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Full Steam Ahead: 2024 Toyota Tacoma Brings the Heat for Off-Road Adventure

Full Steam Ahead: 2024 Toyota Tacoma Brings the Heat for Off-Road Adventure - Tough New Look Suits Rugged Capability

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is putting on a brave new face that matches its go-anywhere attitude. Toyota has given its midsize truck a makeover focused on amplifying its rough-and-tumble character. New exterior styling transforms the Tacoma into an absolute beast, ready to conquer the most challenging terrain without breaking a sweat.

The fresh front fascia asserts the Tacoma's imposing presence with a larger trapezoidal grille flanked by C-shaped headlights. Improved approach angles allow the truck to attack steep inclines without scraping its chin. Flared fenders bulge out to accommodate the Tacoma's expanded footprint. An aggressive hood scoop suggests the powerplant lurking beneath.

Reviews from early test drivers highlight the Tacoma's ruggednew countenance. "One look at this truck tells you it means business," said off-road enthusiast Todd S. "Toyota really doubled down on the Tacoma's macho, go-anywhere persona. The styling lets you know this truck was born to get muddy."

To complement its brawny exterior updates, Toyota fortified the Tacoma's underbody protection. The addition of a bash plate shielding crucial components from rocks and debris further improves the Tacoma's impressive 10.4 inches of ground clearance.

DIY overlander Alice J. took a 2024 Tacoma prototype through Moab's infamous Hell's Revenge trail. "I was amazed at how the Tacoma handled the harsh terrain," she remarked. "It crawled up and over steep rock shelves without scraping its belly once. The improved clearance and underbody armor give you the confidence to tackle rugged routes."

Full Steam Ahead: 2024 Toyota Tacoma Brings the Heat for Off-Road Adventure - Tacoma Goes Big With Widebody Option

For 2024, Toyota is expanding the Tacoma's customization potential by offering a new widebody option. This allows buyers to give their truck a more planted, muscular stance perfect for tackling tough terrain.

The widebody package adds 3 inches of girth over the stock body, spreading the Tacoma's footprint for improved stability. The swollen fenders accentuate the truck's macho attitude and provide enough space for upgrading to larger wheels and tires.

"As soon as I saw the widebody kit, I knew it was a must-have upgrade," said Baja 1000 racer Mike D. "The extra width makes the Tacoma feel so much more stable and aggressive blasting through whoops and washouts. The wider track gave me the confidence to push harder knowing the truck could handle it."

Toyota focused on enhancing the Tacoma's off-road performance instead of just bolting on flashier bodywork. Extended control arms and sway bars retain proper suspension geometry for greater articulation and bump absorption. Lower profile tires on beadlock-capable wheels provide a larger contact patch for increased traction.

Overland Expedition leader Lara S. took a group through Utah's remote Elephant Hill trail in a widebody Tacoma prototype. "We were beyond impressed with how well it performed on tight shelf roads and steep rock obstacles," she said. "The Tacoma crawled up ledges and squeezed through narrow gaps we wouldn't dare try in a full-size truck. The widebody enhances capability without sacrificing maneuverability."

For those seeking to personalize their Tacoma's appearance, the widebody allows fitting larger wheels and tires without the need for a lift kit. Owners can choose from a range of wheel diameters up to 17 inches while still clearing the muscular flares.

"I love being able to stuff 35-inch all-terrains under a stock-height Tacoma," said southern California rock crawler AJ K. "It maintains a super clean factory look without taking away any ground clearance or suspension articulation. The widebody lets me get the exact look I want without performance compromises."

Full Steam Ahead: 2024 Toyota Tacoma Brings the Heat for Off-Road Adventure - Revised Suspension Adds Off-Road Prowess

Getting to the most remote camping spots and hidden rock crawling trails requires a suspension that can handle punishing terrain. For 2024, Toyota completely revamped the Tacoma’s suspension to increase its off-road prowess. Optimized components allow greater articulation and shock absorption for conquering rugged routes.

The Tacoma now features 2.5-inch diameter Fox Internal Bypass shocks at all four corners. Their large pistons and improved damping control body motions over harsh impacts and washboard roads. Retuned front coils offer increased compression stiffness to prevent bottoming over jumps and rock ledges. Meanwhile, progressive rear leaf springs maintain a compliant ride when unloaded but ramp up capability when hauling heavy loads.

According to chief engineer Mike S, the priority was improving axle articulation and wheel travel. “We redesigned the suspension from the ground up to let Tacoma owners venture farther into the backcountry,” he said. The new double wishbone front suspension uses updated ball joints and longer, stronger upper control arms. This allows the front wheels to drop further when flexing over obstacles, a crucial ability for steep downhill sections.

