This 2024 shiny “Blue Crush” metallic paint Toyota Tacoma was the vehicle of the week and attracted considerable attention from parking lot pickup fans. They called the Tacoma a “cult” vehicle that they all loved and admired. And there is a lot to be admired about this 2.4L four-cylinder turbo-charged truck.
Final assembly in Guanajuato, Mexico the auto workers put together an easy to enjoy excellent 4×4 double-cab truck with a TRD/ off road package. With the crew cab the Tacoma can haul five passengers with a smaller truck bed with side storage space. The truck rides on 17” machined alloy wheels and is lofty to climb on board to reach nifty heated and ventilated bucket seats.
A push button start launches the drive with a growl from the finely tuned turbo-engine. It is amazing how much power and acceleration can be produced from a 4-cylinder engine linked to an eight-speed transmission. This truck can ramble down the road at ease with three drive mode choices, sport, normal, and eco. I started with the sport but found that the eco mode had power to spare… so why burn extra fuel averaging 21 mpg overall.
While a fair-sized unit, the truck handled like a smaller vehicle, easy to drive, turn, park, and cruise down the freeway. I notice with trucks they just get more respect on the highway.
The power seats were easy to adjust, large outside mirrors, and a very good sound system. This Tacoma was equipped with a TRD optional package with JBL sound system, leather trimmed seats and steering wheel, and a selection of off-road features earning the TRD title, but the extra package increases the suggested manufacturers retail price of $42,900, up to $54,829.
The Tacoma comes with a full slate of safety features earning the highest Toyota Safety Sense rating a 3.0. Along with all the latest safety equipment the drive is enhanced with a super-strong suspension system of coil spring multi-link front shocks and fine-tuned offroad Bilstein rear suspension shocks.
At the end of the week, I was really impressed with the Tacoma and with the ease, comfort, and turbo-performance. It gives a sense of safety and security on the highway and just seems to be a safer, powerful, versatile vehicle to drive and enjoy.