New 2024 Toyota Tacoma: From PreRunner to Trailhunter

After weeks of teasers, the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma has finally been revealed. The fourth generation Toyota Tacoma is all-new from the ground up, riding on the same TNGA-F global truck platform that underpins its full-size big brother, the Toyota Tundra; as well as offering i-FORCE Max hybrid technology to boost range and power on the now standard 2.4L turbocharged engine. The latest Tacoma features a ton of options over the eight different trim levels that range from daily duty to a full-on overlanding rig in the all-new Trailhunter edition. If you're looking for a Toyota Tacoma that fits your lifestyle you'll be sure to find one that does, with a manual transmission option on some trim levels and the choice between cabs and bed lengths, there's a Taco for everyone, so let's dig in and break down every trim we know of so far on the new 2024 Toyota Tacoma.

Toyota Tacoma SR

The most affordable model in the lineup is the SR which is a barebones work truck that comes in either an Xtra-Cab (2-door) with a 6ft bed or a Double Cab with a 5ft bed. The sole engine choice is the 2.4L turbo engine slightly detuned from eight horsepower and seven lb-ft of torque to 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Tacoma SR is one of the view trim levels with an available six-speed manual which should prove to be a good platform for a clean-slate build of an off-road rig. Still, most likely these will be released in large quantities to commercial buyers looking for reliable pickups for their businesses. Not many details can be found on the SR trim level yet but expect manual cloth seats, black plastic pieces on the exterior, steel wheels, rear leaf spring suspension, and an MSRP close to what is being used on 2023 models.

Toyota Tacoma SR5

Moving up the ladder just a bit is the SR5 trim level, which comes in an Xtra cab or double cab configuration but only with the 2.4L turbo engine (rated at the full 278hp/318lb-ft tq) and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Xtra cab models come with rear leaf springs but the double cab SR5 is equipped with a multi-link rear setup, each employing twin-tube shocks to dampen the movement of the standard 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Tacoma SR5 has some standard goodies that are available on all trim levels like the 7-inch digital gauge cluster, 8-inch multimedia touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Smart Key System with push-to-start which allows you to access your Tacoma from your phone. Plenty of storage is available throughout the cabin as gas-only models feature extra storage volume under the flat-folding rear seats while cubbies on the dash, doors, and everywhere else are a good place to store your handheld items or charge your devices with the numerous USB ports that are in arm's reach.

Toyota Tacoma TRD PreRunner

For the first time since 2015, the PreRunner is back! Now with the TRD application of off-road capable accessories, the PreRunner is available in a rear-drive, with an Xtra cab configuration, and a 6-foot bed. The manual is not available on this model nor is the hybrid system, and although it comes with rear leaf springs only, it has a suspension lift, locking rear differential, and BFGoodrich all-terrain tires wrapped around 17-inch wheels. The 2024 TRD PreRunner features all of the standard equipment and safety features like TSS 3.0 of other models but adds fog lights to the front bumper and an increased towing capacity of 6,500 lbs.

Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport

The 2024 Tacoma TRD Sport is the first trim level in the lineup that can be optioned with the i-FORCE Max 2.4L turbo hybrid that produces 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Available with only the double cab body style, the TRD Sport has many performance and aesthetic add-ons like red TRD sport-tuned twin-tube shocks, 18-inch black wheels, a hood scoop, and color-matching over fenders and door handles. The interior of the TRD Sport also comes with the upgraded 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 8-inch multimedia touch screen which can integrate into the JBL Flex speaker that mounts on the dash and charges so you can take your tunes with you. Moving up to the TRD Sport brings a more premium feel that is only expanded upon on high trim levels.

Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road

While other Tacoma trims are fairly capable on off-road surfaces, the 2024 Tacoma TRD Off-Road kicks it up a few notches by offering a substantial amount of upgrades that make it a formidable rig. Upgrades on the TRD Off-Road include Bilstein monotube shocks with remote reservoirs, front stabilizer bar disconnect, rear locking differential, composite skid plates, multi-terrain selector, and the option between 17 or 18-inch TRD wheels mounted to 33-inch tires.

