For 30 years the Toyota Tacoma has dominated the mid-size pickup truck segment. As the poster truck for reliability, the Tacoma has earned its place as a best-seller in the U.S., and then some. The 2024 Tacoma received a complete overhaul for its fourth generation. Drawing considerable attention for its updated looks, platform, and powertrains, it raises the question of whether the all-new Tacoma lives up to the reliability legacy of its nameplate.
I jumped at the chance to be loaned a 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro for many reasons. Not only because it was the first time I've been offered a press vehicle to review, but also because Toyota has been a part of my life since before I was born. My dad has continuously owned a Toyota truck for over three decades; when it was simply called the "Pickup," followed by a 2000 Tacoma, and a 2009 Tacoma that he still drives today. I grew up with Tacoma; I learned to drive with Tacoma. I needed to know for myself what this new generation was all about. During the two weeks I had the Tacoma TRD Pro, the seasons flopped from spring to winter to spring again; a bonus for testing purposes. Being a TRD Pro grade was a bonus bonus.
Standard Equipment On The 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro
There's no shortage of equipment on this Tacoma TRD Pro. Unique features include the Toyota heritage grille with an integrated light bar and hood scoop, 2.5-inch TRD-tuned Fox shocks, 18-inch black alloy wheels, TRD front skidplate, SofTex-trimmed and segment-unique IsoDynamic Performance front seats. The earth-colored Terra paint was a satisfying juxtaposition to the winter snowscape.
Other exterior items include a steel rear bumper with a recovery hook, rocker protectors, and a 2400W/120V bed-mounted AC power supply. Inside is a familiar layout to the current Sequoia and Tundra. A 14-inch audio multimedia display comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. There's also a dash-integrated JBL FLEX portable speaker, in addition to a 10-speaker JBL sound system with a subwoofer and amp. The placement of the Qi wireless charging pad is a little hard to get to, but It is hidden nicely.
There are plenty of tactile knobs and buttons and switches of varying ASMR materials and patterns and switches that give Tacoma's interior a rugged and classic truck feel. Everything is in reach from the driver seat and the infotainment screen offers a simple interface that is easy to navigate. A moonroof adds welcomed light to the otherwise dark cabin.
All Tacomas get Toyota's Safety Sense 3.0, which includes blind-spot monitor, multi-terrain monitor, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, proactive driving assist, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, road sign assist, and full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control.
Behind the Wheel of the Tacoma TRD Pro
For some reason hopping into the Tacoma TRD Pro without running boards was more difficult than I felt it should be for my 5-foot-11 self. I was either weirdly stretching my leg out to get in or sliding in backward because the 11.5 inches of ground clearance was just tall enough to make it weird for me. Anyway, something I would consider adding if I was buying one.
The gap between hitting the red TRD start/stop button and hearing the engine fire up is weird without the crank of the clutch fan in the former V-6s. The 48V electric motor handles starting up the Tacoma, which comes to life with a surprisingly satisfying burbly more liken to a V-8 than a downsized turbo-four. The engine cuts out after warming and you're left with a quiet electric hum until you get the Tacoma moving. Electric-only driving is limited unless you have a light foot and aren't planning on going faster than 15-20 mph. I did like coasting on low-speed trails I found when it was snowing; it felt less disruptive to the scene around me. I also could back into my inclined driveway without the engine kicking on.
Putting the throttle down and the eight-speed automatic pulls the 5,100-pound Tacoma TRD Pro to speed with haste. Of the multiple driving modes to select from, I enjoyed using Eco mode the most as I felt that it calmed the throttle mapping down for a more calm and even-keeled driving experience. The Tacoma TRD Pro is no fuel sipper though. I yielded 14.5 miles per gallon overall during my time with it per the vehicle information displays. Switching to Sport mode spiced things up with quicker throttle response and louder exhaust. Regardless of drive mode, the weight of this Tacoma is noticeable, but not limiting to its performance. If nothing else the added weight grounded the truck better.
The IsoDynamic Performance Seats make scenarios like driving over railroad tracks less jarring. While these seats are great for front passengers, the added equipment cuts into the legroom for rear passengers. They also proved to create a challenge for maneuvering my family's rotating car seat.
I never really needed to engage four-wheel drive, but I did anyway just to see how quick it was on the fly. The 33-inch Goodyear Territory all-terrain tires hardly lost traction in the snow even under firmer throttle in two-wheel drive. Crawl control and downhill assist control are included for added capability.
In normal conditions, the minimal NVH in this Tacoma was appreciated, considering its size and beefy tires, especially at highway speeds. One thing I found myself struggling to adjust to was the combination of the pre-collision system and regenerative braking on the hybrid system. Together they seemed to make the Tacoma feel like it was slowing down at times when I didn't want it to.
Questions For Toyota About The Tacoma TRD Pro's i-Force Max Powertrain
When I heard Toyota was ditching the V-6 in Tacoma I couldn't help but wonder about the implications of opting for turbocharging and electrification. I reached out to Toyota directly for some answers. Randy Badia, Assistant Chief Engineer for the Tacoma kindly provided responses to my questions.
In what way has the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain been optimized to handle off-roading conditions?
According to Badia, the hybrid powertrain has a specially calibrated set of torque requests (driveforce), shift point, and pedal response mapping for off-road mode. They are calibrated to match the 1MHV powertrain system torque, which is more powerful than the conventional i-Force engine. This results in improved off-road drivability. The engine is tuned to provide a more linear response to the throttle inputs without downshifting while providing quick acceleration and response.
How has Toyota reinforced the TRD Pro's hybrid powertrain against nature's elements and obstacles?
Badia said the i-Force Max powertrain disables the engine stop/start system in off-road modes to ensure consistent torque delivery without engine stop/start interruption. This also is important for specific offroad scenes, such as river crossing to prevent water from entering the engine. The off-road models all have a waterproof belt tensioner to improve the protection of sliding parts.
Toyota is synonymous with durability, in what was has the durability of the Tacoma's new hybrid powertrain been tested by Toyota?
Per Badia, the Tacoma goes through a rigorous evaluation process, including towing (at both high heat and high altitude), as well as 100,000 miles of public-road high mileage accumulation. He states that every off-road environment imaginable is used for extensive evaluation, including Toyota's rough road durability pattern.
Any Changes to the Tacoma for 2025?
Since its only been a year since Tacoma's big redesign, only minor changes have taken place for the 2025 model year. The 2025 Tacoma gets new easy-access red front tow hooks on TRD Pro and Trailhunter grades, a fourth available pre-wired aux switch, and a new TRD Pro color, Mudbath.
As Tested Price
For the 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro I tested, which included optional equipment like mud guards, a bed mat, ball mount, mini-tie down, and black tailgate insert, and with delivery, processing, and handling fees totaled $65,869.
Today's Tacoma
appreciate Toyota being open about the intentional over-engineering that went into implementing a hybrid powertrain on the new Tacoma, especially one intended for off-road use. Although changecan bescary, it appears Toyota has put careful thought into preserving the Tacoma’s legacy as a reliable midsize pickup truck.
Only time and mileage will tell the whole story. As for my time with the 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro, it proved to be so much fun and even more so once I got acquainted with it. My freshly-licensed self could only dream of what having a Tacoma like this to drive would be like. Its soul is still there. And it looks, feels, and sounds great, with the added performance and futuristic energy electrification offers.
Updated 4/10