Anthony on Autos: 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

by  Anthony Fongaro  - Photos via Toyota - 09/13/2024

Toyota certainly took its time releasing the new Tacoma, leaving the previous generation on the market longer than expected. In the meantime, its competitors improved with better technology, powertrains, and design. Fortunately, Toyota finally debuted the new Tacoma last year. Sitting at the top of the Tacoma range is the TRD Pro, priced at $64,000. Toyota packed this model with numerous off-road performance upgrades. While testing it this week, I couldn't help but wonder: “Is this too much for the average consumer?”

At first glance, this is a great-looking truck. The Terra paint and black roof give the Tacoma an aggressive, bold appearance. Up front, it features the Toyota Heritage grille with large black "Toyota" lettering. An integrated LED light bar and TRD Pro-stamped aluminum skid plate add to the rugged look. The Tacoma rides on 18-inch black TRD Pro alloy wheels. A closer inspection reveals TRD-tuned FOX 2.5 Internal Bypass Shocks, which help the Tacoma TRD Pro tackle off-road terrain with ease. At the rear, there's a powered tailgate that opens and closes electronically, with LED lights and blacked-out badging enhancing its visual appeal.

Inside, the Tacoma offers a rugged yet comfortable cabin. The controls are straightforward, with audio and safety functions on the steering wheel and a large 14-inch infotainment system at the center. The front seats are well-bolstered, heated, and ventilated, ensuring comfort. The customizable digital gauges provide plenty of information for the driver. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, while climate controls are managed through physical buttons for ease of use. Many controls feel chunky, in keeping with the truck’s character, though there are a few scratchy plastics here and there. The rear seating area is cramped, with minimal legroom when the front seat is set to my driving position. The TRD-specific seats also intrude on the rear passenger space.

Under the hood, the Tacoma TRD Pro now sports a 2.4-liter hybrid inline-four engine, producing 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, it can sprint from 0-60 MPH in 6 seconds. The power delivery is smooth and superior to the V6 hybrid in the Ford F-150. There are three driving modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—each offering different steering feel, throttle response, and suspension settings. Even in Eco mode, the Tacoma has plenty of power. While stable on the road, the TRD Pro shines off-road, its intended playground. However, expect some wind and tire noise, and the brakes could be more responsive. Despite being a hybrid, fuel economy is modest, ranging from 20 to 22 MPG.

On the highway, the Tacoma takes full advantage of Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0, which includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera. Being the top trim, the TRD Pro comes with a hefty price tag of $65,000, placing it in the same league as the Ford Ranger Raptor. At the other end of the Tacoma lineup, the base SR trim starts at $31,500, while the least expensive QuadCab model, the TRD Sport, begins at $39,400. To get the same i-Force Max engine found in the TRD Pro, you'll need to spend at least $46,300.

This truck isn’t for everyone. It’s designed for off-road enthusiasts who want a bold, capable, and high-performance pickup. For those less focused on off-roading, lower trims offer a more affordable and practical option, retaining the simple controls and impressive infotainment system. The Tacoma is one of my favorite mid-size pickups, and with the numerous updates, Toyota has done an excellent job keeping it competitive.