Toyota has finally unleashed the redesigned Tacoma, marking a significant shift for this midsize pickup after years of the previous generation. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road arrives with a bold new look, a modern engine, and enhanced capabilities, all aimed at cementing its position as a leader in the off-road truck segment. While long-time Tacoma enthusiasts might find the changes dramatic, this revamp brings compelling reasons for a fresh look at what the TRD Off-Road Tacoma offers. However, this evolution comes at a price, both literally and perhaps in the feel of the classic Tacoma charm. Our test of a heavily-optioned TRD Off-Road model revealed a sticker price of $54,748, a figure that demands a thorough examination of its worth.
The pricing of the 2024 Tacoma lineup is indeed a talking point. Although base models remain accessible, the more desirable trims, especially the off-road focused ones like the Trailhunter and TRD Pro, now venture into luxury car territory, exceeding $65,000. Adding taxes, dealer markups, and licensing fees, a top-tier Tacoma can easily approach $70,000 or even more. While these models are packed with impressive off-road gear and technology, the hefty price tag on a Tacoma raises eyebrows. The specific TRD Off-Road model we tested, finished in eye-catching Blue Crush, started at a more palatable $42,900. However, the addition of the $8,800 Premium package—including SofTex heated and ventilated seats, a large 14″ center display, JBL sound system, moonroof, and power tailgate—along with a $1,230 sway bar disconnect system, the unavoidable $1,495 destination charge, and other smaller extras, quickly escalated the total to nearly $55,000.
Suddenly, in this context, $55,000 for this TRD Off-Road begins to seem almost reasonable, even if it still represents a significant investment. This price point naturally leads to the question: when did Toyota pickups, known for their affordability and reliability, reach such premium price levels? It’s undeniable that this new TRD Off-Road is a substantial upgrade over its predecessor, bridging the gap to the previous generation’s TRD Pro in terms of off-road capability.
Putting the price discussion aside, let’s delve into the notable changes, both obvious and subtle. The exterior styling marks a complete departure for the Tacoma, drawing inspiration from the full-size Tundra. The new design language, while bolder and more angular, arguably suits the Tacoma’s proportions even better. However, the edgy, boxy aesthetic might not possess the timeless appeal of earlier Tacoma generations. Inside, the cabin represents a major leap forward in terms of technology and material quality. Gone is the utilitarian, almost spartan interior of previous models. Instead, the 2024 Tacoma TRD Off-Road offers a genuinely pleasant and well-appointed space, arguably surpassing even the top trims of the Honda Ridgeline in perceived premiumness. The large infotainment screen is visually impressive and user-friendly. A suite of advanced cameras provides comprehensive views around the vehicle, enhancing both on-road maneuvering and off-road obstacle negotiation. Throughout testing, even on rough terrain, the cabin remained impressively rattle-free. The synthetic leather seats, while still somewhat flat in their design, are crafted from a high-quality material and offer surprisingly effective ventilation – a welcome feature on hot days.
However, not all aspects of the interior are flawless. The rotary dial for controlling the electronic four-wheel-drive system feels somewhat flimsy and cheap, lacking the solid tactile feedback expected in a vehicle at this price point. During testing, the multi-terrain select system was also inexplicably unavailable, though this did not hinder the evaluation of the Tacoma’s off-road prowess.
The Tacoma TRD Off-Road’s physical presence is also more substantial. The lifted ride height and aggressive 32-inch tires contribute to a larger footprint. While the dimensional increases over previous double cab models are minimal on paper, the new Tacoma appears significantly larger due to its more sculpted and boxy bodywork and taller hood. Despite this increased visual bulk, the rear seats remain best suited for children or shorter adults.
