📸 2024 Toyota Tacoma Production-Bodied Prototype Spied Testing

The next-generation has finally begun testing with its production body panels, as revealed in this new prototype we spied with refined proportions, necessitating a completely set of camouflage.

Prior Tacoma prototypes used modified Toyota Tundra body panels, resulting in some rather clumsly, awkward proportions, but the shape of this new prototype looks much more production-spec. Completely new camouflage has been employed due to the all-new body panels affixed to this prototoype. We see a smaller, more aggressive grille design hiding behind the camouflage mesh, with a completely new front bumper design. A low air diffuser sits at the bottome of the front-fascia, appearing to house a set of tow hooks.

The profile reveals a lower hood line, a new windshield with what appears to be a smoother rake, and a larger cab than was suggested on the initial mules. It looks like the Tacoma may address its rather tight rear seats, with a more spacious cabin. We also see sleeker side mirrors, which had always been overly-large units sourced from the Tundra on all of the prior mules.

The rear-end shows new camouflage, with a completely reworked mesh treatment. The mesh is now also found on the tailgate, suggesting a new tail-light treatment. If the tail-lights actually reach into the tailgate, it would represent a total departure from anything in Toyota’s current, or past truck lineup.

The rear sweeper camouflage persists, in an effort to hide a carryover of some version of the Tundra’s coil spring rear suspension design. There are no leaf springs in sight, and the camo is identical to what was applied when Toyota was trying to hide the Tundra’s move to rear coils.

Now that testing has begun to move further away from the mule stage, we hope to see other variants and trim levels testing, so we can see how Toyota plans to attack the renewed competition coming from all directions in the rejuvenated midsize truck market.

Well it looks different from previous versions.... just not sure if that's because the camo is different or like it mentions these are 'production' body panels so it is different. I am wondering about that rear wheel bed bulge.... is it going to be similar to Tundra.....

I am still hopeful about the rear seat, however the current Tacoma's cab looks like it would have a large rear seat but it doesn't.

JLD94 said:

Well it looks different from previous versions.... just not sure if that's because the camo is different or like it mentions these are 'production' body panels so it is different. I am wondering about that rear wheel bed bulge.... is it going to be similar to Tundra.....

I am still hopeful about the rear seat, however the current Tacoma's cab looks like it would have a large rear seat but it doesn't.

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It's definitely the production sheetmetal for once and this lines up perfectly, with how the 2022 Tundra first appeared on camera in late November 2020, 12-13 months before December 2021 launch.

Nov 2020 XK70 Tundra Prototype

Jan 2024 N400 Tacoma Prototype


This is for Jan-Feb 2024.

Seems that although these were first built the first week of November in that same building, they weren't allowed to be tested during daylight hours in public.

Spy photographers are not getting the fact, since the 1980s, Japanese manufacturers purposely limit prototype vehicles to night rounds only, once production bodies are involved. And only relent, at a certain point close to reveal and launch.

If they were out on their prowl at night, probably would've snapped these earlier. Toyota being exactly one year out from showroom intro, is comfortable allowing these on camera.

Wouldn't be surprised if KGP got a tip off, but in personally knowing how easy it is to drive into Toyota's R&D facility there. Security there isn't that quick to respond LOL.

I bet they just kept waiting day in, day out and finally got lucky when Toyota came out to play finally. Camouflaged 4Runner probably will start appearing in the summer or early fall. No mules for that sadly in the open, it's pretty hidden.

I get that those are smallish wheels/tires, but those wheel wells look HUGE. Like 'stuff 35's in there with just a 1.5" level' huge.

JLD94 said:

Well it looks different from previous versions.... just not sure if that's because the camo is different or like it mentions these are 'production' body panels so it is different. I am wondering about that rear wheel bed bulge.... is it going to be similar to Tundra.....

I am still hopeful about the rear seat, however the current Tacoma's cab looks like it would have a large rear seat but it doesn't.

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Agreed about the current trucks back seat. It isn't useful for carrying humans with legs. The rear door does look bigger compared to the mules though, so fingers crossed... unless that test pilot is of very small stature, it looks like there is plenty of room behind him.

Someone on reddit spotted a prototype driving around Flagstaff, AZ. This prototype appears to be an off road trim based on the tires. OP said it was driving with two Jeep Wagoners.





source:

At least these prototype's sporting production body panels, even under the camouflage, suggest it is not carbon copy (albeit smaller scale) of Tundra's snout.

Trob20 said:

Someone on reddit spotted a prototype driving around Flagstaff, AZ. This prototype appears to be an off road trim based on the tires. OP said it was driving with two Jeep Wagoners.

source:

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They deserve so much credit for this, because they missed a very rare opportunity to watermark and provide these to many media outlets ahead of KGP's shots. Can't believe I didn't notice them, as someone wondering why these remained hidden since November.

Xtreme Thunder said:

At least these prototype's sporting production body panels, even under the camouflage, suggest it is not carbon copy (albeit smaller scale) of Tundra's snout.

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I knew that to be the case, but it is said to look like a Tundra and you cannot miss it, but it's more conservative looking though.