J.D. Power released its annual U.S. ALG Residual Value Awards. It is not a surprise to anyone that Toyota did very well. Valley Hi Toyota is pleased to announce that four Toyota models were determined by J.D. Power and its ALG subsidiary to have the best residual value in their respective classes.
ALG has been the automotive industry standard for several decades in determining residual value. To be specific, they predict which models are projected to hold the highest percentage of their manufacturer’s suggested retail price after three years of ownership. ALG was initially a tool to assist manufacturers and financiers in determining model residual value when setting up leases. Their residual calculations are also relevant in predicting general resale value, and this has led to the U.S. ALG Residual Value Awards. The high resale value reflects a manufacturer’s success in long-term quality and design and the overall desirability of automotive brands and their models.
Variables affecting a model’s general residual value over three years include perceived quality, reliability, durability, and how well a model’s initial positive qualities stand up to the test of time. Of course, the resale value of a specific model also depends on its condition, mileage, and feature set, much of which is outside ALG’s scope. Beyond the products themselves are factors such as the macroeconomic environment, including the price of gas, which is less easily predicted. All things being equal, however, ALG’s winners represent the vehicles that best will hold their value or depreciate the least after three years.
The study divides the industry offerings into 28 categories and ranks every vehicle within its category and a winner for each. The four Toyota models that reached the top of their respective categories include:
Fifteen brands were represented among the 28 categories. Besides Toyota, the only other brands to score wins in four categories include Honda and Toyota’s luxury brand, Lexus. No other brand had more than two winners.
None of this is as surprising as Toyota models have long been known to hold their value. As an entity that determines the trade-in value of Toyotas and other models every day, Valley Hi Toyota knows this as well as anyone. If you are looking for a well-engineered new or used vehicle that holds its value over time, look no further than Valley Hi Toyota.
What’s the Best Taco?
Well, well, well, fellow human travelers, prepare yourselves for an odyssey through the gastronomic and vehicular landscapes as we delve into the layers of Del Taco, Taco Bell, a quaint taco truck, and the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. It’s like navigating the chaotic labyrinth of existence, only with more crunch and horsepower. Buckle up, folks; we’re in for a ride that’s bound to leave us questioning everything.
Del Taco: “The Drive-Thru Dilemma”
First, Del Taco – the fast-food monolith that whispers sweet nothings to our midnight cravings. It’s the drive-thru delight that beckons us in times of desperation, much like a lonely wanderer seeking refuge in the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. Both promise a swift escape from the chaos of the world, offering a quick fix without compromising on the essentials.
Del Taco’s tacos are like a guilty pleasure in the form of grease and cheese – a comforting embrace that leaves you pondering your life decisions. Similar to the Tacoma’s user-friendly features, Del Taco’s drive-thru service is a convenient escape that may leave you questioning the meaning of it all, but hey, at least you’re full. It’s a paradox of guilt and pleasure, much like deciding to binge eat tacos at 2 AM.
Taco Bell: “Crunching Through the Norms”
Taco Bell – the mad scientist of the taco world. It’s the avant-garde artist challenging the very fabric of our taste buds with concoctions like the Crunchwrap Supreme. It’s the culinary disruptor, much like the 2024 Toyota Tacoma pushing the boundaries of what we thought a truck could be.
Taco Bell and the Tacoma both share a penchant for innovation. While the Crunchwrap Supreme experiments with flavors, the Tacoma experiments with cutting-edge technology and design. They both remind us to question norms, that the journey is as important as the destination, and that sometimes it’s okay to take a detour into the realm of uncharted culinary or automotive rebellion.
Taco Truck: “The Unsung Symphony of Local Flavor”
Now, let’s saunter over to the humble taco truck, a local legend serving up authenticity on wheels. Just like the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, the taco truck exudes a quiet confidence, rooted in its commitment to genuine experiences.
