2024 Toyota Tacoma Review

By Staff Posted on October 11, 2024

The Toyota Tacoma is a popular and well-regarded mid-size pickup truck that is known for its durability, off-road capabilities, and strong resale value. The Tacoma is a good choice for those who need a versatile and capable vehicle that can handle off-road driving and has a strong reputation for reliability. It competes with other mid-size pickup trucks such as the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, and the Nissan Frontier, but it is more adept at maneuvering in tight urban and suburban environments and offers a range of customization options and interior space not usually found in compact SUVs.

Featured in this Article

2024 Toyota Tacoma 4WD

Learn More about the 2024 Toyota Tacoma 4WD

More Videos

2024 Ford F-150 Review

The 2024 F-150 comes with many engines, trims and body options so let get rite into nitty-gritty details. The most basic engine is a 3.3L V6, which produces 290 horsepower, allowing for a tow rating over 7,600 pounds. The next step up is a 2.7L turbocharged V6 that makes 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. A bigger 3.5L turbocharged V6 makes 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. Of course, a V8 is still available; it's a 5.0L unit making 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. A high-output version of the 3.5L turbocharged V6 making 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque is also offered. Trims include XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Tremor and Limited. The basic XL trim is available with three different cab sizes and three different bed lengths in either 2WD or 4WD configurations. Owing to its work-truck pretensions, the XL is relatively light on bells and whistles, with just basic utilities like an AM/FM radio and a 4-inch screen in the center stack. The XLT, while still relatively basic, adds chrome bumpers, Ford's SYNC 3 system, fog lamps, an alarm, air conditioning, automatic headlamps, cruise control, keyless entry, power windows, a powered tailgate and power door locks. The Tremor model offers loads of off-road specific features such as upgraded suspension for better ground clearance and softer dampening. It also comes with many drivetrain features such as locking differentials and reinforced front hub knuckles, as well as other exterior elements such as off-road running boards, upgraded bash plates, high-flow exhaust, and unique front fascia. Lariat-trimmed F-150s start to venture into more luxurious territory and are only available with extended or crew cab cabins. Standard equipment on the Lariat includes power folding door mirrors, a rearview camera, 18-inch wheels, ambient interior lighting, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, a power sliding rear window, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather-trimmed seats, a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, SiriusXM satellite radio and an 8-inch touchscreen. King Ranch versions come standard with the 5.0L V8 engine, a crew cab cabin and 2-tone exterior paint. Other features on the King Ranch include LED box lighting, LED headlamps, lots of exterior chrome, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals and an auto-dimming feature on the driver's side, a remote starter, heated front and rear seats, wood interior trim and dual zone climate control. The Platinum version is the urban cousin to the King Ranch trim. Like the King Ranch, it's only available with a crew cab and the V8. It also features a voice-activated navigation system, unique 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, LED side mirror spotlights, power deployable running boards, aluminum interior trim and a leather wrapped and heated steering wheel. Finally, the Limited trim rides on 22-inch wheels and makes standard a whole range of convenience items that are optional on lesser trims. These include a 360-degree camera with split-view display, remote tailgate release, a twin-panel moonroof and more.

2024 Ford Ranger Review

The 2025 Ford Ranger is powered by a 270 horsepower 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission while the 4x4 Raptor trim is powered by a 3.6 twin turbo V6 with 405 horsepower. There is only one body styles available the SuperCrew that comes with a five-foot bed in both 4x2 and 4x4. Three trims are available on both drive types: XL, XLT, or Lariat with the 4x4 Raptor at the top of the lineup. The basic XL trim comes with automatic headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, wi-fi hotspot, manual locking tailgate, locking glove box, power door locks, 2 USB ports, Ford's SYNC infotainment system, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, pedestrian detection alert, and forward collision mitigation. The XLT trim adds both luxury and style over the XL with bumpers painted in body color, LED fog lamps, auto high beam, blind spot detection, rear collision warning, lane keep assist, driver attention alert, power mirrors, rear window defroster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6-speaker system, satellite radio, infotainment system with voice activation, power locking tailgate, and adaptive cruise control. At the top of the Ranger lineup sits the Lariat, with leather trimmed seats, LED headlights and taillights, LED fog lights, ambient lighting, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and proximity doors with push button start. The Lariat also comes standard with 18-inch machine finished alloy wheels, power folding heated side mirrors with turn-signals, driver and passenger power seats, and heated front seats. The Raptor trim features a dual chrome exhaust, an active suspension, skid plates, side steps, a 10-speaker sound system, a 12-inch touchscreen, navigation with voice activation, wireless device charging, push button start, a 12-inch gauge cluster, and a surround view camera. The Raptor also takes safety seriously with automated parking sensors, active lane departure, blind spot warning, forward and rear collision mitigation, front pedestrian detection, a driver attention alert and a traffic sign information system.

