The long-anticipated 2024 Toyota Tacoma has finally arrived, sparking excitement among truck enthusiasts and devoted “Taco” fans. After years of waiting, Toyota has delivered a pickup that meets high expectations with thoughtful engineering, modern technology, and stronger off-road capability.
We previewed the new Tacoma on Hawaii’s Big Island — an ideal place to showcase a vehicle that has become a favorite across the islands.
Key highlights:
- Standard i-FORCE turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque.
- Available i-FORCE MAX turbocharged 2.4-liter hybrid delivering 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque.
- All-new Trailhunter: a factory-built overlanding model with integrated ARB, Old Man Emu, and RIGID components.
- Baja-inspired TRD Pro introduces the segment-first IsoDynamic Performance Seat for improved comfort and control off road.
- New XtraCab long-bed layout increases interior utility and cargo capacity.
- Manual transmission remains available.
Powertrains for Every Need
Toyota offers two strong and efficient engine choices for the 2024 Tacoma to suit different driving preferences. The standard i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo four produces 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque, delivering energetic acceleration for daily driving and light-duty towing.
For greater towing capacity and stronger performance, the i-FORCE MAX hybrid boosts output to 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. This hybrid setup provides notably higher torque for demanding loads and off-road situations while improving overall drivability.
More photos of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Sport.
Upgraded Suspension Options
A major change for the 2024 Tacoma is the new multi-link rear suspension that replaces coil or leaf arrangements on many trims to improve ride quality and handling. While some base models retain leaf springs, Toyota has tailored suspension tuning across trims to match each model’s intended use.
TRD Sport models use red TRD-tuned sport shocks for sharper response. TRD Off-Road receives monotube Bilstein remote-reservoir shocks for increased wheel travel and better heat management. TRD Pro is equipped with FOX QS3 three-way adjustable internal bypass shocks with remote reservoirs and FOX IFP rear bump stops for higher-speed off-road performance and improved compliance over rough terrain.
The Trailhunter features Old Man Emu (OME) 4×4 suspension developed with ARB for enhanced off-road control and load-carrying capability. At the other end of the spectrum, the Limited trim offers Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) for a refined, comfortable on-road ride.
More photos of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Limited.
Towing Capability
The 2024 Tacoma can tow up to 6,500 lbs on select configurations, specifically the SR5 i-FORCE and TRD PreRunner XtraCab models. Maximum payload reaches 1,709 lbs. Toyota equips the Tacoma with towing aids like a trailer brake controller, trailer backup guidance, Straight Path Assist for straighter reversing, and a digital display mirror to improve visibility while towing.
A 360-degree camera system provides a comprehensive top-down view around the truck and trailer. Blind Spot Monitor integration helps detect trailer blind spots on compatible setups. Toyota also increased bed volume by about 7 percent, giving more usable cargo space, especially when combined with an optional tonneau cover.
Brakes and Steering Improvements
All 2024 Tacomas come standard with four-wheel disc brakes and electric power steering. TRD models and above receive an upgraded larger front disc brake package for improved stopping power under heavier loads and off-road use.
Wide Range of Trims and Configurations
The Tacoma lineup offers many configurations, including the four-door Double Cab and the new two-door XtraCab, which adds clever storage behind the front seats. Both body styles are available with five- or six-foot beds.
The XtraCab is offered in SR, SR5, and TRD PreRunner grades and is optimized for utility with seating for two and a functional rear cabin storage area paired with a six-foot bed. The 2024 trims include SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter. The returning TRD PreRunner is offered solely as a two-wheel-drive XtraCab with lifted front suspension, larger BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, and an electronically locking rear differential.
The TRD Sport features black 18-inch TRD wheels, color-matched door handles, a hood scoop, black exterior badging, and aluminum pedals. TRD Off-Road benefits from Bilstein remote-reservoir monotube shocks and an optional front stabilizer bar disconnect. Limited trims emphasize comfort and technology with features like power-retractable sidesteps, a head-up display, a 14-inch touchscreen, JBL audio, a digital rearview mirror, and a power moonroof. i-FORCE MAX models can include AVS and full-time four-wheel drive for a refined driving experience.
