While the 3rd Gen Toyota Tacoma has only been with us 8 years (a bit short for Toyota models), they have already rolled out a significantly redesigned 4th generation (n400 Toyota Tacoma) model.  The new Tacoma is ready to dominate the mid-sized off road pickup market with serious new innovations.

There are a million articles that overview the specs of the new 2024 Toyota Tacoma, this article is for people who actually want to use this truck off-road. We will focus on the major updates from the 3rd generation to the 4th generation and answer the question every off-road Toyota fan is asking: Which is better, the 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro or the Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter?

Let’s start with the 6 key differences between the 3rd gen and 4th gen Tacoma for off-roading

1. The Frame: The new n400 4th Gen Tacoma is built around the TNGA-F Platform. This platform has a wider track and wheelbase for stability and is made of a newer high-strength steel that is more rigid and durable. 
2. Better trail dimensions: Between the TNGA-F platform and the new body style the 2024 4th gen Tacoma does have better approach and departure angles to keep you from scraping bumpers or bodywork. The 4th generation Tacoma has an approach angle of 33.8 degrees, a departure angle of 25.7 degrees, and a breakover angle of 23.5 degrees. The 3rd generation Tacoma has an approach angle of 31 degrees, a departure angle of 23 degrees, and a break over angle of 22 degrees.
3. Powertrain Upgrades: The powertrain upgrades of the new Tacoma are massive, and most owners will appreciate the power upgrade and, more importantly, the torque for offroading. The new powertrain is a turbocharged 2.7L 4 cylinder with or without a hybrid electrical motor helping out. The standard i-Force 2.7L will produce 278 HP and 317 lb-ft of torque. That means the standard 4 cylinder will make as much horsepower as the previous V6 and do it with 20% more torque. The i-Force Max (hybrid) will make 326HP and an earth-moving 465 lb-ft of torque. The new i-Force Max has 75% more torque than the older 6-cylinder! 
4. Transmission: The new 8 speed transmission. Anyone who has owned a previous Tacoma knows the dreaded gear hunt that happens with those trucks. It never seemed happy with the gear it was in, and hopefully, adding 2 more cogs will help put all that torque to the ground at a wider range of speeds
5. New suspension options. The new TRD Pro will come with Baja-proven full adjustable internal bypass Fox 2.5 inch QS3s. If you are not planning to run 60 mph+ out in the desert, you now have the option for 2.5-inch Old Man Emu shocks by ARB. All off-road 4th gen Tacoma’s come with a new disconnecting sway bar for an extra 10% of articulation. 
6. Disc Freaking Brakes!  Welcome to 2023 where all Toyota Tacomas will have the stopping power of 4 wheel disc brakes. (about damn time) 

So which 4th gen Tacoma is the best for off-roading?

2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

It really depends on where you live and what you do off-road. We all like to think we are going to jump our truck from a sand dune but few of us ever will. If you are in SoCal, Texas or New Mexico and that is how you use your truck the TRD-Pro is a no-brainer. For the rest of us it is a bit more complicated. 

The TRD Pro would be my bet as a daily driver with suspension that soaks up more road chatter at highway speeds and those trick iso dynamic seats ( think suspension for your lower back) that might make your commute just a little more comfy. 

2024 Toyota Tacoma TrailHunter

The new 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter is an interesting factory configuration marketed to the rapidly growing overland community. What the hell is Overlanding? At this point, the the term has really been diluted to anyone who wants to use their vehicle to get off the beaten path to far away places and back. Most overlanding folks are looking for reliability and the ability to accessorize over either desert running or hardcore off-roading. The Trailhunter has unique OME suspension but the truly interesting part is that you can get this truck optioned in the full four-door double cab with the longer 6ft bed. (The TRD pro is limited to the 5ft bed only) 

The 6 foot bed makes this truck better at almost all truck duties (all those weekend runs to home depot or moving sofas for the wife), and it does make this a better overlanding options. More room to camp and carry gear.

Which 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trim Level Would I Buy?

It’s a trick question! For me, I would choose neither of the top trim models! For my needs and wants I would build up my own, starting with a Tacoma TRD Off-Road. This model gets you Toyota’s fantastic suite of off-road electronics and the locking rear diff but can be configured with a 6 foot bed and a 6 SPEED MANUAL transmission.

For me these options outweigh some of the tech of the upper tier models and would give me a dream truck that meets my needs for Off-roading and daily life. There will be huge aftermarket support for these trucks and a half dozen great options for suspension. I would upgrade the suspension and wheels and tires to my preference and have a smile on my face every time I depressed my left foot to enjoy the full control of a manual transmission.