3 Missed Opportunities - 2024 Toyota Tacoma Reviewed By a Real Off-Roader

Why the 2024 4th gen Tacoma is NOT really game changing for real off-road enthusiasts.
Thank you Grant @ArkansasOffroad for confirming the info with Toyota at Overland Expo!
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[@southerncalifornia8597]

Toyota should HIRE YOU as a consultant.

[@JeremyHoutgoogleplus]

Absolutely! Be way better than mr 350 lb guy I need shocks in my seats lol

[@jimskatr103]

If Toyota won’t hire him as a consultant.. I sure could use some help building my Sequoia lol

[@hang1964]

Toyota is driven by profit. He’s a ex corporate guy, he knows the rules of the game. He would’ve done the same thing as the engineers in Toyota.

[@southerncalifornia8597]

@@hang1964 He could convince Toyota that a Front locker and Real upgrades would IMPROVE profit.

[@hamzday3672]

@@JeremyHoutgoogleplus 350lb guy = Semi-Truck Driver influence

[@gkcamden9050]

Your research and analysis go above and beyond. Your presentation is clear and concise; you don’t make us suffer through the typical “social media influencer” BS. This channel has joined my top 3 for off-road information.

[@Chickenjoe_99]

Retweet

[@georgegarcia4240]

Yeah, get a Ranger Raptor or Chevy or Dodge or whatever, dont buy the Taco ( you will) and save the Rap......

[@CygnusX191]

As a Toyota tech and off road enthusiast, I love these videos and this channel! Our take in the shop with Toyota's latest offerings is similar to what was said in this video.... whatever is flashy and will gain media attention is what's being pushed. Sure, the vehicles are ridiculously well built and will basically last until the moon fades away, but MAN are we missing some seriously cool goodies with competition in ALL segments.

[@demetrius8594]

I also noticed the 3 inches wider thing and was going crazy trying to figure out if they increased the wheel travel, glad I wasn't alone

[@Bryan-uw1ny]

Finally, someone with ACTUAL INFORMATION instead of a sale's pitch.

[@ardor4247]

Best take on the new Taco. Thankful that we have someone like you who can wade through the marketing fluff and give viewers the real pros and cons. 🤙🏼

[@dubkayc]

Kai’s videos are spot on, on both content and hilarity. If a picture is worth a thousand words, the animations are as illuminating as the sun. This channel is as entertaining as Top Gear…it’s as though Clarkson went to university and started a KZbin channel vs tinker with his farming implements and annoying the cows. Keep up the great work! I’d be interested in future interviews with Toyota engineers as your subscriber base picks up steam.

[@sledge7583]

Great program 👍. No front locker, no 4 to 1 transfer case, no increase in travel 😢 😕. As a proud owner of a 2004 tundra, well I will keep what I have, air lockers front and rear 😀 👍. 4 door crew cab, v 8 and a 6 foot bed. Three inches wider, 🤣 🤣 🤣 nice fender flares and off set wheels 🛞 👌. Keep doing what you are doing 👍 😀.

[@jamiethomas8975]

Got a 2001 Tundra 4x4 manual trans. Locker in the rear. Absolutely love this truck, never getting rid of it!

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

I wouldn't expect anyone but Jeep to bother with a 4:1 case, and I don't think anyone else has. Meanwhile, that huge new low end torque with the hybrid is going to accomplish a similar thing--putting more power on the ground at a lower speed.

[@davep2945]

When Toyota didn't say much about the new suspension on the truck but raved about the new seats I joked to a friend that they probably designed the seats to try and make up for a lack of competitive suspension travel. Then I come here and you basically confirm this, that's awesome. It is sad though to see Toyota trying to sell hype instead of solid base engineering. Not that the seat isn't likely very good but for your top tier off roader put your money into the suspension and lockers, etc, as you said.They already own the mid size truck market so there was no need for them to try and sell the Tacoma based on a fancy seat. No one is going to buy the Tacoma because of this seat especially if the Pro is near 60K. The other sad thing is that you won't find a single journalist or self professed truck guy who understands what is really going on here or care. Like I said, it's Toyota. Like the F-150 for Ford they could have put out a salted turd and people would still make it the best seller.

