2024 and Newer Toyota Tacoma Guide: Trims, Powertrains, the Hybrid and How to Build It

What changed with the redesign

The new Tacoma moved away from the old V6 and brought several major changes.

• A turbocharged 2.4-liter engine replaces the previous V6 across the lineup.
• An available i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain adds a 48-hp electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. Toyota describes the torque as a 75 percent increase over the previous V6-powered generation.
• Independent double-wishbone front suspension continues, and many trims now use a coil-spring multi-link rear suspension instead of leaf springs. Some base trims keep leaf springs.
• A new trim structure, with the TRD PreRunner and TRD Sport added, and the TRD Pro and Trailhunter positioned as halo trims.
• A manual transmission option remains available on selected trims.
• Updated technology, including a larger multimedia display, a digital gauge cluster and advanced towing tech on some trims.

If you are researching the previous generation, those trucks have a different engine and chassis, so keep the two separate when you compare used listings.

Powertrains: i-FORCE versus i-FORCE MAX

i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo

This is the standard gas engine. Output varies by trim and transmission.

• Most trims with the eight-speed automatic make up to 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.
• The SR with the automatic is rated lower, at 228 horsepower and 243 lb-ft.
• The six-speed manual makes up to 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft.

Best for: Daily driving, light towing and buyers who want the lowest cost of entry and the simplest powertrain.

i-FORCE MAX hybrid

The hybrid pairs the 2.4-liter turbo with a 48-hp electric motor and a 1.87-kWh nickel-metal hydride battery, integrated into the eight-speed automatic. Toyota rates it at up to 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, with the torque arriving at a low 1,700 rpm.

• Standard on: TRD Pro and Trailhunter.
• Available on: TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road and Limited.
• Fuel economy: Toyota's launch estimate was up to 24 mpg combined, which varies by trim.
• Onboard power: Hybrid models offer a 2,400-watt AC power supply, which can power tools, camp gear and appliances from the bed or the cabin.

Best for: Owners who want stronger acceleration, better low-speed torque for trails and towing, and onboard power for work or camping.

Which should you choose?

If you want the simplest, lowest-cost truck, the gas engine does the job well. If you want more torque, better passing power and onboard power, the hybrid is a real upgrade. If you plan to add weight with bumpers, racks and a tent, the extra torque helps, though it does not change your payload limits.

Trim levels explained

SR

The entry trim. Available as a Double Cab with a 5-foot bed or an XtraCab with a 6-foot bed, with the 2.4-liter turbo, and a manual transmission available. It suits work use and buyers who want a blank canvas.

SR5

A step up in features and the most flexible value trim. Available in XtraCab and Double Cab with 5-foot or 6-foot beds. The Double Cab has a coil-spring rear suspension.

TRD PreRunner

Available only as an XtraCab with a 6-foot bed and rear-wheel drive. It has a lifted front suspension, 32-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires on 17-inch TRD wheels and an electronically locking rear differential. It suits buyers who want a desert-runner look and feel without four-wheel drive.

TRD Sport

A street-focused trim with sport-tuned suspension. Available in Double Cab with 5-foot or 6-foot beds, with the gas engine, the manual or the hybrid. It suits drivers who want a sportier on-road feel.

TRD Off-Road

The core off-road trim. It includes an electronically locking rear differential, off-road drive modes and Crawl Control on automatics, and upgraded shocks. It is available with the gas engine, the manual or the hybrid. For most buyers who want real trail capability without halo-trim pricing, this is the one to look at.

Limited

The luxury trim, with an upscale interior and Adaptive Variable Suspension. With the hybrid, it uses full-time four-wheel drive with an electronically locking center differential. It suits buyers who spend most of their time on pavement.

Trailhunter

An overlanding-focused halo trim, available with the hybrid powertrain. Toyota builds it with Old Man Emu 2.5-inch forged monotube shocks, a high-mount air intake, a high-clearance front bumper, rock rails, an ARB rear bumper with recovery hooks and a stabilizer disconnect mechanism. Its suspension adds about 1 inch of front lift and 0.5 inch of rear lift over the base setup, per Toyota's 2024 brochure.

TRD Pro

The performance halo trim, available with the hybrid powertrain. It has FOX 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, a TRD performance air intake and exhaust, 33-inch Goodyear tires on 18-inch black wheels and IsoDynamic Performance front seats. Like the Trailhunter, it has a front stabilizer disconnect mechanism.

TRD Pro versus Trailhunter

Both are factory-built off-road trucks, but they have different personalities. The TRD Pro leans toward high-speed desert performance. The Trailhunter leans toward overlanding, with extra protection and recovery hardware. If you plan to add your own bumpers, racks and tent, a TRD Off-Road is a cheaper base for a custom build.

Cab and bed options

Tacoma offers two cab styles.

• XtraCab with a 6-foot bed.
• Double Cab with a 5-foot or 6-foot bed, depending on trim.

