2024 Tacoma - Here’s The New Competition! ? Hybrid Model Added ?

[redriderjf87]

I don't mind the styling (other than the runny mascara look), especially the white truck with the black roof.

I would've wanted something naturally aspirated with a manual gearbox. And now that I've had a Jeep, a convertible / removable top is a must..

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[Cansberry]

Have you experienced the torque and capability of a hybrid off-road? Amazing. Full torque from the moment that pedal moves 0.1" - it just goes. Instant torque - no waiting. And it can be applied as slowly and easily as needed.
The 3.6 is a joke next to my wife's 4xe. Her Wrangler could pull my JT against its will and up hill, too.
No need to downshift when you hit the mountain grades, and if it does, it's maybe for a short time, 1 gear, where the JT drops from 8 to 5 and still has to wind up to make it. The hybrid yawns at such things.

As for your "a bit younger" I did have to laugh to myself because the younger prefer bigger screens, more electronics, and spend far far more hours look at screens than anyone else. Especially getting into the 20-somethings - they want screens, they want i this or i that and thus the igeneration moniker - spending 6 hours a day on screen time (phones mostly)
It's the young driving the move to more and larger screens. Look at the marketing. 20-somethings are driving TikTok and Apple to produce more and more and more.
The screens are for you younger folks. I'm good with them and as I age I need the screen to be larger, but I can live with dials and buttons and knobs.
My star ship controls would look like this -

I'm in my 20s. Its my age category driving the return of paper book sales, vinyl and manual transmission sales having their first bump in decades. Most the people I know chose their current rides largely around them being simple mechanically, smaller screens, and more buttons. Everyone is just slow to the uptake that digital natives are sick of everything going digital. Based purely on out and about observations, I'd make an argument that its the 35-50 crowd are those most likely to always be on their phones.

The 3.6 is a dog, and it's really just a personal preference against hybrids. I find them needlessly complicated and see it presently as an unnecessary middle man. Go either full electric or straight gas. But just a personal bias.

 

[BourbonRunner]

I'm honestly torn. I came to this forum thinking I was all in on a JT . I was a hair away from pulling the trigger on a JTM in November until the dealer tried to pull a fast one (still on that dealer's lot as of today). I come from multiple Toyotas, including a frame rotted 2004 Taco. Now? Can't take the top off, but a sun roof is a lot more convenient... and quieter for a daily driver.

I still want a JTM but this could be a total game changer. Jeep needs to drop a Hurricane into the JT ASAP to get more competitive. Maybe this lights the fire?

 

[Tank43]

I'm in my 20s. Its my age category driving the return of paper book sales, vinyl and manual transmission sales having their first bump in decades. Most the people I know chose their current rides largely around them being simple mechanically, smaller screens, and more buttons. Everyone is just slow to the uptake that digital natives are sick of everything going digital. Based purely on out and about observations, I'd make an argument that its the 35-50 crowd are those most likely to always be on their phones.

The 3.6 is a dog, and it's really just a personal preference against hybrids. I find them needlessly complicated and see it presently as an unnecessary middle man. Go either full electric or straight gas. But just a personal bias.

Interesting input and perspective Cansberry. Thank you and good to know what your age group is thinking. I was wondering why I saw vinyl records for sale in Walmart last week. Now I know why. I'm 53 now and bought my first cell phone at 33. So I like the smaller integrated screen of the current JT as well. And yes, the 3.6 is a dog. But I like a reliable dependable dog I know vs a new breed I'm unfamiliar with. Toyota's have a great reputation for dependability and longevity, which is why I have two in my driveway. Toyota also was at the forefront of the EV market with the Prius, so they have the engineering experience and I hope this new platform meets or exceeds their dependable reputation. I keep joking with my wife that we need to do a drag race of my 2022 JT vs her fully loaded 2015 Toyota minivan. Based on driving both, my money is on the minivan.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I'm in my 20s. Its my age category driving the return of paper book sales, vinyl and manual transmission sales having their first bump in decades. Most the people I know chose their current rides largely around them being simple mechanically, smaller screens, and more buttons. Everyone is just slow to the uptake that digital natives are sick of everything going digital. Based purely on out and about observations, I'd make an argument that its the 35-50 crowd are those most likely to always be on their phones.

The 3.6 is a dog, and it's really just a personal preference against hybrids. I find them needlessly complicated and see it presently as an unnecessary middle man. Go either full electric or straight gas. But just a personal bias.

Not totally correct. Part of that is "people you know" will usually tend to be more like minded to yourself. Outside of the people you know and deal with - this is research:

some research shows 55% of gen Z use their smartphones for five or more hours a day and 31% feel uncomfortable if they are without their phone even for 30 minutes or less. (the highest of any group)
and
Under the age of 25, Generation Z — or “digital natives” — grew up with smartphones and the internet. Gen Zers account for almost 40% of mobile users
and
Interest in advanced car technology when broken down by generation is highest among the youngest drivers and lowest among the oldest
and
while Gen Z is described as the first truly digital generation. Leveraging technology will be key to reaching this group of car buyers.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I'm in my 20s. Its my age category driving the return of paper book sales, vinyl and

......vinyl record stores........ Run by people older than myself, and the shoppers in such stores are often the age of my son, or myself. Older.
My son and I frequent the vinyl stores any time we are together. He's 40, I'm 66. I still have my linear tracking turntable from the 80s (although it needs some work and TLC now) and my original Beatles records.
I'd say the youngest person I've seen in a record store was in their 30s.
But then that's likely because younger ones prefer to purchase online and seldom go into stores! Research supports that, too.

