A personal favorite gets even better with more capability, but a higher price tag.
by: Jim OBrill
After nine years, the Toyota Tacoma entered a fifth generation for 2024 with a complete overhaul. The Tacoma continues as a body on frame truck that's offered in 8 grades including 2 new ones…. the TRD PreRunner and Trailhunter. There is also the option of 3 different configurations: XtraCab w/6’ bed, Double Cab w/5’ bed or Double Cab with 6’ bed.
The powertrains include an i-Force 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder gas engine that delivers 278 horsepower with 317 pound-feet of torque and an i-Force Max Hybrid 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder that gets up to 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. It’s available with 3 drivetrains: 2WD, Part Time 4WD or Full Time 4WD. Either a 9-speed automatic or 6-speed manual is available.
For 2025, prices start at $31,500 and climb to over $63,735 for a TRD Pro. Competition includes other mid-size trucks like the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, and Nissan Frontier. I spent a week in the Tacoma TRD Pro and here’s what stood out…
Performance: (+) When it comes to performance, it delivers a solid balance between capability and comfort, appealing to a wide range of drivers, from casual commuters to off-road enthusiasts. The base turbocharged engine replaces the older 2.7L four-cylinder. It offers more torque for daily driving and should feel much livelier than the previous base engine. It’s mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, contributing to smooth shifts and better fuel efficiency compared to older models.
I spent time in the TRD Pro equipped with the new iForce MAX Hybrid powertrain and was thoroughly impressed. There is no need for enthusiasts to mourn the loss of the previous V6 as this new powertrain delivers just fine. The iForce MAX Hybrid is powered by a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, making it a mild hybrid system rather than a full hybrid like Toyota’s Prius. This powertrain produces a combined output of 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft of torque, which is a significant improvement over the standard gasoline-powered models. The hybrid system delivers strong, low-end torque, providing impressive off-the-line acceleration and making it a more efficient choice for towing and hauling tasks. It’s capable of getting from 0-60 MPH in approximately 7.1 seconds.
The iForce MAX Hybrid has more than enough power for both daily driving and off-road adventures, with the hybrid motor providing additional torque to make climbing hills or powering through challenging terrain a breeze. It offers great versatility, from smooth highways to rugged trails. The Tacoma also gets a new multi-link rear suspension for a smoother ride and better handling or a more cost-effective leaf spring rear suspension. Also standard is Drive Mode Select, with available modes that allow the driver to change the settings of the drive force, suspensions, steering system, etc., all at the twist of a dial. I enjoyed how it felt to drive the Tacoma around town and feel the new iForce MAX Hybrid powertrain does not compromise the former V6 Tacoma’s performance in any way.
Fuel Economy: (+/-) Of course, when you hear the word hybrid you will likely assume that the vehicle is much better on fuel. In this case, you’d be partially correct. Tacoma’s with the hybrid powertrain will get an estimated 22/24/23 MPG city/highway/combined. These numbers are better than the non-hybrid’s average 21 MPG and even better than the prior generation’s V6’s average 18 MPG. However, at an average 23 MPG overall the Tacoma is still not an overly fuel-efficient vehicle, nor should you expect it to be.
Capability: (+) The iForce MAX Hybrid trim doesn’t compromise on off-road capability. It’s available with the same off-road features that Tacoma is known for, including TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims. One stand-out feature is the all-new stabilizer disconnect mechanism. Standard on Trailhunter and TRD Pro and available on TRD Off-Road, it increases suspension articulation across the whole vehicle at the push of a button and is compatible with Toyota-approved lift kits.
The Tacoma has up to a 35.7-degree approach, 24.6-degree breakover, and 22.6-degree departure angles on TRD Pro with running ground clearance maxing out at 11.5 inches. TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter drivers can view potential obstacles on the trail via the multi-terrain monitor that can display crisply on the available 14-inch touchscreen. For the rockier situations, Tacomas offers standard underbody protection and front recovery points, with additional rear recovery points standard on TRD Pro and Trailhunter. Other available improvements include factory lifts, Bilstein monotube remote reservoir shocks, CRAWL control, center locking differential, up to 2400 Watt in-bed power supply, adaptive variable suspension, and more. Opt for the new Trailhunter or TRD Pro for even more off-road goodies like 2.5” Old Man Emu shocks, 33” tires, RIGID fog lamps, 2.5” FOX internal bypass shocks, or Isodynamic Performance front seats. Trailhunter is Toyota’s newest grade that caters to the overlanding crowd with more purpose-built engineering and features like a low-profile high-mount air intake mounted to the A pillar, a modular sport bar with removable MOLLE panels, 18” bronze finished alloys, RIGID color switching LED fog lamps, bronze Toyota badging and an integrated LED light bar. It’s priced the same as the TRD Pro but packaged differently. Both trucks are highlight capable and personally, I would have a hard time choosing which one to take home.
All Tacomas are pre-wired for towing technology with a max towing capacity of 6,500 pounds and include new tech such as trailer brake controller, blind spot monitor, back up guide and straight path assist.
Interior: (+) Hopping inside, the all-new Tacoma is filled with the latest technology and information screens that bring significant updates to the cabin. A new 8-inch or available 14-inch multimedia touchscreen displays Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and pairs well with the available Qi wireless charging pad with enhanced power output. Toyota’s updated system is a huge improvement and intuitive to operate. There are other manufacturers that have more advanced technology (Kia & Hyundai) but this does everything it should, and does it well. A USB-C data and charging port is integrated on the right side of the display, and dual USB-C charging ports are included in the front row and available for the rear passengers. There is a vertical mobile device charger that is well placed and easily accessible to the driver. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with four different styles is standard on higher grades, while a 7-inch gauge cluster is standard on lower grades.
