ENGINEER EXPLAINS 25 SURPRISES ABOUT THE 2024 TACOMA
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- Опубліковано 11 лип 2024
- The all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma brought many surprises even for an Automotive Engineer David Chao, who explains 25 surprises about the new Tacoma in this interesting video. And David rates each of the 25 surprises as either "practical" surprise or "gimmicky" surprise. Watch the entire video to see David's perspectives on the new 2024 Tacoma and its new features.
Some of the footages in the video were provided by @IndependenceOverland or @KirkKreifels Many thanks to both of them for the clips.
Automotive Press is owned and managed by David Koichi Chao, a global expert in the field of automotive evaluation, engineering, and strategy. With over 35 years of engineering experience, David is able to review vehicles from unique perspectives utilizing technical and specialized methods. David is a board member and a director at AJAC (Automobile Journalist Association of Canada).
David is known around the world as an authentic specialist of Lean/Agile Thinking, and travels all around the world to review vehicles and teach latest engineering methods. Born and raised in Japan, David has an engineering degree from University of British Columbia and post-graduate education from MIT and Harvard Business School in Boston. - Авто та транспорт
I’d much prefer front lockers to the trd seats.
ARB front lockers would have been awesome! A manual transmission with TRD Pro version would have been awesome too!
Those trd seats are a lawsuit guarantee. Ridiculous!
Front lockers are ez to add aftermarket
@@revnation_auto how
Front lockers will snap the axles up front
Hi David, could you please compare the suspension of TRD Pro and Trail Hunter? and why would you pick Trail Hunter over TRd Pro?
Glad you corrected your previous report regarding availability of power tailgate across more model variants 👌🏽
Thanks for the update 😀
Toyota, please offer an extended Crew Max cab (adding an additional 4-5 inches of rear leg room). There should be a Tacoma with enough room to transport 4 6' adults "comfortably."
Agree! F garbage I park mine outside. Need more leg room.
Thank you David. great info.
As always amazing review and insight
Thank you Sir for doing a great job and helping me make a choice on what I am looking for
Thank you for your take on the new Tacoma. You always review vehicles from a different perspective than most automotive review sites.
One item that was a very welcome change for me was the redesigned entry and exit door opening design! Finally Toyota listened!!!!!
I really liked the fact Toyota has kept choices for cab and bed lengths available for its customers!
A few things I didn’t like is the very slick bed, the front end appears to have a long overhang ( approach angle) than other mid size trucks, the spoiler on the back of the cab’s roof? and the wheel well design shape will not accept oversized tires without cutting and or grinding!
My Toyota truck buying history is 87 SR5 Xtra cab 4X4 w/turbo, 90 SR5 Xtra cab 4X4 V6, 94 SR5 Xtra cab 4X4 V6 all three were equipped with manual transmissions.
Might be coming back to Toyota!
As always, stay safe and healthy.
Ron
Thank you for the comments and feedback!
I agree on the isodynamic seats. They are really cool, but id rather save $3-4K on the purchase price and not have those available (or whatever they’ll actually cost).
I agree but Toyota will not give us the choice.
100% agree. My issue is less with cost of the seats, but the space they take up in the back seat. That is a deal breaker for me because the seats make the back unusable for passengers.
That would push me to the Trailhunter, but I don’t want the air intake, and that is standard.
Two very frustrating standard features, but if you want the wider track, you have to take one of them.
@@jake_berrywhy wouldn't you want the intake on the trailhunter?
Those trick seats and hybrid drivetrain are going to push the to around $60k.
Tacoma’s Hugh market share position is the driving force behind many of the ‘Tacoma ONLY ‘ ( and firsts ) options , accessories and multiple model variants .
I used to work for a winching company and we package a winch kit specifically for Toyata and ARB for many years. Not surprised to see ARB involved in the 2024 Tacoma. Can't wait to get my hands on the new Tacoma.
Are you not afraid of the first model year?
So warn? Right here in Milwukee or?
Agreed with all your opinions on this new Tacoma and plan to get one. Thank you David!
Good video, it covered more areas of interest on the trucks than others out there that all seem to be in some sort of rush to get through the information like a 30-second commercial.
