About the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid
For many years, the Toyota Tacoma has dominated the midsize pickup truck market in the U.S. Buyers love its combination of ideal size, rugged looks, and Toyota dependability. Until now, however, its powertrain lagged behind competitors like the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado in power and efficiency. All of that changes with the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, which not only offers a turbocharged engine in the base model, but brings Toyota’s hybrid technology to the midsize pickup segment. But hybrid power is just one of the highlights of the completely redesigned Tacoma.
Completely redesigned, the 2024 Tacoma shares its basic architecture with the new Tundra and Sequoia, and was developed specifically for the U.S. market. That means this midsize truck has grown in size, with a high-strength steel ladder frame, while also adopting a completely redesigned coil-sprung suspension to improve ride and handling. For outdoor enthusiasts, there is also an all-new Trailhunter trim level, purpose-built for overlanding expeditions right off dealer lots.
2024 Toyota Tacoma Engine Options
The most interesting technical feature of the new Tacoma is the 2024 model’s hybrid powertrain. Not only is the i-FORCE MAX hybrid setup the most powerful engine ever offered on the Tacoma, but it is also incredibly efficient. A gasoline-powered, turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with a 48-hp electric motor which is integrated into the casing of the eight-speed automatic transmission, with a 1.87-kWh nickel-metal-hydride battery pack. The total output of the hybrid engine is 326 horsepower, with a massive 465 lb-ft of torque – double the torque output of the outgoing model’s much less efficient V6 engine. Toyota claims that thanks to the increased torque and an electric motor, the new Tacoma can ascend 8-percent grades without needing to downshift, saving fuel as well as making long road trips more comfortable.
If hybrid power isn’t for you, there’s also a new turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder engine which produces 228 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque in the entry-level Tacoma SR, ad 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque in higher-level models equipped with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Enthusiasts will also like the fact that a six-speed manual transmission is available, although manual models will produce 270 hp instead of 278. Fuel-economy estimates for the new gasoline and Tacoma models have yet to be released, though we would expect them to improve significantly on the antiquated V6 model’s 20 mpg city and 23 highway.
Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Towing & Capability
Despite improved green credentials, the 2024 Tacoma should be more rugged than ever. The frame is stronger than before, and Toyota claims that its new truck is tough enough to deal with heavy overlanding gear such as rooftop tents and camp fridges without issue. In fact, the roof has integrated attachment holes to easily attach roof rails. The new Tacoma’s stiffer structure should also improve its ride and handling. New to the midsize model is an available multi-link rear suspension which ditches the previous model’s rear leaf springs in favor of a set of coil springs for a better ride on some models. Four-wheel disc brakes are now standard for improved braking performance, and there are new driver assist and safety features to keep pace with the competition.
Speaking of towing, maximum towing capacity of the new 2024 Tacoma is rated at up to 6,500 pounds, and payload at 1,700 pounds. Available 360-degree cameras with a top-down view makes it easy to line up truck and trailer, and there’s trailer back-up guidance assistance to make parking a breeze. When using a Toyota integrated trailer brake controller, the truck’s blind spot monitor can also recognize trailer blind spots.
Each Tacoma trim level has its own dedicated suspension setup. The road-biased Limited trim has a new adaptive variable suspension that constantly adjusts based on road conditions for a serene ride. The TRD Sport model has sport-tuned shock absorbers to be more responsive in corners. The TRD Off-Road model comes with Bilstein remote-reservoir shocks to allow for more wheel travel and improved damping when the suspension is at full extension. The TRD Pro has exotic three-way adjustable Fox QS3 shocks for better off-road performance at higher speeds. Finally, the Trailhunter has a full-on Old Man Emu (OME) 4x4 suspension tuned for the best off-road control and carrying ability.
Tacoma’s well-known off-road chops are enhanced by a new front stabilizer which can be disconnected at the push of a button to increase axle articulation, improved approach and departure angles, and a ground clearance of up to 11 inches. The available 14-inch touchscreen also houses a new “multi-terrain monitor” function where drivers can view potential obstacles on the trail in front of them. Adjustable drive modes include settings for mud, dirt, and sand, and off-road, the cruise control can be used to maintain one of five selectable speeds.
Where Was the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Designed?
Designed for Americans in the U.S. at Toyota’s Newport Beach, California design center, the Tacoma leans heavily into Toyota’s Baja race trucks for inspiration. It has big tires, a slim body, and an aggressive stance that make it stand out in the segment. Fun details include a wide upper grille that nods to Toyota’s original Hilux pickup, aggressive skid plates, high-mounted headlamps, functional side air intakes, and integrated roof and tailgate spoilers.
Engineering for the 2024 Tacoma was also conducted in the U.S., at the Toyota Technical Centers in Michigan, Arizona, and California. The three teams integrated a number of features that U.S. customers will love, including a larger pickup bed, aluminum tailgate with available power open and close function, and 400-watt AC inverter outlets in both the bed and the rear center console. There are also 12-volt power outlets in the bed and cabin. The Trailhunter model also features an integrated air compressor in the bed to make inflating its tires back up easier after spending time on rugged trails.
Available with either a five-foot or six-foot bed, and in either four-door Double Cab or two-door XtraCab configurations, and in several trim grades, there’s seemingly a 2024 Tacoma for everyone. Pricing and final EPA estimated fuel economy figures will be announced closer to when the truck arrives in dealerships later in 2023.