[@gerard4441]

The 3rd gen being a relatively affordable 4x4 and seeing how its become so popular even with “non-offroaders” who typically stay on pavement, I’d argue that people would actually buy the trd pro just for that fancy seat. When special features like that become the desire of the market, companies will tend to cater to that. Therefore, it becomes detrimental to the “off road community” because eyecandy features like that fancy seat becomes the priority rather than innovating to create a more capable off road vehicle. That’s the main concern of this channel and he is trying to mitigate the problem by educating consumers to be more practical. And for that reason, this guy has my full support!

[@kinanromman5197]

But who wants to kill the after market? I think they provided an amazing base to play with at any trim. Look at payload. Look at torque. Look at the sway bar disconnect. Look at solid boxed frame. Those things are much harder to correct after market. Toyota nailed the base and we can all play around with it. Nobody will ever be happy. You can go buy a Ford… but I’m sticking with Toyota. Buy the OR. Add a locker. Extend travel. Change the shocks. You’re working with a great base. If you’re saying the Ranger Raptor is the perfect truck … I don’t agree.

[@cowelk]

I found you on KZbin a few months ago. I love your technical explanations with a sense of humor. I am a Jeep Wrangler guy but will continue watching you because you are so thorough and concise and I learn a lot from you. Keep up the good work.

[@daywalker4029]

A saving grace for this truck could be the fact it shares the platform with the tundra. It may be possible to bolt tundra suspension on and gain actual wheel travel with the width like we do in the Nissan world and Titan swapping.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

This guy knows what’s up!

[@PeterAlfonso]

That would be sick! OEM bolt on long travel.

[@daywalker4029]

@@PeterAlfonso would probably classify more as a mid travel but still may look and perform the part instead of just looking the part. It nearly doubled frontier wheel travel when you use Titan arms.

[@huahin6149]

Not many will buy a brand. New truck then fix it . I can see that in a few years. Until then I will just buy one of the other 2

[@daywalker4029]

@@huahin6149 it's not fixing it, it's modifying. if it can be done, many new Toyota owners will do it...especially if the off road shops can confirm it.

[@useryggfdcc]

As someone that enjoys off-road with my Taco, THIS is the info we needs. Not the media b.s cherries.

[@AaronandTaylor]

Thanks for making this! This is the first break down review I've seen that peels away from the "new" euphoria going around at the moment to explain what's happening with this truck.

[@joeerau]

I ran across your channel while looking for information about the 2024 Tacoma. I very much appreciated your technical explanations regarding suspensions and the relationships of its geometry. You provide more technical explanations about truck design than the other truck channels. Keep up the good work. You are on my list to watch for new Toyota developments.

[@CivilAeronautics]

Your goal about increasing the ‘technical mindset’ is the reason I subscribed. Your research and presentation of information is like no other! Great videos, love the demonstration to illustrate information!!

[@treborheminway3814]

Even though I don't currently go off road in any of my vehicles, it's always great to hear an expert opinion that is presented in an easy to follow and logical manner. New subscriber now! Looking forward to learning more. Thanks!

[@pkabits4882]

Fantastic video! I just saw your channel posted on r/cars for the first time. Really hope that your content and viewership takes off to a level where you attend car reveals irl. If and when you do, I hope you continue this technical approach, and actually interview the engineers and project managers related to those cars. For the dozens of auto journalists invited to the 2023 taco premiere, I've only seen SavageGeese and TFL actually take advantage of that. Also looking forward to some C&D article repeating all of your information a week from now lol.

[@MacGyver2394]

Just getting into off roading, have my first taco, used 2020 trd off road, and just found your channel today. Knowledgeable and informative channels like yours are what I look for and I believe I’ll be subscribed to you for a long time. Keep up the fantastic work.

[@mikegyro]

I appreciate the testing and knowledge based approach you have backing up your videos. Comes down to it, we really want what's going to work the best.

[@JB-he1jt]

Excellent review and totally agree with you! It just depends on who is buying the truck and for what purpose! A true off road enthusiast knows what suspension components are required and need upgrading for reliability and performance, aftermarket coilovers, leaf or coil springs, control arms etc!

[@bajabret60]

Another thing I was put off by was increased wheel-base. Didn't seem a proper move for off-roading, but nobody really talks about it. Your take is way deeper than any other I have seen. Nicely done!

