Toyota’s long-running midsize pickup truck is entering its fourth generation in 2024, with major upgrades including possible hybrid and EV variants.
The Toyota Tacoma has a prestigious history of being the longest-running midsize pickup truck in the country, and it is all set to be fully redesigned for 2024. The Toyota Tacoma has first introduced in 1995 as the replacement for the legendary Toyota Truck a.k.a. the Toyota Hilux, which is renowned as one of the toughest and most reliable pickup trucks ever. However, unlike the Hilux which was a bare-bones workhorse, the Tacoma was conceived as a more comfortable lifestyle pickup.
Ten years after its inception, in 2005 Toyota redesigned the Tacoma, launching the larger and more powerful second generation of the truck. Another decade later in 2016, Toyota launched the current, third-generation Tacoma which came only in extended and crew cab guises as the regular cab model was discontinued in the prior year. Sales of the Tacoma have only grown exponentially over the years and this Toyota truck currently tops the chart as the best-selling midsize truck.
Marching towards 30 years of production, the next Toyota Tacoma redesign will happen in 2024 and this time we expect to see some fundamental and significant changes. With the arrival of the redesigned 2023 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon models, the Tacoma becomes the most outdated truck in the segment. Hence, the 2024 redesign is crucial for the brand to keep up with the competition and stay on top of the game.
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Is Expected To Be Built Upon A Brand-New Platform
Toyota introduced the modular Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platforms back in 2015 with the fourth-generation Prius. Since then, variations of this platform started replacing numerous old Toyota platforms and as of 2020 half of Toyota models produced globally are built on TNGA platforms. We expect Toyota to base the new Tacoma on the body-on-frame TNGA-F platform which underpins the brand’s current generation of popular SUVs and trucks including the Toyota Land Cruiser, Sequoia, and Tundra. However, since these vehicles belong to the full-size segment, we assume that the new Tacoma along with the 2024 Toyota 4Runner which is also getting a major redesign will feature a smaller version of the TNGA-F platform.
The changes underneath the 2024 Toyota Tacoma isn’t limited to its platform and chassis. The current-gen 2023 Toyota Tacoma comes equipped with a leaf-spring suspension in the rear which is expected to be upgraded to a coil-sprung setup with the redesign. This translates to a broader range of suspension movements and a drastic improvement in the handling and ride quality of the truck. Overall, the upcoming redesigned Tacoma could be a larger, cozier yet more agile midsize truck with more available engine options and trims to choose from.
New Engines May Power The Redesigned 2024 Toyota Tacoma
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma is offered with two engine options with the base trims being powered by a 2.7-liter inline-4 that produces 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of maximum power and torque. Optional on the base trims and standard on the higher trims is a 3.5-liter V6 churning out 278 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. We envisage the redesigned 2024 Toyota Tacoma to drop both these options and sport brand-new powertrains. The base engine could be the 2.4-turbocharged motor powering the Toyota Highlander which produces 265 horses and 309 lb-ft in the crossover SUV. The same engine can also be found in the Lexus NX 350 which cranks out a higher 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft.
Another major amelioration will happen on the transmission front as the 2023 Tacoma is equipped with a fossilized 6-speed automatic transmission while competitors are ages ahead. In both the Highlander and NX 350, the 2.4-liter turbo mill is connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission, and this same unit could be equipped in the upcoming Tacoma too. Also, a standout feature that Toyota currently provides with the Tacoma is a 6-speed manual transmission in the higher-end trims enabling superior off-road prowess. Sadly, this stick shift might not make it to the next-gen Tacoma as it is not expected to be carried over. We also strongly suspect that Toyota will proffer a hybrid powertrain as the more potent, upgrade-engine option which we will discuss further later.
A New Off-Road-Focused Trailhunter Trim Could Be Placed Above The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
Several off-road-specific trims are available with the current Toyota Tacoma starting off with the TRD Sport, followed by the TRD Off-Road, and topped off by the range-topping TRD Pro. All these mild to hardcore off-road trims are expected to return to the redesigned Tacoma lineup whilst there is a high chance for a new top-of-the-line Trailhunter trim. Trailhunter is a new over-landing variant possessing several factory-built rugged features over the TRD trims. Back in November 2022, Toyota showcased the Tundra Trailhunter Concept at the SEMA show which looks promising as a production-line-built custom overlander. Although the brand hasn’t confirmed this trim for the 2024 Tacoma, it was mentioned that multiple SUVs and trucks would get the Trailhunter treatment in the near future.
Noteworthy features we expect the Tacoma Trailhunter model to flaunt include a unique suspension setup along with under-body protection and exclusive front and rear bumpers. This trim would also be able to make use of the Associated Accessory Products program announced by the brand which offers a plethora of dealer-upgradable options for Toyota vehicles. Toyota specified that the AAP program would offer accessories such as rooftop tents and camp refrigerators for overland vehicles while the products intended for rock crawling include high-performance fog lights, air compressor kits, and rock sliders. While all of these accessories are produced in association with aftermarket brands such as ARB, Go Rhino and Yakima, they will bear a Toyota part number which makes it possible to order them directly from dealerships.
Toyota Might Launch Both Hybrid And Electric Versions Of The 2024 Toyota Tacoma
Even though Toyota hasn’t confirmed it yet, we surmise that the upcoming 2024 Tacoma will swagger with both hybrid and electric powertrain choices. Back in December, Toyota announced plans for building an electric pickup truck and showcased a concept truck in its media briefing on EV strategy. But we aren’t sure if it’s going to be the Tacoma EV even though the said concept reflects a similar design language and footprint. However, what we strongly expect to happen is the advent of the hybrid Tacoma. Toyota had previously stated that they have plans to offer multiple hybrid powertrains across products of every price point to have a huge near-term impact on overall carbon emissions.
As for the hybrid engine of the 2024 Tacoma, we assume that the brand will offer the hybrid powertrain used in the new Toyota Crown Platinum. This turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-4 engine combined with a hybrid system produces a maximum output of 340 horsepower and comes paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Toyota calls this powertrain Hybrid Max, and we strongly suspect this unit to be the optional, more powerful engine option to be bestowed with the 2024 Toyota Tacoma.
