Believe it or not, the next generation of Toyota’s popular mid-size pickup could come also with a diesel engine under the hood, for the first time in its 27-year-long history. We already know that the next generation of this pickup will come with gasoline, hybrid, and all-electric powertrain. However, the latest reports also suggest the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Diesel, which would use Toyota’s new turbodiesel, developed for the Land Cruiser 300. At this point, the officials are still quiet on this matter.
If this happens, it would be the first time to see a Tacoma with an oil burner. Other than the engine, this model wouldn’t be any different than the rest of the lineup. We expect to see a completely new design, based on the new platform, with improvements in all aspects. The new model should arrive in the second half of 2023.
2024 Toyota Tacoma Diesel Engine
Of course, the powertrain would be the most interesting aspect of this pickup. Besides gasoline, hybrid, and all-electric powertrain, the new generation could also come with a diesel engine, and that could be a pretty serious engine if we can trust rumors. That would be the Toyota’s new 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 turbodiesel, which puts out 309 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, which is a lot more compared to the Jeep Gladiator with a diesel engine, which is good for about 260 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque.
Other sources suggest something less powerful and more affordable. In that scenario, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Diesel would come with a familiar and proven 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel, which already underpins the Hilux, Land Cruiser Prado etc. That engine puts out around 201 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque.
2024 Toyota Tacoma Diesel Design
Other than the diesel engine, this version shouldn’t feature a bigger design difference compared to the rest of the lineup. Therefore, we count on a completely new design, which is about to come with the upcoming overhaul. First of all, we will see a new platform. Of course, we are talking about the TNGA-F architecture, which will bring improvements in ride quality, handling etc. It should also increase the max towing capacity, which should go way over 7.500 pounds with the diesel engine.
Of course, we also count on new aesthetics, based on the brand’s latest design language. That means that the front end would look pretty similar to the new Tundra, though with a fair amount of exclusive details.
Interior
Just like the current generation, the new model should also continue with two cab styles in the offers. Base models will come with the Access Cab, which is essential for an extended cab style with a capacity for four people. On the other hand, the Double Cab model will come with more space in the second row and a capacity for five adult passengers. In both cases, we expect more passenger room compared to the outgoing generation, which isn’t particularly friendly to taller passengers.
Of course, the dashboard will be all-new as well and, once again, we count on a lot of inspiration taken from the new Tundra. In any case, we count on finer materials and improved build quality. Furthermore, we also count on more tech features, including bigger screens, digital clusters, more connectivity features and similar things.
2024 Toyota Tacoma Diesel Release Date and Price
We believe that the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Diesel could arrive the next summer. We roughly estimate the starting price at around 35.000 dollars. The Jeep Gladiator Diesel would be the key competitor, but there are also models like Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado and Nissan Frontier, though they aren’t available with oil burners.