2024 tacoma (3)

Evan is an East Coast based automotive journalist and a Certified Engineering Technologist. He is an avid autocrosser, hack mechanic, and a member of AJAC. If you don't find him driving or writing about cars, you'll probably find him in the garage breaking one.

A new Toyota Tacoma doesn't come around often. It's part of the midsize pickup's charm; the durability, dependability, and resale that it earns by only undergoing slight changes year over year over year. That's why the 2024 Toyota Tacoma is such a big deal. It's new from the ground up, full of upgrades and surprises including the model's first-ever hybrid and the return of the manual transmission.

It still looks like a Tacoma, even though there's a lot of Tundra in the equation, especially on the chrome-heavy Limited spec truck. Toyota's designers in California took inspiration from both trucks as well as the company's Baja racers to capture "the extreme spirit of offroad adventure."

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-176196" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2024-tacoma-11.jpg" alt="2024 Toyota Tacoma" width="2500" height="1667" />

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Under the new Taco is a new frame, based on the laser-welded high-strength frame used in the Tundra. Toyota reinforced the crossmembers for higher payload capability (up almost half a ton to 1,709 lbs in hybrid models). That extra payload is designed for overlanders, Toyota understands that its intermediate truck buyer is doing more with their pickups than ever before.

The frame gets disc brakes at all four corners for the first time. This is sure to be contentious with some die-hards, but dropping the rear drums should seriously improve the truck's braking feel. Though peak towing isn't exactly up as a result, the max is 6,500 pounds, slightly under some grades of the 2023 model.

If that's not enough, the Tacoma will also get coil springs at the rear along with a new multi-link suspension. The SR5 grade will still get leaf springs, but the rest get the coils.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-176190" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2024-tacoma-5.jpg" alt="2024 Toyota Tacoma" width="2500" height="1650" />

Coils or not, Toyota is changing up its suspensions to make each grade feel better suited to its purpose. That means different shock tuning for each one. It also means new Fox QS3 three-position adjustable shocks with remote reservoirs (though the adjustment is not remote). It also means ARB Old Man Emu shocks for the newly added Trailhunter model and fully adaptive dampers for the luxury Limited trim.

Toyota's base engine is a 2.4L turbo-four making 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. The truck will be 4x4 only in Canada (which means no PreRunner trim) and an eight-speed automatic is standard. Limited gets a new full-time 4x4 system, another Taco first.

You'll be able to order the 2024 Tacoma with a six-speed stick. The three-pedal choice will be an option on TRD Off Road and TRD Sport, but it will make eight fewer ponies and seven fewer torques than with the auto.

For the first time in a Tacoma you'll be able to get a hybrid. Badged i-Force Max like in the Tundra, this pairs the 2.4L four with an electric motor. Total output is 326 hp and a whopping 465 lb-ft of torque, sent through the eight-speed auto. The hybrid system is optional on TRD Off Road and standard on Limited, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter.

All 2024 Tacomas will be four-door Double Cab models in Canada, though five and six-foot box lengths will be offered.

The basic SR5 trim gets much less basic than before. Smart key is standard, as is a 7.0-inch gauge display and 8.0-inch centre screen with Toyota's latest multimedia. Heated seats are even standard now, as is Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. That upgraded safety system includes radar cruise, pre-collision system, and all of the usual driver aids.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-176195" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2024-tacoma-10.jpg" alt="2024 Toyota Tacoma" width="2500" height="1667" />

TRD Sport gets colour matched door handles and fender flares, plus a suspension tuned more for on-pavement driving. TRD Off Road gets more serious with Bilstein monotube shocks, multi-terrain select, an electronic rear locker, and composite skid plates. 33-inch tires are optional, along with the TRD Pro's new sway bar disconnect. This one has a larger 12.3-inch digital cluster.

Limited gets adaptive shocks and full-time 4x4, along with power running boards, a head-up display, and chrome trim. It comes with a 14-inch centre screen, and, gasp, heated and ventilated front seats plus a heated wheel. It also is the first to get Toyota's new JBL Flex portable speaker that mounts in the dash.