The taco truck, much like the Tacoma, celebrates local flavors and craftsmanship. Handmade tortillas and fresh ingredients tell a story of dedication to quality – a narrative echoed by the Tacoma’s rugged exterior and performance capabilities. Both are unsung symphonies, weaving a tapestry of genuine adventure in their communities.
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma: “A Canvas of Adventure”
Ah, the pièce de résistance – the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. It’s not just a vehicle; it’s a canvas of adventure, an ode to the thrill-seekers and taco lovers alike. This versatile voyager encapsulates the spirit of exploration, much like the quest for the perfect taco.
The Tacoma’s off-road prowess mirrors the adventurous soul of a taco enthusiast, always on the lookout for new flavors and terrains. With various trims and configurations, the Tacoma is a customizable masterpiece, much like building your perfect taco with an array of toppings and salsas.
Conclusion:
In this intricate dance of tacos and trucks, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma emerges as a silent maestro, seamlessly orchestrating the symphony of convenience, innovation, and authenticity. Much like life’s complex decisions between fast food, culinary experimentation, and local flavor, the Tacoma invites us to embrace the unpredictable journey with open arms.
So, whether you find solace in the drive-thru convenience of Del Taco, the avant-garde creations of Taco Bell, or the authentic embrace of a local taco truck, consider the 2024 Toyota Tacoma – a harmonious blend of flavor and functionality that transcends the mundane. After all, life’s too short to settle for mediocrity, be it in your taco or your truck. Cheers to the journey, my friends!
Visit Valley Hi Toyota today to explore the genuinely authentic Toyota Tacoma. We can’t wait to see you!
2024 Prius Wins North American Car of the Year
Valley Hi Toyota is proud to announce the 2024 Toyota Prius was named the North American Car of the Year. This is a pretty big deal because rather than the opinion of a single publication or other media outlet, the selection of North American Car of the Year comes from an independent jury of automotive journalists from across the United States and Canada, making it one of the most coveted automotive awards in the industry. Valley Hi Toyota applauds the Toyota brand for its accomplishment and is excited to be able to offer this multi-award-winning vehicle to our customers.
Victory Repeats Itself
Like the MotorTrend Car of the Year award, this is a repeat performance for the Prius. It won both awards precisely 20 years ago with the 2nd generation Prius. That model was the Prius’ first time as a hatchback, and its practicality combined with its impressive economy made it an incredible sales success and worldwide star.
“We are thrilled the NACTOY jurors agree that the all-new Prius and Prius Prime are exceptional vehicles. The unique combination of sexy styling and industry leading efficiency put Prius in a league all its own.” Said Mike Tripp, Group Vice President, Toyota Marketing. “After nearly 25 years, Prius continues to leave its mark on the world and offers customers a great option to reduce their carbon emissions.”
It’s the Whole Package
This time, the Prius is recognized for adding style and performance to the mix. The larger 2.0-liter engine adds over 50% more horsepower to its part of the drivetrain. Every grade is available with AWD, which adds a 40-hp motor to the rear axle. The EPA-estimated fuel economy is as impressive as ever, with 57 in the city, 56 on the highway, and 57 for the combined figure on front-wheel drive models.
For those who prefer zero emissions on their daily drive, the Prius Prime is estimated to have 45 miles of EV-only driving, which exceeds the average daily round-trip commute. Thus, if you can charge at home, you could be driving emission-free every day until you embark on a long weekend trip, in which case, you will have no concerns with public charging, as you still drive with 50+ mpg hybrid efficiency.
As for styling, well…just look at it!
“The Toyota Prius and Prius Prime are not just handsomely styled hatchbacks, they represent the future of the automobile by blending traditional internal combustion with electric drivetrains,” said veteran journalist and NACTOY juror Matt DeLorenzo. “Of particular note is the plug-in version which offers more than 40 miles of pure electric range, allowing most owners to skip regular gas station visits.”
The Trophy Case is Getting Crowded
The NACTOY Car of the Year Award is the latest of 17 industry awards Prius/Prius Prime earned in the past few months. In addition to the MotorTrend award, this includes being named a Car and Driver 10Best, the Driver’s Choice Award from MotorWeek, Best New Car by Autotrader, among many more.
If you are considering a compact-sized car for yourself or your family, you must come to Valley Hi Toyota to test this most acclaimed vehicle of the year for yourself.
The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) announced seven category winners for MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle of 2024 awards. Valley Hi Toyota is pleased to announce that MAMA’s Favorite Affordable Vehicle Award winner went to the all-new 2024 Grand Highlander. The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max will join the six other category winners for the overall title of MAMA’s Favorite Car.
What is MAMA?
This is the 33rd year for the Midwest Automotive Media Association, which consists of 273 automotive journalists and public relations professionals from across the country and Canada. The automotive journalists test drive vehicles individually throughout the year, and each year, all members are invited to gather together for three drive events:
- The MAMA Spring Rally
- MAMA’s Favorites Fall Fest
- Chicago Drives Electric
Before this year, MAMA had only two category awards. One for Family Vehicle of the Year and the other for Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year. But this year, the organization expanded its award categories to “recognize the diversity of vehicles available and of interest to the readers, viewers, and listeners of MAMA’s membership base.”
Voting on their category favorites narrowed a field of over 100 eligible models to a few select members in each category. They selected the Grand Highlander and the six other category winners and finalists in November.
“With more than 100 new, redesigned, or refreshed vehicles MAMA members could drive during 2023, it was time to assess the breadth and depth of product at each event and for the year as a whole,” said Robert Duffer, MAMA President. “You could say MAMA loves all of her vehicles equally, but everyone knows there’s only one MAMA’s Favorite.”
MAMA clearly makes the most of its acronym. While they did not elaborate on their reasons for selecting the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max, it’s evident that by specifically selecting the Hybrid Max grade, they were impressed by how well the hybrid drivetrain fits in with the Grand Highlander’s mission while providing EPA-estimated 27 / 24 / 36 city/highway / combined mpg.
Grand Highlander Has Families Covered
That mission is to provide room for up to eight adult-size people. Even with all seats in use, 21 cubic feet of cargo space remains. The cabin and all three rows have convenient storage spaces for travel items. Fold-flat 2nd & 3rd-row seats enable up to 98 cubic feet of cargo space when needed. Throughout the cabin are thoughtful features and available niceties such as a hands-free power liftgate, heated and ventilated 1st & 2nd-row seats, seven USC-C ports, and more.
MAMA members will now vote on which of the seven finalists they will award as MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle of 2024. That announcement will come on February 8th at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show during a MAMA-hosted breakfast. If the Grand Highlander takes the top prize, you can be sure Valley Hi Toyota will post it in this blog. In the meantime, if you are interested in a 3-row SUV for your family, visit Valley Hi Toyota to see what makes the Grand Highlander a winner.
Presidents Day Sale All Month (Rap Song)
Move over Lin-Manuel Miranda, and the cast of “Hamilton, a new crop of stars has landed (not on Plymouth Rock.)
Valley Hi Toyota Takes Presidents’ Day to the Next Level with “Presidential Ridez”
In an innovative twist to Presidents’ Day celebrations, Valley Hi Toyota has dropped a rap video that’s turning heads and cranking up the volume on car dealership promotions. The video stars none other than George WashingTodd and AbeBrian Lincoln, or as he’s affectionately known, Abe-B. This isn’t your typical nod to American history. Forget the log cabins and cherry trees; this dynamic duo is all about showcasing the sleek, new 2024 Toyotas with a beat.
A Satirical Spin on 90s Hip-Hop
The video is a pure satirical homage to 90s hip-hop, complete with the fashion, beats, and bravado that defined the era. General Manager “Toyota” Todd Stokes steps into the shoes of George Washington, while Creative Director Brian Ortega transforms into Abe Lincoln. Together, they’re not just crossing the Delaware or delivering the Gettysburg Address; they’re dropping bars and beats in a way that would make the founding fathers do a double-take.
Taking Politics to the Next Level
The release of “Presidential Ridez” has not only captivated audiences but also set a new standard for how car dealerships can engage with potential customers. It’s a blend of entertainment, nostalgia, and information that strikes a chord with a wide audience. By leveraging the universal appeal of music and humor, Valley Hi Toyota has managed to create a memorable experience that goes beyond the typical sales pitch.
Stream “Presidential Ridez” Today
For those ready to see George WashingTodd and AbeBrian Lincoln (Abe-B) in action, “Presidential Ridez” is streaming now on Spotify. It’s a unique opportunity to see two of America’s most iconic figures in a light you’ve never imagined, all while getting a glimpse of the latest from Toyota. So, crank up the volume and let Valley Hi Toyota take you on a presidential ride like no other. This Presidents’ Day, it’s all about the beats, the bars, and, of course, the cars.
Toyota tends to keep its truck designs intact for a while, so it is a big deal when they get redesigned. It may be an even bigger deal when the Tacoma is redesigned because even at the end of its long design cycle, it has been, by far, the best-selling mid-size pickup in the industry. The redesign for the 2024 Tacoma was comprehensive, with a new structure, new engines, new suspensions, and, of course, all-new exterior and interior styling. Of the eight available grades, the first off-road-focused grade is the TRD Off-Road. Above it lies the TRD Pro and the new overlanding-focused Trailhunter. MotorTrend looked at this most popular Tacoma off-road grade, and Valley Hi Toyota offers this brief account of their report.
Obviously Better
Motor Trend felt no need to keep the reader in suspense. Under a headline that describes the TRD Off-Road as “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger,” came this sub-head: “Toyota’s midsize pickup is a dramatically better truck than before, in nearly every measure.” They go on to point out that while the exterior styling of the truck looks similar to the previous model with some added Tundra elements, the engineering changes are far more dramatic: “Rarely has a redesigned vehicle looked so much like its predecessor while driving so much better.”
Powertrain Praise
Topping the spec sheet changes is the replacement of the previously 3.5-liter V6 with the turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-4. Its 278 horsepower matches the V6, but torque rises from 265 to 317, and thanks to the turbo, it reaches that peak at a low 1,700 rpm vs 4,600 rpm for the previous engine. Also helping is the new quick-shifting 8-speed transmission replacing the former 6-speed unit.
Motor Trend’s testing revealed 0-60 acceleration of 7.2 seconds. It’s a 0.4-second improvement over the previous model. They add that the additional power is much more noticeable in everyday driving, where all that peak torque is pretty much always at hand.
Impresses On and Off-Road
While SR, SR5, and PreRunner models retain the rear leaf spring suspension that adorned all previous Tacomas, the TRD Off-Road benefits from a coil spring multi-link arrangement, which includes remote-reservoir Bilstein Monotube shocks. This improves body control over the road, further helped by the new, quicker-responding electronically controlled power steering. While the ride remains firm, the truck has improved on-road ride and handling, which is notable since it will likely spend most of its miles on pavement.
The TRD Off-Road wears BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A tires, which Motor Trend states that all but the most die-hard off-roaders will be “hard-pressed to find a tire with a better balance of on-road refinement and off-road gumption.” The tires also helped the Tacoma stop from 60-0 in 114 feet when lengths of 120s and 130s are typical for the category.
While towing capacity remains at 6,400 pounds, the payload improved by 300 pounds to 1,447 overall. When it comes to acting on its name, the publication found the TRD Off-Road adept in mud and sand. The Crawl Control feature was useful in modulating speed on boulder piles, and the optional electronic front anti-roll-bar disconnect feature helped provide the articulation to keep both front tires on the ground.
Cabin Compliments
When it comes to where you will spend your time with the truck, they note the 14-inch touchscreen dominates the view more than in the previous model. Tundra Wireless smartphone mirroring was welcome, and the digital instrument panel gets their thumbs up with “clear, modern graphics with enough layouts and style themes to please any driver.” They also note that the cabin fits tall drivers better than the past model.
Motor Trend concludes that while recent Tacoma buyers may have been more interested in the model’s sterling reputation than comparative specs, the new Tacoma can compete on its specs alone. Nor do they doubt any change to its reliability. So Motor Trend likes the new Tacoma. If you are considering a mid-size truck, looking at the Tacoma is a must, and the best place to see them is Valley Hi Toyota.
As you may surmise from the name, Green Car Reports focuses on cars that minimize their impact on the environment. It started off looking at hybrids and even diesels, and of course, now EVs are a major focal point. In the winter, Green Car Reports selects their Best Car to Buy for the upcoming year. In December, they chose their four finalists for the award, and Valley Hi Toyota is pleased to report that one of those finalists was the Prius Prime.
Candidates must be new or redesigned for the model year to be considered. Green Car Reports doesn’t just select the least polluting of these new models, or only EVs would be considered. So they also consider how much this model could impact the environment. In other words, a model with drastically lower emissions that sells 250K units a year is likely to have a larger impact on the environment than an EV that is sold to 10K consumers in the same year.
The competition is tough for the Prius Prime with the three other finalists all EVs, including the Hyundai IONIQ6, the Kia EV9, and the Nissan ARIYA. The Prius Prime is singled out as the only Hybrid in the running for this prestigious recognition.
Green Car Reports does like a non-polluting car, so they zeroed in on the Prius Prime. Its estimated 45 EV-only miles easily exceeds the average daily round trip commute of 32 miles, which means that more than half of commuters could plug in their Prius Prime at night and run on nothing but electrons through the work week and even possibly weeks on end until a road trip is planned. Once the 45 or so miles are spent on the road trip, the Prius Prime still heads down the remainder of the trip with an EPA-estimated combined 52 miles per gallon. Get a few 100,000 people to trade in a gas-only car getting 32 mpg for one that gets 52 mpg and emits nothing on short trips, and you have some positive environmental impact.
Green Car Reports isn’t blind to the new Prius’ other virtues: “The latest Prius Prime offers sexier styling, a futuristic design that returns to Prius form, and much-improved performance that breaks the mold for this eco-warrior.”. They also mention the Prius Prime’s starting MSRP of under $34,000, which they point out is “…about the same numerical base price that the Chevy Volt got for 2016, but a much better deal adjusted for inflation.”The Green Car Best Buy for 2024 will be announced in January. And even if it isn’t selected, the Prius still boasts some top-notch honors as Motor Trend’s 2024 Car of the Year and one of Car and Driver’s 10Best. The biggest question, of course, is if the Prius or Prius Prime could be a winner for you. Visit Valley Hi Toyota to find out for yourself.
Grand Highlander Is Car & Driver 10Best Winner
With five crossover models plus two truck-based SUVs, it is hard to imagine that Toyota didn’t have a dedicated 3-row crossover before this year. But Toyota made it worth the wait with the introduction of the Grand Highlander. Valley Hi Toyota is happy to announce that Car and Driver named it to its 2024 10Best awards.
While its name may imply a stretched Highlander, it is much more than that. This is clearly a different model inside and out, with its own exterior and interior design, and is thoroughly dedicated to the job of transporting three rows of passengers in comfort and carrying their things.
How Models are Selected
Car and Driver invites all-new, redesigned, and significantly changed models with a starting price of under $110,000 to be candidates for their 10Best awards. They also bring in the winner of last year’s award for each category. If the newbies don’t beat the previous winner they give it to the previous winner again, as was the case this year for the Toyota 86 sports car. But in this case, the all-new Grand Highlander did beat the competition and did so handily.
Impressive Room
Starting with the Grand Highlander’s reason for being, Car and Driver was impressed that it could seat 8, as many competitors fell short of that figure by one. Plus, even adult passengers in the 3rd row have adequate room. Even with all the seats up, they found adequate space in the cargo area. Passengers also have plenty of cubbies for personal storage at hand.
Very Impressive Drivetrain
They were particularly impressed with the Hybrid Max powertrain available in the Limited and Platinum grades. The system combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter with Toyota’s hybrid system electric motor and a 6-speed automatic transmission (not a CVT) with a second electric motor doing duty in propelling the rear wheels. The total power of the system is 362 horsepower, upon which Car and Driver recorded a 0-60 time of just 5.6 seconds. At the same time, it delivers 27 combined EPA-estimated mpg, which stands out among vehicles this size.
“This level of acceleration and fuel economy in a mainstream three-row SUV is a game changer.” —Tony Quiroga, Car and Driver Editor-in-Chief. They further described the general driving experience with the Hybrid Max drivetrain as follows:
“…the many components of Hybrid Max combine in a linear, seamless way, providing smooth power delivery and responsive acceleration. Throttle tip-in is particularly excellent, and the brake pedal doesn’t exhibit the unpredictable weirdness of many other hybrids.”
Getting the Details Right
They found that all the controls work well without any infotainment foibles and were grateful that Toyota didn’t ask the 12.3-inch touchscreen to do everything with an adequate array of physical controls. Regarding the exterior, the Highlander was described as “Handsome and nicely proportioned” and a “carefully considered boxy shape that expertly balances form and function.”
Car and Driver bestowing the Grand Highlander with their 10Best award is basically their way of saying that it is presently the best 3-row crossover on the market. They summed it up this way: “It’s far more than just a bigger version of the Highlander; it leapfrogs its competitors, providing just the right combination of practicality, refinement, and driving satisfaction.” If you are interested in a 3-row crossover for your home, come to Valley Hi Toyota and see for yourself what impressed Car and Driver.
Toyota Expands Battery Recycling Network
One of the biggest worries about electric vehicles, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids is what happens to all of the battery systems that get changed out of these cars. Toyota has worked out a solution with a leading battery recycling and management company called Cirba Solutions. This project aims to reduce the costs of logistics and transportation of old battery systems by 70%.
Battery Collection And Recycling
Toyota says they collect upwards of 25,000 used batteries every year from their dealers, with the bulk of them being nickel metal hybrid batteries from their hybrid vehicles. Thanks to their deal with Cirba Solutions, the main focus will be on the company collecting, transporting, dismantling, and processing end-of-life lithium-ion batteries from Midwest and East Coast Toyota dealers. Cirba will then extract various minerals from the batteries that can be recycled back into the supply chain. They claim to have a 95% recovery rate of such materials. All batteries will be taken to Cirba Solutions’ new facility in Lancaster, Ohio, which recently was given more than $82 million from a Department of Energy grant, thanks to the bi-partisan infrastructure law.
A Word From Toyota
“Cirba Solutions’ large and well-established transportation and recycling network ensures Toyota has nationwide battery collection and recycling to reduce both our costs as well as our operational carbon footprint,” said Christopher Yang, Group Vice President, Business Development, Toyota Motor North America. “This moves us closer to our ultimate goal of creating a sustainable, closed-loop ecosystem for our automotive batteries.”
Lessening Emissions
Thanks to this agreement, Toyota can reduce the amount of emissions their trucks produce to go and collect batteries from all over the country. As mentioned earlier, transportation and logistics costs will decrease by 70% or more, with a drop in mileage from 1,251 to 582.
A Word From Cirba Solutions
“Our collaboration with Toyota helps move toward a long-term vision of a sustainable closed-loop battery supply chain. With aligned purpose, and Toyota’s growing electric vehicle line-up in North America, we are proud to be a partner,” said Jay Wago, Chief Commercial Officer at Cirba Solutions.