But then we all know vinyl just sounds so much better. That's a given and it's good if younger people have learned what I've known for decades, since the CD first came out - naw, can't ever sound better than vinyl. It just can't.

Phone use - gen z blows the others away. Research proves it, studies and experiments showed them literally going through the same symptoms when their phones were taken away for 2 days as drug users do if their drugs are taken away. Cold sweats, waking in the night, and so on. There was a show on TV about it a while back. Man, they were freaking out!
Visit Asian countries and it's even worse. If you get a phone call while chatting with a group of people who are standing with you - it's considered rude to not answer the phone or even respond to a text. Yeah, the phone trumps who you are personally with.
There are phone stands at the hair stylists where young men and women in their 20s get their hair done and they keep on texting and talking or whatever on their phones while getting their hair done.

55% of Gen Z use their smartphones for 5 or more hours a day. Over a quarter (26%) use their phones for 10 or more hours. It's not just that Generation Z enjoys early access to smartphones; this also creates a sort of dependence on these devices.

Holy cow - mine sits in the house most of the time. I might be with it 3 or 4 hours a day whiles it's in my belt clip. I use my phone maybe 30 minutes a day mostly to check weather or take pictures, whatever.

 

[Stan H]

I was forced for over a year and a half to drive a Toyota Tacoma. It literally was the single worse truck I have ever drove or ridden in in my entire life. The seats are horrible the ride is so rough it jarred my back won't go up any incline at all without spinning are absolutely useless in snow without 4x4 locked in. The engine used oil, when it was cold out side it sounded like it was gonna blow up before it would start running . I wouldn't own a Toyota if you gave it to me. I would take it to the junk yard. IMHO

 

[Cansberry]

Not totally correct. Part of that is "people you know" will usually tend to be more like minded to yourself. Outside of the people you know and deal with - this is research:

some research shows 55% of gen Z use their smartphones for five or more hours a day and 31% feel uncomfortable if they are without their phone even for 30 minutes or less. (the highest of any group)
and
Under the age of 25, Generation Z — or “digital natives” — grew up with smartphones and the internet. Gen Zers account for almost 40% of mobile users
and
Interest in advanced car technology when broken down by generation is highest among the youngest drivers and lowest among the oldest
and
while Gen Z is described as the first truly digital generation. Leveraging technology will be key to reaching this group of car buyers.

Touche on the people I know front. I forget my peer group isn't indicative of the country at large and is an outlier. We are definitely a more Spartan bunch than the average, if I were to guess. That said, I do get to travel around the globe significantly, and I stand by my statements, at least anecdotally. Statistically, manufacturers are targeting millennials with the big screens right now, as they're the generation with the most purchasing power. Gen Z's oldest members haven't even crested 30 yet. But only time will tell what the actual trends will be as the generation ages, gains more purchasing power, and manufacturers are willing to look to those interest.

But just as a precursor, look at what the Toyota Camry, Rav4, and Honda Civic look like on the inside. Those are the best selling new cars amongst Gen Z. And not a single one is going crazy on tech.

https://www.entrepreneur.com/busine...Corolla, Honda Civic, and Chevrolet Silverado

 

[ZoMojave]

I'm honestly torn. I came to this forum thinking I was all in on a JT . I was a hair away from pulling the trigger on a JTM in November until the dealer tried to pull a fast one (still on that dealer's lot as of today). I come from multiple Toyotas, including a frame rotted 2004 Taco. Now? Can't take the top off, but a sun roof is a lot more convenient... and quieter for a daily driver.

I still want a JTM but this could be a total game changer. Jeep needs to drop a Hurricane into the JT ASAP to get more competitive. Maybe this lights the fire?

Yes. I agree. This new gen is intriguing.

Even though I traded my JTM a short time ago for a WL74 ('23 Grand Cherokee), this new Taco will only up the game in this segment. Now throw in the new GM twins and the Ranger, the Glad will need serious changes to compete. The majority of people (like me) purchase JT's for daily on-road rural use with no regard to removable tops or doors. In the larger metro areas, they are more of a status symbol or "mall crawlers" as some might call them. That's where it gets sticky for the JT sales wise.

 

[Summitsearcher]

I’m pretty ole school and solidly still in Jeep’s corner. Utility, simplicity, iconic heritage and nameplate pedigree. The generational Jeep community in itself along with a removable top makes all that tech and styling unappealing to me. It will appeal mostly to a new demographic of off-roaders. I bought mine, because well………It’s a “Jeep” and not a “Taco” only to be recognized on Tuesday’s.