TRD Pro gets all of the really good off-road stuff including the Fox shocks already mentioned and TRD control arms. It has an aluminum front skid plate, 33-inch Goodyear rubber, and an electronic rear locker.

New this year, the TRD Pro adds rocker protection, an ARB rear bumper with red recovery hooks, and a front sway bar disconnect that increases suspension articulation. With the standard hybrid drive it gets a 2400-watt AC inverter with a pair of plugs and some pre-wired DC accessory switches. Like in the past, it has a Toyota heritage grill and LED fog lights.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-176197" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2024-tacoma-12.jpg" alt="2024 Toyota Tacoma" width="2500" height="1667" />

The TRD Pro's real trick, though, is a new driver's seat. The IsoDynamic Performance Seat has an air and oil shock absorber to help keep the driver behind the wheel when the terrain gets rough. The seat can move vertically and laterally, and the driver can tune it or turn the system off with a lever.

Then there's the Trailhunter. The first in a new line of overlanders Toyota previewed last year, this one is built to "go far." Old Man Emu position-sensitive shocks are just the start. This truck has 33-inch tires that raise the ride height by about two inches, while a high-clearance exhaust tip, stamped steel skid plates, and rock rails help keep the truck intact over obstacles.

The truck has a high-mount air intake, bed utility bar with Molle panels, and loads more ARB parts. The team at Australian off-roaders ARB even came to Toyota facilities to finish the package. Built-in roof rack attachments that are standard on all grades let you mount cargo to the top of the truck, and multiple available bed racks make adding rooftop tents a breeze. Trailhunter gets some of the TRD Pro's best bits like the rear locker, ARB bumper, and front sway bar disconnect.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-176191" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2024-tacoma-6.jpg" alt="2024 Toyota Tacoma" width="2500" height="1667" />

The Trailhunter gets loads of bronze accents including its heritage grille. There is a 20-inch LED light bar standard, Rigid fogs that show white or yellow on command, and campsite lighting for around the truck. It gets bronze wheels and will offer that bronze oxide paint in the photos. If that has you wondering about the next TRD Pro special paint job, expect that announcement in a few months.

Toyota is planning for the four-cylinder models of the Tacoma to hit showrooms late this year, with pricing for the new pickup to follow. If you want a hybrid, which is the only way to get some of the best trims, you'll need to wait for next spring.

2024 Toyota Tacoma gets a ground up redesign

news 4-17 (5)

Integra Type S revealed

Acura has revealed the 2024 Integra Type S, and the hot sport compact goes on sale in June. The Type S is a sort of luxury Honda Civic Type R. Like the Type R it gets a 2.0L turbo-four, but in the Acura it makes 320 hp. Five more than the Honda. It also has performance adaptive suspension, a new nose with larger grilles and functional hood vents, and performance adaptive suspension with big sticky tires and hefty Brembo brakes. The Acura Integra Type S will come only with a six-speed manual, but it will have rev-matching. It will also have a mechanical limited-slip differential. Inside, the car is loaded with Type S badges and has Ultrasuede sports seats.

Tacoma Trailhunter

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175733" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/news-4-17-4.jpg" alt="Tacoma Trailhunter" width="2500" height="1666" />

Toyota has an overlander Tacoma coming. The Tacoma Trailhunter will be the first in the line of Trailhunter models Toyota first hinted at at SEMA last year. Expect off-road goodies like all-terrain tires as well as steel bumpers and recovery hooks from performance shop ARB. Look closely at the teaser photo and you can see what looks like some new rear axle parts. The internet thinks that this is a Panhard bar, a suspension device which would mean that (at least this) Tacoma is switching to coil springs in the back. Of course, that's just speculation for now. We'll have to wait and see.

