Toyota Tacoma: The Next Chapter in Off-Road Excellence. - News

After nearly two decades dominating the mid-size pickup truck market, the Toyota Tacoma is set to embark on its next adventure. The 2024 model marks a complete overhaul, enhancing every aspect that has endeared it to truck enthusiasts, while maintaining Toyota's legendary quality, durability, and reliability.

Built for Adventure

The all-new Toyota Tacoma is constructed on the TNGA-F global truck platform, shared with the Tundra and Sequoia. Designed and engineered specifically for the U.S. market, this fourth-generation Tacoma features a new high-strength boxed steel-ladder frame, a redesigned multi-link coil rear suspension for improved ride and handling, and two powerful and efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The top-tier i-FORCE MAX hybrid variant delivers an impressive 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Additionally, the new Trailhunter grade, first introduced as a concept at the 2022 SEMA show, offers a purpose-built overlanding rig right off the dealer lot.

"With even more off-road capability and the quality, durability, and reliability that our customers expect along with a host of options for every owner, we're confident that Tacoma will remain the top choice for mid-size pickup buyers when it arrives later this year," says Toyota group vice president and general manager Dave Christ.

Design and Development: Embracing "Tacoma-ness"

The new Tacoma's design was led by Toyota's North American-based CALTY Design Center, located in Newport Beach, California, and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Their goal was to remain true to the rugged outdoor spirit that Tacoma owners cherish. Kevin Hunter, president of CALTY Design Research, emphasizes the inspiration drawn from Toyota's Baja race trucks, aiming to capture the extreme spirit of off-road adventure with a high lift, big tires, slim body, and a powerful athletic stance.

The design team focused on creating a "Badass Adventure Machine," embodying Tacoma's toughness and athletic attitude. Signature elements such as the narrow body, wide upper grille, aggressive skid plates, high-mount headlamps, and functional air intakes reflect its rugged heritage while modern enhancements elevate its appeal.

Embracing "Tacoma-ness"

1. Design Philosophy: The design philosophy for the new Tacoma revolves around the theme of a "Badass Adventure Machine." This concept captures the essence of the Tacoma's toughness and adventurous attitude, aiming to reflect the truck's capability and readiness for any terrain or challenge. The designers drew inspiration from Toyota's Baja race trucks, known for their extreme off-road prowess, ensuring the new Tacoma not only looks the part but performs exceptionally as well.

2. Key Design Elements:

●\tHigh Lift and Big Tires: The new Tacoma features a high lift and big tires, giving it a powerful and athletic stance. This design choice not only enhances the truck's off-road capability but also gives it a commanding presence on the road.

●\tNarrow Body and Wide Upper Grille: The narrow body design pays homage to the original HiLux, a classic Toyota truck known for its ruggedness and reliability. The wide upper grille, a signature element, contributes to the Tacoma's aggressive front-end appearance and improves airflow to the engine.

●\tAggressive Skid Plates: The aggressive skid plates are designed to protect the underbody during off-road excursions, reinforcing the truck's rugged nature and readiness for challenging terrains.

●\tHigh-Mount Headlamps: The high-mount headlamps not only enhance visibility during night driving and off-road adventures but also add to the Tacoma's bold and distinctive look.

●\tFunctional Air Intakes and Hexagonal Grille Motif: The side functional air intakes and hexagonal grille motif improve engine cooling and contribute to the truck's aggressive aesthetic.

●\tIntegrated Roof and Tailgate Spoilers: These spoilers enhance aerodynamics and give the truck a sleek, cohesive look, blending functionality with style.

The Ultimate Adventure Machine

The new generation of Toyota Tacoma is designed to elevate its legendary off-road capability. Key features include:

●\tFront Stabilizer Bar Disconnect: Increases flex by 10% at the push of a button, compatible with Toyota-approved lift kits.

●\tEnhanced Angles: The TRD Pro boasts a 33.8-degree approach, 23.5-degree breakover, and 25.7-degree departure angles without the tow package, with 11 inches of ground clearance.

●\tMulti-Terrain Monitor: Available on TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter, this system allows drivers to view obstacles via the 14-inch touchscreen.

●\tMulti-Terrain Select: Functional in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low, this system helps control wheel spin on various terrains like Mud, Dirt, and Sand.

●\tCRAWL Control: Acts as low-speed, off-road cruise control, allowing the driver to focus on steering.

●\tLocking Rear Differential: Available for splitting power 50/50 to the rear wheels in low-traction situations.

●\tDownhill Assist Control: Helps navigate descents by limiting vehicle speed.

●\tClutch Start Cancel: Standard on manual Tacomas, allowing the truck to start in gear without pressing the clutch, ideal for challenging off-road starts.

Conclusion: Elevating the Standard of Adventure

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma represents more than just a vehicle; it's a testament to Toyota's commitment to pushing boundaries in both capability and innovation. Whether you're navigating city streets or exploring rugged trails, the Tacoma offers unmatched versatility, reliability, and performance. With its redesigned exterior embodying rugged elegance and an interior equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, the Tacoma sets a new benchmark for mid-size pickup trucks.

For adventurers seeking a vehicle that combines uncompromising toughness with refined comfort, the Tacoma stands ready to redefine your driving experience. From its heritage-inspired design to its cutting-edge off-road capabilities, every aspect of the Tacoma is engineered to elevate your adventures to new heights. Discover the 2024 Toyota Tacoma and experience the future of pickup trucks today.