The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is a formidable off-road machine that has been significantly upgraded in almost every aspect. The Tacoma TRD Pro is the truck to get if you want to be able to tackle those off-road trails, but now it's been significantly improved and rugged than ever.
The last-generation Tacoma was beyond dated, but that didn't matter for Tacoma fans. Now Toyota has modernized the Tacoma starting with the TNGA-F platform, which brings a noticeable improvement in ride quality and stability. Before the Tacoma TRD Pro was excellent off the pavement, but not great once you drove back on paved roads. Thanks to the new platform and changes under the hood the Tacoma TRD Pro excels on any road you want to drive on.
Under the hood, the switch to a turbocharged 2.4-liter hybrid powertrain marks a major performance upgrade. The powertrain generates a combined 326 horsepower and a nice 465 pound-feet of torque. This new engine delivers significantly more horsepower and torque compared to the outgoing V6, plus it also feels more refined. The new 8-speed automatic transmission also modernizes the Tacoma. Paired with the 2.5-inch Fox Racing bypass shocks, the TRD Pro's suspension is built to handle even the roughest terrains with ease, offering a smooth and controlled ride without sacrificing comfort.
Inside, Toyota has made significant improvements to the Tacoma's cabin, elevating its refinement and tech offerings. The 2024 model now features a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a large 14.0-inch touchscreen that are a major improvement. Another stand out is the 10-speaker JBL audio system with its removable speaker. The interior materials have been upgraded, contributing to a more premium feel.
One cool new feature are the special front seats that are called IsoDynamic Performance front seats, which help to cushion the ride when you go off-roading and make you feel less like you're being tossed around on the bumpy trails. The only downside is that the seats protrude more into the rear legroom, which makes the rear seat feel a bit snug.
Of course, off-road prowess remains the TRD Pro's core strength. Between the rugged suspension setup, skid plates, and multi-terrain drive modes, this truck is ready to take on any trail.
However, not everything is perfect. Despite the new hybrid powertrain, fuel economy hasn't seen a significant improvement over the old V6, which could be a disappointment for those hoping for more efficiency. It's rated at 22 mpg city, 24 mph highway and 23 mpg combined, compared to 17/20/18 mpg. Additionally, the transition from electric to gas can be a bit rough, making the ride feel slightly jerky at times. Finally, the price of the TRD Pro is quite steep with a starting price at $65,395.
At the end of the day, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is a rugged off-road performer that delivers more power, better comfort, and improved technology, all while maintaining its reputation for off-road capability.