Tacoma’s paint palette offers a variety of colors, including Supersonic Red, Blue Crush Metallic, Underground, Wind Chill Pearl, Solar Octane, Celestial Silver Metallic, Black, Ice Cap, and others.
Trailhunter: A Factory-Built Overlander
Toyota collaborated with Australia’s ARB to deliver the Trailhunter — a factory-developed overland-focused Tacoma. Seen previously at SEMA, this model is now available with factory-installed overlanding hardware for buyers who want an out-of-the-box expedition vehicle.
The Trailhunter includes OME position-sensitive 2.5-inch forged monotube shocks with rear external piggyback reservoirs, a reinforced steel rear bumper, strong recovery points, and a bed utility bar with removable MOLLE panels. It’s offered in Double Cab with five- and six-foot bed options and can be fitted with light- or heavy-duty ARB bed racks for rooftop tents, canopies, and other gear.
With OME shocks and 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires, the Trailhunter rides about two inches higher in front and 1.5 inches higher in the rear, improving ground clearance. It also features a high-clearance trail exhaust tip and a low-profile high-mount intake routed up the passenger-side A-pillar to supply cleaner air to the i-FORCE MAX powertrain.
Protection elements include rock rails and hot-stamped, high-strength steel skid plates. Trailhunter styling blends function and aesthetics with a bronze “TOYOTA” heritage grille, an integrated 20-inch LED light bar, RIGID white/yellow color-switching fog lamps, and strategically placed bed and bedside scene lighting for nighttime camp setup.
Inside, the Trailhunter includes a 2400W AC inverter powering two locations in the cabin and the rear deck, plus 12V outlets and USB ports for accessories like an ARB fridge freezer. It comes pre-wired with three auxiliary toggle switches and supports a wide catalog of Toyota AAP accessories, allowing buyers to add racks, recovery gear, and other overlanding equipment. AAP options can be rolled into financing to simplify customization.
More photos of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter.
TRD Pro: Built to Go Fast
The TRD Pro continues Toyota’s performance-focused tradition, optimized for desert running and aggressive off-road driving. The model includes red aluminum TRD upper control arms that improve front geometry and reduce unsprung weight for sharper handling.
TRD Pro’s standout suspension is the FOX QS3 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks with three selectable settings, allowing on-the-fly damping adjustments. Combined with the new multi-link rear suspension and FOX IFP bump stops, the TRD Pro delivers a controlled ride across rough terrain and at high speeds.
The TRD Pro sits two inches higher in front and 1.5 inches higher in the rear, and is three inches wider than the SR5, riding on black flow-formed TRD wheels wrapped in 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires. The TRD Pro comes standard with the i-FORCE MAX engine, a TRD performance intake, and a TRD cat-back dual-tipped exhaust. Integrated LED lighting, RIGID fog lamps, ARB high-clearance rear bumper with red recovery hooks, and an aluminum TRD front skid plate round out its rugged package.
A segment-first feature on the TRD Pro is the IsoDynamic Performance Seat, which uses an air-over-oil shock absorber system to allow vertical and lateral seat movement, reducing body motion and stabilizing head and neck alignment. The dampening level is adjustable to occupant weight and preference, and seatbacks include a lever to bypass the system when desired.
More photos of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.
Is the 2024 Tacoma Worth Considering?
With numerous upgrades in powertrain, suspension, capability, and technology, the 2024 Tacoma responds to long-standing requests from owners while expanding the truck’s appeal. In a competitive midsize truck market that includes updated rivals like the Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger, Tacoma’s combination of capability, comfort, and factory-supported overlanding options make it a strong contender for buyers seeking a versatile and durable truck. Enthusiasts who value off-road performance and factory-installed adventure gear will likely find much to appreciate in the new Tacoma.