The current generation Toyota Tacoma is one of the most pickup entries in the market today. The truck is attempting to inject fresh vigor into the Tacoma nameplate after years of stagnation despite the best efforts of models like the TRD-PRO to distract observers from the lingering sense of staleness lurking underneath the surface.
The truck is proving to be a strong seller but with Toyota going on cruise control for the truck’s 2025 updates, does the model still have what it takes to cement itself as the long-reigning leader of the mid-size pickup segment?
Tacoma goes on cruise control for its updates
To find out we had the chance to slip behind the wheel of a late 2024 TRD Off Road (2025 get minor changes) to see if it still can deliver the goods. The exterior styling of the Tacoma is still chunky and chiseled with all 2025 models now getting front-mounted tow hooks a feature that was once reserved for only certain trim levels. TRD Off Road models are supposed to balance capability with value and while they don’t go all out like the TRD PRO and Trailhunter models do, the look is still handsome and purposeful.
In recent years, Toyota has been more adventurous when it comes to paint colors and the dark blue hue on our tester looked sharp even in more muted weather when the sunshine wasn’t able to make some of the metal flake pop. All TRD Off-Road models get 17-inch alloy wheels with TRD also splashing other accessories throughout the truck including a custom exhaust to make the truck sound louder at freeway speeds. The bed can haul large pieces of wood and do other truck things and the rear bumpers include an integrated step to help improve access to the bed for tying down cargo and other items.
Redesigned Tacoma interior continues to hit the mark
Slip inside the Tacoma and you’ll find the cabin continues to be the Tacoma’s strong points. Material quality is better than ever and Toyota designers did a good job revamping the control and button layout to make the cabin easier to use. Plastics have also been beefed up and continue to project a near-luxury feel but this is no Lexus, look closer and you’ll see some cheaper plastics but those are mainly reserved for areas where consumers will either not notice or won’t touch on a regular basis.
The Off-Road is also one of the Taco trims o get the bigger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with lower trims getting a slightly smaller 7.0-inch unit. The accompanying 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use with improved software that allows it to be a cut above rivals from Nissan and Hyundai but it still falls a bit short when compared with the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado. The front seats offer good amounts of comfort but despite our tester coming with the Double Cab, room for taller passengers was lacking especially for those with long legs.
An engine for any occasion
Performance for all 2024 models comes from a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine but these stats are not as clear cut as you might think with the engine coming in two different forms. Non-hybrid models get a version that makes 228 hp with this setup being limited to the base SR model only. All other models including the Off-Road get a beefier version that makes 278 hp. A manual transmission is also available but our tester arrived with the eight-speed automatic which is expected to be the volume seller in the family.
An all four-cylinder engine lineup was a gamble for the company when they announced it was getting rid of the long-running V6 but with many buyers gravitating towards smaller engines and less cylinders, this gamble has paid off big for the company with the engine proving to be a potent drawing point for buyers. The turbocharged boost doesn’t necessarily mean the i-Force model is a sports truck with the company saying models like our tester need 7.0-seconds even to make the sprint to 60 mph. Fuel economy is commendable with the EPA rating the truck at 21/26 mpg in freeway and city driving with rear-wheel drive. Adding all-wheel drive causes milage to dip to 20/23 mpg. These figures are on par with rivals but we suspect most buyers won’t look at that figure when going through the buying process.
Our tester arrived with coil springs but lower grade models get old-school leaf springs. The coil springs help improve ride comfort and when we took our tester around town, it felt more comfortable than the Ranger and the Canyon with the light dirt roads we also traveled on revealing the truck can absorb deep ruts and chuck holes with ease. Toyota says the Tacoma can tow up to 6,500 lbs with hybrid models losing a smidge to check in at 6,000 lbs even. It makes up for it by hauling slightly more cargo at 1,709 lbs versus the 1,705 lb limit on non-hybrid models.
How Much?
In addition to the truck itself not getting many changes for 2025, the pricing ladder has also not moved too much for the new year. A base SR model starting at $31,590 but the TRD Off-Road is focusing on the volume market and our tester arrived with a base price of just over $41,000 with select options causing it to top out at just over $42,000.
This pricing ladder (minus the $60,000 plus figures for the range-topping TRD Pro and TrailHunter) allow the Tacoma to continue to be a value-focused player in the mid-size pickup market. The GMC Colorado and the Ford Ranger continue to be potent rivals breathing down its neck but the Japanese auto giant is hoping customers will focus on the technology and the hybrid fuel economy that the truck is bringing to the table. When you combine that with the halo effect generated by the TRD PRO and Trailhunter models, it appears that the Tacoma will continue its winning ways but Toyota will need to be on top of its updates if it intends to keep the sales crown to itself.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.