I Drive the CHEAPEST New 2024 Toyota Tacoma 4x4! | First Drive Review 

There is no such thing as affordable anymore.

I like it when you guys do the entry trucks

Crazy. I would never pay 31k plus dealer fees for that. So 34k-35k really. We've gotten so far away from what toyota really was for a basic truck. Affordable, dependable, and simple. I'd be happy if it was 24k with dealer fees.

Crazy because in 2017 I bought a brand new full size Sierra 4x4 crew cab SLT for $35,000. Fast forward a few years and a base Tacoma is about the same price. Inflation is a hard hitter

Thank you. I'd love to see a trend where automotive journalists review the base model instead of the top unobtainium trim levels for most people

so this base 4wd tacoma will be around $40000. out the door, doesnt sound like a good deal to me.

I remember when 35k could get you a v8 half ton, and it wasn't that long ago.

In 1986 (I know, a long time ago) I bought a 1986-1/2 Nissan Hardbody, the first of the issue. Very basic 2WD 4 cylinder, five speed standard cab and bed. No power steering, brakes or A/C. Truly a stripped base model. $6200 plus a $500 rebate. I loved that truck. Drove it from Aug 1986 until April 2000. I put 374K miles on in (only regular maintenance) until on of the con rod bearings went. That's the truck I want!

It’s a joke that the price is that high….. most of your full size trucks were the same price 3 years ago hell some still are……

Things have changed. I remember buying my Tacoma back in 2013. It was a brand new 2012 base model Tacoma. (2.7L 4cylinder, 5 speed manual) The sticker said $21,300.00. I got it on a red tag sale for $18,600.00. It amazes me how much truck prices went up just in 10 to 12 years.

Morse Code translator - Accessory Ready. They actually had this on the old Taco as well.

The mid size segment is very competitive. I opted for a 2023 Frontier Pro 4x. Got it over $4k under MSRP and 6 year 160k km warranty thrown in too.

The Morse code, if I've read it correctly, says "Accessory Ready". So I guess it's a placeholder piece of plastic for an accessory to mount there. Not sure why they'd put Morse code there instead of just English or Japanese though.

I’d break the front spoiler on the first day.

I own a 2022 extra cab SR. I love the Tacoma but they should not have gone away from the suicide doors on the extra cab. The doors allow for great access to behind the seat. They also eliminated the rear jump seats, which I have frequently used. You really didn’t mention this. I also have the 4 cylinder which has decades of proven reliability. That motor in your truck has a turbo which will likely not be as reliable. Not sure why they did that as it still gets the exact same gas mileage and the low 3500 tow rating. I feel that my 2022 is better than that SR.

I could see the non opening suicide doors being a deal breaker for some. That’s like a step back to 80’s pickups and a huge oversight on Toyota. Wow.

Taking away the suicide rear doors is a big miss. I don't use the rear seats much, but I'm always putting dogs and gear back there that I simply couldn't lift over the front seats (and don't want anywhere near my driver's seat haha). I also need a 6ft bed, which means I'm pretty much forced away from the taco?

This spec is what many costumers as fleet owners are looking for. Unfortunately the truck trend it's to fit the most accessories as tech gimmicks to increase the selling margins.

Realistically this should be about $23,500

Andre, I always enjoy your walk through and reviews!! Great job on this one!

It doesn't matter how nice it is dealers won't stock it and refuse to order one. I tried to place a factory order this summer for a SR like this one. The dealer said they had SR5's coming in and they had MANDATORY fees added to the sell price. I can't repeat on RU-vid what I told them.

The morse code means "ACCESSORY READY", great work André and love TFL!

The fuel economy sucks being a 4 cyl and relatively light pick up truck. Mid size engine 2.4L. Enough power as you shown but not economical to drive. But $31k for a mid size ext cab rear wheel drive pick up truck is sky high.

Morse code says, "we've been trying to reach you about your cars extended warranty"

Wow 31K for a base SR.

Yes, thanks for doing the entry trim. That’s awesome. The chin spoiler on these are just silly. Lastly for all those who want a base model, better buy it.

over 30k for a 2wd pickup is absolutely wild, wish they still made cheap worker trucks like the old rangers/b2-3-4000

Is it too much to ask for a manual 4x4 for under $30,000?

Alittle over $30k 💀 hopefully those rumors about the Scout compact truck are true then. Honestly this configuration with half doors that opened for easier access to the storage bins and a hybrid for better mpg would be the way I’d want it

It blows my mind that a base model truck, with terrible payload and towing specs is now going for that much money. This thing is the same as a 2017, 2018, 2019 etc... with just a few more cosmetic "upgrades". Absolutely INSANE

Looks like I will be driving my 2nd and 3rd Gen Tacomas for a very long time

I like it, a lift-kit and some nice wheels, that’s it! As we say in Germany 🇩🇪 „weniger ist mehr“

I’ll stay with my 22 Tacoma access cab 2wd for 26k. Been working great with 20k miles.

Dealer markups are coming to a town near you!

Damn at least $35k for base 4x4! My 2021 SR 4x4 was $30,700 out the door MRSP. Scares me to see what the basic TRD Off-roads are going to be. $45k?

