2024 Toyota Tacoma Xtracab

　　

2024 Toyota Tacoma Review

byJared GallCorrespondent

　　Jared Gall started his career in the auto industry in 2001 with an internship at Car and Driver. He has written and edited many thousands of car reviews, technological deep-dives, industry analyses, and personality profiles. He is a correspondent at zzdcar and still has the 1969 Chevrolet C20 he dragged out of his parents' barn and drove until Car and Driver started giving him cars to evaluate.

　　, rating written byJared GallSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　Toyota's popular midsize Tacoma gets a complete overhaul for 2024. Underneath the more muscular styling is a modernized suspension that helps the new Tacoma ride more smoothly over ruts and bumps than its predecessor. Also new is a lineup of turbocharged four-cylinder engines that provide improved power and fuel efficiency over the old four-cylinder and optional V6. There's even a new hybrid powertrain option. It doesn't really get better fuel economy but it does crank out a stout 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Toyota Tacoma SR 2dr Xtracab 6.1 ft. SB (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　Not Available  for Tacoma SR

　　Tacoma SR

　　SR 2dr Xtracab 6.1 ft. SB (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $31,500 MSRPSR 4dr Double Cab 5.0 ft. SB (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $33,700 MSRPSR 2dr Xtracab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $34,700 MSRPSR 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $36,900 MSRPSR 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M) - $36,900 MSRPSR5 2dr Xtracab 6.1 ft. SB (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $36,200 MSRPSR5 4dr Double Cab 5.0 ft. SB (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $37,200 MSRPSR5 4dr Double Cab 6.1 ft. SB (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $37,700 MSRPSR5 2dr Xtracab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $39,400 MSRPSR5 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $40,400 MSRPSR5 4dr Double Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $40,900 MSRPTRD PreRunner 2dr Xtracab 6.1 ft. SB (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $38,100 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr Double Cab 5.0 ft. SB (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $39,400 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr Double Cab 6.1 ft. SB (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $39,900 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M) - $41,800 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $42,600 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr Double Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $43,100 MSRPTRD Off-Road 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M) - $41,800 MSRPTRD Off-Road 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $42,900 MSRPTRD Off-Road 4dr Double Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $43,400 MSRPLimited 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $52,100 MSRP

　　vs

　　$219/mo

　　Avg. Compact Truck

　　

zzdcar spotlight: The Tacoma's improved cabin

The 2024 Tacoma's interior looks more rugged thanks to more squared-off design angles and chunky control knobs. Pleasingly, it's also more comfortable to sit in. Before, it could feel like you were sitting too close to the Tacoma's floor, but added seat and steering wheel adjustment range this year allows you to pick a more natural-feeling seating position. Also notable is the massive 14-inch center touchscreen that's fitted to some Tacoma trim levels. The big screen has easy-to-press buttons and works well for displaying navigation maps or exterior camera views.

　　

Competitors to consider

You'll have a lot of great choices for a midsize truck in 2024. The Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins and Ford Ranger were redesigned for 2023 and are dramatically improved. Jeep's Gladiator is also updated for 2024 and continues to be a ready canvas for customization. Off-road seems to be a focus with every automaker too, as you can now buy ready-to-go rock crawlers right from the factory. Read our zzdcar Expert Rating below to help you decide if the Tacoma is right for you.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Tacoma drive? The turbocharged four-cylinder engine puts to rest any concern that the loss of the Tacoma's old V6 engine would be a detriment to the truck's driving experience and capability. We tested a TRD Sport with the 278-hp output. It's peppy enough around town and strong enough to propel the truck to 60 mph in a respectable 7.6 seconds in our testing. The transmission shifts quickly and smoothly, with no unnecessary shifting or hunting for gears on hills.

　　We were also particularly impressed by the Tacoma's on-road braking performance. The pedal is responsive but engages the brakes smoothly, making it a cinch to scrub off speed accurately at any speed. Handling usually isn't much of a concern to truck buyers, but the Tacoma's steering is light and accurate and displays good manners on the highway.

　　Depending on the trim level, the Tacoma's off-road prowess ranges from mediocre (due to a large but removable air dam) to formidable at both high and low speeds. Trick shock absorbers and clever traction control ensure this truck will excel in most off-road situations.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Tacoma? The Tacoma's wide and somewhat flat front seats offer comfort for people of varying sizes. The cloth seats in our test truck felt a little coarse, especially compared with the optional synthetic leather upholstery, but should prove plenty durable in the long run. The rear seats aren't especially roomy, which is typical of the midsize truck segment, and taller passengers felt the seat cushions were too low and short for longer drives.

　　How the Tacoma rides will depend largely on which trim level you choose. Lower trim levels like the SR feel more like how you expect a basic truck to ride — a bit stiff. Higher grades offer more advanced suspension systems that help smooth out the ride. All Tacomas benefit from clearly marked and easy-to-use climate control systems. The buttons and knobs are large enough to be operated easily while wearing gloves.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below