For those who love to jam out both in their truck on the way to camp and at the campsite, Tacoma now offers a premium 10 speaker JBL audio upgrade, including a new externally coupled subwoofer for improved output and a JBL FLEX portable speaker. When docked on the dash, the JBL FLEX charges and operates as the center channel speaker. When undocked, the JBL FLEX portable Bluetooth speaker can play music from your Bluetooth device, run for up to six hours, pair with other Toyota JBL FLEX Portable Speakers, and be submerged in up to three feet of water.
Passenger Space (+/-) Getting in the truck will take some efforts for shorter individuals as the truck rides higher than some other mid-size trucks and the door opening is relatively small. Opting for the double cab will provide seating for five with a bench seat in the back. The XtraCab configuration will seat four. The TRD Pro comes with black TRD Pro leather-trimmed heated front seats. Both cloth and leather upholstery are available as are heated seats. The seats are comfortable and there is sufficient head and leg room up front.
TRD Pro models offer all-new Isodynamic Performance Front Seats. Available in Black or Cockpit Red with technical camo-pattern inserts, these heated and ventilated SofTex-trimmed seats with power adjustability, use an air-over-oil shock absorber system to help reduce body movement and stabilize the driver’s field of vision, improving focus and comfort while on rugged trails. These seats are more comfortable for the front passengers, but further limit space for the rear seat passengers due to the amount of gear on the back of the seats. Rear passenger space is tighter, but not terrible. Three adults would feel cramped, but three kids were reasonably comfortable in the back.
Cargo (+/-) The Tacoma offers a 6-foot or 5-foot bed depending on the configuration you choose, and both offer ample room for carrying tools, gear, camping equipment, or other large items. The bed length and bed width are similar to previous models, but the layout and features are refined to make loading and unloading more convenient. Depending on the specific trim and configuration, it offers a payload capacity ranging between 1,500 lbs to 1,700 lbs. While the payload capacity is lower than some competitors (like the Ford Ranger or Chevrolet Colorado), it’s still ample for most mid-size truck needs. The Tacoma is designed to haul moderate to heavy loads, making it an excellent option for personal use, camping, or light construction jobs. It comes with a variety of cargo-focused features that make the bed more versatile and easier to use such as a deck rail system, in-bed power outlets, built-in bed lighting, tailgate locking mechanism, and an optional spray-on bedliner. Access to the bed is made easier with the tailgate step that extends from the rear bumper and tailgate assist ensures the tailgate comes down gently.
Additional cargo storage is available under the rear seats and under the truck bed in some grades. While its payload capacity may not be the highest in the class, its cargo features make it a great option for work and play. The ability to add additional accessories like a bed extender or tonneau cover only increases the truck's versatility.
Standard Safety (+) All 2025 Tacoma models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, Toyota’s suite of active safety and convenience systems. New-to-Tacoma TSS enhancements are made possible by system sensors with improved detection capability. This suite of features includes:
• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection • Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist • Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control • Lane Tracing Assist • Road Sign Assist • Automatic High Beams • Proactive Driving Assist • In addition to TSS 3.0, other available features include Blind Spot Monitor, which is designed to help detect and warn you of vehicles approaching or positioned in the adjacent lanes, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert for added peace of mind by helping to detect vehicles approaching from either side while backing out and alerting you with a visual and audible warning.
Final Statement: The Tacoma has become a benchmark in the mid-size truck segment that is proving to stand the test of time. With the latest overhaul, it has only gotten better and more advanced. The new styling still looks very much like a Tacoma and the addition of the Trailhunter expands its lineup with more variations than ever. The TRD Pro model is a true truck with plenty of capability off-road and all the basic modern technology needed on the road. I loved the Terra color on the 2024 model and think that the 2025 Mudbath color looks equally unique on the truck. This truck remains a solid, reliable choice that is sure to hold its value for many years to come.
First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Exterior Color: Terra with Black Roof Interior Color: Black Leather Notable Options: Mud Guards ($60), Bed Mat ($200), Ball Mount ($70), Tailgate Insert ($99), Mini Tie Down ($45) Price as tested: $65,869 (with destination charge)
Jim is Senior Director of Marketing for the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and Chicago Auto Show and a co-host of Drive Chicago Radio on WLS 890 AM Chicago. He also serves as the Communications Director for the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) and creates digital content for Drive Chicago, The Chicago Auto Show, and MAMA. His passion for cars started young and he’s often referred to as the ‘car-guy’ among family and friends. Early in his career he worked at several car dealerships in various areas of the business. Jim has attended track school and driven vehicles on multiple circuits such as Road America and Gingerman Raceway. Jim also collects Hot Wheels and has been invited to be a guest judge for the Hot Wheels Legends Tour. He enjoys the trails and taking trucks like his 4Runner off road. He has a special appreciation for older cars and can often be found spending free time at cruise nights (where has also guest judged vehicles) or home washing one his four vehicles. Jim resides in the northwest suburbs with his wife and three kids. Follow Jim on Instagram at @jpcars22 for new vehicle content or @forgotten_survivors.312 for shots of older car content.