2024 Ford F 250 Super Duty Review

Ford's F-Series Super Duty pickup trucks are built on a fully boxed frame made of 95 percent high-strength steel. The platform shaves nearly 350 pounds from the curb weight of its predecessor while strength is increased by a factor of 24 over the previous generation's frame. Riding atop it is a high-strength aluminum alloy body, which Ford describes as military-grade. The F-Series Super Duty provides buyers with best-in-class towing capabilities. In properly equipped F-450s, that means up to 24,200 pounds of conventional capacity and an impressive 30,000-pound capacity. Meanwhile, the F-250 offers best-in-class payload capacity of 4,200 pounds, while the F-350's best-in-class payload tops out at 7,850 pounds. In short, the Super Duty hauls. These F-Series Super Duty trucks are powered by a variety of engines. Standard is a flex fuel 6.8L gas V8 that makes 405 horsepower. Ford's 430 horsepower 7.3L V-8 is optional and also gets buyers a better 10-speed transmission. Finally, a second-generation 6.7L Power Stroke turbo diesel V8 delivers best-in-class power figures of 475 horsepower and an incredible 1050 lb-feet of torque. The base engine is mated to a TorqShift 6-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel and 7.3L engines are both mated to the new 10-speed automatic. Ford's Super Duty pickups are offered in a variety of three-quarter and one-ton configurations--F-250, F-350, F-450--in both 2- and 4-wheel drive, with cabs including regular cab, extended super cab, and 4-door crew cab. Bed sizes include lengths of 6-feet 9-inches and 8 feet, with both standard rear-wheel and dually configurations. Trims across the range include XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Limited and Platinum. XL models include things like 17-inch steel wheels, quad dual-beam halogen headlights, tow hooks, heavy-duty vinyl on a 40/20/40 split bench front seat, air conditioning, an AM/FM stereo with either four or six speakers depending on cab size, 12-volt power outlets, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, AdvanceTrac with roll stability control and trailer sway control. XLT trims add 18-inch alloy wheels, a SYNC infotainment system, SiriusXM satellite radio, three 12V power outlets, two USB ports, cruise control and cloth seating. The Super Duty Lariat adds luxury to the fold, with leather seating, a center console, the SYNC 3 infotainment system with voice activated navigation, power driver and passenger seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-speaker audio system, power-adjustable pedals, a 12-inch touchscreen and rear privacy glass with a power sliding back window in crew and super cabs. The King Ranch trim comes only on crew cab models. It includes all the Lariat's standard features, plus an accent-color bumper, 2-tone paint, running boards, special alloy wheels, remote start, special Mesa brown leather seating with heated and cooled front seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, voice-activated navigation, a reverse sensing system, universal garage door opener and more. The crew cab-only Platinum trim rides on 20-inch wheels and features LED headlights, fog lights and taillights, power running boards, remote tailgate with a built-in tailgate step, adaptive steering and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. A power sunroof, adaptive cruise control, LED bed lighting, and lane-keeping assist are also optional. The available Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System features seven cameras that allow drivers to better maneuver a trailer during hook up backing and towing.

2024 Honda Ridgeline Review

Powering the Honda Ridgeline is a 3.5L V6 engine producing 280 horsepower. The engine is coupled to a 9-speed automatic transmission, sending power to all four wheels. The engine allows the Ridgeline to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, while still returning decent fuel economy when not towing. The Ridgeline's true party trick, however, is the way it manages to combine the best things about a car with the best things about a truck. The Ridgeline also features a substantially sized trunk underneath the rear of the bed, allowing covered and hidden storage, just like a car. And of course, the rear seats are spacious and easy to get to since the Ridgeline features four conventionally opening doors. The Ridgeline should also make a great platform for tailgating parties, as it features the world's first optional sound system in the bed of the truck. With several different trims available, the Ridgeline offers something for everyone. The base model is dubbed the Sport and features power windows and door locks, 18-inch wheels, a 9-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth with audio streaming, dual USB ports, speed-sensitive volume control and a 7-speaker sound system. The RTL ups the luxury with a leather-trimmed interior, heated front seats, a 10-way power driver's seat, an acoustic windshield, a power sliding rear window and a power moonroof. The TrailSport trim is the off-road version of the Ridgeline with skid plates, and all-terrain tires. Finally, Ridgelines are available in the "Black Edition" trim which gets everything included in the RTL plus black alloy wheels, auto-high beams, auto-dimming mirrors, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, an 8-speaker sound system, voice activated navigation, wireless device charging, red ambient LED lighting and blacked-out exterior trim.