The 2024 Toyota Tacoma has generated significant buzz, marking a new era for this beloved mid-size truck. As a dedicated Toyota enthusiast and a previous owner of the 2021 Tacoma, I was eager to experience the redesigned model firsthand. After waiting patiently for my reserved 2024 Tacoma TRD Sport, I’m ready to share my comprehensive, unbiased review, offering insights beyond the typical professional critiques. This isn’t a sponsored review; it’s the honest perspective of a Tacoma owner who traded in their previous model for the latest iteration.
Stepping up to my Ice Cap White 2024 Tacoma for the first time was a moment of genuine excitement. Having owned a metallic gray 2021 Tacoma, I intentionally chose white to emphasize the fresh design. While the black and underground colors seemed to echo the previous generation, the white finish distinctly highlighted the 2024’s unique character. Despite past reservations about white vehicles, the Ice Cap on the Tacoma struck a different chord, promising a departure from the familiar.
The initial impression was impactful. Seeing it in person, knowing it was finally mine, sparked immediate enthusiasm. The 18-inch rims commanded attention, and the revamped body style exuded a more aggressive and robust presence. While official specifications and many reviews suggest a similar size to the outgoing model, the 2024 Tacoma feels and looks noticeably larger, especially coming from a 2021 version. This might be subjective, but the increased visual bulk, from the pronounced fenders to the redesigned hood scoop (still purely aesthetic, a TRD Sport signature shared with the TRD Pro), and the Tundra-esque fin at the rear of the cab, all contribute to a bolder stance. This truck is undeniably different.
Delving into the exterior design, one element immediately stood out – and not in a positive way: the front air dam, or as I call it, the “ugly chin.” This was the first thing to go as soon as I got home. While it might offer marginal MPG improvements, aesthetics won out. My TRD Sport didn’t come with mudguards or side rails. Based on my 2021 experience, I prefer the cleaner look without mudguards. Side rails, however, were a useful feature on my previous Tacoma, especially with young children, and might be a future addition. Overall, the 2024 Tacoma presents a higher ride height, amplified by the larger rims and tires, enhancing its truck-like appeal.
A significant upgrade is immediately apparent at the rear wheels: disc brakes. Finally! While drum brakes have their proponents, for me, the 2021 Tacoma’s braking always felt front-biased. Although the ECT button was supposed to mitigate this, I rarely used it. All-around disc brakes were a major anticipation point. Even more anticipated? The elimination of leaf springs in the rear suspension for the TRD Sport trim (SR models still retain them). This transition to a coil-spring suspension in the rear is transformative. The day after picking up the truck, I embarked on a three-hour drive, ignoring gas prices, to truly evaluate the difference. My 2021 Tacoma’s leaf springs were persistently noisy, squeaking incessantly. The 2024, in contrast, offered a remarkably quiet ride, punctuated only by the subtle turbocharger whistle – a welcome sound. I’ll elaborate more on the driving dynamics shortly.
Moving to the rear, the redesigned tailgate is a testament to modern truck convenience. Buttons integrated into both taillights allow for power lowering and raising – a feature familiar to Tundra owners but novel for Tacoma enthusiasts like myself. Side note: showing these buttons to my four-year-old son might have been a mistake! The knee-activated tailgate lift is another convenient touch. If you opt for the power tailgate, you’ll find two buttons instead of a traditional handle. One button unlocks the truck, while the other locks it – a neat feature for tailgate access. My truck also includes a bed-mounted power outlet, along with USB-C and USB-A ports. Looking upwards at the top brake light reveals two cameras: one for monitoring the truck bed and the other for the digital rearview mirror.
Stepping inside the cabin is a leap into modernity. The new car smell is accompanied by the sight of Softex seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the massive 14-inch infotainment display. Starting the engine, the 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder roars to life – not as audibly as the V6 of my 2021 Tacoma, but with a confident growl. The digital instrument cluster illuminates, ready for personalization. The 14-inch touchscreen welcomes you, poised for wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto setup. I postponed the full tech setup until I got home to fully immerse myself.