Great video David. I am wondering if the Limited will have full time as well as part time 4 wheel Drive? Thanks I always wait for your new videos.
Good review, thank you
👍👍thanks for the info.
It's amazing they still offer the long bed option. The American midsize trucks don't offer that for 2024 models.
This Tacoma is almost perfect, the only one more feature is that this Truck needed to have to be perfect. If Toyota can make the rear window open fully like the old Tundra. I think it would be very cool if Toyota can put that feature on this Tacoma. If you can the sunroof open and the rear window fully open with all the windows, it would feel just like a convertible. This would be the best truck of any other brand out there. I think this is the only feature Toyota missed, a full rear window open instead of just a little slide window.
My dog would love that
Going to be a fantastic group of products available to truck lovers. I don't like trucks, but I do like all that this one offers.
It's looks muscular, exactly what I was looking for.
Brilliant review David!
The trd pro suspension is a gimmick, not the shocks but the lower control arms are the same on all models. Not like the ZR2 and ranger raptor which has more wheel travel, the “wider” trd pro is only because of the fender flares and offset, not because the geometry made it wider, such a gimmick. The wider stance is an appearance not performance
The biggest surprise for me is that they eliminated the Access Cab. I have always bought Tacoma trucks but without an Access Cab I have to look at others.
@AutomotivePress Great video David! Not a single reviewer has asked yet if the wider 2024 Tacoma can now fit a sheet of plywood between the wheel wells like the new Ranger can now.
I also like the new integrated brake controller and the pre-wired auxiliary switches in the top of the line models. One last cool feature is the USB on the back side of the infotainment screen for a dash cam or radar detector. 👍
I agree. The sales mix of the Tacoma 4x2 far exceeds that of the 4x4. Yet Toyota PR focuses mainly on the 4x4. The Tacoma is primarily a commuter or a light duty work truck.
@@layne4376 In the Toyota SF and LA regions, there is hardly any snow, except for this year... Lol! And many people use 4x2 trucks for construction, gardening, pool maintenance or personal use. The same goes for the SET and GST distributors.
Yes that is something I need to find out as well.... and looks like I missed a few other surprises too
@@AutomotivePress No real issue Sir. Just add it in when you do the full review after driving/testing it. Thanks, I'll most likely be buying the Trail or TRD (Color depending) model.
What is happening with wheelbase length? Looks terrible on the trail hunter
David, thanks for the video. Indeed you’ve predicted some of these. Limited with full time 4WD would be my choice.
Nice and informative video
What a nice ride! I agree that the ‘iso’ seats are maybe a bit gimmicky but, sure do look cool ! Love this truck, wanna get one
Tacoma, frontier and the coming Ram Rampage are so eye stunning
Nice truck like it great video
Great info
Hey David,
In a previous interview you mentioned that at Toyota has a longer product development time. You said it was about a year longer than other manufactures, to make sure those designs and products are reliable. Do you know how long Kia/Hyundai test their products for before releasing them?
David, I would be curious how you would redesign the air dam on the new Tacoma!
I’m not surprised they announced the Trail Hunter model. With all their direct competitors introducing off-road oriented models, a good plan to slow sales to them is to introduce your competing models, even if you’re months away from delivering them.
Another smart move was to team up with ARB. Like GM’s move with AEV to provide high quality off-road accessories the customer would want in the future now, which can be rolled into the financing loan also. Obviously there is added profit to be gained too.
David, Since they all share the TNGA-F platform and will likely share powertrains, I hope Toyota 'surprises' us by offering a manual transmission for the upcoming
Land Cruiser Prado and 4Runner. 😁
No ones buy manual
An ever smaller percentage of truck buyers knows how to shift manuals or wants to learn. So existing owners of manual tranny Tacomas are finding out it's harder to find buyers for them.
every one on the internet says this yet manual trucks and suvs dont sell
@@mattsil8322 Is that the reason Wrangler has always offered a manual transmission and the reason the new Bronco offers it as well? If Toyota was not making money selling manual Tacomas today, they would not bother to offer the feature in the next generation.
@@rightlanehog3151 it's 10-15% of all wranglers and broncos are manual. You're acting like 50% of them are manual in reality it's a small percentage that will keep dwindling
hi, Nice video. Can you make one where you can get input from japanese car makers on their battle against Tesla and BYD?
