Nice Drives: 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road

Historically, the Tacoma has one of the two highest resale values of any vehicle made. The 4Runner is the other, and it would surprise no one that both come from Toyota, a company renowned for the durability and reliability of its vehicles. This new, 4th generation Tacoma’s creased sheet metal is an attractive update of its iconic predecessor. Its chiseled features are enhanced by the Off-Road model’s 33-inch all-terrain tires and the deletion of the giant plastic air dam that adorns more road-focused models.

The new Tacoma interior offers many clear improvements, including a better seating position for the driver and front-seat passenger. There’s now better under-thigh support as the seat cushion is farther above the floor. Interfaces are also bigger and brighter on all Tacoma models. Standard is a 7-inch display for the driver and an 8-inch touchscreen; the TRD Off-Road Premium upgrades these to 12.3in and 14in, respectively. Most essential driving aids are present and work without unduly annoying the driver, unlike some recent Toyota models.

The Tacoma interior design is defined by deeply layered, overlapping rectilinear forms. It is bold and stylish. This is somewhat undermined by the shiny, hard plastics used for almost all moldings, and is an obvious example of Toyota’s knowing they can get away with some cost-cutting and still keep the Tacoma atop the sales charts. Another is the cheap feel of the various knobs and buttons, which have too much play in their movements.

One area where Toyota is the clear leader is in the number of configurations it offers of bed length and cab size. The Off-Road can be had with a smaller cockpit called XtraCab; it comes with a six-foot box. Four conventional doors is dubbed DoubleCab and can be had with either five or six-foot boxes.

Underneath those are a new coil spring rear suspension (on all but low-end Tacomas, which stick with leaf springs) and Bilstein external reservoir dampers for the Off-Road. These help define a much more civilized ride, both on- and off-pavement. The steering is more accurate and direct than before; body control is better and the Tacoma is quieter overall. Mass is better controlled and it takes a really big hit to overcome the sophisticated damping. Braking is improved too, thanks to the first-time use of rear discs. Stopping distances are shorter and the pedal is firm and easy to modulate.

Gone from the Tacoma is the wheezy old 3.5-liter V6. In its place is a 2.4-liter turbo four that produces much more power and torque at our altitude, imbuing the truck with the kind of urge that makes mountain driving less taxing. Lag is minimal and the 278hp and 317lb-ft are adroitly channeled through a smooth 8-speed automatic (a 6sp manual is still available), helping the Toyota hit 60mph in only 7 seconds. There’s no penalty in fuel economy and the TRD O/Rs have 550 pounds more payload capacity and can tow 6,400 pounds now. For those who want to go even faster, there is a 326hp hybrid version of this engine. There’s still no AWD setting, though, so expect to switch between two and four-wheel drive modes when the snow’s melting off the streets.

All in all, this new Tacoma (especially in TRD Off-Road trim) is substantially improved. It is dynamically much better, roomier and more comfortable inside, and has more capacity to haul and pull. While material quality feels unworthy of the price, that could be said of almost all competitors. As long as the legendary Toyota durability and longevity haven’t been compromised, there’s little doubt the Tacoma will remain one of the best automotive investments there is.

EPA Ratings: 19/23/21mpg

0-60mph: 7.0sec

Price as tested: $54,829

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Here is what Toyota has to say.