My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
A lineage of leadership and development that goes back a long time. It was the four-wheel drive pickup that spawned many California dreams in the '70s and '80s.
Can I ask you a question? Why do you call the Toyota Tacoma a “taco”?
No…I get it…it’s short for Tacoma. But, it also refers to a Mexican delicacy that Americans have co-opted for their own amusement on any given Tuesday.
Don’t get me wrong. Some tacos are delicious. Overall, they are far from James May’s comment regarding Mexican cuisine which I will not repeat. Yet, he has not truly explored the many cuisines of such a large, diverse, and vibrant nation.
The Taco(ma) is a delicacy of its own. A segment best-seller in its own right. A lineage of leadership and development that goes back to days of the Stout and Hi-Lux. It was the four-wheel drive pickup that spawned many California dreamers in the 1970s and 1980s.
After a couple of brief runs in the 2024 Tacoma, one of the two more desirable models of the lineup showed up for more than a 20-to-30-minute run on an off-road course. One, which Liam Neeson would say, has a “particular set of skills.”
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro sits on top of the lineup of eleven distinct trim levels. Worshipped upon a pedestal for off-road enthusiasts to bow down to. It is the one model which all comers are knocking on its door to play across a desert floor or deep in the woods.
At its basic roots, the 2024 Tacoma is built on a more robust high strength boxed steel ladder frame derived from the latest Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck. It is also shared with the Sequoia SUV, the new Land Cruiser, the latest Lexus GX and the upcoming 2025 4Runner. This frame forms the basis of several new components and drivelines that have made a huge difference in the Tacoma’s drivability and strength.
The TRD Pro adds components that give it its position as the top-of-the-line model with a focus on technical off-road driving. It only comes in the four-door Double Cab combined with a five-foot bed. Added to this package is an aggressive front end, large black fender flares, the 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires on 18-inch black alloy wheels, the ARB rear bumper, and the TRD Pro logo stamped on the power tailgate.
The TRD Pro makes a bold statement and is attractive to plenty of curious eyes. Yet, it has an intimidating presence. That is why it attracts a certain clientele. One who wants to take deep into the woods or across the desert floor.
One thing I – along with some Toyota product folks – mention that the Tacoma lineup is laden with trim levels that match a consumer personality profile. I would love to dive into this further, but let me continue talking about the TRD Pro…
To me, the cab is very good. In front of the driver is a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster with various levels of customization. The controls look and work familiar to the Tundra, which has a certain logic and touch to them. We love the chunky shifter, too!
You get plenty of off-road controls on the center console. One specific knob is where you find the transfer case selector, along with buttons for CRAWL Control and Downhill Assist Control and Drive Modes.
The TRD Pro’s 14-inch infotainment touchscreen dominates the center stack. You have a host of connectivity and playback options available to you – including wireless smartphone integration. The most intriguing part of the infotainment system is the 10-speaker JBL audio system that includes a removable Bluetooth speaker on top of the dashboard. The JBL Flex speaker can be placed anywhere on the vehicle – including tailgates and camping sites – to bring the noise closer to everyone. Ingenious? Sure.
The Double Cab is designed with seating for five. In the Tacoma TRD Pro, you could. Up front, you have two IsoDynamic performance seats. Using an air-over-oil shock absorber system, these front seats were designed to keep the front occupants stable over extreme off-road maneuvers. Because of this mechanism, the seats do not recline. However, they are adjustable for rake, height, and lumbar support.
The seatbacks are wide, which helps with my body. Although I found more comfort and support on the previous Tacomas I briefly worked with – the SR5 and TRD Off Road. I get the reasons why Toyota installed these IsoDynamic seats and give a nod to innovation towards making the technical off-road experience a good one.
Let’s get to why I consider the main draw of the Tacoma TRD Pro: The i-FORCE MAX hybrid driveline. The system combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. That motor is wedged between the engine and transmission and has its own clutch – which requires no intervention from the driver. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends all of this power to all four-wheels through a two-speed transfer case.
The numbers are strong. This driveline pouts down 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. And, yes, this is a very powerful driveline. Acceleration was fantastic on all surfaces. It just goes about its business with no problem.
