While the all-new, next-generation Ford Ranger and Ranger Raptor just debuted in North American spec a little over a week ago, it won’t lack for fresh competition in the mid-size truck space by any means. Aside from the Nissan Frontier, Chevy Colorado, and GMC Canyon, an all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma is also on the way, which was just revealed today following a number of teasers and leaks previewing its styling, features, and the addition of a brand new variant – the Trailhunter.
As expected, the fourth-generation 2024 Toyota Tacoma is a completely redesigned version of the best-selling pickup riding on the same TNGA-F platform as the Tundra and Sequoia. The automaker’s North American-based CALTY Design Center was tasked with leading the design process, with the intentions of making a truck that specifically caters to the U.S. market.
On the outside, that process involved totally revamped styling with some interesting cues, such as a narrow body and wide upper grille that pay homage to the Hilux. Other notable features include high-mounted headlights, functional side air intakes, a hexagonal grille, and integrated roof and tailgate spoilers, with unique styling cues present to visually differentiate each trim level. Additionally, the bed has grown in size by seven percent, while the Trailhunter comes equipped with an integrated air compressor.
Underneath, the new Tacoma features a frame that’s more rigid than the outgoing model, stronger crossmembers, and an available multi-link rear suspension that replaces leaf springs with coilovers, while four-wheel disc brakes and electric power steering are now standard across the lineup. Each trim features its own unique suspension setup, with the off-road focused TRD Pro utilizing the new Fox QS3 three-way adjustable internal bypass shocks with remote reservoirs and the Trailhunter riding on an Old Man Emu 4×4 Suspension by ARB.
In terms of powertrains, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma is available with a turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder making either 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque in base SR trimmed trucks, or 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet when paired with the new eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). Opting for the six-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT2) with automatic rev matching and anti-stall technology results in an output of 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet.
Even bigger news is the fact that the 2024 Tacoma can be had with Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, which is optional on TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited trims or standard on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter. This combination pairs the gas 2.4L engine with a 48-hp electric motor integrated into the eight-speed transmission, along with a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack. The result is a combined output of 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Max towing capacity comes in at 6,500 pounds, with a payload rating of up to 1,709 pounds.
While the TRD Pro offers goodies like available front stabilizer bar disconnect, an integrated LED light bar, and a TRD intake and exhaust, the Trailhunter couples the aforementioned unique suspension with a steel rear bumper, a bed utility bar with removable MOLLE panels, two different types of available ARB bed racks, OME shocks, 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires, and a bevy of available accessories geared toward overlanders.
Inside the cabin, the new Tundra is equipped with either an 8-inch or available 14-inch touchscreen, a 7- or 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a completely redesigned cabin. The pickup will be offered in either two-door XtraCab or four-door Double Cab configurations with five- or six-foot beds, with trim levels including SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off Road, Limited, TRD Pro, TRD PreRunner, and Trailhunter.
Pricing has yet to be announced, but the 2024 Toyota Tacoma is scheduled to launch in the U.S. later this year, though models powered by the i-Force Max hybrid won’t be available until early 2024.
We’ll have more on everything Ford’s competition is up to soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for continuous Ford news coverage.
Comments
Toyota will still be #1
Looks like no one has an answer for any raptor models
Look at the Tacoma torque, its class leading. And, 7 models and 3 engines.
The Ranger MAY outsell the Honda Ridgeline.. good luck with that.
Buyers are moving brand loyalty to Mazda from Toyota. Look at the data.
Heavy handed styling, trying too hard.
Its similar to tundra or all toyotas these days. New colorados are trying hard too
Agreed!
The Pro and Trail Hunter are in a league of their own. No domestic junk comes close.
Totally agree. That’s the first thing I thought of.
I love it Toyota does it again! Modern styling without being too boxy or too round perfect creases
The redesugn Ford Ranger already feels old and boring
Its been out for like 2 years and another 2 before you can get one
The Ranger is DOA
Looks ugly as hell. The 5th gen ranger styling seems to be king.
At least Toyota is giving you the features of their big trucks like auto AWD, heated and cool seats, adjustable dampers, sunroofs and all the features of their top truck. Where Ford makes you have to buy an F150 which maybe to big for your needs. At least Toyota gives you a choice. I know they make the Raptor but how many people can get one with the limited productions of those. Its called giving your customers a choice instead of forcing you to buy something you do not want like Ford does. When all you want is a Ranger with all the features of the F150 without having to buy a Raptor. I guess you buy a Toyota instead. Over seas the Ranger has rear air vents, why not here and why can we not get a Platinum Ranger here like they get overseas and its a really nice Ranger. When you want a smaller packaged Truck and still want all the features of the big trucks I guess you buy a Toyota at least here in the states. I do not understand why Ford does this decontent stuff they have else where in the world. Just think if Ford would have offered blue cruise in the Ranger they could have had been a first in the mid size trucks. Instead we get an old truck made new with new sheet metal. I do not know who they asked in all their research about what the customer wants here in the states? All I know it is they are asking the wrong group of people. I guess that is why Ranger sells so few compared to the other big auto companies in the mid size truck market. Wake up Ford what happen to exciding your customers wants.
