Saturday, December 7, 2024

2024 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab TRD Offroad 4x4: An All-New Design


Highlight: This is the first truck we've reviewed with a hands-free power operating tailgate that open and close with a touch of a button.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $54,829 (Base SR Double Cab MSRP: $32,995)

Seating Capacity: 5 passenger seating

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a radar activated cruise control system; a lane departure warning system; a vehicle stability control system; a tire pressure control system; a hillstart control system; a backup camera; a sway control system; road sign assist; and electronic blind spot mirror

Standard Equipment (SR): 17-inch steel wheels; an 8-speed automatic transmission; 228-horsepower; four fixed cargo bed tie-down points; wiring harness with 7-pin/4-pin connector; class-IV towing hitch receiver; leaf spring rear suspension; polyurethane tilt/telescopic steering wheel; dual USB-C with power delivery; smart key system on driver’s door only; push button start ignition; and manual operated day/night mirrors


Standard Equipment (TRD Offroad): 17-inch alloy wheels; an off-road suspension with monotube Bilstein shocks; LED fog lights; deck rail system with four adjustable tie down cleats and four fixed cargo bed tiedown points; composite front skid plates with underbody transfer case; transfer case protector; coli multi spring rear suspension; 12-inch digital driver gauges; fabric seats; manually operated front seats; an automatic climate control system; smart key system on front doors; push button starter engine; auto dimming rearview mirror; an electronic blind spot monitor; ventilated 13-inch brakes; a folding rear seat with under storage

Options: TRD Off Road Premium Package: heated and ventilated front seats, power front seats, a leather steering wheel, a 14-inch multimedia display, a premium JBL audio system, a power sunroof, power tailgate, a digital rearview mirror, towing technology includes integrated trailer brake controller, power open/close tailgate, and power sliding rear window; bed mat; ball mount; mini tie down; and tailgate insert

Other Trim Levels:

SR5

TRD Pre-Runner

TRD Sport

TRD Limited


Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an 8-inch infotainment screen with a 6-speaker AM/FM/SiriusXM  

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes (test model)

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharge /278-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 19-city/24-hwy (Test Vehicle)



Towing Capacity: 6,400 to 6,500 lbs

What’s New: The midsize truck segment leader is all-new for the 2024 model year. 

Why:

A fresh design that exudes ruggedness

Available as a gasoline or hybrid model

Available in a manual or automatic

A radar-activated cruise control system

Available in a double or Xtra cab

4x2 or 4x4

Variety of beds (short box/long box)

Bed volume has increased slightly

A handsfree open/close tailgate can be activated by pushing a button

17 or 18-inch wheels available

Pseudo leather seating available on high line trim

Power seats available

Power running board (select trim)

Mudguards available

Heated and ventilated seats available

Heated steering wheel available

A dual zone climate control system available

Power sliding rear privacy glass

Power panoramic roof

Rear seat under storage

A 14-speaker JBL audio system available

Available 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system

Suspension tuning for trim

An available wireless trailer backup guidance system

A host of safety driving aids

Easier to maneuver on the road and in parking spaces than the humongous fullsize trucks

But:

No electrified model

Quite snugged in terms of rear legroom

TRD Off-Road only available in a Double Cab

Toyota’s signature infotainment screen requires a subscription and its finnicky; doesn’t always recognize the voice audible system

Others in the segment offers more towing capacity

Not quite ready for a $54,000 midsize truck; this competes with fullsize truck prices


Verdict: Its no wonder why the all-new Tacoma continues to be the gold standard of midsize trucks. For the 2024 model year, the Tacoma was redesign inside and out. The Tacoma, which is available in both a gasoline and hybrid, can be outfitted with a variety of new powertrains.

The athletic design truck, which is available in a variety of cabs, bed sizes, trims and features, is capable of maneuvering city streets as well as mountainous terrains with both grace and style. 

At a starting price just shy of $33,000, the seemingly well-built all-new Tacoma is suitable for all lifestyles. Being that the average transaction price of a fullsize truck is $64,000, the midsize truck segment has become the default for folks seeking affordability in the truck segment. Yes, Toyota has designed a truck to meet the needs of today's midsize buyers. The only stone that's been unturned is going fully electrified. 

Competition: 2024 Chevy Colorado; 2024 Ford Ranger; 2024 GMC Canyon; 2and 024 Nissan Frontier

No comments:

Experian Automotive Joins 'Auto Trends' To Share How Car Buyers Are Affording Today's Inflationary Prices

Melinda Zabrintski, who is the head of automotive financial insights for Experian Automotive, talks car payments and more. (Photo Credit: EA...