Toyota Unleashes New Tacoma with Two New Engines and 8 Trim Configurations

Toyota has finally unveiled its new Tacoma, which comes with two new engines, one of which is a hybrid. The manual transmission remains, and there are 8 trim configurations, three of which retain rear leaf springs. The top-tier is now shared by the ‘go far’ Trailhunter and the ‘go fast’ TRD Pro.

The non-hybrid Tacoma is powered by a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with transmission choices comprised of an 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual. SR trims eke 228 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque from this mill, whilst other trims get 278 ponies and 317 lb-ft of twist. Subtract 8 and 7 respectively if you select the manual box.

Like its big-bro Tundra, this mill is appended with hybrid gubbins as an option in pricier trims (TRD Sport and up). It tag teams an electric motor and 1.87-kWh nickel-metal hydride battery to produce a system total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant is only available with the automatic transmission.

The SR and SR5 XtraCab are two-door variants with a six-foot bed and a functional rear cabin storage area. Returning for 2024, the TRD PreRunner is available in the XtraCab configuration with two-wheel drive only. It is these three trucks which remain equipped with the old-school leaf springs out back as standard gear, though they do get four-wheel discs like everything else.

The SR5 Double Cab comes with twin-tube shocks and multilink rear suspension. The popular TRD Sport (and every other trim from here on out) is available only as a Double Cab and the hybrid engine as an option or standard kit. TRD Sport trims get some burly details like red TRD-tuned suspenders, a hood scoop, and unique wheels. TRD Off-Road trims, meanwhile level up with Bilstein shocks, locking rear diff, and available front stabilizer bar disconnect. Meaty 33-inch tires are available.

The Limited trim comes with luxury features like a 14-inch infotainment screen, adaptive variable suspension, power running boards, and an easy-to-use full-time 4×4 system. Add heated/cooled seats and a JBL audio system to round out the package.

The Trailhunter and TRD Pro trims share the limelight atop the Tacoma food chain, appealing to customers who desire gobs of off-road capability right out of the box. The Trailhunter is geared towards overlanders and the TRD Pro aimed at desert runners.

Trailhunter trucks get 2.5-inch Old Man Emu forged monotube position-sensitive shocks with rear piggyback style remote reservoirs, forged aluminum upper control arms, 33-inch Goodyear Territory tires, a raft of skid plates, and the expected rear locker. That slick high-mounted air intake up the A-pillar is standard and looks way better than the existing unit which must be goofily turned backward when driving in inclement weather.

The TRD Pro chooses 2.5-in. Fox internal bypass shocks with a trio of settings and rear piggyback style remote reservoirs, pairing up well with nifty rear bump stops that have internal floating pistons. In other words, this thing will land like a pillow. We again find forged aluminum upper control arms (red, this time), locking rear diff, stabi-bar disconnect, and 33-inch Goodyears. Skid plates abound, as does a power inverter and a bank of factory AUX switches.

The new Tacoma will go on sale later this year, with hybrid models arriving in early 2024. Manufacturer’s suggested retail pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale dates.