That Trail Hunter is SWEET !! I do wish they made it a little bigger especially the rear seat area. I have a 2015 TRD SPORT long bed and have to move the front seats up to get someone in back. My second Tacoma love them. My first a 2001 had 350,000 miles when I traded for the 2015 new. Indestructible tanks.
Hi David, checking your review on mazda cx 90 phev, how do you compare this with grand highlander hybrid max?
The 26th surprise will be the price 😂
The 27th surprise will be the dealership markups and their add ons
Good video!
David do you have any news on the new Hilux?
What is the size of the gas tank and what would you expect in MPG for the limited series truck with hybrid max? Hopefully Toyota sees all the negative reviews for the air dam and does something different when they actually go in to production.
Thank you
Bro, that running board on the Limited absolutely nice for the wives to go to Costco.
like it , the trd prerunner extra cab is the one id buy
Does its rear window goes down? I really love it in my Tundra
Good list
David, I think I already know, but which model are you thinking you will order? I'm looking at a Limited myself
Awesome Toyota all the way up Cape Town South Africa 🌍♥️
I love this truck, I understand about owners wanting to fit inside their garages but honestly the second row still seems a bit tight, definitely could have used an extra two inches of legroom at least, and only because of that I may prefer the 4Runner although I really would like this to be my first truck.
The Trailhunter seems more appealing, but I must say I’m a sucker for the sporty and beautiful red interior looks of the TRD pro.
The SR5 is the model for me. With the T24A-FTS engine is good for me.
All I see so far are segments on the higher trim levels. For work truck and fleet vehicle applications, the SR has always been a practical mainstay and high seller. Focusing almost exclusively on the weekend warrior trim levels that I'll never need as a everyday driver and work truck gets old.
most important aspect for me is the actual payload with loaded versions like the trailhunter
With OME shocks I imagine the Trailhunter will do just fine for payload, to carry all the gear we need for overlanding!
#26: Trailhunter: Wheel & tire package to widen vehicle = Gimmick. Competition has long travel in their lineup.
#27: Disk brakes on all 4 corners = Practical. Long awaited upgrade.
Great content like always, thanks for all info! But I'm wondering is the 4 cylinder turbos will it last, like the standard gas version. I hear alot of chatter turbos is not gonna last, Don't buy! Is this accurate, What do you guys think? I feel if any company figure out making great turbo engine toyota can.
Loved the video. I think the smaller rear windshield window is gimicky and think the retracing rear glass like in the crewmax tundra should’ve been added.
At the end of the day it's only a 4 cylinder.
Great analysis. I have a 2016 TRD Off-road 4wd ACCESS CAB. It’s been a great truck. Chief Tacoma engineer mentioned that over half of consumers wanted the access cab gone. The Access cab with the suicide doors is a great, practical setup in my opinion. I’m sorry gen 4 won’t offer this configuration any longer.
Agreed on the front air damn. Looks horrible, but maybe boosted their EPA mpg numbers by a small fraction. I’ve heard that the air damn can be easily removed.
The other surprise is that Toyota has not yet released anything on the 2024 TRD Off-road yet. That’s sort of their bread and butter truck. Will it have an air damn or not? I suspect the vehicle that you spied in Michigan a while back may have been a TRD Off-road due to lack of front air damn on the test vehicle.
Suicide door compromises rigidity/strength of the body. Which may be why they discontinued it as far as saftey concerns. Just be glad they still offer a two door and long box configurations. And surprisingly, a manual transmission. Truly making the gen 4 a no compromise mid size. Hope GM/Ford are paying attention. They just got stuffed. Again.
I agree. Losing the rear doors and fold down seats is a mistake.
All I know I cannot afford it like I can with the 2023 TRD OR.
I hope they offer the iso seats as an option for the other trims, at least for trailhunter and TRD offroad. I'd go for a TRD offroad in manual with the iso seats just for funsies.
