Toyota redesigns Tacoma for ’24
It finally happened, although it seemed like it never would have. Toyota finally redesigned its midsize pickup truck, the Toyota Tacoma, for the 2024 model year.
Of course, you can’t blame Toyota for milking every bit of profit out of the old truck. After all, it has long dominated its market segment, selling more than two-and-a-half times as many pickups as its closest rival in 2022, the Chevrolet Colorado. Yet given the sheer number of new midsize pickup truck rivals, the Tacoma was long overdue for a makeover, as Toyota had not redesigned it in nearly two decades.
Thankfully, for 2024, the Toyota Tacoma is all-new. Built using the TNGA-F global truck platform, its high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame also underpins the all-new Toyota Tundra, Sequoia and Land Cruiser. Designed at Toyota’s CALTY Design Research Center in California and engineered at Toyota’s Ann Arbor, Michigan, office, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma comes in Xtra Cab and Double Cab configurations with either a five- or six-foot bed. Trim levels start with the with the SR grade and rise though SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims.
The truck’s overall shape is a deft imitation of the larger Toyota Tundra while retaining its classic Tacoma grille.
Toyota also had the chance to address a key complaint about the Tacoma: its driving position. The 2023 model feels as if you’re sitting on the floor. That’s changed for 2024, with a far more ergonomically pleasing seating
’24 TOYOTA TACOMA TRD PRERUNNER XTRACAB MSRP: Engine:
$38,100 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
Horsepower/Torque:
278/317 pound-feet
EPA fuel economy (city/ highway): Length/Width/Height:
20/24 213/77.9/74 in
11.5 in 1,460 lbs 6,500 lbs
Ground clearance: Payload: Towing capacity:
position and a generously sized first row. When it comes to the second row, you’ll be dependent on the kindness of those in front for sufficient legroom.
But the rear seat now boasts three times the amount of storage found in the 2023 Tacoma.
Otherwise, interior ambiance will feel familiar. As you might expect, the instrument panel is centered around a new standard 8-inch infotainment touchscreen; a larger 14-inch touchscreen is optional. Both run Toyota’s new user interface, which is far more intuitive to use than before. Yes, there are USB-C ports up front. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Uniquely, the front center audio system speaker is removable, becoming a portable Bluetooth speaker. A 7-inch digital instrument cluster comes standard, a 12.3inch
screen is optional.
We had the chance to sample pre-production versions of both the 2024 Toyota Tacoma
TRD PreRunner XtraCab with a six-foot bed, as tested $38,100, as well as a Tacoma Limited Double Cab with a five-foot bed, as tested $52,100. A hybrid model wasn’t available for testing. The new driveline feels far more refined, and the use of an eight-speed automatic transmission allowed Toyota to tune the driveline so that there’s always plenty of torque when you need it. It also gave the company a chance to quell the clamor from under the hood, providing this Tacoma with an interior that’s far quieter than before, no matter what’s happening. Say you’re off-roading, clambering over rocks. Not only is the cabin blissfully silent, but you can disconnect the front sway bar for maximum articulation.
But when civilization intrudes and macadam reappears, reconnecting the sway bar provides a comfortably civilized ride. It’s here where the Tacoma Limited has an advantage in comfort thanks to its adaptive suspension, one of three suspension options for 2024.
There’s plenty more to know about the Tacoma and its iterations. But the bottom line is this: Toyota has revamped the Tacoma for 2024 to great effect,
While my question isn’t related to the mechanics of my car, it is driving related. This past summer I drove on several roadways only to discover that road crews cut the road, making annoying rumble strips, sometimes for long stretches. I was wondering if you could tell me what they are doing.
Dear Motormouth:
What you describe is milling. The first few inches of the current road surface is removed in preparation for a new surface. Although it feels weird, the surface neither damages nor reduces the life of tires. The ground-up asphalt is hauled away and usually recycled to become new paving material.
Dear K.G.:
I’m a light-footed original owner of a 2017 Subaru Impreza with 24,000 miles. I had a recent recall, oil and filter change and general inspection visit to my Subaru dealership. During that visit the technician sent me a neat walk-around video inspection of my vehicle. In it, he recommended complete fuel induction and throttle body cleaning to prevent carbon buildup on intake valves. Estimate: $145. I refused the service. In your opinion, was this recommended fuel system work, with no other indications than mileage, a good idea?
Dear Motormouth:
Unless you have been using cheap, no-name gas, the intake valves probably don’t need cleaning.
Dear J.J.:
But throttle body cleaning is a legitimate service and the fuel injectors may get clean, too. The quote was not out of line, so I suggest you approve the service next time you have the oil changed.
My 2014 Highlander has 161,000 miles on the original spark plugs. The car runs fine and is getting 22 mpg with a V-6. What are your thoughts on changing the plugs as my service guy recommends?
Dear Motormouth:
The replacement schedule for platinum tipped spark plugs is generally 100,000 miles. You may not feel much difference in performance, but a fresh set of plugs may improve starting, especially in colder weather. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth doing.
Dear R.Z.:
Just wondering: Why don’t car manufacturers tint windshields the way eyeglasses are tinted for transition lenses?
Dear Motormouth:
The U.S. Department of Transportation has strict regulations regarding windshields. For instance, the tinted portion of the glass may not extend below the 12-A line. (Look for it on the upper right corner of the glass.) I have a hunch that transition technology, no matter how
Dear C.R.:
convenient for the driver, would never get approval.
I have a 7-year-old Buick LaCrosse with 80,000 miles.
During an oil change, the mechanic indicated a rear main seal leak as a “caution” item. The service writer at the dealership and a NAPA clerk both said that it was not a problem at this time. (There’s no oil spot on the garage floor and no noticeable oil level drop between oil changes.) The price quoted to repair was $4,600, or almost half the value of the car. What is your opinion of the situation?
Dear Motormouth:
Both your mechanic and the parts store guy are right — at least for the time being. The fact that you see no oil on the floor is proof. Yet when the seal begins leaking, it does so mostly while driving. That’s when you will begin seeing evidence. At the first sign of leakage, use some rear main seal leak stop. It could buy you some time. Keep up with your oil change schedule.