2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Review: The King of the Trail?

If you are someone who finds dirt, rocks, and the occasional creek crossing exhilarating, then the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro may have your number. As Toyota’s top off-road truck spec, the TRD Pro was billed to rule the trails and yet be comfortable for the drive home. Is it yet another pickup truck that tries way too hard to be cool or does it stand for something more? Follow along below as we get to the bottom of it…

A Quick Look Under the Hood

Toyota seems to have gone all out when designing the TRD Pro. Here’s what you’re working with:

• Engine: 2.4L turbocharged inline-four
• Horsepower: 278 hp
• Torque: 317 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed auto
• Drivetrain: 4X4 with electronically controlled locking rear differential
• Towing Capacity: 6,500 lbs max
• Payload Capacity: ~1,155 lbs
• Suspension: Fox internal bypass shocks with rear remote reservoirs
• Ground Clearance: 10.9 inches

Pretty good for a midsize truck, right? Toyota obviously made the TRD Pro for anyone taking his or her fun seriously… as well as people trying to look cool.

On-Road Manners: Surprisingly Civil

Let’s start with the basics. Though it’s out of place on pavement, the TRD Pro doesn’t disappoint. The turbo motor provides plenty of muscle to get on the highway or pass a slower car, and the 8-speed auto is smooth and more agile than you’d expect.

The ride quality is firmer than that of a more road-oriented truck like the Tacoma Limited or something, but it’s never punishing. You’ll feel a few jolts, but the Fox shocks are good at smoothing out imperfections. Noise levels are also relatively low, although the purposeful-looking, toothy all-terrain tires do tend to hum a bit at highway velocity.

Off-Road Prowess: Built for Adventure

Now, let’s discuss where the TRD Pro is really impressive: going off-road. Toyota has made sure you’re prepared to handle all elements on this mid-size truck with:

• Multi-Terrain Select: Changes traction control and how much your throttle responds for different surfaces (mud, sand, rocks, etc.)
• Crawl Control: Something of an off-road cruise control, so all you have to do is focus on steering; the truck does the acceleration and stopping
• Skid Plates: Guard your underbelly against rock and debris impact
• 10.9 Inches of Ground Clearance: High enough that you can get up and over everything
• Goodyear Territory R/T Tires: These bad boys are used for optimal traction on slick and rough terrains

Off-road, the TRD Pro is a monster. The Fox shocks hold the truck steady over rough earth, and the locking rear differential means you won’t be stuck when one wheel is spinning uselessly. Whether you’re scrambling over rocky hills or trudging through muddy trails, the TRD Pro takes it in stride.

Likes And Dislikes About The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

The Good:

• Unsurpassed Off-Road Performance: Designed to take on the trail with ease.
• Turbo: Punchy turbo makes it feel fast and capable.
• Tough Style: Implements the look with aggressive styling and exclusive TRD Pro features.
• Tech Specs: Comes with contemporary amenities such as a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a 360-degree camera.
• Sizeable Resale Value: Toyota trucks are known for their superior resale value.

The Not So Good:

• Pricey: The TRD Pro starts in the neighborhood of $50,000, which is a lot for a midsize truck.
• Stiff Ride: Less comfortable compared to more road-going rivals.
• Fuel Economy: It’s rated at 20 mpg combined, which isn’t so good for a small-ish truck.
• Small Bed: Payload capacity is solid, but the truck’s bed isn’t as flexible as some rivals.

How Does the TRD Pro Compare to the Competition?

The stakes in midsize trucks are high, and the TRD Pro has some formidable competitors. Here’s how it compares:

1. Ford Ranger Raptor

• Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo V6, 405 hp
• Towing Capacity: 5,510 lbs
• Why It’s Great: Crazy power and off-road capabilities, and also a wider track for better stability
• Why It Falls Short: More expensive and less fuel-efficient than the Tacoma

2. Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

• Engine: 2.7L turbocharged inline-four, 310 hp
• Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs
• Why It’s Great: Top-of-the-line towing and nicer ride
• Why It Falls Short: The interior is a step down from the Tacoma’s

3. Jeep Gladiator Rubicon

• Engine: 3.6L V6, 285 hp
• Towing Capacity: 7,650 lbs
• Why It’s Great: It has a convertible top and removable doors
• Why It Falls Short: Not as light and agile as the Tacoma

4. Nissan Frontier PRO-4X

• Engine: 3.8L V6, 310 hp
• Towing Capacity: 6,720 lbs
• Why It’s Great: Capable when towing off-road, but friendlier on the wallet
• Why It Falls Short: Lack of high-tech features compared to the TRD Pro

Style & Interior: Rough and Ready

The 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro is as mean-looking as it is mean-performing. Boldness, in its grille, in its fender flares, and in the TRD Pro badging that hangs off of it. The Solar Octane paint color keeps things from getting too boring, as well (and how we’d spec it).

The cabin invokes a mix of rugged and modern. The seats — trimmed with tough synthetic leather and embossed with TRD Pro logos — are supportive, and the 14-inch touchscreen covers the dashboard. Although it doesn’t feel as plush as that of some rivals, the Tacoma’s interior is well-made and functional, with lots of places to stash odds and ends.

Is the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Worth Purchasing?

If you are a fan of serious off-roading, you should put the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro on your short list. Its masculine styling, cutting-edge trail tech, and proven performance stand out in the midsize truck category. Yes, it’s also expensive and not the finest on-road ride you can find, but those are small prices to pay for a truck that’s this capable beyond the trails.

In other words, the Tacoma TRD Pro isn’t just a truck…it’s an adventure ready to happen. So, if you’re itching to get out and into the wilderness with some off-road endeavors, this Toyota has your back. Just be ready to hose off the mud when it’s all over. Leave us a comment below, and let us know what you think about this off-road midsize truck.