Sheldon Brown is the chief engineer for the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. He explains the most important new features and benefits of the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma. There are two powertrain options, the standard engine is a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic transmission, 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. There is also a 6-speed manual transmission with automatic rev matching and anti-stall technology. Manual transmission models produce 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. There’s also the available I-Force Max Hybrid powertrain with a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This nearly doubles the torque of the current V6 model. It has a 48 horsepower electric motor integrated into the 8-speed transmission with a 1.87 kWh battery pack. In Canada, the Tacoma comes exclusively in four-wheel drive models which have an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range along with active traction control. In the US, 4x2 is also available. An electronic locking rear differential is standard on TRD-Off Road, TRD Pro and Trailhunter grades. The Limited model features a full time 4-wheel drive system with a centre locking differential on hybrid models. Improvements were made across all grades enhancing Tacoma’s off-road capability from severe rock climbing to high-speed desert racing. So whether you want a little more luxury in the Limited grade or a very capable Tacoma TRD Off-Road, you’ll find one that fits your lifestyle. A new front cross member was constructed for the steering gear box, a new high lift jack point is integrated into the rear frame and to enhance ride and handling characteristics is a newly available multi-link suspension, this replaces the previous model’s leaf springs in favour of a set of coils. However, the leaf springs stay on SR, SR5 Xtra Cab grades and TRD Prerunner. The Tacoma also gets new 4-wheel disc brakes, TRD models and above are equipped with a larger front brake package. The hybrid model adds a larger rear brake package. An electronic parking brake allows for low-speed radar control and a brake hold function. The Tacoma also gets electric power steering. Available electronic front stabilizer bar that can disconnect for a 10% increase in wheel articulation. The Tacoma now features suspensions that are specific to each grade. For example, TRD Sport has red TRD sport tuned shocks for a more responsive feel, the TRD off-road grade has monotube Bilstein remote reservoir shocks, the TRD Pro has FOX’s new QS3 three-way adjustable internal bypass shocks with remote reservoirs, the Trailhunter has Old Man EMU 4x4 suspension by ARB that is tuned for optimum levels of off-road control and Limited grades feature a new adaptive variable suspension. The interior comes with a standard 8” touchscreen, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, it’s got Toyota’s new multi-media system that was introduced in the 2022 Tundra. There’s an available 14” touchscreen, wireless charger, an available multi-terrain monitor, a 360-degree camera, a 12.3” digital driver display, 7” is standard and a 10-speaker JBL sound system is also available, it has an available portable speaker and when it’s undocked it can run for up to 6 hours. Other available features included heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display and a heated steering wheel. All models get push button start and you want a digital key so you can start the vehicle with your phone, it’s through a trial or subscription. That digital key can also be shared with others who are using the vehicle. Gas models have three times more storage under the rear seat than the previous model and you can also fold the rear seatback flat. TRD Pro models include Isodynamic performance seats for enhanced off-road driving control and comfort. TRD Pro models sit 2” higher in the front and an 1 ½ higher in the rear compared to the SR5. Gas modesl have three times more storage under the rear seat from the previous model as well and you can also fold the rear seatback flat.