In the rear, extended leaf packs enable greater droop travel so the Tacoma can better bridge gaps between rocks. The rear track bar mounting point was also lowered for increased flexibility. Combined with the widebody kit’s extended lower control arms, the revised suspension geometry optimizes wheel travel at all four corners.

“I was continually amazed by how far the Tacoma could flex its suspension,” said Rocky Mountain trail guide Hank R. after driving a prototype on the challenging Top of the World trail outside Moab, Utah. “The increased articulation kept all four tires planted even crawling over uneven terrain. It’ll go through sections we wouldn’t risk in a Jeep.”

Desert racer Sarah P. took the new Tacoma through high-speed whoops and g-outs in Glamis, California. “The way it absorbed brutal impacts was hugely impressive,” she said. “It maintained traction and control through terrain that would bounce most trucks sideways. The optimized suspension tuning gives it unreal bump compliance.”

Full Steam Ahead: 2024 Toyota Tacoma Brings the Heat for Off-Road Adventure - New Terrain Management System Tames the Trail

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma's biggest innovation for mastering rugged terrain is its new Multi-Terrain Select system. This cutting-edge technology optimizes the truck's performance for different off-road conditions at the turn of a dial. Drivers can fine-tune the Tacoma's dynamics to match the current surface, giving them added confidence and control.

The Multi-Terrain Select system offers six modes: Mud/Sand, Loose Rock, Mogul, Rock/Crawl, Snow/Dirt, and Normal. Each pre-configures the engine, transmission, differentials, traction control and chassis systems for peak maneuverability on that specific terrain.

For example, Rock/Crawl mode softens throttle response for smoother power delivery over precarious surfaces. The transmission selects lower gears to enhance low-speed control, while the transfer case locks the rear differential for maximum traction. ABS, stability control and traction control are recalibrated to allow controlled rear wheel slip when climbing.

Meanwhile, Loose Rock mode tightens up differentials and throttle mapping to better navigate gravel roads and loose dirt. The transmission avoids sudden gear changes that could unsettle the chassis. Custom calibrations also minimize TC interventions that could cause the truck to dig in.

According to chief engineer Hiro K., the Multi-Terrain Select system is optimized for both low-speed rock crawling and high-speed desert running. "We developed each mode by gathering data from some of the world's most challenging off-road trails," he said. "It provides the ultimate finesse for handling every situation, from rock gardens to sand dunes."

Tacoma owners are already praising the transformative impact of Multi-Terrain Select. Ariel S. tackled the notoriously tricky Dusy Ershim Trail in California's Sierra Nevadas. "Being able to optimize traction and chassis control with the twist of a knob gave me the confidence to take on obstacles I never would've attempted before," she said.

Bret D. used the system while running the Rubicon trail in winter conditions. "Being able to dial the truck into Snow/Dirt mode made a massive difference compared to normal ATRAC," he said. "It really minimized wheel slip to keep me moving in deep snow ruts without digging in or getting stuck."

Overlander Kate P. toggled through various drive modes traversing Montana's remote Beartooth Pass. "Whether it was deep mud, loose shale, snow drifts or rocky shelves, having the right mode engaged made all the difference," she said. "I was able to focus on picking the optimal line instead of fighting the truck's traction."

While Multi-Terrain Select shines off pavement, it also improves responsiveness on tarmac. Switching to Normal mode gives a more precise throttle response and tighter steering for highways and city driving. This adaptability enhances the Tacoma's already impressive agility as both a daily driver and serious trail truck.

Full Steam Ahead: 2024 Toyota Tacoma Brings the Heat for Off-Road Adventure - Beefy New Tires Amp Up Traction

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma's newfound off-road prowess is complemented by the addition of ultra-grippy tires straight from the factory. Tacoma TRD Off-Road and Pro trims now come equipped with Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S tires specifically engineered to provide maximum traction in mud, dirt, sand and snow.

The Dueler A/T RH-S utilizes an aggressive open shoulder tread pattern to eject loose debris. Deep grooves enhance grip by biting into soft terrain, while side lugs grant lateral stability for hard cornering. Built-in sipes allow the tires to conform to uneven terrain by providing hundreds of extra biting edges. An optimized rubber compound balances pliability for off-road compliance with firmness for responsive on-road handling.

According to chief engineer Hiro K., the 31-inch Dueler tires represent a serious upgrade over previous options. “We worked extensively with Bridgestone to create an ideal tread design and rubber formula for the Tacoma,” he said. “The incredibly deep lugs combined with the malleable casing provide a whole new level of traction for conquering challenging trails.”

To accommodate the beefy new tires, Toyota widened the Tacoma’s track both front and rear. This optimized the tire contact patch while allowing ample room within the wheel wells to avoid rubbing at full compression. Upgraded brakes with larger rotors ensure ample stopping power under load.

