The buzz around the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is undeniable. Toyota handed me the keys to this top-tier trim for a full week, allowing me to experience it in the real world, beyond the controlled environment of an off-road test course. Let’s be honest, daily driving is a vastly different experience compared to conquering extreme trails. This review dives into my week with the 2024 Tacoma Trd Pro, highlighting the aspects that impressed me and the areas that might give potential owners pause, especially when considering it as a daily driver. While built for rugged adventures, how does the TRD Pro fare in the mundane yet crucial role of everyday transportation?
The Pros: Where the TRD Pro Excels
Ice Cap 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro
If you’re eyeing the 2024 TRD Pro, prepare to be impressed. Toyota has truly elevated the “Pro” designation with this iteration. Past Tacomas carrying the TRD Pro badge often felt like mildly enhanced TRD Off-Road models. However, the 2024 model is a different beast altogether, a significant leap forward that truly justifies the premium trim level. Here are the standout features that made a lasting positive impression during my week-long test.
Commanding Road Presence
“Thick” doesn’t even begin to describe the 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro. Its aesthetics are a bold statement, demanding attention wherever it goes. The dramatically widened fenders, the sleek gloss black accents, the integrated LED light bar, the robust ARB rear bumper, the eye-catching red recovery hooks, the prominent TRD skid plate, the blacked-out roof, and the vibrant cockpit red interior all combine to create an undeniable presence.
For Toyota aficionados, spotting a TRD Pro is usually straightforward. However, with this completely redesigned model, there’s no mistaking it for a standard TRD Off-Road. The moment this truck rolled into my driveway, my first thought was simply, “Wow, that’s one incredible-looking truck.” Even parked next to my own TRD Off-Road, the Pro radiated a distinct aura of capability and purpose. It’s a vehicle that announces its arrival, not with loudness, but with sheer visual authority.
Electrifying Hybrid Powertrain
The heart of the 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro is the standard i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, delivering a potent 326 horsepower and a massive 465 lb-ft of torque. Let me tell you, this truck moves. After a week of experiencing this hybrid system, I’m completely convinced. My next truck will undoubtedly feature this engine setup. While the standard 2.4L turbo engine is certainly capable, the hybrid offers a level of performance that is genuinely exhilarating.
Despite not consciously trying to maximize fuel economy – and even indulging in some spirited acceleration to fully appreciate the power – I still managed to achieve 21 MPG on the standard 33-inch tires. Skeptical about a 4-cylinder? This powertrain will change your mind. It delivers both power and efficiency in a way that is truly impressive.
Surprisingly Tuned TRD Exhaust Note
Toyota has achieved something remarkable with the TRD exhaust on this 4-cylinder – it sounds genuinely good, even bordering on great. Having recently upgraded my own 4G Tacoma with a MagnaFlow exhaust, which definitely improved upon the stock sound, the TRD Pro’s exhaust is on another level. It rivals, and perhaps even surpasses, the sound of my previous 2022 V6 TRD Pro, producing a pleasingly deep, raspy rumble at lower RPMs without any annoying drone at highway speeds. While there is some sound augmentation through the interior speakers, the core exhaust note itself is genuinely impressive and adds to the overall driving experience.
The Cons: Daily Driving Drawbacks of the TRD Pro
Cramped Rear Leg Room With Isodynamic Seats
Despite its striking looks and exceptional off-road capabilities, using the TRD Pro as a daily driver does come with certain compromises. These aren’t deal-breakers, but they are worth considering if you’re primarily using this truck for everyday tasks.
Annoying Hood Rattle
This is an issue that completely escaped my notice during the initial press launch event. However, during my very first drive with the truck in a normal daily driving context, the fake hood vent began vibrating noticeably. A quick check on Tacoma forums and owner Facebook groups confirmed that this wasn’t an isolated incident; numerous owners have reported the same hood rattle at various speeds. Toyota needs to address this with improved internal hood bracing to eliminate this distracting and frankly, uncharacteristic flaw in an otherwise premium vehicle.
Less-Than-Ideal Goodyear Wrangler Tires for On-Road Use
The Goodyear Wrangler Territory RT tires, while likely chosen for their off-road prowess, are not the most refined choice for daily driving. They generate noticeable road noise and feel somewhat bouncy on paved surfaces. Personally, I preferred the BFG tires that came standard on the TRD Off-Road model I previously owned. Those BFGs provided a better balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability during the 4,000 miles I drove on them. While it’s true that many TRD Pro owners will likely upgrade to aftermarket tires anyway, the stock Goodyear Wranglers are a point of compromise in terms of on-road refinement.
Questionable ISO Dynamic Seats for Daily Comfort
It pains me to say this, especially knowing the engineering effort behind them, but the ISO Dynamic Seats should arguably be an optional feature, not standard, on the TRD Pro, particularly when considering its role as a daily driver. While innovative in their attempt to isolate the driver from off-road vibrations, they introduce several practical drawbacks for everyday use. The most significant issue is the dramatic reduction in rear-seat legroom. The bulky seat design pushes the front seats further forward, making the rear passenger space noticeably cramped. Furthermore, the seats are heavily bolstered and feature a fixed headrest, which may be uncomfortable for individuals with a broader build. Finally, the manual lever for seat recline feels somewhat out of place in a vehicle at this price point.
These seats undoubtedly offer benefits when tackling challenging off-road terrain. However, realistically, the vast majority of this truck’s mileage will be accumulated on paved roads. For daily driving comfort and practicality, especially for passengers, the ISO Dynamic Seats present more compromises than advantages.
Final Verdict: TRD Pro – A Capable Truck with Daily Driver Trade-offs
4th Gen Tacoma TRD Pro Real World Review
Despite the noted drawbacks, my week with the 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro was overwhelmingly positive. Whether it was the potent hybrid powertrain or simply the commanding presence it exudes on the road, this truck is undeniably captivating. My week behind the wheel flew by far too quickly. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to drive this truck again in the future, and perhaps even own one someday. Until then, I’ll continue to appreciate the excellent TRD Off-Road model I currently drive, which offers a fantastic balance of capability and daily usability at a more accessible price point.
