For some time, the Toyota Tacoma had the mid-size pickup market all to itself in the U.S., at least until the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon and Ford Ranger came along. All of these vehicles are in the midst of receiving updates of some sort in that heated segment, while the next-generation Ranger, in particular, is set to launch in the U.S. this year for the 2024 model year. A next-generation Toyota Tacoma has also been in the works for some time now, as Ford Authority previously spotted a mule of the new pickup last July. Now, another next-gen Toyota Tacoma has been spied testing ahead of its forthcoming launch.
While the previously-spied mule was a cobbled-together mixture of parts, but this newly-spotted prototype is far more conventional in appearance, though still covered in heavy camo. While the current-gen Tacoma has soldiered on largely unchanged for many years now, the next-gen model will receive totally new exterior styling, which starts up front. Though this prototype is completely covered up, we can see a pair of tow hooks up front and what seems to be a revamped front fascia peeking through, at least.
Moving down the side, we can spot a lower hood line, a new windshield design, and a new, larger cab that figures to offer more in the way of passenger space. Out back, it’s more of the same – a new taillight design and what could be a revised tailgate hiding under heavy camo, along with a rear skirt that hides the truck’s new coil spring rear suspension – which the new Tundra also utilizes – installed on Toyota’s NGA-F platform.
Power is expected to come from Toyota’s turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder engine, which produces 265 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque in the new Highlander, while sources say that production of the next-gen Tacoma will begin at both of the automaker’s Mexican plants in the second-half of 2023. Additionally, Toyota recently introduced the Trailhunter line as an answer to Ford’s Tremor lineup, while the automaker is also reportedly working on a proper Ranger Raptor rival, to boot.
Both the redesigned Tacoma and Ranger are critical to their respective automakers in the heated mid-size pickup market, which Toyota has dominated for some time now.
We’ll have more on everything Ford’s competition is up to soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for non-stop Ford news coverage.
Comments
Anyone that knows Toyota will know that the Tacoma will be leaps and bounds above the refreshed yet aging updated 2024 Ranger. It looks old but only refreshed because it have not hit the road yet.
When will auto makers see the need for Hybrid mid-size trucks? Look at the demand for Maverick. I’d buy one now, but Ford is so messed up they can NOT even take the order.
Did Toyota go to HSS on the frames to fix the rusting problem?
The article is incorrect. Tbe Nissan Frontier was also available when the ranger and colorado left the market.