Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro: Is It Worth the Hype?

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro has generated massive excitement among truck fans. Toyota completely redesigned this flagship off-roader for the new model year. With a heavy focus on advanced suspension systems and a hybrid powertrain, buyers want to know if the high price tag is justified. Here is an honest look at the facts.

The Heart of the TRD Pro: i-FORCE MAX Hybrid Power

The biggest change to the new Tacoma TRD Pro is under the hood. Toyota completely abandoned the old 3.5-liter V6 engine. In its place, the 2024 model features the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain.

This system pairs a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-horsepower electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. A 1.87-kWh battery pack sits under the rear seat to power the electric motor.

The exact numbers are highly impressive for a midsize truck. The TRD Pro produces 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The torque output is the real star here. It is nearly double the 265 lb-ft of torque found in the previous generation. This massive increase in low-end power makes rock crawling and steep hill climbs much easier.

Serious Suspension Upgrades for Dirt Trails

The defining feature of any TRD Pro model is the suspension. For the 2024 Tacoma, Toyota partnered with Fox to create a highly specialized setup.

The truck comes equipped with Fox QS3 three-way adjustable internal bypass shocks. These 2.5-inch aluminum shock absorbers feature remote reservoirs at the rear to keep the shock fluid cool during high-speed desert runs.

The QS3 system is entirely manual. You turn a physical dial on the shock body to choose between three settings: Soft, Medium, or Firm. You can set the suspension to Soft for soaking up deep ruts on a trail, and then switch to Firm for a stable ride on the highway home.

Toyota also included red forged aluminum TRD upper control arms. These control arms optimize the front suspension geometry and reduce unsprung weight. In the rear, Toyota replaced the traditional leaf springs with a modern coil-spring multi-link suspension. This creates a much smoother ride over rocky terrain.

IsoDynamic Performance Seats: A First in Class

Toyota introduced a wild new feature inside the cabin of the TRD Pro. The driver and front passenger get IsoDynamic Performance seats.

These seats have their own built-in shock absorbers. Two air-over-oil shock absorbers are mounted on the back of each front seat. These shocks dampen vertical and lateral movements while driving over rough terrain. If you hit a deep pothole or land a small jump, the seat actually absorbs the impact before it reaches your spine.

You can manually adjust the air pressure in the seat shocks using a hand pump to match your specific body weight. If you are driving on smooth pavement, you can flip a switch to lock the seats into a rigid position.

Concrete Off-Road Dimensions and Armor

To handle severe trails, the Tacoma TRD Pro needs physical clearance. Toyota equipped the truck with 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires wrapped around 18-inch black TRD alloy wheels.

These massive tires help give the truck 11.5 inches of ground clearance. The physical geometry is built for steep obstacles. The truck boasts a 33.8-degree approach angle, a 25.7-degree breakover angle, and a 23.5-degree departure angle.

Toyota also added heavy-duty armor. The front of the truck is protected by a thick aluminum TRD skid plate. The rear features a high-clearance ARB steel bumper complete with bright red recovery hooks. Standard rock rails run down the sides of the truck to protect the doors from boulder damage.

Trail Technology: SDM and CRAWL Control

The mechanical upgrades are supported by highly advanced software. The 2024 TRD Pro features a Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM). By pushing a button on the dashboard, you can disconnect the front stabilizer bar. This allows the front wheels to drop further down into holes. Toyota states this increases suspension articulation by 10 percent compared to the older trucks.

The truck also includes the newest version of Multi-Terrain Select. This traction control system works in both 4WD High and 4WD Low. You can select specific modes for Dirt, Sand, Mud, or Deep Snow. Additionally, the updated CRAWL Control functions like off-road cruise control. You set a low speed (between 1 and 5 mph), and the truck handles the throttle and braking while you focus entirely on steering around obstacles.

Pricing: Does the TRD Pro Justify the Cost?

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro has a starting MSRP of $63,900. Once you add the mandatory $1,495 destination fee, the base price sits at $65,395 before any dealer markups.

This makes the TRD Pro one of the most expensive midsize trucks on the market. For comparison, the 405-horsepower Ford Ranger Raptor starts at $55,400. The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 starts around $48,395.

Whether the truck is worth the hype comes down to your exact needs. If you want manual shock adjustability, shock-absorbing seats, and legendary Toyota reliability wrapped in a hybrid package, the TRD Pro stands entirely alone. However, buyers looking purely for the cheapest horsepower will find better budget options from Ford and Chevy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the gas mileage of the 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro? Because of the heavy off-road tires and high ride height, the hybrid powertrain focuses more on power than efficiency. The TRD Pro gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Can you get the TRD Pro with a manual transmission? No. The 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro is only available with the eight-speed automatic transmission. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid system cannot be paired with a manual gearbox.

How much weight can the Tacoma TRD Pro tow? The 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro has a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. The payload capacity for the truck bed is rated at 1,680 pounds.