10 Best Features of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma

2024 Toyota Tacoma SR5 ・ Photo by Toyota

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is all-new, bringing a series of updates to this popular compact truck as it enters its fourth generation. Whether you’re looking for a small truck to drive around town or plan to head out for challenging off-road adventures, there’s a version of the Tacoma that’s perfect for you.

There’s a choice of powerful engines, including a hybrid, along with upgraded mechanical components to improve the Tacoma’s off-road capability. Inside, there’s a fresh, new look and a larger infotainment screen. Here are the 10 best features of the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma.

A Huge Lineup of Trims

The Tacoma is offered in a wide range of trims suited to a variety of needs. Whether you want something basic or luxurious, road-focused, or ready for off road, there’s a version of the Tacoma that’s perfect for you. The trim lineup includes SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter trims.

That wide lineup brings with it a wide range of pricing. The base SR starts at $31,500, making it an affordable entry-level option. The Limited sits higher in the trim range with a more well-equipped and luxurious interior at a price of $52,100.

2024 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner ・ Photo by Toyota

Multiple Configurations

It’s not just the wide range of trims, but the wide range of configurations that make the Toyota Tacoma such a versatile choice. The lineup is available with either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive depending on just how much capability you crave. Additionally, there is either an XtraCab, which offers seating for two with a bit of extra space behind the front seats, or a Double Cab with seating for five and rear doors for easy passenger access.

Rounding out the choices is either a 6-foot bed or 5-foot bed. That’s a lot of choice for a compact truck, and it makes it easier to find the perfect Tacoma configuration to fit your unique needs.

2024 Toyota Tacoma Limited ・ Photo by Toyota

Two Engine Options

The Toyota Tacoma offers a choice of two engines starting with a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that’s paired to either an 8-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual. The SR trim with the automatic transmission has 228 horsepower with 243 lb-ft of torque while the rest of the automatic trims get a boost to 278 horsepower with 317 lb-ft of torque. Choose a manual transmission and there’s 270 horsepower with 310 lb-ft of torque.

The gas engine delivers strong performance, but for those who crave more power, there is another option in the form of a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid. It delivers 326 horsepower with 465 lb-ft of torque and is available only with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

2024 Toyota Tacoma Limited ・ Photo by Toyota

Quick Release Tailgate

The quick release tailgate that debuted on the full-size Tundra is now available on the Tacoma. Located on the side of either tail light, the quick release is a black button that unlatches and slowly lowers the tailgate for easier loading.

Press the button again and the tailgate closes back up so you don’t have to do the work of lifting it yourself. There’s also an auto-close feature that activates simply by pushing the tailgate up lightly with your knee. These are simple features that make day-to-day life with the Tacoma easier and more convenient.

2024 Toyota Tacoma SR5 ・ Photo by Toyota

Unique Suspension Systems

There is a wide range of Tacoma trims and each features a specially tuned suspension system. The TRD Sport has red sport-tuned shocks designed for better handling and responsiveness while cornering on paved roads. The TRD Off-Road takes a different approach with Bilstein remote reservoir shocks. These are made to handle more intense off-road scenarios with greater wheel travel.

The TRD Pro goes a step further with Fox three-way adjustable internal bypass shocks with remote reservoirs. This allows for better high-speed performance off-road. No matter which trim you choose, the Tacoma provides a unique drive experience to suit a variety of driving styles.

2024 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner ・ Photo by Toyota

Improved Off-Road Capability

The Tacoma has long been known for its impressive off-road capability. That capability gets even better in the latest generation of this compact truck with new features. There’s an all-new front stabilizer bar disconnect system that engages at the press of a button on the center console. This allows for greater suspension flexibility and provides a smoother ride over rugged, uneven, off-road surfaces.

Overall articulation of the Tacoma is greater than with the previous generation, too, which further improves off-road manners. And as a bonus for those who plan to install a Toyota-approved lift kit, the electronic stabilizer bar disconnect will still be compatible with these kits.

2024 Toyota Tacoma SR5 ・ Photo by Toyota

Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Mode

Off-roaders encounter all kinds of different surfaces from packed dirt to soft sand to deep mud. The Multi-Terrain Select function lets you choose different drive modes on the fly to better manage off-road terrain. This simple dial on the center console includes Mud, Dirt, and Sand settings and is available in both four-wheel drive high and four-wheel drive low.

There’s also a Crawl control, which is a bit like cruise control for off-roading. It manages brakes and throttle at one of five selectable speeds that you can adjust up or down with a quick twist of the dial so you can concentrate on steering. This year, it’s noticeably quieter, making for a better experience for both driver and passengers.

2024 Toyota Tacoma SR5 ・ Photo by Toyota

Good Towing Capability

Those who have significant towing needs should consider a full-size truck, but the Tacoma is still more than capable of handling cargo. Depending on the configuration, there’s a payload rating of up to 1,710 pounds. If what you need to carry doesn’t fit in the bed, then go ahead and hook up a trailer. The Tacoma can tow up to 6,500 pounds of cargo.

Towing is made easier with available features including trailer backup guidance that helps during maneuvering in tight spaces and straight path assist, which allows for hands-free operation backing up in a straight line. There’s even a wireless camera available as an accessory that displays the view behind the trailer right on the rearview mirror.

2024 Toyota Tacoma Limited ・ Photo by Toyota

Updated Infotainment

The new Tacoma includes the latest version of Toyota’s infotainment system with either an 8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen. There’s wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and available Qi wireless charging that’s well-positioned to hold your phone in place so it doesn’t slip around when you take a corner.

There are dual USB-C charging ports up front with a third port integrated into the infotainment screen. It’s tucked up on the right side to provide easier charging access point for accessories. When it comes to audio, base trims have either four or six speakers with an available 10-speaker JBL audio system that includes a portable Bluetooth speaker, subwoofer, and amplifier.

2024 Toyota Tacoma Limited ・ Photo by Toyota

Ample Standard Safety

Safety is always a priority, so Toyota equipped the Tacoma with a long list of standard and available safety features to set your mind at ease. Standard is Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with pre-collision featuring pedestrian detection, full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, automatic high beams, and proactive driving assist.

Available features include blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and front and rear parking assist with automatic braking. It’s a comprehensive offering with most safety features standard rather than being available only on top trims or as part of an additional package.

2024 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner ・ Photo by Toyota