- Most powerful Tacoma ever
- Most refined, too
- Plenty of tech
- History of strong resale value
- Priced from $31,500 (plus $1,495 destination) | Read the full review
- Regular versions on sale December 2023
- Hybrids available from spring 2024
“Blown away.” “Utterly impressed.” These aren’t bits of marketing blurb; they’re remarks we made to each other when testing and comparing this year’s contenders for the Best Buy Award in the midsize truck class. And, of course, we were talking about the new Tacoma.
We have a history with the Tacoma. It’s not the first time it has won this award. Or even the second. And for 20 years running, we’ve also recognized its incredible ability to retain its resale value better than any other contender. So the Tacoma was already good. Yet it just became better. This new generation builds on the truck’s traditional strengths — things like capability, durability, and variety — and reaches a higher level.
Power Trip
One area where Toyota has raised the bar is in the engine bay. The old V6 and base 4-cylinder engines are history, replaced by a turbocharged 4-cylinder unit. We’re already impressed by its refinement, responsive power delivery, and muscle. What’s even more remarkable is the optional hybrid drivetrain, where an electric motor joins that engine to create 326 horsepower, making the Tacoma one of the most powerful vehicles in its class.
Spring Thing
A few Tacoma variants (the base SR, SR5 XtraCab, and the TRD PreRunner) have those old-school leaf springs in their rear suspension, but the rest of the updated range employs a more sophisticated coil-spring setup. The result is a ride that’s noticeably more comfortable than before. And while we’re on the subject of comfort, the driving position (one of our few gripes regarding the previous generation) is absolutely fine now. There’s plenty of legroom and headroom up front, and it just feels natural. The actual driving experience fits the same description — with the steering, brakes, and transmission all easy to operate and inspiring confidence.
Software Meets Hardware
Toyota also manages to blend tough-truck capability with new vehicle technology. A generously-sized 14-inch infotainment touchscreen is available, along with a 360-degree camera system, Trailer Back Up Guidance, Straight Path Assist, and a wireless trailer camera. On the safety front, standard equipment includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, road sign recognition, and an emergency stop function. A new Proactive Driving Assist feature helps the driver in many ways, like braking gently when a curve is coming up, and keeping a virtual eye out for hazards. We’ve found it works well.
Truck Stuff
The Tacoma comes in XtraCab or Double Cab formats, with variants that run from basic work truck to luxury conveyance to off-road warrior. There are clever stowage areas in both cabs. The aluminum tailgate offers powered operation, including an auto-close function that is activated just by giving it a nudge with your knee. The hybrid model offers a 2,400-watt AC inverter to run various appliances. And a bed-view camera is also available.
We’ll conclude with a few more quotes from our testing team. “Toyota nailed it… I’m looking forward to getting into it for longer… it’s a major leap forward from the previous generation, but doesn’t lose that baked-in Toyota feel.” Yes, the new Tacoma is a winner on many fronts.
Photo Tour: 2024 Toyota Tacoma
More 2024 Toyota Tacoma
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Our 2024 Best Buy Award Winners
- Best New Model: 2024 Toyota Prius
- Best Subcompact SUV: 2024 Hyundai Kona
- Best Compact SUV: 2024 Honda CR-V
- Best 3-Row Midsize SUV: 2024 Kia Telluride
- Best Full-Size SUV: 2024 Ford Expedition
- Best 3-Row EV: 2024 Kia EV9
- Best Electric Vehicle: 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Best Compact Car: 2024 Honda Civic
- Best Midsize Car: 2024 Honda Accord
- Best Minivan: 2024 Toyota Sienna
- Best Compact Truck: 2024 Ford Maverick
- Best Full-Size Truck: 2024 Ford F-150
- Best Electric Truck: 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning
- 2024 Best Buy Awards Home