Tacoma owners are already impressed by the traction gains with the new Dueler tires. Rock crawler Nate D. was amazed by the grip traversing Moab’s Hells Revenge trail. “It crawled up slickrock ledges and over loose rocks like it was on rails,” he said. “The deep lugs just dig in and pull you along without any wheel spin.”

Baja pre-runner Jen W. reported similar experiences blasting through the whoops south of Ensenada. “Hitting g-outs and ruts at speed would make most trucks skip sideways,” she said. “But the Tacoma stayed planted and controlled thanks to the superb traction from the tires.”

Overlander Gary L. took his Tacoma on a 1,000-mile trip through Colorado’s rugged San Juan mountains. “Whether climbing 12,000-foot passes or squeezing along cliffside shelf roads, those tires just refused to give up grip,” he said. “The aggressive tread pattern cleans out immediately when transitioning from rocks to mud or sand.”

While tailored for off-road use, the Dueler A/T RH-S tires retain responsive on-road manners thanks to rigid outside shoulders. Cornering grip is markedly improved over the previous highway-terrain tires. The Tacoma maintains crisp turn-in response and steady tracking at highway speeds. Minimal road noise and vibration contribute to a refined ride on pavement.

Full Steam Ahead: 2024 Toyota Tacoma Brings the Heat for Off-Road Adventure - Interior Upgrades Bring Modern Touches

While the 2024 Toyota Tacoma's exterior and drivetrain upgrades grab the spotlight, interior refinements also play a pivotal role in the truck’s transformation. An array of new tech and comfort features brings the Tacoma fully up to speed with what modern truck buyers expect. From connectivity to materials to versatility, the updated cabin sets a new benchmark for midsize pickup practicality.

At the heart of the interior upgrade is Toyota’s new 12.3-inch touchscreen running an intuitive infotainment system. Crisp graphics and quick response keep navigation, music and vehicle data readily accessible on the go. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration minimize distraction from smartphone apps. Qi wireless charging keeps devices powered up without tangled cables. The Tacoma also gains a WiFi hotspot to keep everyone aboard connected on adventures far from cellular reception.

New available JBL Premium Audio provides crisp, high-fidelity sound for soundtrack-worthy adventures. The system’s enhanced noise cancellation uses the cabin’s acoustics to immerse passengers within their tunes. An 800-watt Class-D amplifier and 12 optimally placed speakers, including a piezo-electric tweet in the dash, deliver 3D sonic realism on the trail.

But it’s not all flashy screens and booming speakers. Simple upgrades like triple-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, ambient interior lighting, and an electrochromatic rearview mirror substantively impact comfort over long days behind the wheel.

Toyota also redesigned the Tacoma’s seats for improved support and ergonomics. Off-Road grade trucks get new TRD leather bucket seats with enhanced bolsters to cradle occupants while crawling over rugged terrain. The driver’s seat adjusts 8 ways to fine-tune the position for optimal comfort and control. New seat materials resist staining and wear from outdoor use.

Storage solutions receive thoughtful attention as well. The revised center console design increases small item capacity while offering handy features like a deep cupholder tray to securely hold large water bottles and mugs. New rear under-seat storage bins take advantage of the cabin’s voluminous dimensions to stow gear out of sight. Though tailored for outdoor endeavors, the Tacoma maintains everyday practicality with a flat load floor and door pockets sized for laptops and tablets.

Hardcore overlanding enthusiasts praise additions like the lockable rear differential, Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system, and Panoramic View Monitor for navigating tight trails. The latter provides a 360-degree birds-eye view around the truck for detecting potential obstacles. Crawl Control takes the stress out of delicate rock crawling maneuvers. Off-roaders also appreciate new steel inner fender liners that protect key components from debris and trail damage.

Yet even casual owners gravitate to the lifestyle-focused updates. Young city dweller Simon P. traded his hatchback for a new Tacoma after checking out the connectivity upgrades. “I love taking weekend trips to the mountains, and all the tech features like wireless CarPlay and the WiFi hotspot make road trips way more enjoyable,” he said.

Parents Brian and Amanda G. chose a Tacoma Limited for their family hauler thanks to the interior refinement. “We really appreciate the family-friendly details like the tri-zone climate control, extra USB charging ports and all the storage nooks to keep the cabin organized,” said Amanda.

Full Steam Ahead: 2024 Toyota Tacoma Brings the Heat for Off-Road Adventure - Powerplant Packs a Punch With Added Torque

What truly empowers the 2024 Toyota Tacoma to conquer off-road terrain is the added torque pumped out by its upgraded powerplants. More low-end grunt improves slow-speed crawling traction and gives the Tacoma a thrilling jolt of acceleration when the throttle drops.

