What’s Going on With the Next-Gen Toyota Tacoma?
As Chevy and Nissan have already updated their mid-size trucks, rumors about the next-gen Toyota Tacoma have been circulating. A redesigned 2024 Toyota Tacoma will be the first truly new Tacoma in nearly 20 years. So clearly, a new generation is overdue. The next generation Tacoma is expected to arrive for the 2024 model year, and there’s a lot to talk about. In fact, there could be a Tacoma EV. So, what exactly does Toyota have in store for its smallest pickup?
Will there be a new generation of the Toyota Tacoma?
The Toyota Tacoma is currently in its third generation, which went on sale in 2015. It’s unclear when exactly the fourth generation will arrive, but it is expected for the 2024 model year. With all of the changes going on in the mid-size truck segment, this might be a Tacoma that is truly worth waiting for. Especially if Toyota decides to electrify its pickup. Which, according to MotorTrend, is a possibility.
Even though the Tacoma is an older truck, it has always dominated the market. And that is a reflection of the fanbase that Toyota has been able to build. In order to stay at the top, Toyota will need to compete with Ford, Nissan, and Chevy to build a truck that resonates with consumers.
What’s coming for the 2024 Tacoma?
The new Tacoma will likely take cues from the Toyota Tundra. It will utilize the TNGA-F platform, which is Toyota’s global body-on-frame architecture. This platform is extremely versatile, allowing for a range of different powertrains and suspensions.
It’s hard to say exactly what engines the 2024 Tacoma will have, but it would not be surprising to see the 2.4-liter turbocharged I-4 engine from the Lexus NX350 be used. This powerplant makes 275 horsepower, which is more than the current four-cylinder. The new Tacoma could also borrow the V6 engine that is found in the current Tundra. Which is a hybrid twin-turbo engine with 389 hp. Although, Toyota would likely detune it for its smaller truck.
We would hope that Toyota continues to offer a six-speed manual to the Tacoma. It is currently one of the few new pickups you can shift your own gears in. Even the Nissan Frontier has ditched that option, and it is a bit of a disappointment.
Will there be an electric Toyota truck?
One of the biggest rumors about the new Tacoma is an electric version. Toyota has teased an electric version of the Tacoma, and it could very well happen. A Toyota Tacoma EV would likely come standard with AWD, and it will probably be limited in what configurations that you can get.
The estimated pricing for the Tacoma EV is around $50,000. Which certainly is not cheap, but EV trucks are catching the interest of some pickup buyers. For the standard 2024 Toyota Tacoma, hopefully, prices will stay around $30k for the base model.
When can you buy a new Toyota Tacoma?
The 2024 Tacoma will likely go on sale at some point in 2023. But, it would not be surprising if Toyota’s mid-size truck faces some delays. Especially in the current automotive market.
