2024 Toyota Tacoma Xtracab

How does the Tacoma drive? The turbocharged four-cylinder engine puts to rest any concern that the loss of the Tacoma's old V6 engine would be a detriment to the truck's driving experience and capability. We tested a TRD Sport with the 278-hp output. It's peppy enough around town and strong enough to propel the truck to 60 mph in a respectable 7.6 seconds in our testing. We also tested a TRD Pro with the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain. Even with the extra power of the hybrid, the extra weight and off-road hardware was only marginally quicker to 60 mph (7.4 seconds) and was slower through the quarter mile. In either powertrain, the transmission shifts quickly and smoothly, with no unnecessary shifting or hunting for gears on hills.

We were also particularly impressed by the Tacoma's on-road braking performance. The pedal is responsive but engages the brakes smoothly, making it a cinch to scrub off speed accurately at any speed. Handling usually isn't much of a concern to truck buyers, but the Tacoma's steering is light and accurate and it displays good manners on the highway no matter which trim you choose.

Depending on the trim level, the Tacoma's off-road prowess ranges from mediocre (due to a large but removable air dam) to formidable at both high and low speeds. Trick shock absorbers and clever traction control ensure this truck will excel in most off-road situations.

How comfortable is the Tacoma? The Tacoma's wide and somewhat flat front seats offer comfort for people of varying sizes. The cloth seats in our test truck felt a little coarse, especially compared with the optional synthetic leather upholstery, but should prove plenty durable in the long run. The rear seats aren't especially roomy, which is typical of the midsize truck segment, and taller passengers felt the seat cushions were too low and short for longer drives. Be aware, if you opt for the TRD Pro, its complicated and large IsoDynamic seats all but eliminate rear seat legroom.

How the Tacoma rides will depend largely on which trim level you choose. Lower trim levels like the SR feel more like how you expect a basic truck to ride — a bit stiff. Higher grades offer more advanced suspension systems that help smooth out the ride. All Tacomas benefit from clearly marked and easy-to-use climate control systems. The buttons and knobs are large enough to be operated easily while wearing gloves.

How’s the interior? Aside from the rugged-looking interior styling, the center touchscreen is the most dominant feature of the Tacoma. An 8-inch unit is standard but our test truck had the upgraded 14-inch screen. It has easy-to-use menus and a sharp resolution that makes the optional surround-view camera system look great. While many new vehicles are moving toward virtual buttons, it's refreshing to find so many real buttons and switches in the Tacoma.

Getting into the Tacoma isn't terribly difficult, but the rear seats are a bit harder to access due to the limited amount of legroom. Opting for the TRD Pro and its unique but gigantic shock-absorbing seats all but eradicates any hope of carrying rear seat passengers in any comfort. Once behind the wheel, the driver enjoys a good deal of adjustability, especially from the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and there's plenty of headroom for tall drivers.

How are the towing and storage? The Tacoma prioritizes storage and functionality. There are two cargo bed sizes and an available 400-watt household-style power outlet. Tacomas equipped with the hybrid powertrain get a boost to 2,400 watts. Inside, the Tacoma offers quite a few storage options. Front and rear doors are chock full of cubbies, as is the center console. There's a handy tray over the glovebox too.

If you opt for the XtraCab configuration, the area behind the front seats (though it's still only a two-seat truck) is filled with additional storage for larger items, making it quite practical for carrying things you'd rather not keep in the bed. In the four-door Double Cab, the rear seatbacks fold down and the seat cushions flip up to reveal additional storage.

Maximum payload capacity for the Tacoma is a pretty solid 1,710 pounds. Towing capacity is more average at 6,500 pounds when properly equipped — the Colorado maxes out at 7,700 pounds, for example — but the Tacoma should be able to pull most small to midsize trailers.

Is the Tacoma a good value? Toyota offers a wide range of Tacoma trims to better match various truck shopper needs and budgets. But lower-grade Tacomas make no effort to hide their lack of options, and their interiors are peppered with blank buttons and other signs of missing equipment. More basic Tacomas also lack the refinement of similarly equipped Chevy Colorados and feel much more utilitarian.

Warranties of three years/36,000 miles and six years/60,000 miles for bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage are about average for the segment. Toyota also included two years of free maintenance and roadside assistance.

In most of its trim levels, the Tacoma is designed to be more of a workhorse than it is to be particularly engaging. But there's an underrated satisfaction to a vehicle that can do so much without trouble. The styling of the Tacoma proved more divisive than we expected. Some of our editors like the aggressive look of this midsize truck, while others found it a bit cartoonish and over-the-top. The capabilities of the TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims go a long way toward backing up the Tacoma's aggressive styling, but there's something to be said for a no-frills Tacoma. It's almost an American institution.