2024 Tacoma TRD Pro Daily Driver
After spending a full week behind the wheel of the all-new Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, courtesy of a press loan from Toyota, I’ve formed some solid opinions on this premium trim. It’s one thing to experience a vehicle on a controlled off-road course, and quite another to live with it day in and day out. This review dives into the realities of using the TRD Pro as a daily driver, contrasting it with its intended off-road prowess. Spoiler alert: this truck definitely leans towards the wild side. For a deeper dive, don’t miss the embedded YouTube video at the end of this article!
The Pros: TRD Pro Standout Features
Ice Cap 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro
If you’re considering a TRD Pro, there’s a lot to get excited about. This latest iteration feels like Toyota finally unleashed the full potential of the “Pro” moniker. Past TRD Pros often seemed like slightly enhanced TRD Off-Road models, but the 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro takes things to a new level. Here are three key areas where this truck truly shines:
Commanding Road Presence
Let’s be clear – this truck is visually imposing. It’s not just big; it’s bold. The wide fenders, gloss black accents, integrated light bar, robust ARB rear bumper, vibrant red recovery hooks, prominent TRD skid plate, blacked-out roof, and the striking cockpit red interior all combine to create a vehicle that demands attention.
For Toyota aficionados, spotting a TRD Pro is usually easy. However, this redesigned model leaves no room for doubt. Even compared to a TRD Off-Road, the Pro exudes a distinct aura of capability and aggression. The first time I saw it arrive, I was genuinely impressed by its sheer presence.
Thrilling Hybrid Powertrain: i-FORCE MAX
The TRD Pro Tacoma comes exclusively with the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, delivering a potent 326 horsepower and a massive 465 lb-ft of torque. And let me tell you, the power is immediately noticeable. After a week of driving, I’m completely sold on this hybrid setup. My next truck will absolutely feature this engine. While the standard 2.4L turbo engine is capable, the hybrid powertrain adds a significant layer of performance and responsiveness.
Even with occasional bursts of full throttle to experience the power and without trying to maximize fuel economy, I still managed to achieve 21 MPG on the standard 33-inch tires. Regardless of any preconceived notions about 4-cylinder engines, this powertrain is genuinely impressive.
Surprisingly Good TRD Exhaust Note
Toyota has engineered something special with the TRD exhaust on this 4-cylinder. It’s hard to believe a four-cylinder engine can sound this good. I recently upgraded my own 4G Tacoma with a MagnaFlow exhaust, which improved the sound considerably, but the TRD exhaust is on another level. It even surpasses the sound of my previous 2022 V6 TRD Pro Tacoma, offering a deep, raspy rumble at lower RPMs without any annoying drone at highway speeds. While some engine sound is enhanced through the interior speakers, the core exhaust note is genuinely impressive.
The Cons: Daily Driver Drawbacks
Cramped Rear Leg Room With Isodynamic Seats
Despite its undeniable appeal and off-road capabilities, using the TRD Pro as a daily driver does come with some compromises.
Annoying Hood Rattle
This is an issue I didn’t encounter during the initial press event, but it became immediately apparent in daily driving. The faux hood vent vibrates noticeably, especially at lower speeds and on uneven surfaces. A quick check on owner forums and Facebook groups confirms this is a widespread issue. Toyota needs to address this with improved hood bracing as soon as possible to resolve this distracting rattle.
Noisy and Bouncy Goodyear Wrangler Territory Tires
The Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires, while likely chosen for off-road performance, are quite loud and transmit a lot of road imperfections into the cabin. I personally preferred the BFG tires that came standard on the TRD Off-Road model and enjoyed their performance for the 4,000 miles I used them on my 4G Tacoma. However, it’s worth noting that many owners will likely swap out the factory tires regardless of the model.
Impractical ISO Dynamic Performance Seats
It pains me to say this, especially knowing the engineering effort behind them, but the ISO Dynamic seats feel out of place in a daily driver. While innovative, they significantly reduce rear-seat legroom, making the back seats cramped for passengers. The seats themselves are also heavily bolstered with a fixed headrest, which might be uncomfortable for larger individuals. Finally, the manual lever for reclining feels somewhat basic in a top-trim model.
These seats are undoubtedly beneficial for serious off-roading, providing enhanced stability and comfort in rough terrain. But realistically, the vast majority of this truck’s mileage will be accumulated on paved roads. For daily driving, the ISO Dynamic seats are a significant compromise in practicality and comfort.
Final Verdict: TRD Pro Daily Driving Experience
4th Gen Tacoma TRD Pro Real World Review
Despite these drawbacks, I genuinely enjoyed my week with the TRD Pro. Whether it was the potent hybrid powertrain or its undeniable road presence, this truck left a lasting impression. I wish my time with it hadn’t flown by so quickly. I look forward to driving the TRD Pro again in the future, and perhaps even owning one someday. Until then, I’ll happily enjoy my TRD Off-Road, which offers a lot of capability at a more accessible price point.
Watch the Video Review!
For a more visual perspective and in-depth discussion, check out my YouTube video review below:
