Have you heard about the new 2024 Toyota Tacoma turbo-four engine? If not, you soon will. Every new Tacoma comes with this engine under the hood.

Does this mean the new Tacoma is a one-powertrain wonder? Not at all. The turbo-four engine is simply the starting point for every model across this midsize Toyota pickup truck. As we’ve come to expect, the Tacoma is still offered with many configurations, making it one of the most versatile trucks in the entire market.

Let’s take a look at the new 2024 Toyota Tacoma turbo-four and a few other features that make this truck the top choice among midsize pickups.

Variety is the spice of life

Unlike some competitors, which have dialed back the number of trims and features, the Tacoma still offers a wide variety of options and trim choices for you. This midsize truck still comes in the base SR trim and runs up to the new Trailhunter model, which is an overlanding-focused truck. Between these, you’ll find several models including the SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro trims. Which model has everything you’re looking for in a new pickup truck?

More than trims for your selection

Picking the right Tacoma might make you feel like you’re at a buffet. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma has the turbo-four engine as part of every truck, but it also gives you some excellent versatility. You’ll choose either RWD or 4WD, the XtraCab or Double Cab, and either a 6-foot bed or a 5-foot bed for the cargo area. Some trims only come in one configuration, but many have several options which give you some great choices for your driving needs.

Two powertrains give you the gusto you need

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma base turbo-four engine is a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder model that mates to either an 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. The SR trim sends 228 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque to the wheels, but if you have this powertrain in higher trims, the power is increased to 278 horsepower and 317 lb-t of torque. These figures are for the automatic transmission. If you have the manual transmission, you’ll enjoy 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

When you want more power, this engine is mated to a hybrid system, which places the hybrid motor between the engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup is called the i-Force Max powertrain, and it produces 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.

Stop lifting the tailgate

Most tailgates are manually controlled and can get heavy, especially with a load pushing on them. The Tacoma has a quick-release tailgate. This feature first appeared in the full-size Tundra pickup truck. This system gives you a button on the side of the taillights that allows the tailgate to slowly lower to make loading and unloading easier. Press the button again, and the tailgate will rise up to the closed position so that you don’t have to do the lifting work.

Various trims means suspension variety

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma, with its turbo-four engine lineup, also brings a few different suspension systems to the mix. The TRD Sport has red sport-tuned shocks for better handling, while the TRD Off-Road features Bilstein remote reservoir shocks. The TRD Pro includes Fox three-way adjustable internal bypass shocks for good high-speed off-road performance. Choose the trim with the suspension that makes the most sense to you.

Handle tougher trails easier

The Toyota Tacoma has always been a tough, rugged, and impressive off-road truck. For 2024, this pickup is better than ever with an all-new front stabilizer bar disconnect system that engages when you push a button on the center console. This allows for greater suspension flexibility and a smoother ride over rugged, uneven, off-road surfaces. Using this system means better overall wheel articulation as well, which makes it easier to ride over some of the toughest trails and obstacles.

Settings for your off-road fun

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma turbo-four powertrains are impressive, but the Multi-Terrain Select system makes this truck more capable out on the trails. This system has drive modes for the off-road areas you’ll see including Mud, Dirt, and Sand. This system comes with 4WD Low and 4WD High to make sure you can drive he way you want. There’s also a Crawl Control system which is a low-speed cruise control for off-roading.

This new 2024 Toyota Tacoma has an impressive turbo-four engine lineup, but it also comes with some amazing upgrades to make it a more capable and impressive off-road pickup truck.