Tacoma Overlanding Fans Will Embrace New Trailhunter Trim

• The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is scheduled to hit dealer lots late this year, while hybrid models arrive in spring 2024.
  

• The redesigned Tacoma ditches the 3.5-liter V6 but carries over the available manual transmission with certain models.

• The new powertrain is a 2.4-liter turbocharged I4 that can be mated with the i-Force Max hybrid system.

Apparently, 2023 is the year of the midsize truck. Ford is launching a new Ranger, Chevrolet and GMC are shuffling new Canyon and Colorado trucks to market, and Toyota is bringing out a next-generation of the popular Tacoma to make things even more interesting.

Toyota puts the new Tacoma onto the same platform as the recently redone Tundra, which means some major changes are heading to the beloved Tacoma. Though, Toyota has stuck with some fan favorites that help set it apart from rivals, namely the manual transmission. Toyota is also expanding the Tacoma lineup to give enthusiasts even more ways to option its popular rig.

Following the downsizing trend, the 3.5-liter V6 from the current Tacoma is getting the axe. The only internal-combustion powerplant available is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder that flies the i-Force banner and comes in a handful of different power levels.

The base-model Tacoma SR sends 228 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque through the eight-speed automatic. That rises to 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with the six-speed manual transmission in the rest of the lineup. Another output gain comes when you check the box for the eight-speed auto, which cranks the power to 278 hp and 317 lb-ft. This last option also boasts the highest towing rating and can tug 6500 pounds.

While the 2.4-liter turbo I4 is the only engine available, it’s not the only powertrain. For ’24, Toyota is expanding its i-Force Max hybrid system to the Tacoma. That means the 2.4-liter engine will work with an electric motor and an eight-speed transmission to make 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain can tow 6000 pounds behind the Tacoma, which is admittedly not as good as the top ICE-only trim, but it’s still not bad. Unfortunately, Toyota hasn’t released fuel economy numbers to see if that hybrid powertrain will also help save you some fuel.

That engine sits between the frame rails of Toyota’s latest truck platform. Dubbed TNGA-F, this global architecture is also the foundation of Toyota’s Tundra and Sequoia SUV. This TNGA-F ladder frame is fully boxed and made from high-strength steel. The frame is also home to two different rear suspensions and the standard, double-wishbone front suspension.

Base model trucks see leaf springs control the rear stick-axle’s movement and handle the suspension duties. Moving up to the SR5 models with the DoubleCab shell, your frame will now anchor a multi-link rear suspension that controls the rear axle’s movement, with coil springs managing the ride and load. Toyota notes that you’ll still get leaf springs as standard for SR5, SR, and TRD PreRunner grades, but that means your next TRD Pro should give you plenty of control over the rear end.

Before breaking down what suspension packages fall to which models, you probably want to know the vast variety of trims heading to the next-gen Tacoma. All in, Toyota will throw eight trims at the Tacoma at launch, spread across two different bodies. Toyota starts off with its base SR, then moves up to the SR5, and then enters the Limited trim near the top of the ladder. Of course, the TRD lineup still exists, which includes the TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro.

Also joining the options list is the new Trailhunter trim, which targets overlanding enthusiasts and tacks on some quality-of-life features they might enjoy. The Trailhunter sports ARB remote reservoir rear shocks, steel rear bumper, and 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires.

You’ll also find a higher air intake to help keep your engine from ingesting water, a high-clearance exhaust system and a series of skid plates to keep the Tacoma’s running gear protected. Rounding out the Trailhunter is triangulated bed lining and a 2400-watt power inverter for important things like a refrigerator.

At the top of the TRD ladder, the TRD Pro is available only as the larger DoubleCab shell and borrows the steel bumper and inverter from the Trailhunter. Dampening on the TRD Pro is handled by a set of 2.5-inch Fox internal bypass shock absorbers. In the front, forged aluminum control arms handle the 18-inch aluminum wheels and 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T Tires. Naturally, there are plenty of skid plates to protect the hardware and an electronically locking rear differential.

Inside, there’s a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch media system, and special IsoDynamic Performance Seats. Also, the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain is available on every model above the TRD PreRunner and standard on TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims.

Pivoting to the bottom of the chain, the entry-level SR comes standard with the lowest output 2.4-liter turbo-4 and an automatic transmission. Though, if you opt for the DoubleCab shell, you can also add on the more powerful 2.4-liter engine package and a manual transmission.

The SR equips its interior with a standard 7-inch digital gauge cluster and an 8-inch media screen, but the massive 14-inch display is available on certain models. Likewise, you can find the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on highly equipped models like the Limited and TRD Pro.

Toyota is making its smart key standard on all models, which means your new Tacoma will feature a push-button starter. There’s also under-seat storage in the rear, which can fold flat for another loading surface. Leaning into the adventure lifestyle, Toyota includes a portable bluetooth speaker with its JBL audio package.

As you’d expect with a new truck in ’24, there are going to be some standard active safety features coming to the Tacoma. Toyota is throwing in its Safety Sense 3.0 system, which means you’re getting dynamic adaptive cruise control, a lane-departure alert system, and a road-sign assist system. If you want, you can add on features like blind-spot monitoring or rear cross-traffic alert for some extra driving ease.

The ’24 Tacoma hits dealers late this year. Though, if you want the hybrid i-Force Max models, you’ll have to wait until the spring of 2024. That means you’ll have to be patient for your fully optioned TRD Pro.

Toyota notes that pricing will be available closer to the vehicle's launch, but it’s hard to imagine the next-gen Tacoma not seeing a jump in price. Currently, you can sneak the base-model Tacoma SR out of a dealership for its $29,585 sticker price, which likely won’t be the case for the next-gen models.

Do you think the new Tacoma will still be the king of midsize trucks? Tell us your thoughts below.