As for fuel economy, it was what I expected. I averaged 18.1 MPG. Believe me when I say that it will improve over time.
The CRAWL Control and Downhill Assist Control are two key components to know on the Tacoma TRD Pro. Combined, these two features automatically controls the Tacoma’s ability to get through various traction challenges – including both up- and downhill maneuvers.
Keeping the TRD Pro suspended from the surface are a set of 2.5-inch FOX Internal Bypass QS3 shocks, installed on all four corners. These shocks include piggyback-style remote reservoirs, along with ride adjustment switches on the shocks themselves. If you have to adjust the shocks, you will need to get underneath the truck to do so.
In all, the driving experience is much better compared to the last generation model. The TRD suspension and FOX shocks are not the reason for this summation. It is the multi-link rear suspension now contributing to how the Tacoma TRD Pro rides on and off the highway.
Maneuverability was fine. The steering system will enable you to do what you need to do turn-wise. However, you will get resistance in tighter turns when you out it into four-wheel drive. On-center feel was pretty good overall. The braking is quite good on the TRD Pro. We experienced solid stops in normal, wet, and panic situations.
There are eleven trim levels available on the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. Five of them have the i-FORCE MAX hybrid driveline. Pricing starts from $31,500. This TRD Pro tester came with a sticker price of $65,869.
Going back to March, I concur that the 2024 Toyota Tacoma has not only improved – it has been elevated. The next level feel of the three Tacos I’ve driven this year confirmed this summation.
Since there are now eleven Tacomas to choose from, it simply comes down to which one fits your needs, wants, and desires. Literally, there is a Toyota that fits every lifestyle and personality. That is where it gets difficult – the ultimate choice of which Tacoma you want to take home and make it yours.
The TRD Pro is not for everyone. It is for the technical off-roader who cares about the geekery involved in this model. The Trailhunter looks like you could have more fun, as it is the overlanding star of the lineup. The TRD Off Road comes with the tech you need to get out of trouble. In that model, you can get either the i-FORCE turbo or the i-FORCE MAX.
I could go on with every trim level of the 2024 Tacoma, but you get the idea. Starting from a great set of bones, Toyota raised the game in the mid-size pickup truck segment. And, each one should be as delicious as its nickname.
DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Toyota Motor North America – our opinions of our own.
Photos by Randy Stern
Which model is also good for towing a small camper
It depends on how "small" is your trailer is. If you know the weight of your trailer, then see if it is below the maximum towing rating. On the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, the maximum tow rating is 6,000 pounds. You can a better tow rating on other trim levels. The SR5 4WD model can tow up to 6,500 pounds. You do not want to tow up to the maximum, because you have to factor your vehicle's GVWR. This information should be on a sticker in the driver's door sill. We hope this helps.
Be sure you add Airlift air bags to rear, all Tacomas sag with weight in back, of towing an RV it is a must, be safe
Shawn – I wished that Toyota (and other mid-size pickup trucks) would adopt an air suspension system. A good suspension will not help in balancing towing, but also in payloads. Independent rear suspension and reservoir-fed shocks are not enough to handle towing and payloads alone.
Hi there, l like your article.l have a question. You mentioned about the Offroad version gets you out of trouble. What are your thoughts about the Sport model not having the rear looking diff option? Sorry one more do you really feel the difference between the regular gas and hybrid option on power and torque wise. Thank you.
Rob – I have not driven the TRD Sport model. While it has some of the goods you'll find in the TRD Off Road trim, it does not have everything. The TRD Sport works without Multi-Terrain Select, CRAWL Control and Downhill Assist Control – all three features are found on the TRD Off Road. These are truly the difference between "getting out of trouble" and using your own skill and the transfer case alone to avoid being winched out. As for the performance difference between the i-FORCE Turbo and the i-FORCE MAX, you might not feel it in some ways. The electric motor and hybrid driveline does help in lower speed situations. When you get a chance – drive them both. See for yourself whether you can have just the turbo or if you need the extra HP/Torque of the i-FORCE MAX.