I definitely like the storage containers in the back extended cab

You know the times are getting crazy when the base model bare bones truck is 31K. Crazy

The Morse code says “accessory ready” - makes sense

Thank you for reviewing the SR! SR double cab will the the spec I'll be getting. Its refreshing seeing an entry level truck.

Andre, well done as usual. It still looks like you're driving a go-kart. Your knee was almost to the side window

The MPG is interesting. Base 2wd is 20/26. That is identical to my old 2006 Tacoma base 2wd with the 2.7 and 4 speed automatic. This new base 4 cyliner turbo makes more hp and tq than the old 3.4 V6 which was rated at 17/19 in my old 2002 TRD Prerunner. That thing would barely get 16 or 17 on the highway. I suppose we've made some progress, but the increased size and weight of vehicles has held back mpg gains despite advancements in powertrain efficiency. We'll see what the hybrid does, but it may not be much as with the Tundra.

Andre, as usual, it;s fun to watch you show us new trucks. One thing I noticed, you are out of breath my good man. Please take care of your health. We'd like you to stick around for a while longer.... ;-) Cheers and Happy New Year!

Great intro of base/ fleet truck. Is there still a double cab 6 foot cab option? How much longer is it? Rear disc brakes and rear coil springs on most models are a plus but I'd like to see the old 4.0 V6 from the 4Runner as an option. Never liked the 3.5 and turbo 4 is too complicated. It is the future and even Land Cruiser 70 has a turbo 4 diesel and auto trans option.

All of the base models like this one should have a standard Three-door cab.

Great truck for what it is. Love that storage in this extended cab. Wish there was a door there, but of course, it would cost more. All the manufacturers should have a rear seat delete option in their larger truck extended cab versions configured with some type of lockable storage like shown here. Another one of my pet peeves with all manufacturers is that all options aren't available in anything other that the higher trim and/or 4 door models. For example, can't get the hybrid engine here. I know why they do that, but it annoys me. Reply

Great video Andrei! Thank you.

Great video, I really appreciate seeing a review of the normal base model. I really like the extra cab configuration. I am so tired of nearly every new truck being a giant four door crew cab and trying to imitate being an SUV. That being said, I wish that Toyota offered an even more basic truck. I don't need all these driver assist features. I don't care about Android Auto, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, etc. Just give me a basic affordable truck that you can actually treat like a truck. My biggest complaint is that I can't stand the infotainment and gauge cluster on this truck. I hate touch screens in vehicles, especially trucks, with a passion especially when they have barely any physical controls. Like the newer Chevy Silverado I've driven at work, Toyota has gone and pulled out all of the physical controls except for the volume knob which drives me crazy. My work truck is a 2018 F-150 and not being able to operate the touchscreen with winter gloves on is really frustrating. At least on that truck I have physical buttons for switching radio presets. I still prefer my personal 2010 F-150 with standard buttons for controlling everything over any new truck I've driven though

$31k. Just hold out if you can people, the dealerships are overstocked on cars and so is the banks from repos. Prices gotta come down eventually

These prices are flat out bullshit 😒

It has everything you need and nothing you don't!

The Morse code on the driver’s side panel reads, “Accessory Ready”

It is like they have come full circle to 1986 extended cab 4 cylinder turbocharged, IFS truck (37 years ago). It also had a similar looking but smaller air dam :)

It says "ACCESSORY READY" in morse code.

I used to think it was dumb that Tacoma didn't chase the big towing numbers, but not anymore. If you need to tow more than 6500 lbs you are going to hate doing it with a midsized. My GX470 tows 6500 and I use it to get a 6500 lb boat from the storage to the lake, but its a few miles in town. I tried to tow it on the freeway once and while it was rated to do it, the truck and I did not like it. Same reason you don't buy an F150 to tow 12k regularly, you step up to a f250. Occasionally? Go for it. Regularly? you wont like it.

Damn I remember back in 2002 getting a new 2500 HD Silverado with a 6.0 V8 new for 32k. This truck is more expensive, i get inflation but goddam!!!

A very practical and useful review.

This base model looks great. I still have my doubts about the white paint peeling issue being fixed.

I am so happy to see that toyota is still making the 2 door extended cab

i actually love this review. u guys did a great job. Im a young man 26yo i want a truck as a second vehicle to have a bed. i need something cheap and base model trucks are my go to.

Great Info. ! Thank you .... Enjoy .

Something has to change. 31k for this is a bad joke. I am tired of this type of pricing because people hate mean tweets.

31,000 should Be the price for the 4x4

Hi tfl, its time to update your tfl truck website, the most recent 0-60 is 2018, the most recent mpg is 2020. Id love to see how all the numbers compare side by side with the new trucks to!

I just got a 23 it is definitely different thanks for the information!

Thanks for the great review, Andre! Lots of relevant information here. At $35K, I think this is a great pricepoint. However, there are a couple detractors here. Not a crew cab for that price. Also, 3,500lbs towing is not going to cut it for a lot of people, even if it is a lifestyle truck. I think I really prefer the looks of the new Frontier, but a big enough difference in MPG might sway me. Really looking forward to the MPG/0-60/towing showdown you guys do. Hoping to see a Colorado/Frontier/Ranger/Tacoma gauntlet. I'd like to see the real world results of the Frontier's V6 vs the turbo 4 in the Tacoma. MPG and power. Thanks again for your hard work.

