by Michael Chen
posted on July 26, 2024
A truck made for all terrain, all the time
You don’t have to drive a Toyota Tacoma to know exactly what it stands for. Yes, word travels fast when you combine battle-tested reliability with rugged performance. And after 28 years of kicking up dirt, rocks, and mud, Toyota has delivered an all-new fourth generation model for 2024 that’s sure to satisfy even the most adventurous drivers. Truck yeah.
Looks can be deceiving, but the Taco’s bold new design holds true to its aggressive underpinnings. Toyota’s engineers specifically focused on improving this truck’s go-anywhere capabilities, culminating in a new platform called TNGA-F that’s shared with the full-size Tundra. The body is larger, but it also weighs less thanks to the use of lightweight materials like aluminum.
If you’ve been following industry trends, you know that turbocharging is the future for internal combustion. It’s no surprise then that every 2024 Tacoma, like Jiawang’s SR5, is equipped with a boosted four-cylinder. The goal is to extract more power from a smaller engine, resulting in a healthy horsepower bump across the entire Tacoma lineup. Aside from the base model, this engine actually outworks the discontinued V6, producing the same 278 horsepower while delivering an additional 52 lb-ft of torque.
But what happens when you add an electric motor into the mix? You get a hybrid Tacoma, which is way more exciting than your family’s old Prius. This powertrain option pumps up the Tacoma’s performance rather than just fuel efficiency, making it good for 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It’s also the option for enthusiasts who want the most oomph from their Tacoma experience.
Vehicles booked on Turo can’t be taken off road, but it doesn’t hurt to know exactly what they’re capable of. The latest Tacoma is engineered for the occasion, with a suspension that’s designed to handle a little rowdiness. Toyota built this mid-size pickup to be put through its paces, whether that’s overlanding, rock crawling, or a trip to the grocery store.
Longtime fans will also notice that in addition to the traditional leaf spring suspension, certain trims like Chad’s Tacoma TRD Sport and Ben’s Tacoma TRD Off-Road now come equipped with multi-link coils. It’s a pretty big deal, considering they deliver more traction and a more comfortable ride in just about every situation. Keep in mind that coil springs won’t turn your Toyota into a Lexus, but they can make all the difference on a long day of outdoor exploration.
It’s one thing to make a truck stronger, but Toyota also made this one a lot smarter with some much-appreciated quality of life upgrades. The available power tailgate can be raised or lowered with the press of a button, which makes for a fun party trick. There’s also a 3D multi-terrain monitor, which can show multiple views around the Tacoma and help you avoid obstacles on the trail.
If there’s one drawback about the Tacoma, it’s that dealership waitlists are stacked and not everyone will get to drive one right away. Top of the line trims like the Tacoma Trailhunter are especially rare, but there’s no doubt you’ll still have fun with the rest of the lineup.
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Michael Chen
Michael has spent most of his career writing about cars. His passions all start with the letter S. That includes his Honda S2000, sustainability, and sushi.
