Solid Review of 2024 TRD OR from Motortrend

I didn't see this posted anywhere but just came accross this really solid review of the 2024 TRD OR from Motortrend:

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2024-toyota-tacoma-trd-off-road-first-test-review/

They are honest about some shortcomings (including price) but generally grade it very high in all their tests. The article has some great pictures of it in action as well. I generally like the looks (although those fender creases just don't look right - the door almost looks dented under the side mirrors!) and I am not a fan of the giant tv stuck to the dash, but yeah... after reading the article I am not gonna lie, I do want one!

 

As tested price of $54,850 and a full second slower than a colorado.

 

I want to like the GM midsizers but they are plagued with software/electronic issues. Hopefully they get them ironed out. I'd take the ZR2 with $2K convenience package, bose upgrade, sunroof for 52K and deal with the 15 MPG.

 

I hope they are wrong about locking the diff.

 

Its the same in the 3rd Gen too.

 

I was hoping they improved it.

 

You can't do the jumper mod as with the 1st Gens?

 

Not exactly a glowing review. They also didn't post their actual observed MPG.

 

Aside from pricing it read as pretty glowing to me

 

I’ve need driving pick ups for about a decade now. Never once did I feel like a need my rear locked in 2WD.

 

I can’t wait to test drive the MT version, but that’s as far as I’ll go.

Im content with my taco. It’s paid off and only got 60k miles. No complaints power wise. Just replaced my battery the other day, first major maintenance expense!

 

Ever pull a boat up a slick boat ramp?

 

Of course. Always in 4low, works magnificent.

May I ask why would one be in 2WD on a slick boat ramp?

 

4lo with LSD does great

 

I used to own a Prerunner. Back in the poor days.

 

https://mikescustomtoys.com/products/3rd-gen-tacoma-anytime-locker

 

Aaaah well there is the problem.

In some states 3rd Gen is TRD off-road is offered in a 2WD with a rear locker.

 

I owned one of those 2WD TRD prerunners in 1997. I thought with that locker I could basically do anything...until I hit some deep coquina on the beach one day with a hot date in tow. That was the most expensive vehicle I ever owned at the time and it was 21K

 

Regardless of never having never driven a 4th gen, I think the article is pretty accurate.

While Toyota will still likely retain the top seller award for mid-sizers, I they won't stand so high on the pedestal anymore considering the huge price increases on these trucks (especially in Canada) and increasing levels of competition from GM, Ford and Nissan.

I've owned 3 Tacoma's in my life, but I don't think I'll be buying a 4th gen with these prices. I'm a good saver and could easily afford one, but there is no way I'm paying over 55K all in on SR5 4th Gen in Canada when my 2018 TRD Offroad cost me $41K all in. I couldn't pay that much for any vehicle unless it was a truck for work where I would make money by using it.

 

Toyota did send them one with basically every option package on it. A TRDOR with just a few basic options is about $44k according to toyotas config site. Still pricey, but 53k isnt needed.