2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Tested

Toyota’s new Tacoma has a lot to prove. This new truck is following in the footsteps of Tacomas who have built a cult following as the most loved mid-size truck on the planet. Can the latest 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road live up to the reputation that precedes it? To find out we spent a week with the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road to find out.

When it comes to the Toyota Tacoma, durability and surprising capability define this perennial favorite among enthusiasts. For decades the Tacoma has punched above its weight class and delivered impressive off-road ability with the correct set of aftermarket modifications. Toyota has slowly started to give customers serious off-road performance from the factory and this newest generation has taken things to another level. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road we tested represents the upper levels of off-road ability without reaching the pricey peak of the lineup. Picture the TRD Off-Road as a tasteful build with reasonable parts to improve off-road capability without breaking the bank or your back during daily driving. The best part is that all of this comes with a warranty right from your local Toyota showroom.

All-New Drive Train

The fourth generation N400 Toyota Tacoma is ushering in massive changes when it comes to drivetrain options. The trusty V6 of the prior generation is gone in favor of a boosted inline-4 that is sold à la carte or with hybrid assistance. 

The i-Force branded T24A-FTS turbocharged inline-4 displaces 2.4 liters and produces 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. The T24A-FTS uses a twin-scroll turbocharger for better response and reduced turbo lag. These respectable figures beat out the prior generation’s 2GR-FKS naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, which only produced 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. The torquey turbocharged engine isn’t just more powerful; it also delivers an improved fuel economy for 19 cities and 23 highways. Opt for the optional hybrid i-Force Max powered Tacoma and power rises to 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque with a fuel economy improvement of 22 city and 24 highway.

Although our 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road was only powered by the turbocharged inline-4 this base drivetrain felt strong with a huge amount of low-end torque. Although we’ll miss the sound and proven reliability of the old V6, it’s hard to beat that shove off the line of the new turbocharged engine. There’s a faint sound of turbocharger during acceleration and with some aftermarket parts, you can easily enhance this wonderful noise. 

To back up the new engine, the Tacoma now uses an all-new 8-speed automatic transmission. This new Toyota 8-speed automatic transmission is a massive improvement from the prior generation’s 6-speed automatic and works to improve the driving experience. Thanks to its smooth shifts you really don’t notice it during normal driving which is a hallmark of a great automatic. The best part is that when you need to make rapid speed adjustments, it’s quick to respond and works to keep the boosted engine in its powerband. 

The change from V6 to turbocharged inline-4 is an enormous change for the Tacoma. The third-generation Tacoma went virtually unchanged for almost 10 years of production so the choice to introduce an all-new powertrain in the fourth-generation truck is a lot to handle for the Tacoma faithful. Thankfully during our time behind the wheel, we found the new engine and transmission to suit this mid-size truck favorite very well. The added low-end torque and more responsive transmission transform the driving experience and add welcomed performance to the Tacoma platform.