4th Gen. Tacomas (2024+) Spy Shots

Only thing holding them back is power trains. They have a rolling chassis with panels and a big brother design out. They have all the ingredients except ironing out the power train. (Source: my assumption)

I think they are going to hit this next gen power train out of the park for efficiency so they want to make sure they test out the six and four cylinder hybrid options to death.

They will have too because people need to buy them well into 2034++ if they want to keep selling them. Based on ~10 year cycles. And electric and 30 mpg + will be the norm by then.
So my guess is they are figuring out how to get close to that with a couple final powertrain options. Real world efficiencies?

 

What a beautiful comparison and set of photos.

It wasn't supposed to be like this, as Toyota set out 5 years ago, to keep the 4Runner alive and redesign in 2021 for 2022 model year and Tacoma in August 2022 for the 2023 MY.

Replacing the initially troubled 5th generation 4Runner, launched in USA on November 23, 2009 and 3rd generation Tacoma launched on September 10, 2015.

Both vehicles were pushed back 1 year during development in 2019 from the top down. Then in 2021, 4Runner program fell behind by over 1 more year and Tacoma program held firm to MY 2024. Recently, Tacoma got delayed 4 more months.

This has been typical of Toyota with nearly all TNGA redesigns. The first TNGA product, the outgoing Prius, was supposed to be a 2015 model in April 2014. It got delayed 20 months to December 2015, as a 2016 model.

As early as January 2011, Toyota already planned for a 3rd generation Tacoma in Q3 2015 and 4th generation in late 2021 for 2022 Model Year. 4Runner was supposed to be discontinued by 2017 and Sequoia as well. 2014 4Runner sales jump reversed that decision, as did dealers throwing a fit over threats to cancel Sequoia in the 2014-15 era. Tundra has stubbornly been in limbo, to maintain a foothold in the 1/2 ton pickup segment and keep Texas plant a worthy ROI.

Toyota has been very cynical in their approach to the 4Runner, as it was a disappointment a decade ago and when things shockingly rebounded, they took their merry to commit back to it for the future. Tacoma has always just sold itself, since the second generation came out and knocked the Ranger out of first place.

I am sorry, I didn't see this sooner. I hope not, because it did affect the 2023 Ranger.

The 2022 Tundra shockingly held up pretty well, because I learned about the December 2021 launch date in October 2019 and reported it to news media, in early 2020.

Crazy how Toyota managed to hold firm to that date for 2 1/2 years on the Tundra, but they are not doing well with the Tacoma judging by recent evidence. When I think about the current Sienna, which got delayed so many times, even before the pandemic and ultimately even so during the pandemic disruptions, I get concerned over the Tacoma falling further into 2024.

A lot of future Toyota models have been delayed as a result, like the next Camry, which was originally due in fall of 2023, now is spring 2024. The big crossovers in Lexus TX and Toyota Grand Highlander, are 2024 models, coming much later than originally expected. I guess we'll see what happens and hopefully like the Tundra that pulled through, Tacoma does as well in under 2 1/2 years.

I think it's the reverse, as I would need to refer back to my own industry/trade info to verify the expense of the Tacoma in relation to profitability.

The Land Cruiser Prado 150-Series, is basically a slightly more expensive 4Runner, which sits between that and the Lexus GX. It forms the basis of the Tacoma, 4Runner, and GX plainly. The Tacoma diverges, by using a C-Channel frame application. Both 4Runner and Tacoma are very North America focused, although the 4Runner still built in Japan, it isn't sold there anymore as the Hilux Surf.

The Hilux pickup sits below the Tacoma and is more suited for rougher regions, in being on the Innovative Multi-Purpose Vehicle platform for developing markets, launched in 2004 and last heavily revised in 2015. Toyota Fortuner, is the SUV version. Tacoma is a bit more high end.

It has been harder to keep justifying the 4Runner, since it is no longer offered in JDM, is still imported, and wasn't a sales leader for many years, until rather mysteriously recently. They have never tried to cancel the Tacoma ever, but have tried with the 4Runner 3 times since 1998 and substituting with other vehicles. Each time USA/dealers revolt or the public speaks with their wallets, shutting up the anti-4Runner forces within Toyota HQ.

 

I just put a deposit down

 

On what?

 

4th gen of course

 

I'm really crossing my fingers that the 4th gen gets here in time for my lease-end on my '21. I want that efficient turbo-4 drivetrain, and keep all the other Tacoma-goodness, and I'll be happy to get one.

 

I sold my Taco for a Tundra when we had our second child. Now with both front facing and maybe just booster seats by the time 4th gen arrives, there should be enough room... Those rear facing seats were dreadful. I'm very much interested in the hybrid twin turbo 4 cylinder. That 3.5 and transmission, at least in my truck was mainly a gear hunter.

 

I highly doubt you will see a twin turbo.

 

I'm not sure if the Lexus NX350 uses a twin or not on its 2.4. I'm more interested in a hybrid option.

 

Early tests I've seen have the truck at 23 MPG highway for the non-hybrid version. Current truck is around 18. Not exactly what I'd consider "barely moving the needle."

 

Hopefully it is a little better than the one in the Ranger. Great MPG, but it was still jerky. It had good low end power but it didn't wow me. The 10 speed shifted quite a bit as well.

But, to be fair it was a rental with 45k miles on it and an 80 MPH speed cap.

 

I was told by a guy from my local dealer that the 4th Gen would still have rear drum brakes; I'm hoping he ends up being wrong! The Tacoma is literally the only pickup in North America that still has rear drum brakes!

 

I highly doubt it because the 4G will be on the same platform as the Tundra.

 

What's the point then? The Tacoma will no longer be a compact!

 

The Frontier uses the Titan platform so l am sure it will be scaled down too.

 

It's not going to be the same truck so yes it will be compact

 

I still feel like Tacomas are losing some of what makes them great...

 

No one likes change, particularly when things seem to be working well. But I doubt it'll change a ton. It'll still be a mid-size pickup and Toyota knows how to do hybrids so I'm sure reliability will still be a major selling point.

 

I really hope l am wrong, but expect the Manual Transmission will disappear on the 4G too.