All eyes are on the upcoming Tacoma, and an off-road version more hardcore than even the Tacoma TRD Pro with Tonka-toughness is appealing indeed.
Pickups are a big deal. Around 20% of the US’ passenger vehicles sales were trucks in 2022, and the top 10 models sold also include 5 pickup models. Ford’s F-Series was the best-selling vehicle over the last 40 or so years, too.
May 19th is the day of the reveal for Toyota’s next-generation Tacoma. This is Toyota’s best-selling pickup, and the hero of the mid-sized pickup truck class. It will likely include updated styling, modern hybrid engines and other features to bring it up to 2024 standards.
Check out our article on the recently leaked image of the Tacoma.
This render, courtesy of HotCars artist Timothy Adry Emmanuel showcases a concept for how the 2025 Toyota Tacoma could look in a top-of-the-range, off-roading trim. A ‘Tonka’ version would surely provide both nostalgia and boost sales for the mid-range pickup, and it would give Toyota the opportunity to add some extra-heavy-duty features.
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma Off-Roading Version
Toyota’s Tacoma may be a capable rival to the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Canyon, but the brand will need to offer strong features and exciting new options to remain at the top.
With the increasing popularity of over landing and off-road-ready pickups and SUVs, trims like Toyota’s own ‘TRD Pro’ are important, but there is a market for extra-rugged and capable models.
What does ‘off-roading’ mean? Well, big, knobbly tires, extra ground clearance, upgraded suspension, scuff plates, and adequate power are all valid points. We know that the upcoming Tacoma will include another TRD Pro trim level, as well as an over landing focused edition.
This Taco goes big, with large off-roading tires and bead lock wheels. A raised ride height lifts the pickup further above a widened track and rugged-looking suspension. Below the vehicle there are various scuff plates and pieces of protection.
What Is The Release Date Of The 2024 Toyota Tacoma?
We like the KC HiLiTES lighting which consists of two auxiliary lights up front and lighting row above the roof. Front tow hooks, winch and snorkel, the cattle-pusher bars and equipment that should allow you to go farther off the grid than ever.
You would expect an upgraded powertrain for the ultimate off-road Tacoma, and a supercharged version of the 2023 Tacoma’s 3.5-liter V6 could boost power from 278 hp towards 400 hp, endowing it with V8-like power.
A Tonka Tacoma would add colors and decals like the Tuscany Motor Company’s previous Ford F-150 Tonka, or Toyota’s own HiLux Tonka concept for Australia. A beefed-up Tacoma and Tonka partnership could be the new TRD Pro – and we bet it’d sell like Tonka trucks.
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma will come with a six-speed manual transmission option as well as automatic, and will feature the TNGA-F architecture that underpins other models like the Tundra. As for the engine, the 2024 Tacoma will very likely include a hybrid option, with more power.
The Toyota Tundra’s twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 would be a good choice, but it’s likely something smaller like a turbocharged 2.4-liter unit from Lexus with optional hybrid hardware will get used. For now, we can only speculate, so stay tuned as we cover the reveal of the 2024 Tacoma on May 19th.
