Dependable, hard-working, unwavering. Those are just some of the words that are synonymous with the Toyota Tacoma. No job is too difficult. No task is too small. The Toyota Tacoma has always been the midsize truck to get it done.

And 2024 marks the start of a new generation of the Toyota Tacoma. The new truck is more fuel efficient, more comfortable and still the capable and dependable pickup that the whole world loves.

At the heart of the 2024 Tacoma is a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Sadly, the V6 is gone. But this new 2.4-litre turbo engine produces broadly the same power as the V6 with a lot more torque. It develops 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.

This will not be the only powertrain available for the 2024 Tacoma. A hybrid version of the 2.4-litre turbo engine will make its way to Canadian shores later in the year. With assist from the electric motors, the Toyota Tacoma i-FORCE MAX Hybrid will produce 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. Furthermore, this new hybrid powertrain should make the 2024 Tacoma one of the most fuel-efficient midsize pickup trucks on sale. Official fuel-consumption numbers have not been released at the time of writing, but the non-hybrid 4X4 Tacoma is rated for up to 12.5 L/100 km in the city and 9.6 L/100 km on the highway.

In addition to the more powerful and efficient powertrain, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma can carry even more cargo than before. Towing capacity remains the same at 6,400 pounds, but with the new eight-speed automatic transmission that is paired with the 2.4-litre engine, it can carry 1,411 pounds in the six-foot or optional five- foot bed. With the six-speed manual transmission, the payload capacity increases to 1,521 pounds. Payload further increases to 1,710 pounds for properly equipped Tacomas with the hybrid powertrain.

The changes continue to the interior. Not only does the new truck have a fresh design, it's also roomier. The seats have been raised up, so it doesn't feel as though you're sitting on the floor anymore. It can be equipped with a 14-inch touchscreen, along with Toyota's latest infotainment system, which supports both wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto.

One interesting feature that will raise a lot of eyebrows is the IsoDynamic Sport Seat available on the TRD Pro trim level. It features a couple of shock absorbers behind both front seats to alleviate unwanted movement while off-roading, or to just provide a bit more comfort while cruising down a city street.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is available at any one of six OpenRoad Toyota locations throughout British Columbia and Ontario. The Tacoma with the hybrid powertrain should arrive a little later in the year.

This story has been edited and condensed for clarity. Read the original version in the Spring/Summer 2024 edition of driver magazine.

Pick up your copy from an OpenRoad Group location in BC, or subscribe to receive our next issue.