Ford EV dragster

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175731" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/news-4-17-2.jpg" alt="Ford Cobra Jet 1800" width="2500" height="1667" />

Ford is showing off its quickest electric drag racer yet. The Ford Mustang Super Cobra Jet 1800 is going after a fistful of NHRA world records in the quarter mile, including some the Cobra Jet 1400 already holds. The Ultra-quick EV has a new transmission and a new battery system as well as other changes. The goal is to beat the 1400's 8.128 second, 171.97 mph run. The inverters and motors are the same as the Cobra Jet 1400, meaning Ford is getting 400 extra horses through better management of the system.

Ford's Oakville plant transforming into Electric Vehicle Complex

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175732" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/news-4-17-3.jpg" alt="Oakville Electric Vehicle complex" width="2500" height="1406" />

Ford's lessons learned from the Super Cobra Jet 1800 could be transferred to the electric models it is planning to build at the Oakville Assembly Complex. Ford is spending $1.8B at the Oakville site. When it's done, the site will build both complete vehicles and their battery packs. Ford is building new and repurposing existing buildings. Site transformation will officially start in the second quarter of 2024 and vehicle production will start in 2025. Oakville assembly opened in 1953 and is currently home to the Ford Edge and Lincoln Nautilus.

BMW XM Label Red

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175730" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/news-4-17-1.jpg" alt="BMW XM Label Red" width="2500" height="1667" />

BMW's XM Label Red is pushing us down the rabbit hole of clichés, and we're steaming mad about it. Ok, we're not actually mad, but the company has literally put red lipstick on a model that wasn't the best-looking BMW in the first place and what are we supposed to do here? Right, stick with the car. The 2024 BMW XM Label Red adds more power and performance to the first PHEV BMW M model. It has 738 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful BMW yet. That's 94 horses and 148 torques more than the plain XM. The extra power comes from the 4.4L twin-turbo V8 and the torque comes from the engine and motor. The XM can do around 50 km on electric power alone and hit up to 140 km/h. Expect it at dealers around the end of the year.

New Mini

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175735" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/news-4-17-6.jpg" alt="New Mini Cooper" width="2500" height="1406" />

Mini is teasing its next EV, but this time is showing us the whole exterior. The new Mini looks, completely unsurprisingly, a lot like the old Mini. It's been smoothed off, as is typical of EVs. It also has a more octagonal grille, looking more like the Urbanaut concept model. If you're looking for a Mini, you've found it. And that's exactly what buyers of this snazzy compact want.

News Roundup: Tacoma Trailhunter, Oakville EVs, Integra Type S, More

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Having worked in the automotive industry in many roles for over 15 years and currently the Content Strategist for Wheels.ca - Kunal's obsession with cars goes back to his early childhood. Even now his insatiable thirst to be in the know of anything with wheels and a motor continues, and will likely never fade. His idea of bliss is the open road,  good tunes and a manual gearbox. Kunal is a member of AJAC (Automobile Journalists Association of Canada)

Compact and mid-size pickup trucks have made a big comeback in the last five years with all-new entries like the <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/truck-reviews/2022-ford-maverick-xl-hybrid-review">Ford Maverick</a> and the quirky <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/vehicle-reviews/review-2022-hyundai-santa-cruz">Hyundai Santa Cruz</a> joining the fold. But the Toyota Tacoma has been doing it for decades now and even after all this time it’s still one of the most versatile and robust trucks you can buy.

Over the years the Tacoma has gained legendary status. A reputation it’s garnered from doing duty all over the world in some of the most inhospitable and punishing environments. It’s been called indestructible and it retains its value long after the warranty runs out meaning that finding a “deal” on a used one can be tough.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175714" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/DSC04414.jpg" alt="2023 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab" width="2048" height="1365" />

A sound principle which Toyota has clearly employed with the Tacoma is “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it”. It’s why the truck has barely changed over the years and can trace its underpinnings back to the second-generation Tacoma, which was first sold in 2005. In automotive terms the Tacoma is ancient but it works so well that any drastic changes would have likely driven Taco loyalists directly to Toyota’s headquarters with pitchforks and flaming torches. Taco owners stick by their trucks and there are large communities and discussion forums that have built up around it.