Toyota builds the bed from sheet-molded composite over an aluminum-reinforced structure, which resists dents and rust. Features vary by trim and can include a deck rail system with adjustable tie-down cleats, LED bed lighting, an onboard air compressor and a bed-mounted power supply. For cargo setups, see our guides to bed racks and cargo solutions and truck bed covers.

Towing and technology

Towing ratings vary by trim, cab, bed, powertrain and equipment, and Toyota publishes the exact figures for each configuration. Check the rating for the specific truck you are considering, and never tow beyond the published limit.

Available towing features include a Class IV hitch receiver with wiring, an integrated trailer brake controller, Trailer Backup Guide with Straight Path Assist and a blind spot monitor that extends its coverage when it detects a trailer. If you tow regularly, see our guide to trailer hitches, brake controllers and towing upgrades.

Building a 2024 or newer Tacoma

The new Tacoma is a strong platform for a custom build, and a few points are worth planning for.

Start with the trim

• TRD Off-Road gives you a capable base for a lift, larger tires and accessories.
• Trailhunter and TRD Pro already include a lot of factory off-road hardware, so extra modifications may overlap with what you are paying for.
• SR5 and TRD Sport are good choices for a clean slate if budget matters.

Think about weight and payload

Bumpers, winches, racks, tents and tools add weight. Check the payload rating on the door jamb sticker for your exact truck, and keep your total accessory and cargo weight inside it. The hybrid's extra torque does not raise your payload.

Lift and tires

The new Tacoma's coil-spring rear suspension and independent front suspension change how lift kits are designed compared with the previous generation. Lift height, tire size, wheel offset and gearing should be planned together. See our guide on lift height by use case and our post on types of lift kits. Ask your installer which lift and tire combinations suit the trim and powertrain you choose. Our post on Tacoma vs. Ranger vs. Colorado as a lift platform covers how Tacoma compares as a platform.

Hybrid considerations

The hybrid is a newer system, so ask about its compatibility with the accessories you plan to add. Electrical accessories need proper wiring, and your installer should know how to work with the hybrid's electrical architecture. For lighting and power, see our guides to off-road and auxiliary lighting and dual battery and auxiliary power.

Accessories that suit the new Tacoma

• Protection: bumpers, rock sliders and skid plates. 
• Recovery: a winch and rated recovery points. 
• Camping: rooftop tents and awnings. 
• Cargo: bed covers, racks and toolboxes.
• Access: running boards or side steps. 

New versus used: should you buy a 2024 or newer Tacoma?

A newer Tacoma offers a new platform, more power and updated technology. The trade-offs are higher prices and a newer powertrain with a shorter track record. A used previous-generation Tacoma, which has a long reputation for reliability, can cost less and has a very large aftermarket. Which one fits depends on your budget, the features you want and how you plan to use it.

If you are weighing a used truck, look for a service history, check for any open recalls and have the vehicle inspected. We will cover this in more detail in our used Tacoma buying guide.

Tacoma versus the competition

The midsize truck segment is crowded. The Tacoma competes with the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, Nissan Frontier and Jeep Gladiator. For a side-by-side look, see our 2026 midsize truck comparison. For more on why the Tacoma has such a loyal following, read our post on the Tacoma hype.

Why professional installation matters

A Tacoma build touches suspension geometry, steering, electrical systems and, on hybrids, a different electrical architecture. A lift, bumper or winch has to be matched to the trim and powertrain, and wiring needs correct fusing and routing. At The Lift Shop, our team builds Tacomas and other midsize trucks, so the parts fit and work together. Read more in our post on why professional installation beats DIY.

Frequently asked questions

When did the new Tacoma launch?
The redesigned Tacoma arrived for the 2024 model year.

What engine does the new Tacoma have?
A turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder, called i-FORCE, with an available hybrid version called i-FORCE MAX.

How much power does the hybrid make?
Toyota rates the i-FORCE MAX at up to 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.

Which trims come with the hybrid?
It is standard on TRD Pro and Trailhunter, and available on TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road and Limited.

Can I still get a manual transmission?
Yes, on selected trims with the gas engine. Check current availability, since it varies by model year.

What is the difference between the Trailhunter and the TRD Pro?
Both are halo off-road trims. The TRD Pro focuses on high-speed performance, and the Trailhunter focuses on overlanding with extra protection and recovery gear.

Does the new Tacoma have a coil-spring rear suspension?
Many trims do, with a multi-link coil setup. Some base trims keep leaf springs.

Can the new Tacoma be lifted?
Yes. Choose lift height, tires and gearing together, and ask your installer about your trim and powertrain.

Does the hybrid hurt towing?
Toyota publishes towing ratings by configuration. Check the figure for the exact truck, and stay within it.

Can I get a Tacoma build shipped to me?
Lifted Trucks offers nationwide shipping, so your build can be completed and delivered to you.

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