Zac Quinn 
The manual transmission is a dying novelty in automobiles; for many, this is just a matter of convenience, as an automatic is simply easier, though we’re sure they function with the help of witchcraft. As for the manual, it gives the driver more control over the vehicle and makes driving a substantially more enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, the manual is all but dead within midsize trucks (at least in the USA/Canada market) except for the Toyota Tacoma. With the newest generation of the Tacoma on the way, we were expecting the manual to disappear, but that appears to be different as a new teaser image shows not two but three pedals for the Japanese truck.
2024 Toyota Tacoma: What To Expect
In addition to the teaser image, Toyota stated, “Legends are more than automatic; they always come in clutch.” In the Tacoma‘s current form, it’s available with a five-speed manual for the base engine and a six-speed manual for the optional V6. As it stands, it’s unclear if Toyota will offer the manual for all trim levels; they do for the current generation, but with the addition of the hybrid powertrain, it’s likely the Trail Hunter or TRD/TRD Pro trims won’t have the manual while the base trims do. Or, it’s entirely dependent on the engine option customers choose from, as with the current generation. Either way, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma will be the only midsize truck that offers a manual transmission and a hybrid powertrain option.
The new Toyota Tacoma is expected to receive an engine range consisting of four-cylinder mills only. A four-cylinder will replace the V6, and the base engine will come from the Highlander, which hints at a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with around 265 horsepower. Above it, there will be a hybrid powertrain that we suspect to be paired with a turbo 2.4-liter with an electric motor that could have as many as 366 ponies under the hood, meaning it’ll easily keep up with the competition of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, GMC Canyon AT4X, and Ford Ranger Raptor.
We can expect the 2024 Toyota Tacoma to start production before the end of the year, with dealers receiving orders in late 2023 or early 2024. The price remains unknown, but we expect it to increase slightly from today’s model, coming in at above $30,000.