The most significant change lies beneath the surface: the introduction of Toyota’s 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, with a more powerful hybrid variant also available. Paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain fundamentally transforms the Tacoma driving experience. Finally, the Tacoma boasts a transmission that shifts smoothly and intelligently, always finding the right gear without the constant hunting of previous iterations. The engine delivers a robust wave of mid-range torque, a stark contrast to the anemic V6 of past models. While the 0-60 mph acceleration improvement might be modest, the readily available power in everyday driving scenarios makes the new Tacoma feel significantly quicker and more responsive. Even in its standard turbocharged guise, without hybrid assistance, throttle response is excellent, with minimal turbo lag. Whether this new engine will match the legendary reliability of Toyota’s older engines remains to be seen.
Fuel economy, as expected with a smaller displacement engine, does improve. However, the gains are not as dramatic as one might hope. During testing, the TRD Off-Road returned 19.5 mpg in mixed driving, only marginally better (around 2 mpg) than the previous V6 model. The Honda Ridgeline, still equipped with a V6, surprisingly achieved 22 mpg in similar conditions, indicating that the Tacoma, while improved, is still not class-leading in fuel efficiency.
Off-road, the Tacoma TRD Off-Road truly shines, living up to its name. Testing on challenging dirt roads and crawler trails revealed exceptional capability. While less capable vehicles might struggle at low speeds, the Tacoma confidently handled washboard surfaces and uneven terrain at speeds exceeding 30 mph. The advanced Bilstein dampers effectively absorbed bumps and imperfections, delivering a remarkably composed ride. The enhanced ground clearance and front-end design, featuring a sharply angled bumper and skid plate, proved invaluable on steeper inclines and descents, allowing the Tacoma to navigate obstacles that would challenge even a stock 4Runner. The availability of rear-wheel-drive mode with traction control disabled also adds to the off-road fun, enabling controlled slides in loose dirt. However, the electric power steering, while light and easy to manage, lacks the feedback and resistance desired in demanding off-road situations, potentially reducing driver confidence.
The Tacoma TRD Off-Road’s off-road prowess is undeniable, making it trail-ready in stock form. Beyond potentially wanting more ground clearance or larger tires down the line, it’s immediately capable for serious off-road adventures. However, some of these off-road attributes compromise on-road performance. Lateral grip is predictably limited due to the off-road tires and suspension, resulting in noticeable body roll in corners. The light steering, while appreciated off-road, feels vague and disconnected on pavement. While more refined than previous Tacomas and comfortable for highway cruising, the lack of steering feedback is a step back in terms of driver engagement. On winding roads, the Tacoma requires significant steering input, and the combination of light steering and considerable body roll can feel unsettling. The off-road tuned suspension, surprisingly, also results in a firmer ride than expected on city streets. While the chassis feels solid, impacts from even minor road imperfections are transmitted into the cabin as audible thuds, detracting from overall comfort. This contrasts with other off-road vehicles like the Ford Raptor or RAM TRX, which offer a more plush ride on pavement. Even the full-size Toyota Tundra can exhibit similar low-frequency noise intrusion into the cabin. Despite the new multi-link coil-spring rear suspension, the on-road ride is firmer than anticipated.
Objectively, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road represents a significant advancement over its predecessor. The improvements are numerous and tangible. However, in embracing modernity, has the Tacoma lost some of its inherent charm? The Tacoma’s appeal has always been rooted in its simplicity, rugged durability, and unwavering dependability. Its perceived flaws were often seen as part of its character. The shift to a turbocharged engine and increased electronic complexity might alienate some traditional Tacoma buyers who valued the proven reliability of the V6. The new Tacoma, in many ways, is now more aligned with competitors like the Canyon and Colorado, and the increased price could deter loyal customers. Furthermore, the new aesthetic direction might not resonate with everyone. While undeniably improved in many objective measures, the 2024 Tacoma TRD Off-Road may subjectively not be the evolution that long-time fans envisioned.
2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road
As-tested price: $54,784
Pros: Powerful and refined engine and transmission; Exceptional off-road capability.
Cons: Premium price tag; Vague steering feel; Fuel economy still not class-leading.
2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road review by The Road Beat.