[@troyhodulik5542]

Your insight and analysis is too in-depth for Toyota to ever invite you! And that is a sincere compliment!!

[@toapuni9911]

That was a fantastic lesson! Thank you and keep them coming.

[@matthewkent5561]

Love your videos and the technical knowledge that I gain every time. Keep them coming!

[@bankait_rex1860]

This man is on another level, holy crap glad KZbin recommended your channel 100%

[@JTuggy_MissionFrmGlobalMargins]

Your analysis is always helpful. And your videos are well produced. Just keep doing what you are doing, no one else out there is driving your track!

[@AntilleanConfederation]

Great content bro. As a Toyota fan who isn’t brand blind. I appreciate your real world knowledge and honesty. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Persocondes]

🤣they made up the competitor's 1.5 in the seats lol, you made my day, keep up the good content!

[@turbocooker]

I don't even own a Toyota but I still really enjoy watching your videos. My Jeep has IFS so the same principles apply. I love the no BS approach to your videos. Well done.

[@Solo-5050]

I just discovered you and i was blown away at the amount of information you conveyed to me about the new Tacoma and suspension in general. Well done 👏 im subscribing.

[@patricknolan546]

Thanks for this thorough perspective. Appreciate the work you put into these and your funny but subtle sense of humor.

[@joelnichols9055]

I always like hearing your takes. I'm sure Toyota just figured the true off roaders will always find ways to improve things to suit their needs. The vast majority of Toyota customers aren't going to use half of it's capability. Also, these are still prototypes we're looking at and Toyota is asking for feedback from reviewers. Front locker probably won't happen but your ideas on front suspension...?

[@kenim]

IMO Toyota always counts on the user to develop the ultimate machine. It always seems they have a secret deal with aftermarket providers lol.

[@alexstoermer]

Instant thumbs up when you said you’re trying to increase technical awareness. Drop the marketing BS Toyota & deliver the real deal, like our friend here points out! The rest of the world can buy marketing fluff and lane change training wheels. Toyota owners want quality, longevity, capability, and technical excellence.

[@johnfroeber3191]

Toyota needs to hire this kid , great job on the video . Keep up the good work

[@dntfakethefunk]

I was waiting on your video to drop on the new Tacoma! Finally, some great insight from someone not in the honeymoon phase of a new Tacoma!

[@gilwolf7556]

You are really good buddy. Really make sense to extend the tie rods and the A arms to give more travel but I bet they will try to sell a kit for $4000 for that . In the mean time they will charge $2000 for the red seats They look good going down the road

[@CP-db4rm]

Great video as always. Love the content. I'm always learning from your videos.

[@stevetheunicorn898]

I’d love to see more content on the new Tacoma! I’ve been anxiously awaiting this video from you and I’m excited to see when you get to do some hands on testing compared to the last gen. Keep it up! 🖤🖤🖤

[@maxk1955]

Hey Kai, I enjoy watching your videos and I think your review on 2024 Tacoma was one of the most informative videos. Rear disc brakes and rear multi-link suspension on the new Tacoma would be a good subject to talk about as well.

[@fuskeiro79]

Subscribed! Dang I’ll use your shared knowledge as much as possible mate! Thank you !

[@icuyouseeme]

“Increase the mindset of the 4x4 community”. I love that quote and what you stand for. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to when you’re invited to one of these press events.

[@zxx9554]

Never click this quick, good job!!! 🎉

[@TobyCostaRica]

It happens to the best of us. 😀

[@a.p.6939]

Yes, definitely interested in more of your thoughts on the Tacoma! Super impressed with the channel, love the use of actual data, not just opinion. The world would be a better place if everyone did this!

[@FirstToTry]

This was so refreshing to watch. Thank your for the honest and technical insight.

[@KevinDavis-pi5zt]

One of the best reviews and channels out there, thank you. Toyota would be lucky to have you as a consultant!

[@ilkeryucel5711]

Dude, i am so hooked to your videos! You are really good to explain them

[@MrWortWort1]

Thank You!!! I got frustrated watching other channel's videos about the gen 4 tacoma They all talk about the same thing and never talk about important things that Off-Road driver care about

[@ermengolmolins8028]

Love your channel!! Your channel is one of the best technical experts and scientific testing that gives you a great credibility 👍 great job!!