The Morse code says "ACCESSORY READY"

I’ll stick with my 2016 Frontier 4.0 for now. 165k miles and still going strong. I tow a 4000 pound camper all around northern New England without issue. Gas mileage is less than desirable. I will get another one when the time comes. I’m not a fan of turbocharged engines, especially in trucks. The higher the rpm’s the truck needs to put out to spook up the turbo to get max power the more problems you’ll see down the road. When it comes to a truck there is still no replacement for displacement.

Excellent review!!! 😁

I bought a brand-new “bone” ( no options, manual trans. 4 cyl. not even a radio) Toyota 4x4 pickup in 1986 for $9990. Really miss those days

This is the kind of review I like to see. Great walk around and display of details. Another reason not to buy new vehicles. Too many add-ons and gadgets to go bad and cost too much to repair.. What happened to real dependable trucks without wifi, tablets, excessive sensors and systems that add on extra cost.

Hi Andrey, I love it and I would take one in that configuration. Less stuff to fix.

I like base model trucks!!! Thanks for the review, Andre!!

I like the interior of the new Tacomas, but I’m happy with my 21 manual. Nice simple v6. Everything I need with a few nice extras.

André looks cramped with his knees up so high.. seat needs longer rails.

id like to see that foldable front seat in the crew cab configuration, that would be awesome !

Thankyou Andre. As always, you bring it better than anyone else in segments like these. Question, when was the last year you could get a SR base model tacoma with manual transmission? Anyone know?

The reduced towing rating is very confusing. The engine isn’t detuned all that much.

Perfect for driving to the grocery store or to go play golf. Great vehicle to modify and fix up but remember that engine can't handle bigger tires, a lift, or any other added weight.

I'm 6"2'. Do you think I will have enough leg room in this extended cab? I would get 6-sp manual

In 2020 i bought 2020 SR base 4×4 Auto LBed. No back seat. No rear speakers. No visor mirrors. No hitch. Nice truck. Out the door for just under 28,000.00. i loved the 2.7. Hated it on highway as it lost mpg. Bought a 2023 trd sport bith all the bells and whistles BEFORE the 2.4 turbo happened. Now i get better MPG on highway @60mph on cruise. I do miss the 2.7. I cant lie 😂

Could have at least one rear door on the passenger side to access the storage area

Thank you for reviewing a base model! Unfortunately it's all most of us afford nowadays.

That’s awesome. Old school design with no opening rear doors.

Thank you for highlighting the base model instead of focusing on the top tier models whose prices have reached unobtainium level for a lot of us. My daily driver is a 2001 F-150 with 220k miles on the clock which I have no intention of selling anytime soon. Living here in North Carolina where rust isn’t an issue for most of us, we have the option of keeping our older vehicles on the road much longer than our rust belt friends. I find it interesting that the newer mid- size trucks have the same power and torque as if not more and as much if not more payload and towing capability as my almost 25 year old “full size “ truck. Needless to say, when the day comes that I can no longer keep my old girl on the road it will probably be replaced with one of these newer mid-size models.

imagine if this base work tacoma would have gotten the 2.8L Turbo Diesel the Hilux or Lancruisers have, itd be the best selling pickup of its category

It’s not the most affordable, it is the least expensive.

I love that Toyota included free snow plow for all Tacoma.

I recognize that road its a ranch on Mulholland Drive near malibu wow crazy toyota had an event there! just beautiful ranches there!!

Booyah 👊🏽 😁 👍🏽 🇺🇸 Price is still ridiculous But 4x4 four door will be 39 or 40 for the base model. Also Aundre it seems Tiny with you in it.

I dig it!

Adorable I like the way car lots say that after 100 thousand lol

I like this, that inside is really kool ... be neat to see the compare of the base frontier and this ...

That truck is gonna outshine itself!! I want one! Thanks Andre

Strange that my much less powerful 2022 has the same tow rating, not that I tow anything heavier than that but just kinda curious. Also not crazy about losing the rear doors.

What happened to the 2.7 L engine that will lay rubber with and automatic trans (2002), mine had over 200,000 miles and is still going?

Where is the switchgear for the transfer case?

You can easily find Ram 1500 classics as well as new 1500 DT body for low $30,000 range in my area right now with V6. The base Tacoma should have started below $30,000. That’s a shame. Meanwhile other markets get $12000-$20000 new Toyota trucks. America vehicle market sucks.

This truck is beyond a joke. The base model should be aimed at a very specific group of people mostly fleet owners, who want the basics. They want function over form. They don’t need ridiculously complicated turbocharged engines or multi speed transmissions beyond five or six. Emphasis should be based on and focused on reliability, durability, and long-term use and of course affordability, which is the most important thing. This truck will hit about $40,000 out the door which is just absurd.

Great video. You look comfortable in the new cab, how tall are you?

The Morse Code says ACCESSORY READY