What This Means
This is a very important partnership, as it helps Toyota make their future vehicles more sustainable by finding a partner to help them recycle their battery systems more easily. This allows Toyota to reduce overall emissions and waste. Along with transportation reductions, Cirba Solutions’ ability to extract rare materials from the batteries and reuse these items is a monumental result.
At Valley Hi Toyota, we are happy to offer some of the best cars on the market today. We value our commitment to providing our customers with the highest quality sales and service. With hundreds of new, used, and CPO vehicles to choose from, our talented sales team and finance department will help you get the best value possible on your next purchase. And our dedicated service department will work hard to keep your car in the best possible condition.
The Toyota Tacoma Is Even More Unbeatable
The Toyota Tacoma has a history of being unbeatable. It has long been the undisputed sales leader of the mid-size pickup truck class. The Tacoma has held that position no matter what the industry threw at it. Honda brought back the Ridgeline in 2017, Nissan redesigned its Frontier in 2022, and the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins were completely redesigned for 2023. With all of these updates and changes from other brands, the Toyota Tacoma still held its top spot. This is despite the fact that the current generation of the Tacoma is nine years old and it hasn’t had a full redesign for 19 years.
The Tacoma is unbeatable in many ways. The popular British automotive show, Top Gear, had a regular series involving their attempts to kill an already old Toyota Hilux (a British version of an identical Toyota pickup that was sold here). The truck was first driven down a long flight of outside stairs, then it was left to be swept by high tide in the English Channel. A mechanic with basic tools got it running again. The truck suffered other abuses from a wrecking ball dropped on its hood, a camping trailer dropped on its cab, being set on fire, and finally placed on top of a 23-story building prior to it being blown up in a controlled demolition. Even then, after being dug from the rubble and a mechanic working on it with simple tools, it started.
So, that is the reputation the all-new and completely redesigned 2024 Tacoma steps into. The new model has been carefully designed after years of studying its owners and how they use their trucks. The new design is more powerful and more robust than ever before. The ruggedness of the new truck begins with the full-box frame it shares with the full-size Tundra and Sequoia.
Choices, Lots of Choices
No matter what you need, the Tacoma has a model configuration for you. There are two cab sizes, two bed sizes, and four engine outputs. The base SR is even available with a 6-speed manual transmission, with all models having a standard 8-speed automatic.
The Tacoma will have an initial six trim levels from the basic SR to the upscaled limited, with various lifestyle-oriented models in between. Future iterations will include two models with two kinds of off-road use as their focus. Three additional trims offer the choice of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.
For those with no need for a back seat in their truck, the XtraCab has just the front seat but still has plenty of space behind it. It is accompanied by a 6-foot bed. The Double Cab has 4 doors and five-passenger capacity and is available on all trims, with some offering a choice of either a 5-foot or 6-foot bed.
Cab/Bed Availability
| Grade | Transmission | Xtra Cab6′ Bed | Double Cab6′ Bed | Double Cab5′ Bed |
| SR | 8-Spd. Auto | X | X | X |
| 6-Spd. Manual | X | |||
| SR5 | 8-Spd. Auto | X | X | X |
| TRD PreRunner | 8-Spd. Auto | X | ||
| TRD Sport | 8-Spd. Auto | X | X | |
| TRD Off-Road | 8-Spd. Auto | X | X | |
| Limited | 8-Spd. Auto | X | ||
| Trailhunter | 8-Spd. Auto | X | ||
| TRD Pro | 8-Spd. Auto | X |
One Engine, Several Choices
Under the hood, all Tacoma models are powered by a version of its i-FORCE turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-4. This being Toyota, there is an i-FORCE MAX hybrid drivetrain coming as either standard or available. The i-FORCE MAX’s 465 lb-ft of torque is the highest in the class.
