There’s no such thing as too many tacos. That’s true of both the tasty handheld food and the new fourth-generation Toyota Tacoma, with its buffet of bed, cab, and powertrain choices. While most mid-size trucks are limiting their menu, the 2024 Tacoma’s is more diverse than ever.
We’ve driven most of the new Tacoma family, minus the Baja-style TRD Pro and overlanding Trailhunter. Those two, with a new hybrid system that produces 326 horsepower, will arrive later.
The base Tacoma has a 228-hp turbo 2.4-liter four. The rest have mightier versions with up to 278 horses, matching the outgoing 3.5-liter V-6; their torque rises from 265 to up to 317 pound-feet and arrives as much as 3000 rpm sooner, making the Tacoma feel much more responsive. A manual transmission lives on, and a proficient eight-speed automatic replaces the clumsy six-speed unit. According to Toyota, fuel economy improves too.
The cabin is better insulated from engine noise, and a higher seating position means you no longer feel like you’re sitting on the floor. With modern design and nicer textures, the interior offers flashy digital displays, power-adjustable front seats (finally), and a JBL stereo with a portable speaker, all of which vanquish the old truck’s 2005 vibes.
The new Tacoma cribs chiseled bodywork and a boxed ladder frame from the Tundra, along with an available coil-spring rear suspension that transforms the Tacoma’s ride from jittery to buttery. The swanky Limited has optional adaptive dampers that increase comfort or sportiness; the base and extended-cab models soldier on with leaf springs that lack the composure of the coils on rough roads.
The Tacoma’s driving demeanor feels more cohesive than before. Electrically assisted power steering and rear disc brakes join the party, as well as lane-keeping assist and improved crawl control for off-roading.
Breaking trail is a Tacoma staple. The TRD Off-Road now has 33-inch BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A tires, Bilstein external-reservoir dampers, and an optional front anti-roll bar disconnect for increased wheel articulation, which together aid in easily conquering off-road obstacles. The revived PreRunner trim—with two doors, two seats, and two-wheel drive—is a cheaper alternative with similar hardware.
The lineup offers many configurations. Prices range from $32,995 for the SR to $53,595 for the Limited. And the more Tacos, the better.
Specifications
Specifications
2024 Toyota Tacoma
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear- or rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 2- or 4-door pickup
PRICE
Base: $32,995–$41,895
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled 16-valve 2.4-liter inline-4, 228 hp, 243 lb-ft; 270 hp, 310 lb-ft; 278 hp, 317 lb-ft
TRANSMISSIONS
6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 131.9–145.1 in
Length: 213.0–226.2 in
Width: 76.9–77.9 in
Height: 73.8–74.7 in
Curb Weight: 4200–4800 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 6.5–8.0 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.9–16.4 sec
Top Speed: 110 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (MFR’S EST)
Combined/City/Highway: 20–23/18–21/23–26 mpg
Senior Editor
Eric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si.