Nice lovely car ❤❤
A few of the suprises that are things currently on the 4runner is indicative to me that the two will be far more similar this generation
Excellent overview that I would deem practical😉 TY. Q :Can the 2024 Tacoma be flat towed behind an RV? I hope Toyota has not continued to ignore this popular segment of usage in the U.S. that is currently dominated by Jeep.
Did they change the bed depth? You've commented on the shallow depth previously. Not being able to fit your cooler under the tonneau cover when closed.
Regarding the Xtra cab: I think that they planned it as an Access cab even at quite late stages of development. There are still cup holders for the rear passengers, pockets in the non-existent "rear doors," and construction for the foldable rear seat... Before finalizing it, someone probably found that it's too tiny for real people, and as a workaround, they decided to delete the rear door and call it Xtra cab :-) We will probably never know more about how this could happen.
Probably crash rating. XtraCab name coming back is great though
Who knows. The chief Tacoma engineer did say that much of the reasoning behind it was how many people optioned the previous package to delete the rear seats. This will offer a phenomenal value to contractors and others doing work wanting a bare bones truck, and I think that's awesome. Ford and Chevy decided they only want to sell crew cab midsize trucks now, so Toyota and Nissan can gobble some of those sales.
@@thatoneotherotherguy I doubt it will be 24K for the SR trim Xtracab.
@@chrisx5127 Well, a $24k Tacoma does not currently exist for 2023. The dead cheapest 2023 SR access cab with rear seat delete is $26,535 before destination. Don't forget inflation. If they even manage to hold the price steady from 2023, I would call that a big win. The fuel savings alone from the new 2.4 turbo versus the old 2.7L I4 will really add up.
It's gonna sell like crazy.
Hi David, no one can see to tell me. I read the manual is only available with the crew cab (not sure this is true), but if true is it only available with the 5' bed or also the 6' bed. I need a 6' bed and would only buy a manual and 6' bed.
I’m wanting to see an Extra Cab 6’ bed 4X4 in either a SR5 or TRD Sport.
Will these trim levels be offered in a hybrid?
I love it minus 1 thing and it’s an eyesore. If you don’t get a trd pro or trailhunter- you get a massive nascar looking front plastic lip
Another great video, David! I think Toyota hit a homerun with this new Tacoma. 👍
My favorite thing about the Tacoma is you gotta pay brand new price for one with 60k miles.
I like the funky high tech front seats if they solve the rough ride even a bit more. Getting old! 😂. Great video. Do you think the body roll will be lessened with the independent rear suspension? Any sway bar type kit?
What are you on about? It still has a solid rear axle mate.
The stock tow hooks on the trail hunter version. Watch other videos, you would have to upgrade the front bumper which you can order from Toyota.
David, another great video! Great time for the mid-size truck. I am buying at the end of 2024. Considering a 1/2 ton or mid-size. We prefer a mid-size, but will consider a 1/2 ton for functionality. Currently, all mid-size brands are on our list. We tow a small camper that weighs 2,900 lbs, so literally all mid-size trucks will tow our camper, including the Honda Ridgeline. At less than 3,000 lbs, our Casita can be towed by an SUV rated to tow 5,000 lbs; however, I prefer the functionality of a truck. The other major variable is payload. We carry a fair amount of camping gear with us and plan to carry more as we transition to more travel. My benchmark for payload is 1,500 lbs for a mid size truck (1,800 lbs for a 1/2 ton). Just about any Ridgeline will provide approximately 1,500 lbs of payload. I am fine with the Tacoma’s tow ratings (but surprised the Tacoma is not more competitive) and I am impressed with the max payload rating; HOWEVER, I want to see the real world payload of the Tacoma. Currently, the 2023 Tacoma is weak regarding payload. I also value reliability and safety. Historically, the Tacoma has been very reliable. I am impressed that the new Tacoma will include its safety suite with all models. I still want to see the crash ratings, though. I also appreciate the variety and options associated across the line up for the Tacoma. If Toyota can provide me the option of a Tacoma that is safe, reliable, ideally with a 6 ft bed, 6,000 plus pounds of tow capacity, and 1,500 lbs of payload in the $42K to $48K price range, SWEET! Ultimately, price is the deciding factor. If the Tacoma is price prohibitive or so popular that it will drive down the negotiated price of another truck (Ranger, Frontier, Canyon/Colorado, Gladiator, Ridgeline), then I will use the popularity of the Tacoma to buy a different truck.