Typically the cars loaned to us to test drive are loaded with all the optional extras and the kitchen sink, which is why I was pleasantly surprised to find my tester was a humble Access cab TRD Off-road with a 6-speed manual transmission (that’s right, you can still get a manual Tacoma). It’s about as bare bones as a Taco gets but that means it boasts the highest towing capacity of 2948 kg (6499 lbs) and the second highest payload of 571 kg (1259 lbs), bested only by an Access cab truck with the automatic transmission.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175725" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/DSC04400.jpg" alt="2023 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab" width="2048" height="1365" />

Access cab Tacomas only come with the 6-foot bed and rear suicide doors that open up to reveal a rear seating area best reserved for child seats or pets. I tried sitting back there and while the legroom wasn’t the biggest issue, it was the total lack of seat comfort and the upright seating position that became agonizing after just a few minutes. It’s a good thing then that the bottom cushion flips up providing extra space for cargo. If you need to carry passengers with any regularity, a Double Cab Tacoma is a necessity.

It’s actually pretty well equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, that includes a pre-collision system, automatic high beams, lane departure alert, and dynamic cruise control. It has an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a native nav system and wired Apple Carplay and Android auto. You also get heated seats and dual-zone climate control and because this is the TRD Off-road trim you get off-road tuned Bilstein shocks, and an off-road body kit.

All Tacomas sold here are four-wheel drive and this manual Access cab model gets a part-time selectable system with a rear locker, and a 2-speed electronic transfer case. Models equipped with the automatic get the Multi-terrain select system and crawl control.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175724" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/DSC04403.jpg" alt="2023 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab" width="2048" height="1365" />

But arguably the best bit about this Tacoma for me was its manual transmission. It’s a configuration not everyone is going to pick but it made it an enjoyable truck to drive. The stick itself slots precisely into gear and the clutch is reassuringly heavy with good feel and a firm biting point. If nothing else it helped me fantasize about driving a big rig, something I’ve always wanted to do. It also gives you a lot more control, especially on a trail where this Tacoma with its 9.4-inches of ground clearance and tough-as-nails 4x4 system is ready for any terrain you can throw at it.

A 3.5-L V6 is the only engine choice. It makes 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque and has been proven just as indestructible as the rest of the truck. It’s not going to shove you back into your seat but there’s still enough power to get the Tacoma moving rather quickly and passing slower cars is never an issue.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175719" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/DSC04408.jpg" alt="2023 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab" width="2048" height="1365" />

The 6-foot bed has multiple adjustable tie-down points and is easy to access with built-in steps in the rear bumper.

The Tacoma is not easy on fuel, and that’s a downside of its aging powertrain. The manual might be fun but trying to get anything under 13L/100 km in mixed driving requires a lot of effort. The automatic fares better in this regard.

On the inside the Tacoma features a mix of hardwearing plastic surfaces and some soft-touch points on the door panels. It doesn’t get the new infotainment system that’s been rolling out in new Toyota vehicles which is a bit of a shame.

Among the competition, there are entries with more modern turbocharged powertrains, more features, and better in-vehicle tech but if you want a bullet-proof truck that’s just really good at doing truck things with the best resale value on the market, the Tacoma is the one to get.

<h3>2023 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Access Cab TRD Off-road </h3>

BODY STYLE: 4-door, 4 passenger mid-size pickup

CONFIGURATION: -Front-engine, four-wheel drive

ENGINE:  3.5-L V6; Power: 278 hp @ 6000 rpm; Torque: 265 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual

TOWING CAPACITY: 2948 kg; Payload: 571 kg

FUEL ECONOMY : (Regular-grade Gasoline in L/100 km): 13.8 city; 11.4 highway; 12.7 combined 

PRICE: $ 46,053 (as-tested including fees and freight)

WEBSITE: <a href="https://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/">Toyota Canada</a>

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2024 Toyota Tacoma gets a ground up redesign

News Roundup: Tacoma Trailhunter, Oakville EVs, Integra Type S, More

2023 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Review