The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro stands out as one of the most impressive and capable versions of the popular Tacoma midsize pickup truck. For the 2024 model year, Toyota has introduced a refreshed variant with updated aesthetics, enhanced technology, and increased capability. In the realm of off-road competition, key rivals include the Ford Ranger Raptor and the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2.
What’s New for 2024?
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro boasts several noteworthy updates:
- Exterior and Interior Styling: The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro receives a fresh exterior and interior design.
- Updated Platform and Suspension: The platform and suspension have been refined to enhance performance.
- Turbo Four-Cylinder Hybrid Powertrain: Replacing the V-6, the TRD Pro now features the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain. This system combines a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with an integrated electric motor, delivering an impressive 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This represents a substantial increase of 48 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque compared to the previous V-6 model. The engine also comes equipped with a TRD performance intake and a cat-back dual-exit exhaust system.
- Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission: The TRD Pro now employs an eight-speed automatic transmission in place of the previous manual and automatic six-speed options.
- Front Seats with Shock Absorbers: The TRD Pro features innovative front seats equipped with shock absorbers for a smoother ride.
- Larger Central Touchscreen: The vehicle includes a larger central touchscreen for enhanced connectivity and convenience.
- Audio System with Removable Portable Speaker: An audio system with a removable portable speaker adds versatility to the TRD Pro’s entertainment options.
- Standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0: The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro now comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring advanced driver-assist technologies such as lane keeping, lane centering, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, automatic high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic monitoring, and hill start assist.
Turbocharged or Hybrid Tacoma TRD Pro? Why Not Both?
The i-Force Max hybrid powertrain is the latest addition to the Tacoma lineup and is the standard powertrain for the redesigned TRD Pro. This system combines a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with an integrated electric motor, delivering 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. Notably, this represents a significant increase in power compared to the previous V-6 model. The TRD Pro’s engine is also enhanced with a TRD performance intake and cat-back dual-exit exhaust system.
All 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Pro models come standard with four-wheel drive, an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range, Active Traction Control, and an automatic limited-slip differential. The towing capacity is an impressive 6,000 pounds.
2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Off-Road Equipment–
Beyond its substantial power, the TRD Pro is well-equipped for off-road adventures. It features an upgraded suspension with a model-specific all-Fox setup, including new 2.5-inch QS3 adjustable internal bypass shocks with remote reservoirs and Internal Floating Piston rear bump stops. Other off-road enhancements include red aluminium forged front TRD upper control arms and 18-inch TRD wheels fitted with 33-inch Goodyear off-road tires. Compared to the 2024 Tacoma SR5, the TRD Pro sits 2 inches higher up front and 1.5 inches higher in the rear, with an additional 3-inch width.
TRD models come standard with larger front brakes, and hybrid powertrain-equipped trims also feature larger rear brakes. TRD Pro models are equipped with a high-clearance ARB rear metal bumper with red recovery hooks, an aluminium front skid plate, the Toyota heritage grille with an integrated LED lightbar, and a set of Rigid LED fog lamps. Notably, the 2024 TRD Pro introduces IsoDynamic Performance front seats, which utilize a shock absorber system for improved comfort during off-road excursions.
2024 Tacoma Trailhunter vs. TRD Pro: What’s the Difference?
The Trailhunter grade, another off-road-oriented Tacoma model, shares many characteristics with the TRD Pro. It features the same powertrain, cab size, wheel and off-road tire sizes, rear locking differential, and several interior features. However, there are notable distinctions:
- The Trailhunter is equipped with Old Man Emu shocks instead of the TRD Pro’s Fox shocks.
- The forged aluminum upper control arms on the Trailhunter are bronze, while they are red on the TRD Pro.
- Trailhunter’s skid plates are stamped steel, in contrast to the aluminum skid plates on the TRD Pro.
- The Trailhunter includes specific features like switchable white-amber LED foglights, a snorkel air intake, frame-mounted rock rails, and a bed utility bar. It also offers a bed with an integrated air compressor and 12-volt and USB-C charging ports, which are not present on the TRD Pro.
Safety Features– 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
The 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro now incorporates Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, an advanced suite of driver-assist features. This includes systems such as lane keeping, lane centering, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, automatic high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic monitoring, and hill start assist.
2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro- Technology
Toyota elevates the technology in the 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro with several features:
- A standard 14.0-inch central touchscreen, a substantial upgrade from the previous unit.
- A standard 12.3-inch gauge cluster display.
- A head-up display for improved visibility.
- Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- A multi-terrain monitor displayed on the infotainment screen.
- A premium 10-speaker JBL sound system with a portable wireless center-channel speaker capable of being submerged in up to 3 feet of water.
- Additional upscale features such as a digital key, heated and cooled front seats, a wireless charging pad, and an electronic parking brake.
2024 Tacoma TRD Pro Interior and Configurations
The 2024 TRD Pro is exclusively available in the Double Cab configuration, similar to the previous generation. While full specifications are pending, Toyota has revealed that the interior includes MOLLE panels on the center console and door panels, along with a clever shelf integrated into the passenger-side dash. Additionally, there is a hidden pocket on the driver’s side dash, featuring a QR code that leads to a website with dimensions for designing and 3D printing TRD Pro accessories, such as lanterns or multitools.
2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro-Availability and Pricing
The 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro, equipped with the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, is set to begin deliveries in the spring of 2024. Non-hybrid models are expected to be available for sale earlier, in late 2023. While Toyota has not yet released pricing details, it is anticipated that the TRD Pro’s price will increase compared to the previous generation, possibly approaching or exceeding $55,000 for this rugged off-road performer.