Being on a brand-new platform/chassis, this Tacoma is sure to do well on safety scores. The outgoing 2023 Tacoma was still riding on a reworked version of the Tacoma chassis from 2005, hence its safety scores. Decades of advancements in crash structure design and higher strength steels, along with more sophisticated airbags, sensors, automatic functionality have worked wonders. There are now so many good midsize trucks on the market that I certainly wouldn't buy (and live with) a full-size truck unless my use case absolutely REQUIRED one.
@@thatoneotherotherguy thank you for your comments. Agreed regarding so many nice mid-size trucks. Our primary reason for a truck is to tow our small camper and to haul camping gear. Plus we have a detached 20’ wide X 25’ deep garage with two 10’ doors. So, I have room for a 1/2 ton. A 1/2 ton offerers lots of function for towing/hauling. However, we both prefer the size of a midsize and our camper is small enough to be towed by a midsize. Having a enough room to haul camping gear and the required payload will be the issues. We are leaning mid-size, but I have priced some modestly optioned 1/2 tons that offer more function for not much more money (10% to 15% more). The new Tacoma (and others) are impressive!!!
@@deanmay338 fair. To me, size is a big concern. I have no interest in driving a vehicle larger than what I need, it's just not as pleasant day to day. A midsize truck fits into any given parking spot and road gap better than a full-size, which I appreciate. Even if the midsize is barely cheaper than the full size.
@@thatoneotherotherguy that is one of the cool variables with the new Tacoma. It will be available with crew cab and 5’ or 6’ bed. If we decide we need more room than a midsize 5’ bed, the Tacoma with the 6’ bed will be an option! Of course, that will come at the cost of payload, I assume. Still waiting to see real world payload for the new Tacomas. I am fine with the 6,000 to 6,500 tow capacity given our trailer only weighs 2,900 lbs (loaded).
Good car video
great review David , sad to hear that Canada will not get the Pre Runner , i would of liked to put down a deposit on one which now looks like its not going to happen , unless in 2025 they change that and make it a 3 door and would make it more attractive to several buyers across North America 👍
Please comment on interior space changes, if any. Hopefully improved and not cramped like current one.
What about the 3 sharkfins - one is an antenna and the other 2 are for a trailering camera feature...
I liked your video. The need to classify as either practical or gimmicky was sort of gimmicky itself ;) . But I still liked your video 😅. A B + C
Don’t remember hearing it in the video, but I believe that rear brakes are rotar instead of drum. Could be for all trims or maybe higher end. It was shown in per release teaser pictures.
No it is disc I believe
I was really looking forward for this new Tacoma for exchanging my ‘19 Highlander SE, since I thought it would be a really better towing vehicle for my 4000 pound camping trailer. Even though the hybrid version has a lot of torque, bigger brakes and integrated brake controller, I thought that this new Tacoma would be on par with Rangers and Canyons for towing capacity. At 6000 pounds for hybrid, it’s surprisingly low to me.
I know that full size pickups are better towers anyway but I just don’t want a big truck cause I find these too cumbersome the rest of the time while not towing.
So I wonder if this new hybrid Tacoma would tow better than the new 2.7 V6 twin turbo Ranger for my particular need.
I just want a more practical vehicle for camping and some relatively light off-road, and a better tower than my Highlander.
nice review - would have like to see a list at the end. And perhaps you could have gone with a third CAT - as useless or poor idea?? Thanks for the review.
TRD Off-Road with i-Force Max for me. Now lets talk cost and estimated MPG.
I will say I look at most of the new highlighted features as gimmicky. I ended up with a stripped down 2023 Colorado Trailboss for this year and quickly realized I don't miss most of the higher trim options or want things highlighted here.
Cost for the iMax will definitely be much higher. MPG will also be much higher. The outgoing V6 4WD truck did 18/22 if I recall correctly. A Toyota hybrid will do much, much better than that.
@@thatoneotherotherguy I hope so but that wasn't the case with the Highlander, Rav4 and Tundra.
