The third Toyota Tacoma generation lasted between 2016 to 2013. Then in 2024, we got to see the fourth generation launch. I finally got a chance to spend time with the 2024 Toyota Tacoma and it has a few notable upgrades over the outgoing model to consider.
5 ways the fourth generation Toyota Tacoma has improved
First of all, this might make me sound pretty spoiled. However, I spent a week with the Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter model. It’s a massive beat with overlanding upgrades and I’ll have to do another deep dive into its specifics after this article.
For now, I’m comparing the third-generation and fourth-generation trucks to see what Toyota got right and messed up. One complaint involves the size of the new Taco. The 2024 model is wide and long, making it feel gigantic compared to the 2023 model.
1. The new Toyota Tacoma is spacious
The 2024 and 2025 Toyota Tacoma trucks have more cabin space to enjoy unless you go for the smaller, Access cab. But the extra space in the front is enjoyable. You aren’t smushed close to the person in the passenger seat.
The roof of the previous generation felt short. If you sat in the passenger seat, your knees sat awkwardly high against your chest and your head almost bit the carpet liner. Now taller folks have a chance to enjoy this ride without feeling claustrophobic.
Now the backseat is still pretty limited, there isn’t much leg space for passengers. However, it is bigger than before, providing more space for storage and gear.
2. The Toyota Tacoma Hybrid isn’t short on power
When people talk to me about trucks, they often complain that the Toyota Tacoma has never had a fast engine. It just couldn’t punch it as needed.
The old 2023 Tacoma has a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds.
The Toyota Tacoma Hybrid pairs a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four engine with a battery pack and an electric motor to generate 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.2 seconds.
I enjoyed the extra pep while merging into traffic and passing others. However, I ended the week with an average of 17.4 mpg. The Trailhunter probably isn’t as efficient due to the extra weight of the steel bumpers, larger off-roading tires, and other upgrades.
3. The new Tacoma has better storage
In the 2023 Toyota Tacoma, there wasn’t a lot of storage to take advantage of. Now the new model has a larger center console and a larger glove box. The glove box is lockable, too.
Plus, there are storage trays and cubbies all over the place. You could easily forget which compartment you put your wallet in. The long shelf above the glove box stands out for being practical.
The abundance of cup holders is incredible. There are four cupholders connected to the center console and even more on the sides of each door.
4. The 2025 Toyota Tacoma has advanced tech
Welcome the Toyota Tacoma to the modern century. The new 14.0-inch touchscreen is vibrant with a crystal clear camera resolution. You can see a 360-degree view of your truck, what’s in front, both sides of the tires, and into the truck bed.
With the outgoing model, you had to stop and put the truck in neutral to change 4×4 modes. Now it’s down with a simple twist of a dial. The power liftgate seemed to impress people and the digital gauge cluster provides helpful driver information.
Best of all, you don’t have to rely on the touchscreen. There are plenty of chunky dials and switches to use. Another upgrade involves wireless Apple CarPlay that’s easy to connect the a wireless phone charging pad.
5. The 2025 Tacoma is comfortable.
The new Toyota Tacoma has noticeable comfort improvements. The ride is much smoother than before. Larger impacts are quickly dampened without fuss.
Plus, the interior is quieter at highway speeds. Even in the Trailhunter with a lift and chunky tires, the cabin is peaceful on the highway.
Higher trim levels have heated and ventilated front seats that are fast-acting. Overall, the seats are better padded and more supportive for longer jaunts. Plus, the old drum brakes are gone, so you have more confident stopping power.
