The automotive world has taken the adage of “there’s no replacement for displacement” and replaced it. Many automakers turn to forced induction in smaller engines to generate more power than before. This is certainly true for the new 2024 Toyota Tacoma and its new four-cylinder engine lineup, leading us to the following question.

Does the new 2024 Toyota Tacoma make towing easier than the previous model?

2023 Toyota Tacoma powertrain specs

The final model year of the previous generation for the Tacoma was 2023. This midsize truck comes standard with a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 159 horsepower and 180 lb-t of torque. This powertrain doesn’t provide much towing power for the Toyota truck, but the V6 has a different story.

The upgraded powertrain for the 2023 Tacoma is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that sends 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque to the wheels. Both engines use a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The RWD V6 Tacoma could tow 6,800 pounds while 4WD versions lost a little and can pull up to 6,500 pounds.

2024 Toyota Tacoma powertrain specs

Every new 2024 Tacoma comes with a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This allows the 2024 Toyota Tacoma to be a much more efficient and advanced truck than before. This engine mates with an 8-speed automatic transmission to maximize towing and payload. This new powertrain sends 278 horsepower and 317 lb-t of torque to the wheels in every trim above the base SR model.

Its this new turbo-four that we’ll put up against the previous V6 engine. The 2024 Tacoma can tow up to 6,500 pounds and carries 1,705 pounds of payload in RWD models. Although slightly lower than the previous V6’s rating, it’s extremely close.

The tow feeling is completely different in the new truck

The addition of more torque and two additional transmission gears provides a smoother and more consistent towing feeling in the Tacoma. Cars.com reports that merging is easier and the truck maintained a consistent rpm level while on the highway. Steeper grades seemed easier in the new truck compared to the outgoing V6 model.

Although tow ratings are extremely close between the two powertrains, the V6 feels like it’s fighting to climb hills when towing, which is troublesome for many drivers. The new 2024 Toyota Tacoma provides improved towing feeling and confidence. This makes it much easier to stay calm and relaxed while pulling a trailer.