Before diving into this review, it’s important to know that I’m just a regular guy, not a professional car reviewer. No fancy YouTube channel or sponsored content here. I simply want to share my honest thoughts and experiences with the brand new 2024 Toyota Tacoma, especially since I’ve been a Tacoma owner for years. Having traded in my 2021 Tacoma, I’ve got a good perspective on what’s new and improved. The wait for this truck was almost two months after it was allocated to the dealership – so if you’re waiting on yours, hang in there! Trust me, it’s worth it.
My first impression, seeing the 2024 Tacoma in person for the first time after months of anticipation, was pure excitement. I opted for the Ice Cap (White) color. My previous Tacoma was metallic gray, and while I liked it, I wanted something that visually screamed “new generation.” The white really sets it apart from the older models, especially compared to the black and underground colors which, to my eye, looked a bit too similar to the previous generation. Funny enough, I swore off white cars after a 2020 Corolla, but the white on the Tacoma truck is just different – it works.
Walking up to it, the truck looked fantastic. The 18-inch rims immediately caught my eye, and the redesigned body style gives it a much tougher, more aggressive stance – like a real beast. While many reviews and even Toyota themselves say the size is roughly the same as the previous generation, it honestly looks and feels bigger. Maybe it’s just coming from a 2021 model, but the 2024 Tacoma feels more substantial. From the pronounced fenders to the redesigned hood scoop (still just for looks on the TRD Sport, by the way, only the TRD Pro gets a functional one), and the subtle fin at the back of the roof reminiscent of the Tundra, this truck is undeniably different. My only initial gripe was the front air dam, or “chin” as I call it – that thing came off the same night I got home. A slight MPG hit is worth the improved look in my book. My truck didn’t come with mudguards or side rails, but I might add side rails later for convenience, especially with kids. Overall, the new Tacoma definitely sits higher and looks more commanding, thanks in part to the larger rims and tires.
Moving to the rear, the first thing I checked were the brakes. Finally – disc brakes all around! No more drum brakes. Now, I know some people have their preferences, but after three years with my 2021 Tacoma, it always felt like the front brakes were doing the majority of the work. While the ECT button was supposed to help, I never really used it. Having disc brakes on all four wheels was a major upgrade I was looking forward to. The other huge improvement? No more leaf springs! While the base SR model still has them, my TRD Sport boasts a proper coil spring suspension in the rear, and it makes a world of difference. The day after picking it up, I took it for a three-hour drive to really test it out. Gas prices be damned, I wanted to feel the difference. My 2021 Tacoma’s leaf springs were constantly squeaking, no matter what I tried. The 2024? A quiet, smooth ride (aside from the subtle turbo whistle, which I actually like). I’ll elaborate on the driving experience shortly.
Next up, the tailgate. The new tailgate is a significant step up. Buttons on both taillights and power open/close functionality with the push of a button are fantastic – standard on the Tundra, but a novelty for Tacoma enthusiasts like myself. Side note: Showing the tailgate buttons to my four-year-old son might have been a mistake… he’s obsessed now. The kick sensor to open the tailgate is also a neat touch. If you opt for the power tailgate, you’ll notice two buttons instead of a handle – one to unlock the truck and the other to lock it. Locking the truck from the tailgate is surprisingly convenient. My truck also includes a power outlet in the bed, along with USB-C and USB-A ports. Looking up at the top brake light, you’ll see two cameras – one for the bed view and another for the digital rearview mirror.
Stepping inside the cabin, that new car smell hits you immediately. Softex seats, a leather steering wheel, and that massive 14-inch display dominate the interior. Firing up the engine, it comes to life with a respectable growl – maybe not as loud as the V6 in my 2021, but certainly not weak. The digital gauge cluster illuminates, ready for customization, and the 14-inch touchscreen greets you, ready for wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto setup. I held off on the full setup until I got home to really take my time.
