For decades, the Toyota Tacoma has been the undisputed king of the mid-size pickup truck world. Its reign was built on a foundation of unshakeable reliability, rugged simplicity, and a V6 engine that, while not the most powerful or efficient, was as dependable as the sunrise. So when Toyota announced the all-new 2024 Tacoma would ditch the venerable V6 in favor of a turbocharged four-cylinder, the loyal fanbase felt a collective tremor. Skepticism was rampant. Could a smaller, more complex engine possibly fill the legendary shoes of its predecessor? Is this new motor a stroke of engineering genius or a misstep that tarnishes a legacy?
The short answer is a resounding yes, the new Tacoma motor is good. In fact, it’s a monumental leap forward in almost every measurable way. But the full answer is more nuanced, representing a fundamental shift in the Tacoma’s character. It trades old-school, naturally aspirated charm for modern, turbocharged competence. To truly understand if this new heart is the right one for America’s favorite mid-size truck, we need to dive deep into the technology, the performance, and the soul of this new powertrain.
A New Heart for a Legend: Unpacking the 2024 Tacoma Powertrains
The change from a single, simple V6 to a lineup of advanced four-cylinders is the single biggest story of the new-generation Tacoma. Toyota didn’t just replace the engine; it re-imagined the truck’s entire propulsive philosophy, offering two distinct flavors of a new 2.4-liter turbocharged engine core.
The End of an Era: Saying Goodbye to the 3.5L V6
Before we celebrate the new, we must pay respects to the old. The outgoing 3.5-liter V6, known as the 2GR-FKS, was the engine of choice for a generation of Tacoma owners. It produced a respectable 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. Its greatest strength was its proven track record. This engine was a known quantity, a powerplant you could trust to start every morning and carry you through the harshest conditions without complaint.
However, it wasn’t perfect. Drivers often criticized its lack of low-end torque, which required you to rev the engine high into its power band to feel any real sense of urgency. This “gear hunting” on highways was a common gripe. Furthermore, its fuel economy was decidedly mediocre, often struggling to meet its EPA estimates in real-world driving. It was a reliable engine, but it was also an aging one in a world demanding more power and better efficiency.
Enter the i-FORCE: The Turbocharged Standard
The new base engine for the 2024 Tacoma is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, branded as the i-FORCE. This isn’t just one engine, but a platform with multiple states of tune depending on the trim level.
In the entry-level SR model, it produces a modest 228 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. While the horsepower is lower than the old V6, the torque figure is what matters for a truck, and it arrives much earlier in the rev range, making the base truck feel more responsive in city driving.
For the SR5 trim and above, this same 2.4-liter engine is tuned to deliver a much more robust 278 horsepower and a mighty 317 lb-ft of torque when paired with the new 8-speed automatic transmission. This is a game-changer. It matches the old V6 on horsepower but delivers a substantial 52 lb-ft of additional torque. For those who prefer to shift their own gears, a six-speed manual transmission is still available on select trims, with the engine in this configuration making 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The immediate availability of that torque transforms the Tacoma’s driving dynamics, eliminating the sluggish feeling of the old V6.
The Hybrid Heavyweight: The i-FORCE MAX
Sitting at the pinnacle of the new powertrain lineup is the i-FORCE MAX. This is where Toyota’s engineering prowess truly shines. It takes the same 2.4-liter turbo-four and integrates a 48-horsepower electric motor directly into the 8-speed transmission, powered by a 1.87-kWh Nickel-Metal Hydride battery pack.
The combined output is staggering for a mid-size truck: 326 horsepower and an earth-moving 465 lb-ft of torque. This isn’t a hybrid designed purely for sipping fuel like a Prius; this is a hybrid system engineered for brute force. The torque figure is nearly double that of the old V6, and it’s available almost instantly thanks to the electric motor’s immediate response. This powertrain is standard on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter models and available on the TRD Off-Road, TRD Sport, and Limited trims. It represents the most powerful and capable engine ever offered in a Tacoma from the factory.
The Numbers Game: How the New Tacoma Motor Stacks Up
Spec sheets don’t tell the whole story, but they provide a crucial, objective starting point for comparison. When you lay the numbers out side-by-side, the advantage of the new turbocharged and hybrid powertrains becomes crystal clear. It’s not just an incremental improvement; it’s a generational leap in performance potential.
| Powertrain | Engine | Max Horsepower | Max Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outgoing V6 | 3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6 | 278 hp | 265 lb-ft |
| New Standard i-FORCE | 2.4L Turbocharged I4 | 278 hp | 317 lb-ft |
| New i-FORCE MAX | 2.4L Turbocharged I4 Hybrid | 326 hp | 465 lb-ft |
The table reveals a compelling narrative. The standard i-FORCE engine matches the old V6’s horsepower while providing a massive torque advantage, which is far more useful in daily driving and truck duties. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid is in a completely different league, offering power figures that rival some full-size trucks from just a few years ago. This translates directly to capability. While the maximum towing capacity remains at 6,500 pounds for select i-FORCE models, the ease with which the new engine will handle that weight is significantly improved. The engine won’t need to scream at high RPMs to get a heavy load moving; the abundant low-end torque will do the work effortlessly.
