We spent two days putting a 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road (Double Cab, short bed, i-FORCE 2.4T, 8-speed auto, part-time 4WD) through a tow loop, payload run, and a rocky trail to evaluate how the new midsize truck performs beyond the spec sheet.
Our test truck makes 278 hp and 317 lb-ft from the turbocharged 2.4-liter four, sending power through an 8-speed automatic and a two-speed transfer case. Toyota rates the Tacoma up to 6,500 pounds of towing in certain configurations; our TRD Off-Road test unit was rated at 6,400 pounds with a door-sticker payload of 1,585 pounds. Curb weight measured 4,610 pounds on a public scale, running 265/70R17 all-terrain tires and Bilstein monotube dampers. Conditions included a 52-mile towing loop with a sustained 3% highway grade, ambient temps between 68–74°F, and a light crosswind.
For payload, we loaded 1,200 pounds of pavers plus tools, verified on a scale. Off-road testing took place on a mixed trail with embedded rock, whoops, and soft sand, using 4-Hi/4-Lo, the rear locker, and Multi-Terrain Select. Tire pressures were set at 38 psi on-road and dropped to 26 psi off-road. Towing a 5,800-pound enclosed trailer with a weight-distributing hitch and the factory trailer brake controller, the Tacoma felt composed up to 65 mph.
Tow/Haul mode held gears appropriately and downshifted early on grades, keeping revs around 3,200 rpm at 60 mph. Transmission temp peaked at 206°F on the climb, engine coolant at 203°F—well within limits. Crosswind stability was solid; the truck required small steering corrections but no drama. From 60 mph, a simulated panic stop with trailer took 205 feet with straight tracking.
Fuel economy settled at 12.8 mpg while towing (hand-calculated), versus 22.1 mpg unloaded on the same loop. Acceleration to 60 mph with the trailer took 14.3 seconds; without, it managed 7.6 seconds. With 1,200 pounds in the bed, rear suspension sag measured 0.9 inches at the wheel arch—comfortably within the range where headlights still aimed acceptably. The Bilsteins controlled secondary motions; mid-corner heave was minimal, and braking with the payload aboard increased 60–0 mph distance to 138 feet from 131 feet unloaded.
Off-road, the TRD Off-Road’s claimed angles (approx. 33.8° approach, 25.7° departure, 23.5° breakover) and roughly 9.5 inches of clearance let it crest an 18-degree ledge without contact. In 4-Lo with the rear locker engaged, it walked a cross-axle climb that stopped open-diff rivals; throttle tip-in is better modulated than last gen, and Crawl Control now feels quieter and less herky-jerky. The Goodyear all-terrains found grip on decomposed granite, though deep sand required momentum.
Skid plates took a couple of glances without damage, and heat management was a non-issue on repeated low-speed climbs. Overall, the 2024 Tacoma TRD Off-Road delivers honest, usable capability. It tows confidently within its rating, carries a meaningful payload without getting sloppy, and has genuine trail chops with smart calibration. If you’ll tow near 6,000 pounds often, spec the integrated trailer brake controller and weight-distributing hitch, and mind payload once passengers and gear are aboard.
For mixed work-week duty and weekend exploration, this spec hits a sweet spot.
