Toyota USA’s all-new mid-size ute debuts, previewing what’s to come from the next Toyota HiLux
The new 2024 Toyota Tacoma has finally made its global debut and it appears ready to take on the Australian-developed Ford Ranger in the US.
More, importantly, North America’s new Tacoma is likely to preview key design and mechanical details of Australia’s next-generation Toyota HiLux due in 2025.
Like the 2024 Ford Ranger, the new Tacoma will be sold exclusively with turbo-petrol power in the US, where the Ranger comes standard with a 201kW/420Nm 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine and the Tacoma will be available with Toyota’s new 2.4-litre four-cylinder or an optional ‘iForce MAX’ hybrid system.
Odds are the next-generation Toyota HiLux will be sold elsewhere – including Australia – with an uprated four-cylinder turbo-diesel, and with Toyota Australia promising to electrify every mainstream model in its range by 2030, it should be joined by at least a mild-hybrid version of the same core diesel engine.
Ford has already confirmed development of an electrified Ranger and Everest, and Toyota is likely to follow suit with a full series-hybrid version of the new HiLux (and the related Fortuner SUV).
The US Tacoma’s two-pronged powertrain line-up comprises the above-mentioned 2.4-litre turbo-petrol four, which is good for 170kW/329Nm and 207kW/430Nm depending on the variant, and an electrified version pinched from the new Lexus RX developing 243kW/630Nm.
Those figures mark a significant power reduction (-30kW) compared to the luxury SUV but a drastic increase in torque (+80Nm), which would see a HiLux iForce MAX comfortably outstrip the Ranger (diesel) V6 by 59kW/30Nm if the powertrain was transplanted straight across from the Tacoma.
The potential new HiLux Hybrid would also out-perform the 222kW/452Nm 2.3-litre turbo-petrol engine in the new Volkswagen Amarok Aventura TSI452.
The new-generation Tacoma and HiLux will share the same TNGA-F ladder frame architecture and will be closer in overall size this time round, making such a move both technically feasible and likely.
Transmission duties in the Tacoma are handled by six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions.
Given the procession of teasers and leaks, the new Tacoma’s exterior design doesn’t hold many surprises for many, with myriad lumps, bumps and creases giving it a tough, no-nonsense American look clearly inspired by the bigger Tundra.
Still ultimately a work ute, the lower-end Tacoma variant will be sold in the US with a leaf-sprung rear-end as standard (interestingly, a rear coil springs will be fitted in upper grades), but all variants score disc brakes all round for the new generation.
Each of the higher-spec versions scores their own bespoke suspension set-ups, depending on their position in the range and primary intent, ranging from performance-focussed TRD shocks on the TRD Sport to adaptive dampers on the Limited.
Wannabe Ranger Raptor fighters will be buoyed to read the extensively teased TRD Pro comes with Fox’s new QS3 three-way adjustable internal bypass shocks and Fox Internal Floating Piston rear bump stops, making it ready for high-speed desert adventures.
This set-up could quite conceivably underpin the eventual Toyota GR HiLux, while the Tacoma Trailhunter’s Old Man Emu hardware and the TRD Off-Road’s monotube Bilstein remote-reservoir shock absorbers could make their way across to the next-gen HiLux Rogue or GR Sport.
Maximum braked towing and payload capacities for the Tacoma range are pegged at 2948kg and 775kg respectively, however, it should be noted those figures don’t apply to every variant in the line-up.
The Tacoma’s interior design largely matches the exterior’s in being chunky, rugged and busy, with a dashboard dominated by a variant-dependant 8.0- or 14.0-inch infotainment screen and plenty of nuggety controls.
Drivers are greeted by a digital instrument cluster – spanning 7.0 or 12.3 inches – and multi-function steering wheel, while front passengers get a grab handle on their side of the centre console and the glovebox.
“With even more off-road capability and the quality, durability, and reliability that our customers expect along with a host of options for every owner, we’re confident that Tacoma will remain the top choice for mid-size pickup buyers,” said Toyota group vice-president and general manager Dave Christ.
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Keyword: New 2024 Toyota Tacoma revealed