Beyond the Spec Sheet: Real-World Performance and Driving Impressions
Numbers are one thing; how the truck feels from behind the wheel is another entirely. The new Tacoma’s character has been reshaped by its new heart, and the driving experience is profoundly different—and better.
On the Pavement: A More Refined Daily Driver
The biggest complaint about the old Tacoma was its powertrain’s behavior during normal driving. The 3.5L V6 felt lethargic off the line and the transmission often seemed confused, hunting for the right gear to access the engine’s narrow powerband.
The new 2.4L turbo completely rectifies this. With peak torque arriving as low as 1,700 RPM, the 2024 Tacoma feels eager and responsive from a standstill. A gentle press of the accelerator is met with a confident surge of power, making city driving, merging onto freeways, and passing slower traffic a smooth and effortless affair. The new 8-speed automatic transmission is a brilliant partner to the engine, with quick, intelligent shifts that keep the turbo in its sweet spot without ever feeling busy or jarring. The engine itself is smoother and quieter during cruising, contributing to a more refined and comfortable cabin experience. It feels less like a utilitarian workhorse and more like a modern, sophisticated vehicle.
Off the Beaten Path: Torque is King
While the on-road manners are a welcome improvement, the Tacoma’s soul lives in the dirt, and this is where the new engines truly assert their dominance. Off-roading is all about control and immediate power at low speeds, and the key ingredient for that is torque.
The old V6 required high revs to access its power, which is the last thing you want when trying to carefully crawl over a rock or navigate a steep, loose incline. The new i-FORCE motor, with its deep well of low-RPM torque, is a revelation. It allows for precise throttle modulation and the ability to climb obstacles with minimal effort.
The i-FORCE MAX hybrid is the undisputed off-road champion. The “MAX” in its name might as well stand for Maximum Control. The instant torque from the electric motor provides a smooth, linear power delivery that is simply unmatched by any purely internal combustion engine. It allows the truck to creep over technical terrain with incredible precision and power in reserve. For serious off-road enthusiasts, the i-FORCE MAX isn’t just an improvement; it’s a paradigm shift in capability.
The Elephant in the Room: Long-Term Reliability
For the Tacoma faithful, performance gains mean little without the promise of bulletproof reliability. This is the core of the skepticism surrounding the new engine. A naturally aspirated V6 is mechanically simple. A modern turbocharged, direct-injected, and hybrid system is inherently more complex, with more parts that could potentially fail.
This concern is valid, but it should be viewed in the context of Toyota’s engineering philosophy. Toyota did not rush into turbocharging. They have been a leader in hybrid technology for over two decades with the Prius, and their hybrid systems are legendary for their longevity. More recently, the larger Toyota Tundra and Sequoia adopted the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain (with a V6 base), providing a real-world test bed for the technology on a larger scale.
Toyota is known for its exhaustive and conservative engineering and testing processes. While any new powertrain will have a proving period, Toyota’s brand identity is built on quality, durability, and reliability. They have arguably more to lose than any other manufacturer if this new Tacoma engine proves problematic. While only years of real-world use across hundreds of thousands of trucks will provide the definitive answer, betting against Toyota’s ability to build a reliable engine is historically a losing proposition.
The Verdict: Is the New Tacoma Motor Any Good?
So, let’s return to the original question. Is the new Tacoma motor any good? The answer is an unequivocal and emphatic yes. It is a brilliant piece of modern engineering that addresses every significant shortcoming of the old V6 while elevating the Tacoma’s performance to the top of its class.
It delivers more power, vastly more usable torque, better responsiveness, and improved fuel efficiency in a package that is both more refined for daily driving and more capable for serious off-road adventure. The standard i-FORCE turbo-four transforms the truck into a willing and eager partner on the road, while the i-FORCE MAX hybrid sets a new benchmark for mid-size truck power and off-road control.
Yes, it sacrifices the mechanical simplicity that some purists cherished. It replaces a familiar, high-revving character with the low-end grunt and sophisticated feel of a modern turbocharged engine. For some, this change in character may take some getting used to. But for the vast majority of drivers, the trade-off is overwhelmingly positive. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma’s new motor isn’t just good; it’s the engine the Tacoma has needed for years. It’s a worthy successor that doesn’t just carry the torch—it burns brighter than ever before.
What engine replaces the old V6 in the 2024 Toyota Tacoma?
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma replaces its long-serving 3.5-liter V6 engine with a new, standard 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This new powertrain, branded as the i-FORCE, is the primary engine for the majority of the Tacoma lineup, from the base SR trim to the Limited model. This move away from natural aspiration to forced induction reflects a broader industry trend aimed at improving both efficiency and low-end power delivery in a more compact package.
This new engine is paired with a modern 8-speed automatic transmission, which is a significant upgrade over the previous generation’s 6-speed automatic. For enthusiasts who prefer more control, a 6-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT) with automatic rev-matching is also available on certain trims. The combination of the new engine and updated transmissions is designed to provide a more refined, responsive, and modern driving experience compared to the outgoing model.
