, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter grades. The new likely expensive Limited grade now has a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a center locking differential on i-FORCE MAX models.

Engineering research and development was conducted at Toyota Technical Centers in Michigan, Arizona, and California. The collective engineering teams developed what Toyota says, with apparent justification but awaiting independent road testing, is a “capable multipurpose vehicle that can go almost anywhere.” Improvements were made across all grades. Tacoma has off-road capability, from harsh rock crawling to high-speed desert racing.

“As a result, Tacomas will perform in widely varied environments, on road and off. This includes everything from a luxurious night out in the Limited grade or traversing Black Bear Pass in the Tacoma TRD Off-Road that is more capable than ever,” Toyota said.

Tacoma suspensions are tuned specifically to each grade. TRD Sport has red TRD sport-tuned shocks. The TRD Off-Road grade is equipped with monotube Bilstein remote reservoir shocks for extended wheel travel and greater heat dissipation and includes an end stop control valve (ESCV) that provides increased damping force as the suspension comes closer to full bound stroke.

TRD Pro comes with FOX’s new QS3 three-way adjustable internal bypass shocks with remote reservoirs for improved high speed off-road performance and FOX Internal Floating Piston (IFP) rear bump stops to improve bottom out feel.

Trailhunter includes new “Old Man Emu” (OME) 4×4 Suspension by Australian-based ARB that is tuned for optimum levels of off-road control and load carrying capability.

Limited grade has a new Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system that constantly adjusts damping forces based on changing road conditions. The linear-solenoid-type AVS system has built-in actuators in the front and rear shock absorbers to continuously change damping force based on road conditions to give the new Tacoma a smooth and luxurious ride.

Maximum towing capacity for Tacoma is rated at 6500 lbs. on SR5 i-FORCE and TRD PreRunner XtraCab grades. Maximum payload increases to 1709 lbs. on TRD Off-Road. Tacoma is available with a selection of supporting pieces, including a trailer brake controller, trailer backup guide, and digital display mirror.

Trailer Back Up Guidance aids in overall maneuvering of trailers, while the optional Straight Path Assist feature is designed to help the truck and trailer back up in a straight line. The optional 360-degree cameras create a top-down view to aid overall visibility, including tough-to-see areas around the truck and trailer. When operating with Toyota’s integrated trailer brake controller, the Blind Spot Monitor is designed to recognize blind spots for not only the truck, but some trailers too.

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on First Look - 2024 Toyota Tacoma Pickup

Click for more information.

Inside a new 8-inch or optional 14-inch multimedia touchscreen displays Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system that debuted on the 2022 Tundra pickup and is designed and engineered by Toyota’s Texas-based Connected Technologies team. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, and pairs with the optional Qi wireless charging pad with enhanced power output. A USB-C data and charging port is integrated on the right side of the display, and dual USB-C charging ports are included in the front row and optional for the rear passengers. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with four different styles is standard on higher grades while a 7-inch gauge cluster is standard on lower grades.

Standard on all grades is a Smart Key System with push-button start. With an active Remote Connect trial or subscription, an optional Digital Key connects with compatible smartphones to allow vehicle entry, tailgate access, and vehicle starting (4G network dependent). The Digital Key can also be remotely shared with others to give more control over vehicle access rather than giving someone the physical key. Additionally, a Smart Card key is optional, which is a credit card-sized key.

This entry was posted in new vehicle and tagged , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *