My review after 12K miles...the good and the bad...

After 12K miles of driving my 2024 Tacoma TRD OffRoad Premium, overall, I could not be happier. There are a few minor complaints, but you'll have that with any product out there.

The good: The engine and drivetrain is a YUUUUUUUUUGE improvement over the previous generation(s). I have owned them all since the mid 90s when the Taco was first introduced by Toyota, so I kind of have a good frame of reference. I keep it in "sport mode" about 1/3 to 1/2 the time. And when you're in the 45-55 mph range going thru hills, and around curves, this is the perfect option. It really gets up and goes when you need it to, unlike the 2020 TRDORP I had which was horrible in those situations. I mean that old drivetrain was just lethargic...period. I am so happy with the 4 cyl turbo and that 8 speed tranny. Nice combo...

Good: The styling. I get tons of compliments. I think it looks like a StormTrooper. I love the black and white combo with the TRD OffRoad option. It just goes well together. I also am very happy with the interior. It's much more modernized, and the seating position is a nice fit, as well.

Good: Love that JBL and 14" screen. I know many do not, but using Google Maps every day for work purposes is a life-saver for me. The JBL system is plenty for me. I know some complain that it's not enough power...personally it's more than adequate for me. I am not interested in making all of society listen to my radio. Jus' me...

Good: The TRD OffRoad rims: Honestly, I could keep them on forever unlike the previous wheels on the TRD OR models. They're basically equivalent to the TRD Pro wheels of before...I actually put 285/70/17s on them, and even with the OEM mud flaps, I get ZERO rubbing. I get lots of compliments on the wheels / tires.

Good: The MPG. I drive between 45-65, and most of the time I am around 62 MPH (yes I drive slow in the right lane). I am getting consistent highway MPG of 25-26 MPG and that's with 285s. I cannot complain for a 4WD midsize truck.

The Bad: The headlights...Toyota must have had a parts shortage or something because why they could not put the LED DRLs on the TRD ORP models at over $50K MSRP makes ZERO sense. They only come on the Limited, TRD Pro, and the Jurassic Park edition (sorry jus' messin' lol). Bottom line: The TRD OffRoad Premium package should definitely come with them, if not all Tacoma models. It's 2024, and quite honestly it's a safety issue.

One more bad: That JBL speaker in the dash is very gimmicky. Most people would never remove it, as we all have 73 bluetooth speakers around the house already, and if this one gets lost or damaged, then you have a hole in your dashboard.

Just one more bad, and it's again related to the JBL dash speaker: GLARE. Horrible glare. When you're driving on a sunny day, mid day when the sun is directly above, that JBL speaker reflects onto the center of the window non-stop for hours (on a long trip). It's absolutely a horrible distraction, and arguably should be a recall issue, as it's safety related. Being a retired LEO, I have handled many crashes related to distraction during my 25 years, and this speaker has GOT to go...for so many reasons. Toyota, I hope you're listening.

And then there's the price, and I think we can all agree that it's priced just a tad too high. From what I have seen, the dealers are giving discounts, so that's a plus.

Overall, though, I am very impressed with the 2024 Tacoma.

Peace...

 

Are you sure the DRL bulbs are LED on the Off-road with the Premium Package?

 

No they’re not. That’s what I’m saying in the original post. They’re semi-worthless.

 

Thanks. You might want to delete “They only come on the Premium”.

 

Oops I meant the “Limited”. My bad…

They SHOULD come on the TRD ORP. But they do not…

 

Yea I agree. The lights should be as good as the LED lights on the 3rd gen.

 

Good point…

 

Nice write up

 

Annoying hood rattling; glare from the gratuitous bluetooth speaker; poor turning radius; absence of expected amenities (LED/DRL, rear slider, power seats, climate control, engine cover, hood insulation) on non-premium trims; cheap, disposable skid plates; and premium prices. But it could be much worse; we could be talking about a 75K Land Cruiser, bwahaha.

JK of course. Sounds like the truck has been good to you so far.

 

Thank you...

 

Yeah I haven't had any of those hood rattle issues I have read about, although I am sure some have. I guess the first year you'll get some of this stuff...but of the twenty-some vehicles I have owned over the years, this one def tops them all, by far...so I cannot complain. I really enjoy driving it every single day...

 

Retired LEO too... I paid $36,000 for my 2016 which in today's dollars is $48,000. I paid $3,000 more for my OR with the Premium package and it's a lot more truck.

But it's still a chunk of money.

 

Yeah good comparison from a logical perspective. It’s a yuuuuuuge improvement. No doubt about it.

Congrats on the retirement…

 

OP or anyone with experience behind the wheel care to comment about potential glare with the *non* JBL dashboard that simply has the fixed grille in place? Same or better with regard to glare?

 

I haven't noticed any glare I also have the offroad but not the premium model. I am just about to hit 12k km in the next few days. I really have no complaints really except that my tire pressure screen keeps changing to the trip. I keep the tire pressure on screen #2 but every 4 or 5 times I go to look at it...it changes to the trip. Same as Op I have owned 5 others and to me its the best driving one yet I will say this is my first manual one though and I am really liking it. When I first got it and a few transmissions went I was nervous as hell but that's what warranty is for.

 

great write up. Please post a sideview pick. I'd like to see the stance of the 285s with the stock OR suspension. Thanks.

 

I've got the OR with the premium package and have not noticed any glare. But now I'm going to have to look for it...

 

On a sunny day when the sun is directly above....like 11am to about 2-3pm....it's non-stop.