This Is The Best 2024 Toyota Tacoma Pickup Trim For A Work Truck

With its overall utility and the best bang-for-your-buck, the TRD PreRunner can tackle even the dirtiest of jobs.

Toyota unveiled its brand-new fourth generation 2024 Tacoma replacing the previous mid-size pickup that was introduced back in 2015. The new lineup features some exciting trim packages, including the fully-equipped TRD Pro and the all new Trailhunter, which are ready to take on the most daring off-road and overland adventures. Toyota has gone all-in to make this the best Tacoma yet, combining the best features from other pickup trucks in their lineup. The Tacoma's uses Toyota's TNGA-F global truck platform—a chassis with laser welds and increased rigidity over the previous generation. With such rugged construction and attention to detail across all trim levels, you might not need a Limited, Trailhunter, or TRD Pro to meet your needs. Tacomas have long been sought after as work trucks because of their toughness and reliability. So which trim package is best suited for a work truck? The answer: the TRD PreRunner. With its overall utility and the best bang-for-your-buck, the TRD PreRunner can tackle even the dirtiest of jobs.

The TRD PreRunner trim level for the 2024 Toyota Tacoma hits the sweet spot for a work truck. Its i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged engine puts out 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, which is more powerful than the baseline SR trim package, though predictably not as powerful as more expensive models. Still, the TRD PreRunner has a towing capacity of 6,500 lbs, aided by its eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i), and an electronically activated rear locking differential. The locking differential is engaged with the press of a button to distribute power evenly to the rear wheels. Rest assured that the TRD PreRunner has the same robust chassis that is used on all Tacomas, with its TNGA-F global truck platform utilizing a new high-strength boxed steel-ladder frame. The Tacoma TRD PreRunner is supported by a double wishbone front suspension with twin-tube shocks, as well as leaf-spring rear suspension to smooth out the ride on those bumpy work-sites. The 17 inch matte-black alloy wheels with all-terrain BFGoodrich tires also help to provide the maximum traction. But Toyota will offer steelies as well as an option when it will go on sale later this year. One of the most important considerations for a work truck is storage, and the TRD PreRunner is the highest-level trim package to have the XtraCab as an option, which provides utility-focused rear storage and a 6-foot bed. In fact, the Double Cab isn't even offered on the PreRunner. The TRD PreRunner is estimated to start at $33,000, which is not nearly as pricey as some of the higher-level Tacomas. This price tag, along with the availability of the XtraCab, is why the PreRunner is the best bang-for-your-buck for a work truck.

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The TRD PreRunner has seemingly endless storage capabilities. First, it is the only trim level that comes with the XtraCab as standard. This two-door version with more storage space throws it back to the classic king-cab style trucks that used to dominate the work-site. Instead of rear seats, the cab has lockable storage on the back panel, as well as additional lockable storage on the rear floor for all your tools and hardware. The storage space is even more customizable with MOLLE panels on the center console and door panels, and rubber grips on the center console and on both doors as well. The passenger seat can also be folded down flat, either for additional storage, or for use as a desktop when you need to work on the road.

Outside, the XtraCab configuration has a 6-foot-long bed for maximum cargo capacity. The new generation of Tacomas have a 7 percent increase in bed volume and an available tonneau cover for when you need to protect your gear from the elements. Accessing the bed is even easier with the power up/down tailgate. The aluminum power tailgate can be activated from both inside and outside the truck and has jam protection. While you can use your fob to activate the tailgate, there is no longer a need to fiddle with it if your hands are full. The tailgate can also be operated from a button that is integrated within either taillight. If the long bed functionality is still not enough storage space for your work needs, the roof is also integrated with attachment holes that have the ability to add roof racks without a problem and make customizing your Tacoma uncomplicated.

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Sometimes a job calls for towing a big, bulky trailer, which can make maneuvering and visibility quite difficult. The brand-new Tacoma makes towing a breeze with its array of tech-features that improve upon the previous generation. The 2024 Tacoma TRD PreRunner includes a trailer backup guide, 360-degree camera, and trailer brake controller with blind spot monitoring. The Trailer Back Up Guidance makes reversing a trailer easy, and the Straight Path Assist feature ensures that you reverse your truck and trailer in a straight line every time. The 360-degree camera creates a top-down digital display of your truck, which can help you better maneuver the trailer by increasing visibility to problem areas. Additionally, the trailer brake controller works with the Blind Spot Monitor to recognize blind spots around not just the truck, but around the trailer as well, ensuring swift and easy lane changes.

Related: 10 Most Reliable Pickup Trucks For Towing And Hauling

The new 2024 Tacoma TRD PreRunner has a suite of other features that make it an excellent work truck. The truck has DC power access in both the bed and in the cabin, as well as an available 400W AC inverter outlet in the bed to power all of your tools on the go. The bed has additional functionality in low-light scenarios with its available LED lighting on the third taillight, inside the bed, as well as in the bed cap. The surrounding light outside the truck makes sure that you can complete the job even after dark. Furthermore, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard on all Toyota Tacoma models and includes pedestrian detection, lane assist, and automatic high beams, to name just a few of the safety capabilities. With this impressive list of features, the TRD PreRunner is the best Tacoma for a work truck.

George Rusu is passionate about cars, especially their 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis named Gloria, which they can often be found working on. They believe there's no better pick-me-up than cruising down a winding mountain road with some tunes playing on the speakers. Their hobbies range from road trips to cooking and everything in between. Their latest hyperfixation is electric conversions of classic cars.