Toyota is a globally acclaimed automotive company synonymous with reliable and efficient vehicles. It was established in 1937 and has managed to become a leading player in both the local markets and the worldwide automotive segment. Over the years, Toyota has produced some world’s best automotive products, including the iconic Tacoma. Tacoma was first introduced in 1995 and has undergone various changes over the years to satiate market demands. We all love the Tacoma iterations because they continue to age like fine wine.
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma shows us that Toyota has honed in on how well this truck can handle being off-road. When wondering which Toyota Tacoma model is best for off-road, the answer seems to be that each model of the Toyota Tacoma continuously improves in terms of rugged performance.
Update March 2023: While the 2024 Toyota Tacoma isn't out yet, we are already excited about what we know so far. The information that speaks about the 2024 Toyota Tacoma and its off-roading capabilities make an even more compelling case for why off-roading enthusiasts will love the 2024 Toyota Tacoma.
10 Easy Maintenance
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The Tacoma is an easy-to-maintain truck and more durable than some of its competitors. Most off-road enthusiasts prefer the Tacoma because of its sturdy design that can easily withstand plenty of off-road use without requiring much care.
The newer Tacomas, such as the off-road favorite 2023 Toyota Tacoma, are available with a complimentary maintenance package for 25,000 miles or the first two years. The package offers free multi-vehicle inspections, tire rotations, and oil changes. Additionally, there is free roadside service for the first two years of ownership.
9 Better Fuel Efficiency
Pickup trucks have never been known to have great fuel economy. However, the Tacoma gets better-than-average miles per gallon, especially the 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma can offer about 21 MPG in the city and above 23 MPG on the highway. With Toyota leading the pack when it comes to fuel-efficient vehicles, it stands to reason that the 2024 Toyota Tacoma will get fuel economy that either matches the 2023 Tacoma or exceeds it.
This fuel economy makes the 2023 Toyota Tacoma a reasonable choice for an off-roader, and we are sure the 2024 model of the Toyota Tacoma will follow suit. It's also worth noting that the 2023 Toyota Tacoma has a lightweight body and a capable engine. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is sure to impress.
8 Cutting Edge Features
The newer Tacoma models are kitted with multiple features that make them highly desirable, especially with how Toyota changed the Tacoma for 2023. Toyota made the 2023 Tacoma ready for off-road action, with the addition of different trims. We anticipate the 2024 Toyota Tacoma will also be a perfect mid-size pickup truck for off-road enthusiasts.
With an electronically locking rear differential, Bilstein shocks, and Multi-Terrain Select offered on the Toyota Tacoma TDR Off-Road, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma provides cutting edge features. The Multi-Terrain Select is especially useful for off-roading, and you can select from five different modes to improve traction – no matter where your adventure takes you.
7 Rugged Performance
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma is a great work truck that you can use for many operations. At its brawniest, it can tow 6,800 lbs in the rear-wheel-drive setup. The 2024 model of the Toyota Tacoma will certainly be one to watch with the rugged capabilities that Toyota gives drivers.
Besides towing, the Toyota Tacoma can serve you well if you're looking for a capable off-roader. It’s a tough truck with a superb and capable transmission system. The system helps Tacoma’s performance while offering a good balance between economy and performance. And with a 6-speed manual transmission available, the Toyota Tacoma's drive becomes even more engaging. The clutch of the manual version feels like you're behind the wheel of a sports car, according to our review, although more rugged tires may be needed for off-roading. We feel confident in Toyota boosting the ruggedness factor in reference to the 2024 Toyota Tacoma.
6 In Cab Technology
When hitting your local off-road trails, it’s amazing to have good in-cab technology to keep you entertained. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma comes standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a modern infotainment system. You also receive a Wi-Fi hotspot with an additional subscription to always stay connected. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma will have an interior that is just as refined, yet tough enough for off-roading.
