2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road, More Torque and better economy

 

When the heck are we going to get over our collective infatuation with jacked-up, over-sized, 4WD pickups? Really who out there is conquering the final frontier, tackling the unknown? The vast majority of these trucks never even see a dirt road. A few, a very few, may go play in one of the off-road parks. There is no reason for owning one of these monsters except ego in my opinion. None.

But you play the hand you are dealt, and in this case it was a 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road. And it's in a color I like - Blue Crush Metallic!

In an effort to make the Tacoma more fuel efficient it uses a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder. Not to worry though, it produces 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. The Tacoma is available with a 6-speed manual but the engine is de-tuned to 270 hp, and 310 lb-ft. The test Tacoma Off Road had an 8-speed automatic.

I didn't get a chance to drive this on the highway so I'll have to stick with the EPA fuel economy figures; 23-mpg highway, and 19-mpg city. Car and Driver said they got 22-mpg on the highway at 75 mph. Not bad.

I honestly couldn't tell what engine was under the hood without looking. The performance was that good. If anyone thinks they need more power you can opt for the iForce Max, a hybrid version that ups the power to 326, and the torque to 465. 

The Tacoma TRD Off Road as shown weighs around 4,700 lbs depending on options, and it can carry a payload of up to 1,700 lbs. You can tow up to 6,400 lbs. with the double cab (4-door).

The test Tacoma TRD Off Road was a fully loaded truck. The front seats were power every which way, and heated or cooled. The driver's seat was comfortable and supportive but I had to lower it all the way or my knees kept hitting the steering wheel getting in, even with the semi-flat bottom steering wheel. Toyota says the double cab will seat five people, at least four of them in comfort. That middle position really isn't appealing to me.

Toyota isn't the first to offer a power tailgate but I have ask why? It just seems unnecessary to me. 

There are two bed lengths available 5' or 6'. The test Tacoma had the shorter bed. If you're buying a Tacoma as a work truck you might opt for the 6' bed, otherwise I'd go with the 5'.

Okay, the '24 Tacoma TRD Off Road isn't for me but taken as it is, it is a good truck. It hasn't gone to far overboard with techie stuff, it has more than enough power, and the fuel economy is decent. Other than having to climb up into it (it really needs the optional steps) I had no complaints.

A 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road starts at $41,800, add in the options that make it really nice and you are easily over $50,000. 

You can check out this and all Toyotas at toyota.com.