[@CalvaryOverland]

Great Video breaking down the new features! We love sharing your information with the community we steward.

[@BaconCruiser]

KDSS and Lockers please! Hands down best channel on YT! I appreciate all the hard work and info you put into your videos!

[@ericyotaman9060]

Thanks for all the work you do to keep us informed. I am really looking forward to what you have to say about front lockers breaking cv axles on ifs toyotas

[@brandong2142]

This was very informative. Almost didn’t click amongst the sea of other new Tacoma uploads, but glad I did.

[@officialyasir]

Dang, just found this channel. I have been missing out! Great info! Subbed!

[@BigBluePile]

Another excellent video! Keep them coming! I too had very similar thoughts with what you've said.

[@Wildlandfirefighting]

Great video, I'm 100% with you on all those points, your technical analysis is spot on every time

[@chopstx4u207]

Excellent information, just subscribed. Looking forward to your next video

[@86309]

well done! Great content , and understanding of the tech. Thanks for the in-depth review.

[@chameofrierson7628]

Best offroad tech channel by FAR. To top it off, Toyota/Lexus based as well. Unbelievable work brother. Keep it up!

[@erikschutzman2402]

Ohhhhhh, I am excited for the front locker video. Thank you for the great videos. I love the solid information

[@Bryan1483]

lol I genuinely like this dude, he obviously know what he is talking about. I subed for the sense of humor when he ripped into Toyota for the seat development. Although, that may delay his invite to the showcase events, i think its worth it!

[@tdgarage4012]

I’m not a Toyota owner or fanboy but I enjoy your videos and deeper knowledge compared to all the other KZbin influencers. They just dribble the standard sound bytes.

[@dixonbuttes6564]

This video is gold. Continues to be the best, most informed Toyota channel online. Well done, sir!

[@InGratitudeIam]

I always feel like I've learned something meaningful after watching your videos, Kai. In fact, when looking into modding my 4Runner, I send your videos to my mechanic to make sure things will be done properly instead of his following the "conventional wisdom." Thank you.

[@dysutopia4238]

Subscribed after watching a couple of your videos. Excellent technical breakdown that cuts through the chase. I am looking at 2024 Taco TRD Pro or TrailH to replace my 2019 Ram 1500, and this is very helpful.

[@yuriypetin6625]

Simply, Bravo! I want to hear more of what you have to disclose with your in depth research and tests! I am eager to watch and listen.

[@troymangibin8459]

Finally, a fine technical reviewer. Thank you.

[@multifamilydotca]

Yes, more reviews of new Taco please. Very thorough analyses. Toyota should def have you at their launches.

[@user-el8cm2tq3g]

Incredibly intelligent analysis. You are going to make a career with this channel. Great job Tinkerer!

[@ahmadkheder5499]

I just love this dude and his way of explaining things!

[@FenrirHdz38328]

Thank you engineer! Great video, you won a new subscriber. Greetings from México 🇲🇽

[@Ezekio3160]

Thank you for the hard work and effort you put especially the humor! 10/10!

[@UrbanOpsOffRoad]

Great video as always Kai. as a mechanic nerd and follower droop over lift was a little bummed when I noticed the LCA’s were the same on the pro and TH editions and there where no FR🔒 button, they claim improvements on the A-trac so we’ll see. Keep up the good work. Ps. Fellow Tacoma 2nd gen with sway bar as a garage art display. I always link your videos when people ask questions in regards of IFS. Cheers!

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

I noticed the conspicuous lack of suspension travel details as well 😂 glad you made this video going into the details 👏

[@ebkeifer]

You do a really nice job with your videos. Please keep it up!

[@cenccenc946]

The more I watch reviews of the new Toyotas (and everything else), the more I appreciate the "old school" versions. Which, probably just means I am getting old myself; but, reviews like this help me pretend it is not just me. 😆 🤣 😂

[@snakehead5444]

I agree, although I’m still going to buy one in 10 years as the last new truck you can buy with a stick shift.

