2024 Toyota Tacoma Chief Engineer // What you need to know!

Sheldon Brown is the chief engineer for the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. He explains the most important new features and benefits of the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma.
There are two powertrain options, the standard engine is a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic transmission, 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. There is also a 6-speed manual transmission with automatic rev matching and anti-stall technology. Manual transmission models produce 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

There’s also the available I-Force Max Hybrid powertrain with a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This nearly doubles the torque of the current V6 model. It has a 48 horsepower electric motor integrated into the 8-speed transmission with a 1.87 kWh battery pack.

In Canada, the Tacoma comes exclusively in four-wheel drive models which have an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range along with active traction control. In the US, 4x2 is also available. An electronic locking rear differential is standard on TRD-Off Road, TRD Pro and Trailhunter grades. The Limited model features a full time 4-wheel drive system with a centre locking differential on hybrid models.

Improvements were made across all grades enhancing Tacoma’s off-road capability from severe rock climbing to high-speed desert racing. So whether you want a little more luxury in the Limited grade or a very capable Tacoma TRD Off-Road, you’ll find one that fits your lifestyle.

A new front cross member was constructed for the steering gear box, a new high lift jack point is integrated into the rear frame and to enhance ride and handling characteristics is a newly available multi-link suspension, this replaces the previous model’s leaf springs in favour of a set of coils. However, the leaf springs stay on SR, SR5 Xtra Cab grades and TRD Prerunner. The Tacoma also gets new 4-wheel disc brakes, TRD models and above are equipped with a larger front brake package. The hybrid model adds a larger rear brake package.

An electronic parking brake allows for low-speed radar control and a brake hold function. The Tacoma also gets electric power steering.

Available electronic front stabilizer bar that can disconnect for a 10% increase in wheel articulation.

The Tacoma now features suspensions that are specific to each grade. For example, TRD Sport has red TRD sport tuned shocks for a more responsive feel, the TRD off-road grade has monotube Bilstein remote reservoir shocks, the TRD Pro has FOX’s new QS3 three-way adjustable internal bypass shocks with remote reservoirs, the Trailhunter has Old Man EMU 4x4 suspension by ARB that is tuned for optimum levels of off-road control and Limited grades feature a new adaptive variable suspension.
The interior comes with a standard 8” touchscreen, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, it’s got Toyota’s new multi-media system that was introduced in the 2022 Tundra. There’s an available 14” touchscreen, wireless charger, an available multi-terrain monitor, a 360-degree camera, a 12.3” digital driver display, 7” is standard and a 10-speaker JBL sound system is also available, it has an available portable speaker and when it’s undocked it can run for up to 6 hours. Other available features included heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display and a heated steering wheel. All models get push button start and you want a digital key so you can start the vehicle with your phone, it’s through a trial or subscription. That digital key can also be shared with others who are using the vehicle.

Gas models have three times more storage under the rear seat than the previous model and you can also fold the rear seatback flat.

TRD Pro models include Isodynamic performance seats for enhanced off-road driving control and comfort. TRD Pro models sit 2” higher in the front and an 1 ½ higher in the rear compared to the SR5. Gas modesl have three times more storage under the rear seat from the previous model as well and you can also fold the rear seatback flat.

[kenhoward]

I can't imagine a better person to explain the behind-the-scenes thinking that went into this new Tacoma. Now, if only we could avoid the dreadful task of buying from a car dealership.

[j.martin]

I really love this guys ability to clearly communicate the vision and execution of their goal. This is the kind of guy people want to work for and with.

[shawnroberts]

As a Toyota R&D engineer working on developing the next generation Camry, the engineers on this project worked SO hard and knocked it out the park. It's amazing to see the final product!

[michaelsylvester]

I applaud him and his team to make the Tacoma the top midsize pickup truck.

[johnshambra]

Just looking at the chief engineer, I feel like I can trust everything he says. He looks like someone who would drive this truck.

[jeffer]

Such a brilliant move by Toyota. So many different trims, with different equipment available. Basic work trucks, luxury mall crawlers, competent off road options, there really is a truck for everyone.

[mowman]

The best car and truck company just keeps getting better.

[lynnjr.]

Toyota is the perfect example of what happens when two or more countries come together in unity. Japan and America both working together to produce awesome, dependable products for their customers. They’ve hired the perfect Chief Engineer for the Toyota Tacoma. We like dependable, capable trucks that are practical and useful. Spaces need to serve a purpose for the things we enjoy doing. Such as over-landing, camping, daily rock, and or mud-trail riding. Southern men use their trucks to navigate muddy trails that could potentially get the wrong setup stuck. We use them for hunting, fishing, camping, we sometimes put campers on the back and put other valuable items and whatnot back there. Other more northern states may use them for more of a rock climbing type of setup. Western United States uses them for Baja, which is awesome as well. And a little bit of everyone, from everywhere uses them for camping and over landing. And for once in my life, I’m genuinely excited about the hybrid engine package, a 2.4 liter turbocharged engine coupled with a 48 hp electric motor, delivering 465 lb-ft of torque and 326 hp; I’m all in. That’s practical, and awesome! I’ll take the Pro, blacked-out from top to bottom on the exterior please 😊

[tomdrummy]

What I like about Toyota is they listen to the customers……and adjust to what they want. I believe that is called “common sense” if you want to sell what you produce 🙂

[Ryan-cflc]

Nice to see change based on customer feedback

[chuckkerber]

Beautiful truck- looks like we might have a preview of what the face of the new 4Runner will look like. Great review!

[NinerK]

Thanks for posting this MM!

I’ve seen Sheldon interviewed on multiple channels and always enjoy his explanation of the how and why 4th Gen Tacoma was designed and built.

I want Sheldon to sign the dash in our new Tacoma!

[illuminaughty]

Sheldon, you and your team did an awesome job

[Craiglife]

I own a '22 Tacoma TRD Pro access cab with a 6' bed. Love it! Thinking about ordering a new '24 but I'm not happy that they've apparently done away with the access cab, and the 6' bed if you want the full TRD pro. I love my access cab, I haul gear and groceries and people all the time. I don't want to have to fold my front seats down to access the back, and you obviously can't have any passengers.

[richieewinns]

I really love the trailhunter. I can’t wait for the 4runner now and i hope it gets just as much love because she is LONG overdue.

[trey]

This guy did an amazing job explaining the different trims. I wish they did not make an electric tailgating and parking brake.. I also wish that they kept the keyed ignition and didn’t make such a large screen.. Minus those four things I like the truck a lot. I’m glad they kept the manual

[tacomafan]

Kudos Toyota! I love the new Tacoma!!!

[AATom]

Obviously Toyota is a customer driven company.

[frankjackter]

I’ve watched many of these videos. This gentleman is just the best. I’m waiting for the 2024 to come to dealers for a test ride. I want one period!!!

[rendezvu]

I was never a truck guy. But Toyota has won me over with this generation.