10 Reasons to Check Out the Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma—known as the “Taco” to its many thousands of enthusiastic fans—is a midsize pickup truck that gets all sorts of things done. Drivers, experts, critics, and the staff right here at your local Toyota dealer near Olivehurst can’t seem to stop saying nice things about the Tacoma. However, to keep things brief, we’ve narrowed down our favorite things about the Toyota Tacoma to a Top Ten list. Presented in no specific order, here are the ten best things about driving the Toyota Tacoma and why we feel the 2024 Tacoma is our favorite version to date.

#1 - All-New for 2024

Whether you’re looking for a new or used Toyota Tacoma, it’s never a bad idea to know what generation you’re shopping for and what improvements were made in each model year. The fourth-generation Tacoma begins with the 2024 model. To celebrate this milestone, Toyota gave the midsize pickup truck a full redesign. Not only has the Tacoma’s overall performance been improved with updates to its engineering, mechanics, and technology, but the platform has been upgraded, as well. The 2024 Tacoma is built on the TNGA-F global platform, which means it shares the same high-strength boxed steel frame as the new Tundra, Sequoia, and Land Cruiser.

#2 - A Very Likeable Base Engine

As experienced pickup truck drivers know, it can be hard to find a base engine that does exactly what you need it to do. Whether you’re taking the family to the park or heading to a long day at the work site, the 2024 Tacoma’s standard i-FORCE 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine will get you where you need to go.

In the introductory SR trim, this engine is good for a very enjoyable 228 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. In the rest of the trims, the power depends on the transmission choice. The standard option is, in fact, a standard. That is, a six-speed manual transmission is supplied to manage the Tacoma’s 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. However, drivers can select an eight-speed automatic transmission, which bumps those numbers up to 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.

#3 - A New Hybrid Version

Another significant update for the 2024 Toyota Tacoma is the addition of a hybrid i-FORCE MAX powertrain to the lineup. While the traditional gasoline-powered i-FORCE engine is standard in most trims, the hybrid is standard on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter versions and is an option on the middle trims. The hybrid powertrain combines the turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. This setup requires no charging and provides a significant amount of additional muscle with up to 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.

#4 - So Many Sizes and Shapes

Drivers need choices like bed and cab sizes in order to use their trucks as desired. The 2024 Tacoma is offered in XtraCab and Double Cab configurations. The XtraCab provides a single row of seats, while the Double Cab is Toyota’s crew cab option, with four doors and two rows of seating. XtraCab models are offered with a standard six-foot bed, while Double Cab drivers can choose between a five-foot or six-foot bed. While some Tacoma trims come in specific configurations, we do love choices.

#5 - Many Trims, Many Choices

We’ve covered the multiple options you have when choosing the engine and configuration of your new Tacoma, but there are still more choices to help Olivehurst drivers build their ideal truck. For 2024, the Tacoma is offered in a total of eight different trims, including the SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, Trailhunter, and TRD Pro. These cover all the bases, from simple work trucks like the SR and SR5 to luxury models like the Limited to off-road monsters like the Trailhunter and TRD Pro.

#6 - Top Technology

Toyota is always at the top of the technology game when it comes to comfort, convenience, and driver assistance features. The 2024 Tacoma lineup includes a few high-tech features that will take driving to the next level. Inside the cabin, the available 14-inch multimedia touchscreen display provides drivers with everything they might need at the tap of a finger, including navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The available 10-speaker JBL premium audio system will make your tunes sound fantastic while you drive, and the party can keep going after you park with the removable JBL FLEX Bluetooth speaker, which is portable, dustproof, and waterproof, allowing you to keep grooving at the campsite and beyond.

#7 - Features for Off-Roaders

The Toyota Tacoma has a devoted following in the off-road community, and for good reason. If you’re surrounded by gorgeous wilderness like we are here in Northern California, it’s easy to be tempted to wander off to enjoy the road less traveled. Toyota has options for a range of off-roaders. Trims like the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro include a part-time four-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case that allows drivers to switch from high range to low range when the sand and dirt start to take over. Active Traction Control and Multi-Terrain Select work to keep torque and power in all the right places, even if you’re not entirely sure where that right place is at the moment.

#8 - New Trailhunter Trim

The Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter made its debut in 2024 as the premier overlanding trim in the lineup. If your appetite for dust and wind extends beyond the trails into the deepest corners of the buttes and canyons, the Tacoma Trailhunter understands. To prepare the Trailhunter for the rugged unknown, Toyota has equipped it with a front anti-roll bar disconnect, Old Man Emu 2.5-inch forged monotube shocks, a high-clearance exhaust, integrated air compressor, Goodyear Territory tires, and a full suit of steel skid plates.

#9 - The Tacoma PreRunner

If the Trailhunter is the overlanding expert, the PreRunner is a cross-country sprinter. Introduced in 2024, this trim is offered exclusively in a two-door XtraCab configuration with a six-foot bed. It’s also offered with rear-wheel drive only. Put all of that together with a factory-lifted front suspension, locking rear differential, and all-terrain tires, and you’re in for a good time in the desert. The leather-trimmed steering wheel, integrated cabin pegboard, and additional under-seat storage are pretty great, too.

#10 - Luxurious Limited Trim

Not every driver or truck wants to spend all of their time off-road. That’s where the Toyota Tacoma Limited comes in. Loaded to the brim with top-shelf features, the Limited trim combines capability with comfort. The 2024 Taco has plenty to offer Olivehurst drivers, including Qi-compatible wireless charging, heated and ventilated power-adjustable SofTex seating with power lumbar, and a heated steering wheel.

The Versatile Toyota Tacoma

There’s so much to explore in Yuba County. Having a reliable vehicle that can go anywhere you want to go is pretty much a requirement in Olivehurst, but we understand that drivers like having plenty of options, as well. The redesigned 2024 Toyota Tacoma reminds us of all the things we like about our beloved Taco. With options to fit many different drivers’ lifestyles, plenty of power, unmatched reliability, and carefully considered features that make the most of your time on the road, it’s not hard to see why the Tacoma is so very easy to love.