[@jamiethomas8975]

@@snakehead5444 They wont make stick shift after this one? They offer this one in manual? Genuinely curious as i have a First Gen Tundra manual trans and love it!

[@brentpete04]

Such a great video. Thanks for explaining these realities behind the marketing.

[@djcan9503]

Interesting... I have not read a single comment from any of those "popular" reviewers that toyota invited to the new Taco launch.. they only hype useless bs. The real consumer appreciates your genuine research and analysis. Thanks.

[@adventuresofoldmanjeebis3745]

Love your videos Brother! very informative! keep it up and I'm definitely buying of those sweet shift knobs .

[@bs_art3625]

Fantastic video. You got a new subscriber. Would love to see more about the trail hunter. I am seriously considering buying one when available.

[@mitchelbrown793]

You just earned yourself a new sub. Your channel is fantastic.

[@jeffchurch593]

Kai, thank you for your honesty! I really appreciate the time and effort you put into your videos! I wish I had found them before completely redoing my gx. I probably would have made a few different choices. Imagine a toyota version of marlins RCLT! That would interest me. Oh well, I will keep the solid axle jeep(our baby) and the gx. Be cool to have the ifs be more capable and have one rig!

[@jmsv888]

Excellent explanation, concise and to the point. The cherry on top: "My goal for this channel is to increase the technical mindset in the 4x4 community" You've got me hooked! thanks sir!

[@brasconator]

Great insight and analysis. From one Toyota enthusiast to another, I appreciate you calling them out on their gimmicks. Great company and I’m a die hard Toyota owner/enthusiast, but I don’t buy them for things I didn’t know I want. I buy them for the performance and reliability I need. Liked and subbed.

[@dannyrexknight]

Good vid. Looking forward to the front locker discussion.

[@OsmanParvez]

Great video Tai. Super informative!

[@K.T.789]

All great points are well taken! Thanks for opening my eyes..

[@fredgarvin7033]

I have really enjoyed finding your channel. I am an old rock climbing 4 wheeler and you explain things I knew from experience but had no proof and so many --- Anyhow my wife and I are retiring and wanted to go camping around the U.S.A. and purchased a 23' Tacoma 6ft bed as it was the only 6 ft available for light off road and am learning tech from you and actual things I didn't know. We bought the 23 just in case the 24 was failing and it is so glad we did. One day I will build my tacoma I hope and will use your intelligence on it

[@duncankuhn4105]

Dude, you’re a rock star. This video series is amazing.

[@fowlreelman]

Best video I've seen thus far on the new tacoma. Great work, love your content!

[@phantom0456]

“Ohhh! Here is that inch and a half missing suspension travel! They took it from the truck… and put it under the butt!” I don’t know why that made me laugh as hard as it did, but for whatever reason that was hilarious.

[@snugmode]

subbed! great information presented concisely

[@ClimbAClassic]

Definitely do more reviews like this one - you are crushing it 👍 thank you

[@mitchsargent5543]

I’m blown away by how through you are! Excellent analysis, and great explanations! Happy I stumbled here!

[@nitrofreakmanho]

Well then you’re going to like the rest of his videos as well..clear, technical and concise information that you will rarely find on other channels. This man is the real deal👍🏼. The products( like the FJ bumper )that he designs are absolutely functionally gorgeous.

[@robinupham1975]

Check out the rest of his videos - insane detail on suspension!

[@ALPZLopez]

Very informative and perspective take of the new Tacoma. I have your tinkerer’s design 3rd gen Tacoma shifter and it’s great!

[@TrailTape]

Excellent video and I appreciate the deep dive. I love that even though you're a devoted Toyota fan you pull no punches with calling out where they cut corners or missed the mark. The only reason you may not be invited to a Toyota launch event is if they're scared you'll see through their marketing hype LOL. Please continue to stay true to your style and quality of analysis. Your channel is an absolute gem and I appreciate all the work you put into your videos!

[@TheGunner11]

As always, clear concise perfect content, thank you.

[@christopherwilliams7933]

Great video! Love the level of detail.

[@Hartz187]

Bullseye Mister…..Bullseye👌 Another straight to case episode. From cold summer days in Norway

[@litleboyhonda]

I love your video ! Great work on that one like always

[@1Coolbanana]

Excellent, love your work 👍