“Limited production” makes it seem like a very low volume supercar, which it is not. They make up a tenth of the whole truck sales at Ford, meaning they sell tens of thousands every year. And the regular Ranger does have cooled and heated seats, at least in the front.
If Ford sold this Ranger here the Platinum Ranger that is what I would be buying wright now. https://fordauthority.com/2022/11/2023-ford-ranger-platinum-debuts-as-luxurious-range-topper/
Thats pretty ugly as im sure the price is too
Just got done watching the video on TFL fast truck Toyota killed it with all the options and put a 2k watt hookup in the bed and air compressor in the bed in 5ft or 6ft bed. Blown away with what they did with this mid size truck power tailgate and power running boards too. The interior tech just like their Tundra 8 trim levels with the best 3d camera’s i seen in a truck. Ford really brought a butter knife to this fight. No the Raptor does not count it will be way to hard to get and only a few will be able to get one.
Also they still have a manual shifter in the truck on all engines. Don’t get mad at me but this is what Ford should have done with the Ranger. Ranger. Which now makes the Ranger look like a 10 year old truck compared to the Taco’s tech and features. I wish Ford would have done this good of a job so I could buy the Ranger and not have regrets. Love Ford’s but the Toyota hit it out of the park Ford needs go back and try harder. Watch the video on TFL fast lane truck it made me want a Toyota and don’t buy them.
I meant to say I don’t buy Toyota’s but this one is making it hard not too. Even the seats are over engineered to stop the tossing in the seat when off roading. Adjustable air shocks in the seats just wow.
I was looking at the Platinum Ranger and it has grab handles at all seating positions in the US we get one and they rear air vents we get none. Since when does American market get the lower trims and less features. Do not give me we have the F150 not ever one wants a big truck. Why should I have to suffer because I bought the smaller truck that lacks the features the F150 has. Luxury sells and a Luxury Ranger in the Platinum trim would do well.
Suffer? A majority of the complaints I read on similar F150 stories is that all the luxury options you note, of course, drive up the cost on a ‘pickup truck’. Everybody wants to check every option box then goes into shock when it adds up, at which point they make a generalized comment that ‘pickups’ are ridiculously expensive.
Compare powertrain, ride, towing, hauling and handling between the Ford and Toyota midsize TRUCKS and see what you think.
In my book, a proven 2.7 liter twin turbo V6 option in a Ranger trumps a ‘hi tech’ hybrid 4 banger option in a Toyota is you’re looking for a T R U C K.
I would take any toyo motor than any ford
Toyota won this segment . Im not toyota at all but they have so many more options than the ranger. They have the 2d pre runner long bed, they have the hybrid. They have overlander, the trd sport with manual.. They have extras like moonroof not on the ranger. If they can keep up production they will dominate the segment easily.
Tacoma makes the Ranger look like a Model T, gm twins look the best.
The Tacoma has absolutely no competition. This will only widen the sales gap.
What a great looking truck, that torque is class leading.
Some may question the styling, but without a doubt Toyota has done more than enough to maintain and expand their lead. One person commented about the interior, but there is more than in the drivers seat than the interior of the new Ranger. It already looks old when compared to the Tacoma. Multiple Powerplants including turbo and hybrid power and accessories galore. Arguing the Raptor puts the Ranger ahead is a mute point considering sales are the target. Toyota has moved beyond hp into making the Tacoma a thorough activity vehicle with its customer base in mind. No other brand comes close to the execution. I am still curious about the mpgs and at least initially no back seats in the extended version, but the storage system is impressive. The Rangers storage is no better than the last generation.
Looks to be improved in all the right places – except no 6 cylinder. For a truck this size and weight I’d much prefer a 6 cylinder option.
I am considering buying on either the 24 Tacoma or Ranger. I have a 2004 Ranger with 185k, but have had an 4 cylinder, manual Tacoma that had high mileage that ran very well.
Videos of driving reviews will be big factor in my future choice.
A mid size hybrid would fit my needs perfectly. I have been Ford loyal for decades and have been waiting for several years for a Ranger hybrid based on the teasers Ford has put out. Was excited by the prospect that I may actually be able to order one soon. So I was very disappointed when they recently announced the Ranger hybrid would not be sold in the U.S.
Looks like I’ll have to become a Toyota customer to get the truck that makes sense for me.