2024 Tacoma Limited I-Force Max: 1st Impressions (Good & Bad)

Got my Limited a week ago. Traded in my 2014 Sport. Love my new Tacoma and here are my 1st impressions:

Good (Outstanding):

1: New 2.4L Turbo / Hybrid is the best. Feels like a V-8 when in 'Sport mode'. 2014 had V-6 5-speed and never failed me but it did struggle a bit before down shifting. New design is extremely responsive. ~30% better MPG and if I wasn't suck a lead foot on the interstate it could be better.

2: Interior design is wonderful. Top of the line technology and the layout is smart and very functional. I love the 14" screen. I can SEE it and not squint! I will also never get lost with 3 different maps to use (Toyota, Google and Apple).

3: The ride and handling of my new Tacoma wonderful. I know going from a Sport to a Limited trim is not quite apples to apples but it is so much enjoyable to ride around in town or on the highway.

4: Exterior design is very eye catching and great to look at. I've had many compliments on the looks. My '14 was red but Super Sonic Red really pops!

Bad (Really?)

1: #1 disappointment is the Premium JBL Sound System. Whoever signed off on this design has to be tone deaf!!! Two problems that could be fixed. First the center removable speaker is pathetic. Pop it out of the dash and sound system instantly sounds better. This should not be an issue. Any of my mini BOSE speakers would infinitely sound better if it was connected in the dash. Toyota should have spent more time and effort to put PREMIUM into the entire system. Second the software that manages the sound system needs upgraded. Almost all the sound comes out of the cheap sounding center dash speaker. I put the balance about 1/2 to the back and it's better. If you do crank up the volume the center speaker doesn't stick out bad.

2: Goodbye ugly air dam. Hopefully some after market supplier can make a small and better looking part and then I may put it on. I did put the 8 plugs in the lower control arm to prevent whistling.

3: Backseat area. Yes a Tacoma is mid-size truck and no there will never be as much space as one wants. New design seats sit better and higher which is great. The space behind the seat backs all but disappeared and the foot space is narrower. I noticed the spacing between seats when putting groceries in the back. Note I have a hybrid and no under seat storage. I'll take that loss of storage space and take that great new powertrain any day!

Rambling conclusion. Still learning all the new features of my new Tacoma. Love all the new technology features, powertrain, handling, styling. Toyota could and should better job on their premium JBL sound system. Knowing not everything is ever perfect, my new 2024 Tacoma Limited I-Force Max is close. Thanks Toyota!

 

did you drive a none hybrid iforce before you bought yours? i have a hybrid offroad coming in the next week or so!

 

I have a Pro and do not care for the "bump" or "hiccup" that occurs when accelerating from idle. I can feel the engine switch from battery to gas when I accelerate from a stop sign. Feels like I have a loose U-joint or something. It also feels like a normal gas engine with Auto Stop-Start. Don't care for the hesitation and feel of the bump when it switches. My only complaint!

 

I test drove a non-hybrid month ago and loved how it handled. I did NOT test drive a hybrid. I cannot feel the switch from battery to gas or gas to batter. There I have a little 'bump' starting up from idle but I'm not attributing it to being a hybrid. I live on a flat street and if I just 'cruise' from my driveway and get to the stop sign going about 24 mph the engine never starts. But when stopping at next intersection, since I used the hybrid battery for doing my 'cruising' the engine didn't shut off because likely re-charging the battery. IMO power from the engine, turbo and motor is very seamless and I'm very happy with it. Power much more responsive from my previous V6 5-speed. Gas mileage way better but I didn't buy a pickup with any expectation of great gas mileage.

BTW I just picked up my rubber bed mat from dealer. I had one in last Tacoma and it is great for keeping stuff from sliding around in the bed. Still need to tie stuff down but stuff stays where you put it. Super useful.

 

Where are you located? Just wondering if it’s hot as hell, and the AC is working well.

 

What kind of mileage are you getting in the hybrid?

 

in Kansas. it's been and still is HOT. Heat Index triple digits past few days. AC works fine, no complaints. I know the compressor is electrically driven (as well as power steering and likely other items) which I guess is the new world order. I also have an Acura MDX and when at stop signs and forget to defeat it the engine stops and almost immediately it gets hot because compressor stops too. So having an electrically driven ac compressor is good thing in the heat of the summer. Looking under the hood the fan belt isn't what it used to be (long serpentine).

As for mileage so far. About 21 in town (1st 200 miles: jack rabbiting starts, too high of speeds... You know, just trying out the new truck). Put 250 highway miles via interstate driving. 21.5 mpg at 77-80 mph. 20.5 mpg doing 83 for almost 100 miles. I'm a lead foot and can't get to places fast enough! I did have that butt-ugly air dam on but that is now off sitting in my garage to collect dust forever. I'm sure my mileage will improve some. My 2024 Tacoma gave me between 16 -18 mpg so I'm happy already. I generally do about 70% of my miles just puttering around town.

 

I am getting 16 mpg in my Pro. Ouch!

 

How do you drive?

 

Yeah but I bet you are smiling the entire time!

 

Like it’s a Lambo.

 

Actually, I drive my Lambo much more conservatively than I do my Pro! Lambo's are not fun to drive in the city!

 

Yea those potholes suck. Used to make me cringe when I was driving my Grand Sport.

 

on your hybrid did you find the mode where you can see hybrid battery state of charge on the cluster?>

 

You can see the hybrid battery view (battery level and output) as 'MAX' on the right side if you split the dashboard into 3 sections. You can display the 'I-Force' turbo view on the left. Just scroll through the MID options on each side.

 

My hybrid battery shows 50% charged. How about others????

 

Yes. Battery is always at 50% or so. Why?????