 

[Gren71]

Not trying to start a war here, but give the new Tacoma credit, its pretty sweet. Not sure what article you're reading, but this is right from the article. The power option look GOOD to me. The screen is also larger than in the Jeeps (which suck, are too small) ALOT better than what we have in the Gladiator. I have a Mohave and LOVE it, but some engine options would have been nice like the Wranglers. Looks like you still can't put bigger tires on them (maybe 35's) and certainly will NOT be able to offroad like a Jeep with much larger tires.

" i-FORCE MAX pairs the 2.4-liter engine with a 48-hp electric motor integrated into the eight-speed transmission feeding off a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack that creates a total system output of 326 horsepower and a whopping 465 lb.-ft. of torque "

im always leery of 4 cylinder engines. call me old or ignorant or uninformed…theyre all true haha they could be the best engine there is, and ill still raise an eyebrow @ 4 cylinders.

its really a users taste thing when it comes to the radio. I personally HATE the lazy look of a giant screen that seems like it was just tossed in as an after thought. As far as im concerned the jeep radios are top notch since they’re cleanly integrated into the dash. Even the rams larger radios look good, up until you get to the gargantuan tv screen they turned sideways and put in. Even the newer jeep radio in the JL is so so for me, but still better than a tablet just plopped in at the end.

 

[Hootbro]

I wouldn't own a Toyota if you gave it to me. I would take it to the junk yard.

I feel you. I was given a $40K new Tacoma last week and it went straight to the crusher.

 

[MKAYMEOW]

Not trying to start a war here, but give the new Tacoma credit, its pretty sweet. Not sure what article you're reading, but this is right from the article. The power option look GOOD to me. The screen is also larger than in the Jeeps (which suck, are too small) ALOT better than what we have in the Gladiator. I have a Mohave and LOVE it, but some engine options would have been nice like the Wranglers. Looks like you still can't put bigger tires on them (maybe 35's) and certainly will NOT be able to offroad like a Jeep with much larger tires.

" i-FORCE MAX pairs the 2.4-liter engine with a 48-hp electric motor integrated into the eight-speed transmission feeding off a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack that creates a total system output of 326 horsepower and a whopping 465 lb.-ft. of torque "

I actually think the 8.4 is perfect, the on in the Taco is overkill. Again that is just my opinion, but it looks like it was an afterthought. I like how flush and integrated the 8.4 looks in my Gladdy.

 

[BearFootSam]

im always leery of 4 cylinder engines. call me old or ignorant or uninformed…theyre all true haha they could be the best engine there is, and ill still raise an eyebrow @ 4 cylinders.

its really a users taste thing when it comes to the radio. I personally HATE the lazy look of a giant screen that seems like it was just tossed in as an after thought. As far as im concerned the jeep radios are top notch since they’re cleanly integrated into the dash. Even the rams larger radios look good, up until you get to the gargantuan tv screen they turned sideways and put in. Even the newer jeep radio in the JL is so so for me, but still better than a tablet just plopped in at the end.

Agreed, I'm broadly not a fan of screens in vehicles, the gladiator system is well done though. I appreciate that Jeep has hardened the system a bit in case it gets caught in a drizzle, it helps with dust too which I guess is part of not having a cd slot.
In my objective stage of vehicle shopping the Tacoma was the near winner but the lack of towing capacity and cramped rear seat were deal breakers.

I'm surprised to learn the new taco maxes out at 6,500lbs. Now, I don't intend to tow 7,500 with the gladiator but I might do 6,500 here and there which would be more like 5,500 in the taco.

I dont get the impression installing a winch would be a one person, 3hr job in the new taco. It was on the jeep.

I think I'm a fan of the steel bed too. I can strap down a full 28gallon propane tank and there is no flexing.

I enjoy the solid axle steering, nice and vague.

Is toyota using the ZF or a proprietary 8sp?

Overall the gladiator maintains enough of that old school construction and design that make it special. Even the cockpit is uniquely jeep.

 

[ttn333]

Touche on the people I know front. I forget my peer group isn't indicative of the country at large and is an outlier. We are definitely a more Spartan bunch than the average, if I were to guess. That said, I do get to travel around the globe significantly, and I stand by my statements, at least anecdotally. Statistically, manufacturers are targeting millennials with the big screens right now, as they're the generation with the most purchasing power. Gen Z's oldest members haven't even crested 30 yet. But only time will tell what the actual trends will be as the generation ages, gains more purchasing power, and manufacturers are willing to look to those interest.

But just as a precursor, look at what the Toyota Camry, Rav4, and Honda Civic look like on the inside. Those are the best selling new cars amongst Gen Z. And not a single one is going crazy on tech.

https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/whats-gen-zs-favorite-car-the-most-popular-cars-by-age/448266#:~:text=Generation Z 1 People aged around 18 to,RAV4, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Chevrolet Silverado

I think the biggest reason for why camry, rav4 and civic sell so well with Genz is due to their affordability. The bigger screens and higher tech vehicles tend to be priced at $60k plus, which is probably no longer affordable for most of these younger folks.

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