2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

The Tacoma has dominated the midsize pickup market for almost 20 years. In 2023, three times the number of Tacomas were sold compared to the second-place Chevy Colorado. Redesigned for 2024, the Taco received a new set of turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, a hybrid option, and a revamped interior. We tested the top-shelf TRD Pro, designed for serious off-roading. It comes with a standard hybrid powertrain, which provides impressive acceleration and power. On-demand 4WD and drive modes such as multi-terrain select, crawl control, and hill-start assist help establish the Taco’s off-road cred. The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 full suite of advanced safety features is standard. The Tacoma projects an outdoorsy, adventurous vibe inside and out, including (for the TRD Pro trim) special bumpers, bulging wheel wells with black body cladding, 33-inch off-road tires, and Fox suspension dampers. The attractive interior is simply and sensibly laid out; buttons and control knobs are visible and easily accessible. Handling and ride quality in on-road driving is satisfactory. The Tacoma isn’t without drawbacks, however. The backs of the IsoDynamic front seats, which help stabilize occupants, seriously cut into back-seat legroom—and the back seat itself is uncomfortable. Fuel economy is unexceptional. Rear and side visibility are compromised by a small back window and wide roof supports. Front and rear entry and exit can be challenging due to the lack of running boards. Finally, the Tacoma’s higher trim levels are pretty pricey for the value received.