The Toyota Tacoma also has a power-adjustable driver’s seat, helping ensure your comfort as you conquer the off-road trails and crawl over boulders. The cabin also features different dashboard and center console ports to help keep your gadgets charged.
5 Great For Customization
Unlike some pickup trucks, the Tacoma has excellent aftermarket support with readily available parts. If you want to improve your Tacoma's off-roadability, there are plenty of options, like larger wheels, better lighting, etc. Truthfully, though, we wonder if there will need to be any improvements at all when it comes to the off-road capabilities of the upcoming 2024 Toyota Tacoma.
There are also plenty of accessories that can help protect your Toyota Tacoma, especially if you plan to spend your time on some rocky trails. Most of these accessories help better the aesthetics of your Tacoma, while others can help boost its performance. Toyota offers many add-ons for the latest Tacoma model, and it stands to reason that the 2024 Toyota Tacoma will have no shortage of trim packages to choose from. For example, with the 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road, you can add on front and rear mudguards, power moonroof, LED headlights and foglights, and an impressive Advanced Technology package that includes a Multi Terrain Monitor (more on this later).
4 Toyota Safety Sense™
Off-road enthusiasts may be individuals with a sense of adventure, but that doesn't mean safety takes a backseat. With so many safety features packed into the new iterations of the Toyota Tacoma, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma will have safety on its mind.
The Toyota Tacoma boasts many safety features, such as Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and a backup camera. Toyota Safety Sense™ elevates things to the next level, offering Lane Departure Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, and Automatic High Beams. With innovative technology on the forefront of Toyota's mind, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma is likely to be a safe and dependable off-roading truck through and through.
3 Four-Wheel Drive Capabilities
The four-wheel-drive system is the single feature off-road enthusiasts love about Toyota pickup trucks. It helps offer excellent off-road capabilities, allowing the 2023 and 2024 Toyota Tacoma models to drive over the rockiest of trails and play in the mud. The TRD (Toyota Racing Department) versions of the new Toyota Tacomas have 16-inch wheels that are designed to easily take the Tacoma over difficult terrain. The standard locking rear differential also helps ensure that the Tacoma never gets stuck in the mud or a ditch when tackling a snowstorm or driving through new trails. The 2023 Tacoma TRD Off-Road has a lift, helping this truck conquer complicated terrain easily.
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma's four-wheel drive features will be worth waiting for and checking out, especially seeing as this mid-size truck will come with the possibility of a hybrid engine. We hailed the 2022 Toyota Tacoma SR5 Trail Edition as everyone's new favorite truck, but the 2024 Toyota Tacoma is sure to take that crown.
2 Toyota Build Quality
Toyotas are synonymous with excellent build quality and durability. The Toyota Tacoma is a well-constructed pickup truck capable of withstanding years of use. Like most Toyotas, the 2023 and 2024 Tacoma models won't develop significant issues when properly looked after.
Toyota has equipped the Tacoma with a high-strength steel frame that helps improve the truck's stiffness. The Toyota Tacoma also features a sturdy front end that can easily resist damage in light collisions. In other words, the Tacoma can handle a lot of rocky and muddy trails. The upcoming release of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma is still TBD, but Toyota build quality is essentially guaranteed. This is something that off-road enthusiasts can feel confident about.
1 Multi-Terrain Monitor
If you are REALLY off-roading, having Toyota's Multi-Terrain Monitor will really come in handy. Sure, all of the safety features that are available or come standard on the new Toyota Tacoma have got your back. But when tackling difficult terrain, that's when the Multi-Terrain Monitor really shines.
To check out your surroundings when utilizing your 4WD, just a press of a button gives you views of the front, rear, and side cameras. You'll then have a wider view of the area around your car, as the Multi-Terrain Monitor assists drivers by checking immediate surroundings for obstacles and recognizes objects around the truck with larger field of vision. The Multi-Terrain Monitor is a must, especially on the 2024 Toyota Tacoma.
Sources: Toyota