@@chrisx5127 the worst 2021 Tundra did 14mpg combined on EPA. The worst 2022 Tundra does 19mpg combined. The Sienna is another good example of them drastically increasing economy by downsizing displacement and hybridizing.
@@chrisx5127 Our 2021 RAV4 hybrid gets high 30's mpg in the summer, mid 40's mpg in the winter. Best vehicle we've ever had, and have owned everything from VW to Escalade to Datsun to Corvettes to F350. I'm looking forward to the final numbers on the Taco.
Do they offer a fuel efficient hybrid model?
My biggest concern is longevity of hybrid motor and maintenance cost. Never thrilled about buying a first gen of a new design.
Don’t buy one… problem solved.
@@StubProductions captain obvious for the keyboard award.
@@grantwillings8091 I just was solving your concerns. Lol! Make life simple. 😄👍
@@StubProductions 🤦🏽 except I really wanted a taco and saved cash money for years for them to overhaul the second I can buy one for cash…I’m going to keep my 08 gmc just a tad longer. I do hope I force is a success though!
@@grantwillings8091 Sounds like a solid plan. You are smart to pay cash. Yeah hang in there 2 or 3 years based on initial feedback from the first year customers. If there’s bugs that will give Toyota enough time to address any major issues. That truck is a cash cow and they don’t want to risk it’s reputation. It’s a sharp truck.
TrailHunter is the one I go for. Two main reasons are because they have longer bed and full body protection. And of course it’s cheaper than TRD Pro.
I’m looking forward to the new Tacoma. I’m just not too thrilled about small engine w/turbo. I’ve always been impressed with the off-road capabilities and usefulness of a small truck for hunting over full size trucks.
The Toyota technology on turbos are way better that the other brands, specially domestic. GM turbos are having problems are 50k miles and ecoboost are garbage.
Your an engineer what kind of mpg can the hybrid get???
All good improvements and class leading 465 lbft, now just offer the the 3.4 gas only and have class leading hp/torque without taking away rear under seat storage and have rated power available all the time.
I found it odd that they put these fancy seats in the TRD Pro but don't offer it in the Trailhunter. The Trailhunter most off road capable but you still get to bounce around the cab on washboard roads. I would think the most practical move would be to only offer it in the Trailhunter.
I'm really happy what toyota has done with the tacoma. Have you heard of any changes to the 2024 tundra? Trailhunter is on my list for sure
Nothing yet on the 24 Tundra, but I would assume that the Trailhunter would arrive next year
I thought they said the pre runner was coming to Canada at a later date
Toyota should offer the manual transmission on the Trail Hunter with the 6’ bed and 4 door.
No options for naturally-aspirated, manual transmission Tacoma? 🤯
Some of us don't care for turbo.
Is the New Tacoma flat towable to appeal to RV owners as well ?
Good cars
Now you're buying a Tacoma? You sound like me.
Yup lol, he said no like 3 months ago, but you don't choose Tacoma, it chooses you.
Does it ride better- (driver seating position) and is it less fatiguing on long trips?
Yes Seating position has been changed.
It would have been nice to see the X-Runner make a return.
I'm surprised that the Trainhunter does not have it's own tailgate stamp.
It uses the Tacoma brand, like the rest of the lineup, south of the TRD Pro.
That's how you know the TRD Pro is the top of the heap, and the Trailhunter is just another trim
If the Trailhunter had its own tailgate, I'd probably get it, over the TRD Pro.
Lack of rear doors on access cab is huge mistake.
And no manual on xtra cab from what I heard. like WTF Toyota!
The new Taco cabs are jokes, especially the extra cab. The features are pretty good.
Hey David your predictions are always spot on! My dad said you definitely know Toyota products! Lol Even your renders are always 99.9% accurate, a year or 2 before the vehicles are even unveiled lol.
My husband is very happy about the Tacoma and is also getting a TrailHunter! We are very into overlanding and exploring our endless trails all over BC! I'm an SUV buyer and excited for the unveiling of the new GX in just 2 days!. I look forward to your opinions on that too!
Fan of David here, but... man, get off his cock. 99.9% accuracy rate, lol. He's very informative and has exciting speculation, but no UA-camr is 99.9% accurate in any prediction.
You must have a ton of false idols in your life.