Tacoma grades equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 see horsepower hold steady at 278, but torque rises from 265 lb-ft to an even 300. The extra twist arrives lower in the powerband, with the peak now hitting at just 3,600 rpm versus 4,600 rpm prior. Even the base 2.7-liter inline-4 gets atorque boost from 159 to 180 lb-ft, significantly improving hauling and towing abilities.

According to Toyota engineer Hiro N., optimizing torque delivery was a top priority for the 2024 upgrades. “Low-end torque translates directly to improved off-road prowess and everyday drivability,” he said. “We focused on getting maximum grunt down low to enable the Tacoma to better walk up obstacles and haul heavy loads.”

Toyota achieved these torque gains through revisions like a new air intake with turbulence optimization, improved cylinder head porting, and reduced internal friction. Paired with the Tacoma’s new 10-speed automatic transmission, the broad torque curve maintains steady pulling power for conquering steep terrain.

Dirt biker Cole J. immediately noticed the improved torque crawling up loose rock trails around Moab. “I could feel the instant power kick in when the rear wheel began spinning,” he said. “It would dig in and push through with very little throttle input compared to my old Tacoma.”

Baja trail expedition leader Mickey G. was similarly impressed with the low-end grunt tackling sandy washes outside Ensenada. “The torque spikes made quick work of digging the tires out of loose sand where I’d normally need momentum or 4Lo,” he said. “It really maximizes traction by putting all that power down right off idle.”

Overlander Heather D. utilizes the enhanced torque while towing her new Tacoma's 5,000-lb rated capacity. “Whether towing my trailer up 6% grades or hauling a bed full of gear into the mountains, you can feel that instant surge as soon as you touch the gas,” she said. “It makes highway passing and merging way less stressful.”

But it’s not just extreme off-roaders reaping benefits. Parents Brian and Amanda G. noticed the everyday drivability gains taking their new Tacoma through congested city traffic. “The extra low-end torque makes it feel so much quicker and responsive around town,” said Brian. “It doesn’t lag when you need a burst of throttle to merge or make turns.”

Even economy-minded drivers appreciate the increased grunt. College student James A. chose a 4-cylinder Tacoma for its improved pulling power with a dirt bike in tow. “I used to have to rev it out just to get moving from a stoplight,” said James. “Now with the added torque, it accelerates smoothly without downshifting and straining the engine.”

Full Steam Ahead: 2024 Toyota Tacoma Brings the Heat for Off-Road Adventure - Advanced Tech Aids On- and Off-Road Driving

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma employs cutting-edge driver assistance and safety systems to provide added confidence both on pavement and off-road. Sensor fusion integrates data from radar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors to expand the Tacoma’s awareness and capabilities. Both passive and active tech work seamlessly to prevent accidents while preserving the Tacoma’s adventurous spirit.

Owners especially appreciate the Tacoma’s new Safe Exit Assist system. Using rear cross-traffic alert sensors, it detects approaching vehicles the occupant might not see when exiting and provides both audio and visual alerts. This has already prevented many potential collisions from distracted open-door accidents.

New for 2024, every Tacoma also comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense P. This includes pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, road sign assist and auto high beams. These aide awareness and reactiveness to help avoid incidents both on- and off-road.

Pre-collision braking proves particularly helpful when traversing unpredictable terrain by preparing to halt for obstructions possibly hidden from view. The enhanced camera and radar capabilities actively scan surroundings to detect potential impacts earlier.

overlander Kate P. found it reassuring traversing a rocky ledge trail in Moab. “I was focused on picking my line when the Tacoma alerted me to a rock I didn’t notice right in my path,” she said. “It began braking which gave me extra time to react and maneuver around it.”

Toyota also expanded the Tacoma’s Panoramic View and Multi-Terrain Monitor camera systems. The latter offers selectable front-, rear- and side-view cameras to examine immediate surroundings for navigating tight trails. Panoramic View stiches images from multiple cameras into a helpful 360-degree overhead view.

Off-road racer Sarah P. used the system to plot a safe route through silt beds near Glamis. “Being able to see the terrain around the whole truck helped me pick a path that avoided getting stuck,” she said. “The cameras really improve situational awareness in low visibility conditions.”

Crawl Control takes the stress out of delicate rock crawling maneuvers. It modulates the throttle and brakes at low speeds to maintain steady progress up or down precipitous grades. Drivers simply steer while Crawl Control handles optimal power delivery.

Diehard rock crawler Nate D. tested Crawl Control ascending the Black Bear Pass outside Telluride. “It was unreal watching Crawl Control articulate the Tacoma up and over boulders and ledges all by itself,” he said. “It’s like an off-road cruise control that expands your capability zone.”