Our Rides: The Best Seller In Its Class Gets Better

In this world, the term “pickup truck” is synonymous with those large “full-size” half-ton vehicles that have can haul almost a ton of stuff and tow five tons of whatever you like.

That is why we tend to be attracted to smaller pickup trucks – primarily, the so-called “mid-size” models. They are “right sized” to drive, park, and get things done.

The reality is that mid-sized pickup trucks are clearly not made for doing a lot of work. Toyota stated that 95% of their Tacoma owners will tow less than 4,500 pounds.

Plus, mid-size pickup truck owners prefer to use their vehicles for recreational purposes, rather than work. Although, they do make for a less expensive and more maneuverable vehicle for urban jobs.

If you have settled on a mid-size pickup truck, then you are looking at the best-selling model in its class – the Toyota Tacoma. For 2024, it is all new.

New, as in a switch to a more robust high-strength boxed steel ladder frame derived from the latest Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck. It is also shared with the new Land Cruiser. This frame forms the basis of several new components and drivelines that have made a huge difference in the Tacoma’s drivability and strength.

For example, the rear suspension for all grades from the SR5 and up have an independent coil spring multi-link set-up. This was developed with delivering superb on- and off-road ride and handling.

Every engine is derived from a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. There are three performance levels available, including one that is matched to a six-speed manual transmission. The automatic transmission has been upgraded to a new eight-speed unit.

The same engine also received a hybrid version, called the i-FORCE MAX. All told, this driveline is specified for 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. This is connected only by an eight-speed automatic transmission.

A few models can be had with just rear-wheel drive. As we live in the Upper Midwest, four-wheel drive is the way to go year-round. The transfer case is switched by an easy-to-use knob that will get in to two speeds for four-wheel drive, including a low ratio for managing rougher situations. That is also part of 4WDemand, where Toyota adds a limited-slip differential in the rear.

One such piece of off-road management that you might want to consider is CRAWL Control. This is not just a hill descent control device, but rather an automatically controlled system that handles the Tacoma’s ability to get through various traction challenges – including both up- and downhill maneuvers. When you shop for your Tacoma, check which trim levels has that available – rather, standard.

Everything else is all new to Tacoma. Yet, you can see the larger Tundra’s influence – from the way the cab and bed are designed to the cabin’ s improved quality and features. While some may say that the exterior design is evolutionary, it is only because they wanted an improved look for this new generation model.

There are two cabs and two bed sizes available, giving the Tacoma three different configurations to choose from. The Xtra Cab is strictly a two-door model with no rear seat. The space behind the driver and passenger is reserved for items that need to be protected from the outside with a way to organize your things for both work and play. The Xtra Cab is only available with a six-foot bed.

The most common configuration sold to customers will be the Double Cab with a five-foot bed. It gives you two rows of seats with enough length for activities. However, you can get a six-foot bed with your Double Cab if you happen to have a few projects around the house you have to do after buying your Tacoma.

The cab itself is a major improvement with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster with various levels of customization, depending on the grade you choose. A lot of the controls have been upgraded from the Tundra, which means they will work much better than previous generation of Tacomas.

Also depending on grade, you can either control your audio and smartphone from an eight- or 14-inch touchscreen on the center stack. You might get lucky and equip your Tacoma with the new JBL FLEX Portable Bluetooth Speaker. When you’re out there camping, you can keep the tunes going by taking the FLEX speaker out of the cab and into the campsite.

In the Double Cab, there is space for five. Realistically, we’re talking four average-size adults. At least headroom has greatly improved inside the new Tacoma.

It’s all good news. To confirm that this new Tacoma is as good as advertised, Toyota brought us out to Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin to experience a selection of 2024 models for both on- and off-road experiences.

The specific Tacoma we drove was the SR5 Double Cab with four-wheel drive and the five-foot bed. As we explored the grounds of one of America’s best motorsports venue, we can confirm how much better it drives. The ride quality was excellent, thanks to its new rear suspension. Handling and maneuverability was further enhanced by an improved steering system.

Not everything was perfect. Making a tight maneuver while in four-wheel drive will get some feedback from the front axle. Just take it easy to minimize that feedback.

The performance from the new i-FORCE turbocharged four-cylinder and the eight-speed automatic transmission felt perfect for what it was made for – everyday driving. That seems to be the theme of this Tacoma – to make driving a better experience no matter what you do.

That includes going off of the highway. There is more than enough torque to get you out of trouble. By trouble, we mean getting through some spots on a rough trail, then scaling a 30-degree hill and down from it. The latter might be an easier task if our SR5 had both CRAWL Control and Downhill Assist Control. Yet, if you’re an expert in off-roading, you may be able to manipulate the standard set-up to safely complete that maneuver.

For 2024, you have a choice of eight grades for the Tacoma – each with a completely different personality and an appropriate level of equipment. Pricing for the 2024 Toyota Tacoma starts from $31,500.

The quick answer to all of this is, yes, the Toyota Tacoma is a much better mid-size pickup truck than its previous generations. It will do the job – even if it’s away from the job. That’s all you need in a vehicle like this.