Toyota has introduced the next generation of its Tacoma, with the pickup trucks expected to arrive at Canadian Toyota dealerships in January 2024.

The new truck’s starting price is $46,950.

For this generation, Toyota Canada said in a Nov. 28 news release, engineers focused on Tacoma’s history of quality, durability and reliability while incorporating “modern tech, rugged styling and go-anywhere capability.”

Powertrain and platform

The Tacoma is build on Toyota’s TNGA-F global truck platform, shared with the Tundra, Sequoia and upcoming Land Cruiser. It features high-strength steel with blanking and laser welds to increase rigidity, while aluminum is used in the upper body for weight reduction.

It comes with two powertrain options, both using a 2.4 L turbo four-cylinder engine. On most grades, it offers 278 hp and 317 lb. ft. of torque.

But, on the Limited, TRD Pro and Trailhunter models and available on the TRD Off-Road trim is Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX hybrid. It features the same 2.4 L turbo engine with an electric motor integrated into the automatic transmission. This system’s total output is 326 hp and 465 lb. ft. of torque.

The truck comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). A six-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT) with rev matching and stall avoidance technology is available. The manual transmission models have 270 hp and 310 lb. ft. of torque. Additionally, there’s a clutch start cancel feature, allowing the truck to start while in gear for use on steep grades or technical trail sections.

Inside tech

On the inside, the Tacoma comes with an eight-inch or optional 14-inch multimedia touchscreen with Toyota’s latest multimedia system, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which pairs with the Qi wireless charging pad with enhanced power output.

There’s a USB-C data and charging port on the right side of the multimedia display. There are also dual USB-C charging ports in the front row and available to rear passengers.

The gauge cluster is a seven-inch digital display on the SR5 model, or a 12.3-inch digital display on the TRD models and above.

There’s a Digital Key compatible with smartphones that gives you entry into the vehicle, tailgate access and vehicle starting, but it requires a Remote Connect trial or subscription. The Digital Key can be remotely shared with others. Also available is a Smart Card key, which is a credit card-shaped key.

If you like to jam, there’s also a 10-speaker JBL audio system that’s optional. This audio system includes a JBL Flex portable speaker. When docked on the dash, the speaker charges and operates as the centre channel speaker. When undocked, it becomes a portable Bluetooth speaker that can run for up to six hours, can pair with other Toyota JBL Flex speakers and be submerged in up to three feet of water.

Learn more about the new Tacoma on Toyota Canada’s website.