Best Tacoma Trim You Can Buy

Throughout each generation of Toyota Tacoma there have been countless trim options that you can choose from. It is no different with the release of the 2024 Tacoma as there are now 8 trim options available for buyers. Each trim comes with different features and a certain price point to appeal to different buyers but which trim gives you the best bang for your buck? Today we look into the best Tacoma trim on the market.

Tacoma Trim Levels

The Toyota Tacoma has been around since 1995 and since the introduction of that First Gen Tacoma there have been plenty of different trim options for buyers. The First Gen came in three different trim options, regular cab with 2WD, Xtracab SR5 with 4WD, and the double cab SR5 with 4WD. Since those original three trims the Tacoma lineup has grown to an impressive 8 trim levels on the 2024 model from the base SR model to the top of the line TRD Pro model.

8 trim levels is something we have not seen on the Tacoma before. They each come with different features, upgrades, and engine options depending on which model you opt for. Here is each trim level of Tacoma listed below with just a few of the options they come standard with.

• Tacoma SR: i-Force 2.4L Turbocharged Engine, Leaf Spring Rear Suspension, Cloth Seats, Double Cab 5ft Bed or XtraCab 6ft Bed.
• Tacoma SR5: i-Force 2.4L Turbocharged Engine, Coil Spring Rear Suspension, Double Cab 5ft Bed, Double Cab 6ft Bed, XtraCab 6ft Bed. 
• Tacoma PreRunner: i-Force 2.4L Turbocharged Engine, Rear Wheel Drive, XtraCab 6ft Bed, Leaf Spring Rear Suspension.
• Tacoma TRD Sport: i-Force 2.4L Turbocharged Engine, i-Force Max 2.4L Hybrid Engine, Hood Scoop, Paint Matched Fenders, Optional Powered Tail Gate, Optional Premium Package.
• Tacoma TRD Off Road: i-Force 2.4L Turbocharged Engine, i-Force Max 2.4L Hybrid Engine. Locking Rear Differential, Optional Sway Bar Disconnect, Optional Powered Tail Gate, Optional Premium Package. 
• Tacoma Limited: i-Force 2.4L Turbocharged Engine, i-Force Max 2.4L Hybrid Engine, Full Time 4X4, Locking Center Differential, Chrome Trim, Leather Seats.
• Tacoma Trailhunter: i-Force 2.4L Hybrid Engine, Rock Sliders, High Air Intake, 18" Wheels, Bed Rack, ARB Air Compressor, Heritage Grille, TRD Light Bar, OME Shocks.
• Tacoma TRD Pro: i-Force 2.4L Hybrid Engine, ISO Dynamic Seats, Fox Shocks, 18" Wheels, Heritage Grille, TRD Light Bar.

When looking at trim levels like the Trailhunter and TRD Pro they come packed with a ton of features out of the factory for those that want a built truck from the factory.  While it is awesome that Toyota is offering a product straight from the factory ready to hit the trails, some customers might want something that can perform off road but allows them to build it how they want it.

When taking that into account the TRD Off Road seems to stand out more than the other trims. This model gives you everything you need while still allowing you the flexibility to add what you want to. A factory locker and sway bar disconnect means you can spend money on your own suspension, roof rack, bed rack, wheels, and tires. 

Pricing

The biggest controversy of the 4th Gen Tacoma outside of the new 4 cylinder engine is the price. Inflation has hit the car market hard the last few years and the average price of a new car has risen to $47,000. The new Tacoma has also been a victim of inflation and you can see that in the new price. The SR model of the Tacoma starts at an MSRP of $31,500 and that price goes all the way up to $65,395 with the TRD Pro. The new TRD Pro is now over 10k more than the 2023 TRD Pro model and the rest of the lineup has also seen increases to their MSRP.

• Tacoma SR: $31,500
• Tacoma SR5: $36,200
• Tacoma PreRunner: $38,100
• Tacoma TRD Sport: $39,400
• Tacoma TRD Off Road: $41,800
• Tacoma Limited: $52,100
• Tacoma Trailhunter: $64,395
• Tacoma TRD Pro: $65,395

When looking at the TRD Sport and Off Road models they both start around the $40,000 mark which in the past is a lot for a midsize truck, but as the market has risen for this segment they still do compete with other models like the Nissan Frontier Pro-4X and Chevy Colorado ZR2. 

Features on Each Trim

 As you go up in trim levels on the new Tacoma the features get a more premium feel than the last. When you get to the TRD Sport and TRD Off Road trim levels you have the option to get premium packages which gives you leather seats, a larger touch screen, a sun roof, etc. For someone looking to have all of the nice interior features but still wants to build out the truck to be your own, The Sport and Off Road packages start to look like the best option.

You also gain a new powertrain option when you spec out the TRD Sport or the TRD Off Road trims. Two engine options become available the standard i-Force 2.4L turbo inline 4 or the i-Force Max hybrid 2.4L inline 4. This continues to open customization options for those wanting to build a Tacoma to their needs, giving you the option between the standard turbocharged engine or the hybrid variant.

Final Thoughts

After looking at each trim of the 2024 Tacoma for those wanting to build the Tacoma perfect for you the TRD Off Road seems to be like the perfect trim level. The TRD Off Road comes in at a reasonable price point of $41,800 MSRP and gives you a ton of flexibility to build the perfect platform to start your build on. You get the option to choose between a 5ft or 6ft bed and can choose between a standard turbocharged engine or pair it with the hybrid system. The TRD Off Road even comes standard with a locking rear differential and a sway bar disconnect so you can save money on these mods and put it towards something else.

At the end of the day it comes down to which options meet your needs and what you want to do with these trucks. No matter what trim of Tacoma you settle on you are getting the perfect truck to take on any adventure for years to come. If you want to learn more about the 2024 Tacoma check out our blog about our first drive of it with CBI's TRD Off Road. If you are looking to build out your new Tacoma check out our website for everything you need for your build!