Powertrain Availability
| i-FORCE turbo 2.4L | i-FORCE MAX 2.4L turbocharged hybrid | ||||
| 228 HP243 lb-ft | 270 HP310 lb-ft | 278 HP317 lb-ft | 326 HP465 lb-ft | ||
| SR | 8-Spd. Auto | X | |||
| 6-Spd. Manual | X | ||||
| SR5 | 8-Spd. Auto | X | |||
| TRD PreRunner | 8-Spd. Auto | X | |||
| TRD Sport | 8-Spd. Auto | X | O | ||
| TRD Off-Road | 8-Spd. Auto | X | O | ||
| Limited | 8-Spd. Auto | X | O | ||
| Trailhunter | 8-Spd. Auto | X | |||
| TRD Pro | 8-Spd. Auto | X | |||
Chassis
After 19 years, Toyota has had plenty of time to improve the chassis dynamics. All Tacomas will now have four-wheel disc brakes. The suspension on most models feature double wishbones in the front with the SR and SR5, and TRD PreRunner featuring leaf springs in the rear. TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road and Limited have a multi-link rear suspension with coil springs. Optional on the Limited is an Adaptive Variable Suspension.
Why Don’t We Do It Off the Road?
The Tacoma has three 4WD-only grades with a focus on operating off road. The TRD Off-Road model is for the casual off-roader. It has 17-inch machined alloy wheels with 265/70R17 all-terrain tires and composite front skid plate, with an underbody transfer case and fuel tank protection. The TRD Pro has been the Tacoma’s full-on off-road enthusiast model for a long time. The 2024 version features the following off-road dedicated features:
- TRD Pro SofTex®-trimmed * IsoDynamic performance seats
- 18-in. TRD Pro alloy wheels with 33-in. Goodyear® Territory® R/T tires
- FOX® QS3 adjustable Internal Bypass coil-over
- Rear remote-reservoir shocks with 1-in. front and 0.5-in. rear lift
- Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism
- Multi-Terrain Select), Crawl Control, and Downhill Assist Control
- TRD Pro aluminum front skid plate, with underbody transfer case and fuel tank protection
- TRD black performance exhaust
- Rigid Industries® LED fog lights
- Reinforced rocker protector
The all-new Trailhunter is configured for overlanding with less of an emphasis on speed and more focus on crawling through any terrain it comes across. The Trailhunter features the following:
- 18-in. Trailhunter alloy wheels with 33-in. Goodyear® Territory® R/T tires
- Old Man Emu® forged monotube position-sensitive coil-overs
- Rear remote-reservoir shocks with 1-in. front lift and 0.5-in. rear lift
- Steel underbody protection, including front skid plate, transfer case protector, fuel tank protector, and rear differential protector
- Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism
- Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and Downhill Assist Control
- ARB® modular bed utility bar with removable MOLLE panels
- Rigid Industries® white-and-amber-color switching LED fog lights
- Steel rock rails
The TRD Pro and Trailhunter each have several exclusive aesthetic features to set them apart from the rest of the model line and each other.
Will this design of the Tacoma last another 19 years? Will it still start after dropping from the roof of a 12-story building? Even Toyota can’t tell you that. What is clear, however, is that the new Tacoma model line is more varied, powerful and capable than ever before and is likely to keep its place on top of the mid-size pickup segment. Valley Hi Toyota has plenty of 2024 Tacoma models in stock right now, just waiting for you to check them out.
Connect with us
Recent Blog Entries
- Toyota Prius Prime Is Listed by ACEEE as the Greenest Car You Can Buy
- Camry Earns Both Best Midsize and Best Hybrid Car by U.S. News & World Report
- Tacoma TRD OFF-Road is the Undisputed Winner in Car and Driver Comparison with Colorado ZR2
- The Legendary Land Cruiser Returns for 2024
- U.S. News & World Report Names Highlander Hybrid the Best Hybrid SUV for Families