The 2024 and 2025 Tacoma are redesigned trucks with a new frame, engine, and cabin
Toyota completely rebuilt the Tacoma for the 2024 model year. The truck sits on a new platform, uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine instead of the old 3.5-liter V6, and has a redesigned interior with a larger touchscreen and more storage. The 2025 model carries forward the same structure with minor updates to trim levels and standard features.
The redesign affects how the truck drives, what it costs, and what it can tow. If you own an older Tacoma or are comparing it to competitors, the changes matter for insurance rates, maintenance costs, and resale value.
Key Takeaways
- The 2024 Tacoma uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine that produces 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, replacing the previous 3.5-liter V6.
- Towing capacity increased to 6,800 pounds with the standard engine, and payload capacity is 1,410 pounds depending on configuration.
- The new Tacoma comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on higher trims.
- Fuel economy improved slightly to an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for two-wheel-drive models with automatic transmission.
- The truck is available in four main trim levels: Access Cab, Double Cab, CrewMax, and CrewMax with a shorter bed, each with different seating and cargo configurations.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2024 and 2025 Tacoma uses a single turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque across all trims. This replaces the previous naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, which had 278 horsepower but less torque and worse fuel economy.
The turbo engine delivers power lower in the RPM range, which means the truck accelerates more smoothly from a stop and on the highway. Toyota tuned the transmission to shift smoothly and hold gears longer when towing. Both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions are available, with four-wheel-drive adding an electronic locking rear differential on most trims.
Real-world fuel economy depends on driving habits and whether you use two-wheel or four-wheel drive. The EPA rates the two-wheel-drive automatic at 21 city and 26 highway. Four-wheel-drive models are rated at 20 city and 24 highway. Actual mileage often runs slightly lower when towing or driving in stop-and-go traffic.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The new Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds with the standard turbocharged engine and a properly equipped trailer hitch. Payload capacity — the weight you can carry in the bed — ranges from 1,410 pounds on CrewMax models down to around 1,200 pounds depending on trim and configuration. These numbers are higher than the previous generation, though the difference is modest.
Actual towing and payload depend on the specific trim, bed length, and whether you have four-wheel drive. A CrewMax with four-wheel drive and a shorter bed will have lower payload than an Access Cab with two-wheel drive and a longer bed. Check the window sticker or owner's manual for your exact truck's limits before loading or towing.
If you plan to tow regularly, the turbo engine's lower-RPM torque is an advantage. The truck does not need to work as hard to pull a trailer from a stop or maintain speed on a hill.
Interior, Technology, and Comfort
The redesigned cabin is noticeably larger than the previous Tacoma, with more legroom in the back seats and more storage cubbies throughout. The dashboard now has an 8-inch touchscreen standard on all trims, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included. Higher trims add a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and wireless phone charging.
The steering wheel is now thinner and easier to grip, and the seats are wider with better lumbar support. Climate control is automatic on most trims, and the air conditioning cools faster than before. Rear seat passengers have more headroom, especially in the CrewMax, which is the four-door configuration with the smallest bed.
Storage has improved. The center console is deeper, door pockets are larger, and there are small shelves on the dashboard. If you spend a lot of time in the truck, these changes make a real difference in daily comfort.
Safety Features and Driver information
All 2024 and 2025 Tacomas come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, a suite of driver information features that includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping information. These systems use cameras and radar to monitor the road and can explore the brakes or steer to avoid a collision.
The truck also has eight airbags, stability control, and hill start information as standard. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available on higher trims. The backup camera is standard, and a 360-degree camera view is available on CrewMax models.
These features may lower your insurance premium. Some insurers offer discounts for vehicles with automatic emergency braking or collision avoidance systems. Ask your insurance company whether your specific Tacoma trim qualifies for any discounts.
Trim Levels and Bed Configurations
The Tacoma comes in four main body styles: Access Cab (two doors, smaller back seat), Double Cab (two doors, larger back seat), CrewMax (four doors, full back seat), and CrewMax with a shorter bed. Bed lengths are 5 feet or 5.5 feet on most trims, with a 6-foot bed available on Access Cab and Double Cab models.
Within each body style, Toyota offers trim levels that determine what features are included. Base trims have the essentials — the 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and safety features. Mid-level trims add heated seats, a power driver's seat, and upgraded upholstery. Top trims include the larger digital cluster, wireless charging, and premium audio.
The right combination depends on how you use the truck. If you need to haul cargo regularly, an Access Cab with a 6-foot bed gives you the most bed space. If you carry passengers often, a CrewMax offers the most comfort in the back, though the bed is shorter.
Maintenance and Reliability Expectations
The new turbocharged engine is based on Toyota's proven 2.4-liter platform used in other vehicles, so parts and service should be straightforward. Toyota recommends an oil change every 10,000 miles, which is longer than many competitors. Spark plugs are rated for 120,000 miles.
The turbocharger adds some complexity compared to the old naturally aspirated engine, but turbos on Toyota vehicles have a solid track record. The main thing to watch is using the correct oil grade — the manual specifies 0W-20, and using a heavier oil can damage the turbo.
Early model years of any redesigned vehicle sometimes have issues that show up after thousands of miles. The 2024 Tacoma is still relatively new, so long-term reliability data is limited. Check owner forums and Toyota service bulletins for any recurring problems before you buy.
Pricing and What Affects Insurance Costs
The 2024 Tacoma starts around $28,000 for an Access Cab with two-wheel drive, though prices vary by region and dealer. CrewMax models start around $32,000. The 2025 model year pricing has not been finalized by all dealers, but expect similar starting points with possible increases for new features.
Insurance costs depend on the trim level, engine size, safety features, and your driving record. The turbocharged engine and lighter weight may lower your premium slightly compared to the old V6. The standard safety features — automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping information — often may have access to for discounts with major insurers.
Before buying, contact your insurance company and ask for a quote on the specific trim and year you are considering. Insurance can add hundreds of dollars per year to the cost of ownership, so it is worth comparing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the new turbocharged engine compare to the old V6?
The turbo engine has the same horsepower but more torque, better fuel economy, and lower emissions. It pulls harder from a stop and on hills. The trade-off is that turbos require synthetic oil and can be more expensive to repair if something goes wrong, though Toyota turbos have been reliable in other models.
Can I fit a full-size pallet in the bed?
A standard pallet is 48 inches wide. The Tacoma bed is 60 inches wide, so yes, a pallet fits. A 5-foot bed is 60 inches long, which is tight for a full pallet plus other cargo. A 5.5-foot or 6-foot bed gives you more room.
Is the CrewMax worth the extra cost?
The CrewMax costs more and has a shorter bed, but it seats four adults comfortably and has more rear legroom. If you regularly carry passengers, it is worth it. If you mostly haul cargo alone, an Access Cab or Double Cab with a longer bed is more practical.
What is the difference between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive?
Two-wheel drive is lighter, gets better fuel economy, and costs less. Four-wheel drive handles snow, mud, and rough terrain better and has an electronic locking rear differential on most trims. Choose four-wheel drive if you live in a snowy area or plan to drive off-road regularly.
Will the new Tacoma hold its value?
Toyota trucks historically hold their value well, but the 2024 is too new to have solid resale data. The redesign makes older Tacomas less desirable, which could help resale value for the new generation. Check used truck prices in your area to see what previous-generation Tacomas are selling for.