How does the new turbocharged four-cylinder compare to the previous V6 in terms of power and torque?
While the new engine is smaller, it is more powerful in the metric that matters most for a truck: torque. The outgoing 3.5-liter V6 produced 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. The new standard 2.4-liter turbo-four, in its most common configuration, produces up to 278 horsepower and a much more impressive 317 lb-ft of torque. This represents a substantial 52 lb-ft increase in twisting force over the old V6.
The key advantage is not just the higher peak number, but where that torque is produced. The turbocharger allows the new engine to deliver its maximum torque at very low RPMs, starting around 1,700 RPM. In contrast, the old V6 had to be revved much higher to access its power. This gives the new Tacoma a significantly more responsive and muscular feel off the line, during acceleration, and in low-speed off-road situations, making the truck feel quicker and more capable in everyday driving.
Is the new 2024 Tacoma more fuel-efficient?
Yes, the shift to the downsized turbocharged engine results in a notable improvement in fuel economy. For example, a popular configuration like a 4WD model with an automatic transmission can achieve an EPA-estimated 23 MPG combined, a clear improvement over the roughly 20 MPG combined rating for a comparable V6 model from the previous generation. This efficiency gain is achieved without sacrificing horsepower and while significantly increasing torque.
Several factors contribute to this increased efficiency. The smaller engine displacement inherently consumes less fuel, and the turbocharger ensures power is available when needed without the penalty of large cylinders. Furthermore, the new 8-speed automatic transmission provides a wider range of gear ratios, allowing the engine to operate in its most efficient RPM range more frequently, whether cruising on the highway or driving in the city. This smarter powertrain management is central to its improved MPG figures.
What is the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain and is it worth it?
The i-FORCE MAX is the premier powertrain option for the 2024 Tacoma, available on TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited trims, and standard on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter models. It is a performance-oriented hybrid system that combines the 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-hp electric motor integrated directly into the 8-speed transmission. This setup generates a class-leading total system output of 326 horsepower and a massive 465 lb-ft of torque.
Whether it’s worth it depends on the buyer’s priorities. This powertrain is not designed primarily for fuel savings like a Prius, but for power and capability. The electric motor’s instant torque delivery effectively eliminates turbo lag, providing immediate and overwhelming acceleration from a standstill. This makes it exceptionally capable for towing, high-performance off-roading, and aggressive on-road driving. For those who want the most powerful and capable Tacoma ever built, the i-FORCE MAX is an essential and game-changing upgrade.
Are there any reliability concerns with this new turbocharged engine?
It is natural for customers to have questions about the long-term reliability of a new, more complex engine, especially when it replaces a V6 known for its durability. The move from a simpler, naturally aspirated engine to a turbocharged one introduces more components, such as the turbo itself, intercoolers, and additional plumbing. However, this engine architecture is not entirely new to Toyota, as it is based on the same family of engines used in other recent models like the Toyota Highlander and Lexus NX.
Toyota has built its brand on a foundation of legendary reliability, and the company subjects its new powertrains to exhaustive and rigorous testing protocols in extreme conditions to ensure they meet these high standards. While only time and real-world mileage will provide the definitive verdict, Toyota’s engineering reputation suggests that the new i-FORCE engine has been designed to uphold the Tacoma’s legacy of toughness and dependability. Initial reports and engineering analysis indicate it is a robust and well-built powertrain.
How has the new engine affected the Tacoma’s towing and hauling capabilities?
The 2024 Tacoma’s specifications show a slight decrease in maximum towing capacity, which now tops out at 6,500 pounds, down from the 6,800-pound maximum of the previous generation. However, this is balanced by a significant increase in payload capacity, which has risen to a maximum of 1,709 pounds, a notable improvement that makes the truck more capable of carrying heavy loads in its bed.
Despite the slightly lower max tow rating, the actual experience of towing is greatly improved thanks to the new engine’s torque profile. The substantial increase in low-end torque from both the standard i-FORCE and the hybrid i-FORCE MAX means the truck no longer needs to hunt for gears or rev to high RPMs to pull a heavy load. The engine feels less strained and provides more confident acceleration while towing, resulting in a more comfortable and less stressful experience for the driver.
Does the smaller engine change the driving feel of the Tacoma?
Yes, the new engine completely transforms the driving feel of the Tacoma for the better. A common criticism of the old V6 was its lack of low-end grunt, which made it feel somewhat lethargic and required high revs to feel powerful. The new 2.4-liter turbo engine rectifies this entirely. The immediate availability of its 317 lb-ft of torque makes the truck feel substantially quicker, more responsive, and more effortless in all driving situations.
This new powertrain characteristic makes the Tacoma more enjoyable to drive daily. Merging onto the freeway, passing other cars, or simply accelerating from a stoplight is now a smooth and energetic experience. Paired with the quick and intelligent shifts from the new 8-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain feels thoroughly modern and muscular. It has changed the Tacoma from a truck with an adequate engine to one with a genuinely dynamic and engaging powertrain.