Back home, after removing the aforementioned air dam, I dove into the tech configuration, starting with the 14-inch display. Having the Toyota app already on my phone streamlined the process. Creating a vehicle profile was straightforward, answering prompts to link the app to the truck. Wireless Apple CarPlay connected seamlessly. While some might find the setup slightly involved, patience yields a rewarding, integrated experience. The Toyota app unlocks a suite of connected services, including trial subscriptions to Remote Connect with Digital Key. Yes, the 2024 Tacoma features a digital key, allowing you to start, lock, and unlock the truck, control climate, and lights via your smartphone. While key fobs are included (two, in fact), a credit card-style wallet key is also provided. I’ve adopted the wallet key as my primary access method, keeping the fob at home. The wallet key’s only limitation is the lack of remote buttons, requiring door handle interaction for locking and unlocking. However, Apple Watch integration for locking and unlocking compensates for this.
Apple CarPlay on the expansive 14-inch screen is a visual delight. The display’s clarity surpasses the 8-inch screen in my 2021 Tacoma, and surprisingly, it resists fingerprints remarkably well. Connectivity is lightning-fast; CarPlay initializes almost instantly upon starting the truck. Beyond CarPlay, my exploration of Toyota’s native infotainment system is limited as I primarily use Apple’s interface.
The digital instrument cluster offers extensive customization. Numerous “widgets” and three distinct meter layouts are available. While traditional RPM and MPH dials are options, a digital MPH readout is consistently displayed regardless of the chosen layout. I opted for a central RPM dial with a digital MPH display within it. The sheer volume of customizable “widgets” for the display sides is impressive, offering a high degree of personalization across three distinct screens accessible via button presses.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 introduces a wealth of driver-assistance technologies. Initially, the array of cluster icons was overwhelming, necessitating a manual consultation to decipher their meanings, as TSS 3.0 was new to me. One standout feature is the Proactive Driving Assist (PDA). This system, in certain situations, initiates braking when decelerating or approaching a stop sign, proactively assisting in slowing the vehicle. Adaptive Cruise Control, lane tracing assist, and lane departure alert are also part of the TSS 3.0 suite.
Camera technology is another highlight. With three rear-facing cameras (including side mirror and front views), the 14-inch display becomes a comprehensive visibility hub. The digital rearview mirror camera, a first for me, took a brief adjustment period but has become my preferred rearview method. Garage door opener integration further enhances convenience.
Additional features in my TRD Sport include 8-way power-adjustable driver and passenger seats, heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, three auxiliary buttons for aftermarket accessories, rear USB-C ports, a standard power outlet, an improved wireless charging pad compared to the 2021 Tacoma, front 45W USB-C ports, and a removable Bluetooth speaker integrated into the dashboard. The feature list is extensive.
The driving experience on paved roads is a significant improvement over the 2021 Tacoma. Despite the shift to a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, power is readily available. The engine feels responsive and potent, dispelling any concerns about a lack of performance compared to the V6. In standard drive mode, acceleration is smooth and effortless. Engaging sport mode unleashes even more assertive performance. The turbocharged engine delivers ample power without feeling strained. While some speculate about the long-term durability of a turbocharged 4-cylinder in a truck, Toyota’s engineering reputation and the Tacoma’s enduring legacy inspire confidence. Furthermore, the typical Tacoma ownership cycle often precedes such long-term mileage accumulation for many owners.
My enthusiasm for the 2024 Tacoma is genuine, stemming from my experience as a Tacoma owner and a discerning consumer. This detailed review is a testament to my satisfaction, reflecting hours of firsthand experience. While individual opinions may vary, my perspective is rooted in direct ownership and comparison. I aimed to highlight aspects often overlooked in broader reviews. If you have further questions or specific areas I haven’t covered, please ask – I’m happy to share more.
Thank you for reading.
-David