Once home, after promptly removing that front air dam, I dove into setting up the tech. Starting with the 14-inch display, since I already had the Toyota app on my phone, creating a profile on the truck was straightforward. A few questions, app connection, wireless Apple CarPlay setup, and I was good to go. The setup is fairly intuitive, though some might need a little patience. The Toyota app itself is quite useful, offering free trials like Remote Connect with Digital Key. Yes, the 2024 Tacoma has a digital key! You can use your phone to lock, unlock, start, and even control climate and lights. Beyond the digital key, it also comes with two traditional key fobs and a credit card-style wallet key. I personally prefer the wallet key for its convenience – keeps my pockets less bulky. The only minor downside is that it lacks buttons, so locking and unlocking is done via the door handle sensors, but with Apple Watch integration for locking/unlocking, I don’t miss the fob at all.
Seeing CarPlay on that massive 14-inch screen is a game-changer. The display is incredibly clear, especially compared to the 8-inch screen in my 2021 Tacoma, and surprisingly fingerprint-resistant. Connectivity is lightning fast – CarPlay connects almost instantly upon starting the truck. Since I primarily use CarPlay, I haven’t explored the native Toyota infotainment system extensively.
Moving to the digital gauge cluster, the level of customization is impressive. Three different meter styles and a plethora of “widgets” allow for a truly personalized display. You can choose traditional RPM and MPH dials, but the digital MPH readout in the center is always present, regardless of the chosen style. I opted for the RPM dial in the center with digital MPH within it. The sheer number of customizable widgets is almost overwhelming, and I’m still tweaking it to find my perfect layout. The cluster offers three distinct screens you can cycle through, allowing for different information displays at the touch of a button.
Then there’s Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. A host of new icons popped up on my cluster that I wasn’t familiar with from my 2021 Tacoma, which didn’t have TSS 3.0. I actually had to crack open the manual to decipher them all. One standout feature is Proactive Driving Assist (PDA). This system does a few things, but the most noticeable is its ability to automatically apply brakes when you lift off the accelerator and the truck senses a vehicle ahead or a stop sign – a subtle but helpful feature in anticipating stops. Of course, it also includes Adaptive Cruise Control, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert, and more.
Another major highlight: cameras, cameras, cameras! With three rear cameras, side mirror cameras, and a front camera, the number of views available on that 14-inch display is incredible. The digital rearview mirror camera is particularly neat. It took a little getting used to at first, but now it’s my default – the wide, unobstructed view is fantastic. You can even program the Homelink buttons to control your garage door opener.
Other noteworthy features include 8-way power-adjustable driver and passenger seats, heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, three AUX buttons for accessories, rear USB-C and power outlets, a significantly improved wireless charging pad compared to the 2021 Tacoma, two front 45W USB-C ports, and a removable Bluetooth speaker in the center dash. The list goes on, so feel free to ask if you have specific questions.
Finally, the driving experience. While I haven’t taken it off-road yet (though I did get the 4×4 model), on-road driving is a significant improvement over the 2021 Tacoma. The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine provides plenty of power, silencing any doubters. It feels smooth and responsive, not at all strained. In Sport mode? It really takes off. Despite some concerns about the longevity of a turbocharged 4-cylinder in a truck, I trust Toyota’s engineering. Tacoma owners, in my experience, don’t typically keep their trucks for 200k-300k miles anyway, unless it’s a first-generation model or an original SR5 from before the Tacoma nameplate. If you’re one of those long-term Tacoma owners, I’d love to hear your story!
In conclusion, I genuinely love this truck. This isn’t just Tacoma fanboyism; it’s the perspective of a consumer who spent hours writing this review. If you disagree with my opinions, that’s perfectly fine – these are just my personal experiences. I wanted to share aspects of the 2024 Tacoma that might not be covered in typical YouTube reviews. If I missed anything or if you have any questions, please ask! I’m happy to respond.
Thank you for reading.
-David
