As a passionate auto enthusiast and a recent owner, I’m excited to share my comprehensive, unbiased review of the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma. Unlike professional reviewers, I don’t have a YouTube channel or sponsorships. This is simply my genuine experience and opinions after trading in my 2021 Tacoma for the latest model. The wait was considerable – nearly two months from allocation to delivery – but let me tell you, patience is indeed a virtue when it comes to this truck.
My first impression upon seeing my Ice Cap (white) 2024 Tacoma was striking. Having previously owned a metallic gray 2021 model, I opted for white to truly highlight the new design. While the black and underground colors seemed to retain a closer resemblance to the previous generation, the white immediately showcased the distinct changes. Despite a past aversion to white vehicles, the 2024 Tacoma in white possesses an undeniable appeal, setting it apart from its predecessor.
Stepping closer, the excitement amplified. This wasn’t just another auto show prototype; this was my truck. The 18-inch rims immediately caught my eye, contributing to the Tacoma’s more aggressive stance. The redesigned body style undeniably exudes toughness and a beast-like presence. While official specs and some reviews suggest similar dimensions to the outgoing model, the 2024 Tacoma feels significantly larger and more imposing, at least to someone upgrading from the 2021 generation. From the pronounced fenders to the restyled hood scoop (still purely aesthetic on the TRD Sport, exclusive to TRD Pro for functional scoops), and the Tundra-esque fin at the rear of the cab, this truck is definitively different. My only initial aesthetic critique was the front air dam, or “chin,” which I promptly removed upon arriving home, prioritizing looks over marginal MPG gains. My TRD Sport didn’t include mid-guards or side rails (though the 2021 did), but I might add side rails later for family convenience. Overall, the new Tacoma undeniably sits higher and looks more substantial, especially with the larger wheels and tires.
Moving to the rear, a significant upgrade became immediately apparent: disc brakes! While drum brakes have their proponents, for three years in my 2021 Tacoma, braking always felt front-biased. Although the ECT button was meant to compensate, I rarely used it. All-around disc brakes were a major highlight on my wishlist for the new model. Even more anticipated? The elimination of leaf springs in the rear suspension on the TRD Sport trim and above. While the base SR model retains leaf springs, my TRD Sport boasts a coil-spring suspension – a game-changer. The following day, I embarked on a three-hour test drive, fuel prices be damned, eager to experience the difference. My 2021 Tacoma’s leaf springs were notoriously noisy, squeaking incessantly. In contrast, the 2024 Tacoma delivered a remarkably quiet ride, punctuated only by the subtle turbo whistle. I’ll delve into the complete driving experience shortly.
Next, I examined the redesigned tailgate. The inclusion of buttons integrated into both taillights, allowing for power lowering and raising, is a fantastic addition. While commonplace for Tundra owners, it’s a welcome novelty for Tacoma enthusiasts like myself. Side note: I regret showing these buttons to my four-year-old son – proceed with caution! The knee-activated tailgate lift is also a neat touch. Power tailgate models feature two buttons instead of a traditional handle – one for unlocking the truck and the other for locking, a convenient feature. My truck also includes a rear power supply plug, along with USB-C and USB-A ports in the bed. Looking upwards, you’ll notice two cameras mounted on the top brake light – one for bed viewing and the other for the digital rearview mirror.
Stepping inside, the interior is a leap forward. The new car smell, Softex seats, leather steering wheel, and the massive 14-inch infotainment display create an immediate sense of modernity and refinement. Igniting the engine, the sound is distinct – less vocal than the V6 of my 2021 Tacoma, but with a confident growl. The digital instrument cluster illuminates, ready for customization. The 14-inch display welcomes you, poised for wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto setup. I deferred the full tech setup until I got home to fully immerse myself.
Upon returning home and after removing the aforementioned air dam, I dove into the tech setup. Starting with the 14-inch display, I already had the Toyota app installed, streamlining the profile creation process on the truck. After answering a few prompts, I linked the app to the vehicle and seamlessly configured wireless Apple CarPlay. The setup was relatively straightforward, though some might require a bit of patience. The Toyota app unlocks a range of features, including trial subscriptions to Remote Connect with Digital Key. Yes, the 2024 Tacoma features a digital key, enabling phone-based locking, unlocking, starting, climate control, and lighting adjustments. While two traditional key fobs are included, a credit card-style wallet key is also provided, which I personally prefer for its slim profile. The wallet key lacks buttons, so locking/unlocking is done via the door handle or my Apple Watch, which is also configured for vehicle access.
Apple CarPlay on the expansive 14-inch screen is a visual delight. The display clarity is significantly improved compared to 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. As I primarily use CarPlay, I haven’t extensively explored Toyota’s native infotainment system.
The digital instrument cluster offers extensive customization. Numerous “widgets” and three distinct meter layouts are available. While you can opt for traditional analog-style RPM and MPH dials, the digital speedometer remains centrally displayed regardless of the chosen layout. I opted for a central RPM dial with a digital MPH readout within it. The sheer volume of customizable widgets for the side displays is impressive, offering considerable personalization. Three distinct screens are accessible via button presses, allowing for diverse information displays.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is another noteworthy upgrade. The cluster illuminated with numerous icons, many unfamiliar from my previous Tacoma. Consulting the manual revealed the expanded suite of safety features. One standout is the Proactive Driving Assist (PDA), which, upon releasing the accelerator, intelligently applies brakes to decelerate when approaching vehicles or stop signs. Adaptive Cruise Control, lane tracing assist, and lane departure alert are also included.
Camera technology is abundant in the 2024 Tacoma. Three rear-mounted cameras, side mirror cameras, and a front camera provide a multitude of viewing angles. The 14-inch display enhances the camera experience significantly. The digital rearview mirror camera is a novel feature that took a brief adjustment period but has become my preferred rearview method. Homelink integration for garage door openers is also included.
Additional features in my TRD Sport include 8-way power-adjustable driver and passenger seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, three auxiliary buttons for aftermarket accessories, rear USB-C ports and a power outlet, an improved wireless charging pad, front USB-C ports with 45W charging, and a removable Bluetooth speaker integrated into the dashboard. This list is not exhaustive, so feel free to ask if you have specific questions.
Regarding the driving experience, while I haven’t yet ventured off-road (my model is 4×4), on-road driving surpasses the 2021 Tacoma in every aspect. The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivers ample power, defying naysayers who doubt its capabilities compared to the previous V6. Even in standard drive mode, acceleration is brisk and smooth. Engaging sport mode unleashes even more spirited performance. Concerns about the 4-cylinder turbo’s longevity are, in my opinion, largely unfounded, especially for typical Tacoma owners who tend to trade vehicles more frequently than aiming for 200k-300k mile ownership. Toyota’s engineering prowess is undeniable, and the Tacoma’s reputation for reliability remains intact.
In conclusion, my ownership experience with the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport has been overwhelmingly positive. This review stems from genuine enthusiasm and hours of firsthand experience, not from promotional obligations. If your opinions differ, that’s perfectly valid; these are simply my personal observations. I aimed to highlight aspects often overlooked in typical YouTube reviews. If you have any further questions or require more details, please don’t hesitate to ask! I’m always happy to share my insights.
-David
