2023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2024 Toyota Tacoma

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma presented itself as a robust yet compact alternative to larger trucks like the Ford F-150 or Toyota Tundra. Despite being shorter, the Tacoma maintained a commanding presence with its upright grille and tall bed, offering a substantial look without the bulk. Available in various trims, from the base model to the off-road-focused TRD Pro, the Tacoma provided a wide range of configurations, including different powertrains, bed lengths, and cab styles. The TRD Pro trim, in particular, stood out with its bold Solar Octane paint and off-road enhancements like underbody skid pads and a TRD-tuned suspension. Inside, the Tacoma ranged from basic to well-appointed, with the TRD Pro featuring Softex leather-trimmed upholstery and user-friendly controls.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma, while all-new, retained the familiar Toyota truck aesthetic with a more aggressive hexagonal grille and a blockier, angular design. The interior saw significant updates, drawing inspiration from the Ford F-Series with squared-off dash areas and a functional, truck-like feel emphasized by MOLLE panels. Even in the Premium packages, the focus remained on practicality over luxury, with large plastic grids replacing soft-touch materials. The new Tacoma aimed to provide a more comfortable and functional cabin, with the potential for further enhancements in the hybrid versions.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma offered a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine in Canada, producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic or optional manual transmission. Despite its power, the Tacoma wasn't particularly quick, with noticeable engine noise and a tendency to wander on paved roads due to its off-road-oriented suspension. Fuel economy was average for the segment, with estimates of 13.0 L/100 km in the city and 10.5 on the highway. The TRD Pro model, equipped with Goodyear Wrangler AT tires, excelled in off-road conditions with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl control.

The 2024 Tacoma introduced a new 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, also producing 278 horsepower but with increased torque at 317 pound-feet. An eight-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous six-speed, offering smoother shifts and improved performance. The Tacoma's new coil spring multi-link rear suspension and various package-specific tuning options enhanced its on-road manners. The i-Force Max hybrid powertrain promised even greater capability, though details were still under wraps. Additional updates included standard disc brakes and electric power steering, addressing previous steering vagueness and enabling more advanced driver-assistance features.

The 2023 Tacoma offered a choice between the access cab with clamshell doors and a double cab with four full doors. The access cab featured a six-foot-one-inch bed, while the double cab offered a choice between a long bed and a five-foot bed. The rear seats in the access cab were cramped, making the double cab a better option for carrying passengers. The front seats provided ample space, though the steering wheel's limited extension posed a challenge for taller drivers. The bed, even in its shorter form, was spacious enough for gear and equipment.

For 2024, Toyota eliminated the access cab, standardizing the four-door double cab configuration in Canada. The updated seat design improved comfort, with nearly identical head- and legroom figures to the previous model. The double cab now offered more storage capacity beneath the rear seats, and the bed depth increased, enhancing overall volume. A choice of five-foot or six-foot beds remained, with additional features like a 440-watt outlet on gas models and a 2400-watt version expected for hybrids. The bed's increased depth allowed for more versatile storage options, including fitting a camp fridge beneath the tonneau cover.

The 2023 Tacoma featured a straightforward infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While functional, the system felt outdated compared to competitors. Higher trims offered wireless charging and a premium JBL audio system, but the Tacoma lagged behind in tech offerings compared to rivals like the Chevrolet Colorado and Honda Ridgeline.

The 2024 Tacoma saw significant technological improvements, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard and a 14-inch display available in Premium packages. The latest Toyota Audio Multimedia system provided a responsive and minimalist interface, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. A Qi wireless charging pad and dual USB-C ports were available, along with an optional 10-speaker JBL sound system featuring a removable Bluetooth speaker. New features included pre-wired auxiliary switches and a trailer brake controller, enhancing the Tacoma's towing capabilities.

The 2023 Tacoma came with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. Additional features on the TRD Pro included blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera. However, the Tacoma lacked more advanced driver-assistance features, resulting in a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and no Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS.

The 2024 Tacoma introduced new safety technologies with the standard electric power steering. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 now included advanced features like Lane Tracing Assist, oncoming vehicle collision avoidance assist, and an emergency stop system. The adaptive cruise control system was enhanced, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert became standard. While official safety ratings were not yet available, the new features aimed to improve the Tacoma's safety credentials.