As a dedicated content creator for keyfobx.com and a genuine car enthusiast, I’m excited to give you my personal, in-depth review of the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma. Forget the polished YouTube reviews and sponsored content – this is a real owner’s perspective, sharing my unvarnished thoughts after trading in my 2021 Tacoma for the latest model. I waited nearly two months for my Ice Cap (White) Tacoma to arrive, and let me tell you, the anticipation was intense. If you’re in the market, be prepared to be patient – trust me, it’s worth it!
Coming from a Metallic Gray 2021 Tacoma, I specifically chose the white for my 2024 model because I wanted a clear departure from the previous generation. While the black and Underground colors looked too similar to the older truck, the white on the 2024 Tacoma is strikingly different. I’ve had white cars before and wasn’t a fan, but the Ice Cap on this truck? It’s something special.
The first time I saw my 2024 Tacoma in person, excitement surged through me. This wasn’t just another auto show prototype; this one was mine. The 18-inch rims immediately caught my eye, and the new body style exudes a tougher, more aggressive presence. Many reviews claim the 2024 Tacoma is roughly the same size as the outgoing model, but standing in front of it, it certainly doesn’t feel that way. Maybe it’s just the perspective of someone upgrading from a 2021, but to me, it looks and feels bigger. From the bolder fenders to the redesigned hood scoop (still purely for aesthetics on the TRD Sport, by the way – only the TRD Pro gets a functional one), and the fin-like detail on the rear of the cab reminiscent of the Tundra, this truck screams “different.” The only initial design element I wasn’t keen on was the front air dam, or “chin” as I affectionately call it. That came off the same night I got home. A slight MPG sacrifice is worth it for the improved looks, in my opinion. My truck also didn’t come with mudguards or side rails, unlike my 2021. While I miss the convenience of the side rails, especially with kids, I might add them later. Overall, the 2024 Tacoma definitely appears to sit higher, especially with the larger wheels and tires.
Moving to the rear, the first thing I checked was the brakes. Finally! No more drum brakes! While I know opinions vary, for three years with my 2021 Tacoma, the braking always felt front-heavy. I know the ECT button was supposed to help, but I never used it. All-around disc brakes were a major upgrade I was looking forward to. The second biggest improvement? Say goodbye to leaf springs! While the base SR model retains them, my TRD Sport boasts a proper rear suspension. The day after picking it up, I put the suspension to the test with a three-hour drive. Ignoring the gas prices, I wanted to truly experience the difference. My 2021 Tacoma’s leaf springs were notoriously squeaky, no matter what I tried. The 2024 offers a significantly quieter and smoother ride, punctuated only by the subtle turbo whistle. I’ll delve more into the driving dynamics shortly.
Next up: the new tailgate. The inclusion of buttons on both taillights and the power up/down function is a game-changer, at least for a Tacoma enthusiast like myself (Tundra owners might find this old news). Side note: Showing my four-year-old son the tailgate buttons was a mistake I’m still paying for. The knee-tap lift assist is a nice touch too. If you opt for the power tailgate, you’ll find buttons instead of a handle – one to unlock the truck and another to lock it, a surprisingly convenient feature. My truck also includes a power outlet in the bed, along with USB-C and USB-A ports. Looking up at the top brake light, you’ll notice two cameras: one for the bed view and the other for the digital rearview mirror.
Stepping inside the cabin, the “new car smell” hits you immediately. Softex seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the massive 14-inch display dominate the interior. Firing up the engine, it roars to life – not quite as loud as the V6 in my 2021, but a confident sound nonetheless. The digital instrument cluster illuminates, ready for customization. The 14-inch screen welcomes you, prepared for wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto setup. I held off on the full tech setup until I got home, eager to explore everything.
Back home, after removing that air dam, I dove into setting up the tech. Starting with the 14-inch display, I already had the Toyota app, which streamlined the profile creation process. Connecting the app to the truck and setting up wireless Apple CarPlay was straightforward. While some might find the initial setup slightly complex, patience pays off. The Toyota app unlocks several features, including trial subscriptions for Remote Connect with Digital Key. Yes, the 2024 Tacoma has a digital key! You can use your phone to lock, unlock, start, and control climate and lights. It comes with two traditional key fobs and a credit card-style “wallet key.” I personally prefer the wallet key for its slim profile, keeping a fob at home. The only trade-off is locking/unlocking via door handle touch, as the wallet key lacks buttons. However, I’ve also set up locking/unlocking on my Apple Watch, so I rarely need a physical fob.
Experiencing CarPlay on the expansive 14-inch screen is fantastic. The clarity is a huge leap from the 8-inch screen in my 2021 Tacoma, and surprisingly, it’s quite fingerprint-resistant. Connectivity is lightning-fast – CarPlay connects almost instantly upon starting the truck. Since I primarily use CarPlay, I haven’t extensively explored Toyota’s native infotainment system.
The digital instrument cluster offers extensive customization. Numerous “widgets” and three different meter layouts are available. You can choose traditional RPM and MPH dials, but the digital MPH readout remains central regardless of the layout. I opted for the RPM dial in the center with digital MPH within it. The sheer number of configurable widgets is impressive, and I’m still experimenting to find my perfect setup. Three distinct screens accessible via button presses allow for diverse information displays.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 brings a host of driver-assistance features. Initially, the cluster lit up with unfamiliar icons, requiring a manual dive to decipher them. One standout feature is Proactive Driving Assist (PDA). If you release the accelerator and the truck detects a preceding vehicle or a stop sign, it will gently apply brakes to initiate deceleration before you even touch the brake pedal. Adaptive Cruise Control, lane tracing assist, and lane departure alerts are also included.
Camera technology is another highlight. Three rear cameras, side mirror cameras, and a front camera provide a wealth of views, all displayed beautifully on the 14-inch screen. The digital rearview mirror camera took a little getting used to, but it’s now my preferred view. You can even integrate your garage door opener into the system.
Additional features include 8-way power-adjustable driver and passenger seats, heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, three AUX buttons for accessories, rear USB-C ports and a power outlet, an improved wireless charging pad, front 45W USB-C ports, and a removable Bluetooth speaker in the dashboard. The list goes on, so feel free to ask if you have specific questions!
Finally, the driving experience. While I haven’t taken it off-road yet (mine is a 4×4), street driving is a significant upgrade from the 2021 Tacoma. The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivers surprising power, silencing any doubters. Even without engaging Sport mode, acceleration is smooth and responsive. In Sport mode? It really takes off. The engine feels far from strained. Some speculate about the long-term durability of a turbo 4-cylinder in a truck, but Toyota knows their Tacoma owners. Historically, Tacoma owners don’t typically keep their trucks for 200k-300k miles unless it’s a classic SR5 or a first-generation model. If you own either of those, I’d love to connect!
In conclusion, I genuinely love my 2024 Toyota Tacoma. This isn’t just Tacoma fanboyism; it’s the honest opinion of a consumer who spent hours crafting this review. If your opinions differ, that’s perfectly fine – these are just my personal experiences and thoughts, aiming to offer insights beyond typical YouTube reviews. If I’ve missed anything or you have any questions, please ask! I’m always happy to respond.
Thank you for reading.
-David
