2024 Toyota Tacoma Unveiled – New TNGA Bones, Hybrid Option, And Loads Of Tech

All-new fourth-gen Toyota Tacoma.

Meet the new fourth generation Toyota Tacoma pick-up truck that was just unveiled in North America earlier today. Before we detail some of its key specifications, take note that it also stands as somewhat of a preview for the upcoming ninth generation Toyota Hilux that will be sold in other key global markets.

Like the bigger third-gen Tundra model, the new Tacoma underpins a similar Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) chassis – the TNGA-F offshoot of which. In North America, the Tacoma will go against key rivals in the mid-sized truck segment, chief amongst which being the next-gen Ford Ranger.

Two new rugged trimlines were introduced, those being the TRD Pro (bottom) and Trailhunter (top).

In its new fourth-gen iteration, the Tacoma marks several first in the nameplate’s three decade-long history. Amongst them is the adoption of a new hybrid powertrain option, as well as the debut of two rugged new trim levels that include an overland-focused Trailhunter flavour.

In terms of design, the new Tacoma’s exterior is heavily inspired by its Tundra bigger brother. Key touches from which include the massive and wide new front grille, the striking LED headlamps design flanking which, as well as both the taillights and the flatbed’s tailgate.

The new Tacoma comes exclusively in double-cab (crew cab) forms with the choice between a 5- or 6-foot flatbed sizes.

The Tacoma comes exclusively in double-cab (or ‘crew cab’ in American truck lingo) with the options between a 5-feet or 6-feet long flatbeds. The latter marks a 7% increase in volume over the model it replaces, and it’s also primed with both 12-volt and 120-volt sockets built-in.

Additionally, the tailgate, constructed out of aluminium, features a power-opening and -closing function with jam protection to grant convenient flatbed access. Adding to which in the inclusion of integrated buttons to operate it in each taillight too.

Aluminium flatbed tailgate features powered-opening and -closing plus buttons to operate which that are integrated into each taillight.

Full-LED lighting is standard across the board whilst massive and wide front grille design is reminiscent of the Tacoma's bigger brother the Tundra.

Other notably exterior touches include integrated roof and tailgate spoilers, and “integrated attachment holes” in the roof that allow for the easy installation of a roof rack. Depending on trimline, wheel sizes and types range from 17-inch steelies to 18-inch cast alloys, as well as the ability to accept 33-inch off-road tyres.

The Tundra-inspired design exercise continues on board with the cabin, which features a new  7-inch instrument display in lower trimlines, or larger 12.3-inch and fully-digital unit in higher-end models. This is paired with either an 8- or 14-inch central touchscreen infotainment unit.

Cabin design of the new Tacoma also heavily mirrors the Tundra.

Large 12.3-inch digital dash (left) and massive 14-inch centre infotainment touchscreen are exclusive to higher-end trimlines.

The latter is a significant improvement over previous iterations, offering both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Supplementing which are a host of USB-C charge ports plus a wireless smartphone charging pad.

Select higher trimlines benefit with a premium 10-speaker JBL audio system boasting a removable portable speaker. Other premiums reserved for higher-end variants include a head-up display (HUD) suite, digital rear-view mirror, moonroof, as well as seat heating and ventilation functions.

The range now sees a selection of 2.4-litre i-Force 4-cyl turbo mills including a new i-Force Max hybrid.

Moving to the mechanical bits, the Tacoma sees the ageing 2.7-litre 4-cyl powertrain from its predecessor finally retired. Replacing it in the lower trimlines is a new 2.4-litre i-Force 4-cyl turbo mill with differing output levels – 228 HP and 329 NM, 270 HP and 420 NM, or 278 HP and 429 NM.

Depending on trimline again, said mill can be paired with either an 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. Whilst the former is both all-new and features two extra cogs, the latter is bolstered with the addition of both rev-matching and anti-stall functions.

6-speed MT is available in select variants, and comes equipped with both rev-matching and anti-stall features.

Next comes a brand new 2.4-litre i-Force Max 4-cyl turbo hybrid choice. This mill incorporates a compact 1.87 kWh nickel-metal hydride battery plus an electric motor that’s integrated into the 8-speed automatic box mentioned. Altogether, this package serves up mighty  outputs of 326 HP and 630 NM.

To put said figures in perspective, they mark significant gains over the older 3.5-litre V6 mill and, more importantly, they also stand peppier than the North American-spec Ford Ranger with the 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 mill rated at 315 HP and 542 NM. 

Notable too is the fact that this new hybrid powertrain is standard in higher-end trimlines, which includes the new and rugged TRD Pro and Trailhunter. It can also be specified in select mid-range variants, namely the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited.

Wheel sizes and types range from 17-inch steelies to 18-inch cast alloys. Also, depending on variant, the new Tacoma can accept 33-inch off-road tyres too.

As for driveline, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) is standard, and it boasts a limited-slip diff (LSD). Full-time four-wheel-drive (4WD) is an option, which gets an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case plus active traction control added on top of the LSD mentioned. Centre-locking diffs, on the other hand, is an option exclusive for select 4WD-equipped trimlines.

As for the new TNGA-F chassis it rides on, it’s constructed using a high-strength steel ladder frame design with laser welds, strengthened crossmembers, and an all-new front crossmember for the steering box. All of which promises improved rigidity and enhanced steering input and dynamics.

New TNGA-F chassis is a high-strength steel ladder frame construction with laser welds, beefed up crossmembers, as well as an all-new front crossmember.

While lower trimlines get traditional rear leaf springs, higher trimlines sees a multi-link coil suspension setup instead, promising improved handling and comforts. TRD-badged trimlines get specially tuned shocks for better responses, whereas the Limited trim get an Adaptive Variable Suspension.

Other notable bits include the absence of drum brakes in favour of four-wheel discs instead, new front stabiliser disconnect feature in off-road focused trimlines, as well as Downhill Assist Control, Multi-Terrain Monitor, and a Multi-Terrain Select system that now works in 4WD-High and 4WD-Low.

Key 4WD features include Downhill Assist Control, Multi-Terrain Monitor, and a Multi-Terrain Select system.

Towing capacities range between 2,722 KG and 2,948 KG depending on variant, powertrain, and driveline. Supplementing which is a trailer brake controller and Trailer Back Up Guidance. There’s also a Straight Path Assist that enables the truck and trailer to be easily reversed in a straight line.

Lastly, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma comes laced with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) suite across the board too. Highlighting features include Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Automatic High Beam, Road Sign Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist.

The new fourth-gen Toyota Tacoma hits the North American market starting later this year.

Though fully-loaded in North American-spec form, expect the Tacoma's new generation Toyota Hilux offshoot planned to be slightly - or perhaps significantly - watered down. No word yet on when this supposed new Hilux based on the new Tacoma detailed will bow, but the latter goes on sale in North America later this year.

Based on what we’ve detailed, how would you imagine the Asian-spec next generation Hilux will look like? And what sort of specifications should it offer? Hit the comments below with your thoughts then…