We first saw the ID. Buzz as a concept vehicle at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show and we’ve been waiting patiently for the official production model ever since. And we’re here in Huntington Beach, California to get a First Look at the all-new Volkswagen ID. Buzz and to see what the Buzz is all about.

A two-row version of the Buzz has already been out since last year, but that model isn’t coming to the U.S. What we do get is this long wheelbase, three-row model. To put that size into context, you’re looking at dimensions that are close in size to the three-row Volkswagen Atlas.

The ID. Buzz is built on VW’s MEB platform which is also shared with the smaller ID.4 crossover and the upcoming ID.7 sedan. The all-electric ID family can be recognized by the illuminated light bar that spans across the grille and meets the also illuminated VW badge.

The exterior of the ID. Buzz is retro-inspired in the best way. I mean it really does look like a modern version of the classic VW microbus. There are plenty of bright and interesting color options, including a two-tone paint job. And while I have been comparing this to a microbus, the utility of the ID. Buzz is much more like that of a minivan.

That’s right: power sliding doors allow for easy access into the third row. The second row has available captain’s chairs for either 6- or 7-passenger seating. Both the second and third rows can be folded flat, and the third row is even removable. For a completely flat load floor, you’ll have to opt for the available Flexboard.

Inside is very simple and modern, what we’ve come to expect in Volkswagen’s ID models. And the ID. Buzz has its own Easter Eggs and quirks like the fun Play and Pause pedals and the wood grain on the dash. Plus this center console is removable so you have even more space if you want it.

Across the dash are two screens: the 5.3-inch ID. Cockpit and a 12.9-inch central display. The infotainment system is the same as the upcoming ID.7, now with illuminated sliders and much easier access to the climate functions.

And the list of standard comfort features in the ID. Buzz is pretty impressive: heated and ventilated 12-way power front seats, heated 2nd row seats, heated windshield washer nozzles, and dedicated air vents for all three rows.

But there’s still some goodies that you can opt for like the panoramic glass sunroof, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, or a heated windshield.

And Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE driver assistance system will be standard.

Two powertrain options will be available at launch: a single rear-mounted motor version and a dual motor all-wheel drive model. Both will be powered by a 91-kWh battery.

The rear-wheel drive model sees 282-horsepower while the additional motor with all-wheel drive increases that to 330-horsepower. The Buzz also has a multi-link rear suspension and a top speed that has been electronically limited to 99 miles-per-hour.

We still don’t know the pricing details just yet but we’re expecting the ID. Buzz to start somewhere in the mid-$50’s when it arrives sometime in 2024. We’ll have more info on all things ID. Buzz coming soon so keep it locked, right here, on MotorWeek!

If you’re a truck fan, an all-new Tacoma is a big deal, as it doesn’t happen that often. So, let’s get right to some details of what we can expect from this all-new 4th gen Toyota Tacoma.

Truck talk usually begins with what’s under the hood, and here we find a brand new i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter.

This hybrid 4-cylinder turbo puts out 326-horsepower and 465 lb-ft. of torque, 200 more than the old V6. Standard engine is the non-hybrid version of that 2.4-liter; it cranks out either 228-horsepower and 243 lb-ft. of torque or 278-horsepower and 317 lb-ft. of torque dependent on trim. Both get an 8-speed automatic, or, as they’ve already teased, a 6-speed manual returns too, though you’ll only get 270-horsepower and 310 lb-ft. if you go the 3-pedal route. Max tow rating is 6,500-lbs. No more V6, so let the internet “mine was better when…” grumblings begin.

The Tacoma is no stranger to off-road trails, so fittingly there are still multiple TRD offerings, as well as a new Trailhunter rig with a host of aftermarket add-ons.

Ground clearance is up a tiny bit, with a max of 9.5-inches, allowing for 33-inch tires.

Rest assured, the Tacoma hasn’t gone soft; not only is there still a full frame underneath, but the Tacoma now rides on the Tundra’s full-size frame.

And there’s also an all-new multi-link rear suspension setup with coil springs on most trims.

And now enjoy this footage of someone other than me driving the Tacoma, possibly with some dramatic slow-mo thrown in.

Interior space is about the same, but at least there’s an infotainment system that looks like it actually came from this century.

This 14-inch touchscreen is obviously an upgrade, but even the standard 8-inch version is a big improvement.

If I do my hair just right, I come in right at 6-foot, and there’s plenty of leg back here for me as long as the front seat isn’t all the way back.

There’s still adequate space for adults in the back seat, as long as the front seats aren’t all of the way back. This is of course the Double Cab, which gets either a 5 or 6-foot bed.

It will be joined by a new 2-door XtraCab Tacoma that comes with additional behind the seats storage space in the cabin and a 6-foot bed, though it’s only available in lower trims. Both beds see a slight increase in volume due to higher side walls, and there’s a cool power tailgate to impress the neighbors with.

No word on pricing just yet, but we’ll have a chance to get behind the wheel real soon, so stay tuned for much more information on this 2024 Toyota Tacoma right here on MotorWeek.