Toyota Tacoma Limited

The Tacoma Limited is anything but limited, it has adaptive suspension and optional center locking differential (Hybrid version only) but employs a more upscale look both outside and in. The Limited elevates the exterior with some chrome in the form of 18-inch wheels and accents throughout which is paired with signature Tacoma headlights. A powered tailgate and running boards are also a nice touch that pairs well with the 12.3-inch gauge cluster, 14-inch multimedia display, HUD, and heated/cooled front seats inside. Expect plenty of people who love the feel of a durable pickup but without the need to get too dirty to pick up the well-optioned Limited model.

Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

The most off-road capable 2024 Toyota Tacoma is the TRD Pro model, this is a no-nonsense pickup truck meant to hit the trails...hard. Available as a double cab with an 8-speed auto, and i-FORCE Max standard, the TRD Pro will go fast when needed but is backed by 2.5-inch Fox internal bypass manual modal Quick Switch 3 shocks with rear piggyback-style remote reservoirs and rear Fox IFP bump stops for when the terrain requires a bit more finesse. Red TRD forged aluminum upper control arms handle a portion of the ride control as does the front sway bar disconnect and locking rear differential. Of course, when driving off-road you're going to encounter objects that may damage your vehicle so the TRD Pro comes ready with an aluminum skid plate, rocker plate, ARB steel rear bumper with red recovery hooks, 18-inch black TRD Pro wheels wrapped in 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires, and a Toyota heritage grille with integrated LED light bar to go with the Rigid fog lights to help see your path better. To help off-road enthusiasts the TRD Pro also features Auxiliary DC switches and a 2,400-watt AC inverter, but the standout feature may just be the IsoDynamic Performance Seat that integrates shocks to help stabilize front passengers when riding on a trail, a first-of-its-kind in a production vehicle.

Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter

The TRD Pro is meant to go fast but the Trailhunter is intended to go anywhere. Overlanding is popular and the Toyota brand has always supported the idea of durable vehicles that are able to traverse any terrain all over the world, and Trailhunter packs all of the features any overlanding enthusiast would want in a factory-built truck. The double cab and i-FORCE Max setup is fitted with suspension goodies like 2.5-inch Old Man Emu forged monotube position-sensitive shocks with rear piggyback-style remote reservoirs, bronze-colored Trailhunter forged aluminum upper control arms, electronically activated rear locking differential, and a front stabilizer bar disconnect. The exterior features hot-stamped steel skid plates, 18-inch bronze-colored Trailhunter wheels wrapped in 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires, a bronze Toyota heritage grille with an integrated LED light bar, Rigid white/amber switchable LED foglights, Trailhunter high-mount air intake, frame-mounted rock rails, ARB steel rear bumper with red recovery hooks, Trailhunter bed utility bar, Trailhunter signature LED headlights, and Integrated high-output air compressor in bed and 12-volt DC and USB-C charging points. The interior is equipped with larger infotainment displays, temperature-regulated seats, and exclusive stitching and patterns on the seats.

Which one to get?

Pricing has not been revealed on any of the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma trim levels, however, it may be the deciding factor as to whether people purchase a lower model to slowly upgrade or go all out with the more than capable factory options. With the option of a manual transmission and a more capable turbo four-cylinder engine as opposed to the previous model year's I-4 and V6 options, the 2024 Tacoma should have little trouble retaking its place at the top of the midsize pickup truck battle. After a long wait, the Tacoma has been redesigned to give loyal customers everything they could wish for and more, as the TRD Pro and Trailhunter show that Toyota is in touch with a customer base that ultimately expects nothing but the most capable trucks for off-road and everyday duty, there's a Tacoma for every person.

(Photos Courtesy of Toyota Motor Corporation)

###Pricing to be updated when available.