When Toyota introduced the all-new Tacoma for the 2024 model year, it was a big challenge – it’s a legendary truck with a legendary following. We were impressed when we tested the TRD Sport Double Cab which we felt was best in class, and fully deserving of the mission statement Toyota came up with – Badass Adventure Machine.

So, we were excited to have a second go in the Tacoma, but this time wanted to try something different, but very much to the heart of the brand, the 4×2 TRD PreRunner. Offering the looks and grit of 4WD models, but with a less expensive 2WD drivetrain, is this the perfect blend of Tacoma goodness? Let’s find out.

Tough Truck Looks

Well, you’d be hard pressed to tell this is not a 4×4 truck – which is the idea.

Like all Tacoma’s, the look is aggressive with deep cut-ins in the hood flowing down to a wide, hexagonal upper grille. Slim LED headlights sitting above slender side grilles peer down at you, while a lower grille features horizontal LED fogs that look modern and menacing above a lower skid plate.

Can we call you a Cab? This is where the PreRunner gets interesting. Offered exclusively with an XtraCab, the truck is a 2-door – previous XtraCab models had a swing out rear utility doors, but no longer. Our guess is modern safety standards make that a no-go. This keeps the cabin short and allows a longer six-foot bed than you’ll find on other Tacoma models.

The PreRunner looks ready for serious off-road work, with a tall suspension, blacked-out fender guards and deep cut-ins in the door panels. Keeping things on the low-low are a blacked-out TACOMA badge, and unique 17-inch TRD PreRunner wheels with red TRD center caps. The only obvious visual bling is a TRD PRERUNNER banner at the top of the rear fender.

The rear keeps the stealthy looks with TACOMA color-stamped in the rear tailgate, slender horizontal taillights and a beefy lower bumper. We especially loved the big megaphone-style tailpipe that points out to the side behind the left rear wheel. This truck means business!

Finishing things off, our tester wore a dark grey paint scheme Toyota calls Underground. Mean, serious and ready to get more than a little dirty – we loved the looks of our Tacoma!

Room for Two

Inside may be a surprise for some.   

While previous PreRunners have had small rear seats, the new model is strictly a two-seater, with a pair of storage bins behind the front seats – handy to have some secure and out of sight places.

From the front of the cab, it’s all new Tacoma, which is very nice, indeed. Open the door, and there’s a very truckish horizontal theme, that helps you appreciate the width of the cabin, and even though it’s got a tall stance, it’s pretty easy to get in, even without a step rail.

Once you’re in, you’ll find the seats are very comfortable, and even though they are not heated, we’re appreciative of a power lumbar support, and with the XtraCab, tall drivers will find plenty of room. Another cool thing – the passenger seat folds flat forward, and the seatback becomes a handy mobile workplace, with handy places to put on bungie cords in case you want to strap something down.

The real storage comes from the six-foot long composite bed, with handy adjustable tie-downs and front and side rails. Another nice touch, the tailgate is damped (no more slamming open!) and locks with the rest of the truck – great if you have a camper top or bed cover. 

Having previously been in a loaded Tacoma model, it’s interesting to be in something lower spec. You still feel like you’re getting good value, though. You have a handsome digital gauge cluster, with analog-looking 8,000 rpm tach and 120-mph speedometer. In between, a configurable display lets you pull in key driving information.

One place you do notice the cost savings is the info-tainment. Where upper trim levels get a massive 14-inch screen, here you’re looking at a smaller 8-inch touchscreen, that actually works fine – we’re just spoiled with all the big displays you can get today. We do appreciate that Toyota still gives you a volume knob.

Helping us feel like we weren’t in a penalty box, our tester had the PreRunner Upgrade Package, that adds wireless charging pad for the smart phone, keyless entry with pushbutton start (featuring a cool red TRD logo!), auto-dimming rearview mirror and Integrated Trail Brake Controller.

The screen may be a little smallish, but everything else feels beefy, with hard-wearing materials that should stand up to years of abuse. Usability is key, with a fat-rimmed steering wheel, large chunky shift lever (also with TRD logo), easy to use separate climate control system with big large knobs that would be easy to use with gloves on, a large circular drive mode control knob, and deep and long center console storage.

Let’s Get Trucking!

Driving the PreRunner is a real treat.

Under the hood is Toyota’s 2.4-liter, turbo 4-cylinder, pumping out a powerful 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque at just 1,700 rpm. Teamed to an 8-speed automatic, the PreRunner feels faster than it’s reasonably quick 7-second, 0-60. Being 2WD it feels lighter on its feet than the 4WD, and all that torque at low rpm means the Tacoma happily jumps off the line, and it feels plenty powerful around town, as well as merging and cruising on the freeway.

We don’t think most buyers will miss the old V6 – but it was pretty bulletproof and known to run up ridiculously high miles with little trouble. Time will tell on the new engine.

Back to turbo-land, we found nudging the transmission lever over to Sport got a noticeable improvement in responsiveness. All this and a combined EPA rating of 22 mpg is also impressive for a big truck.

While the powertrain is a win, other places show some compromises. While the upper trims on the Tacoma feature a smooth-riding coil spring rear suspension, the PreRunner is running a more old-school live axle with leaf springs.

While this is a well-designed suspension, the ride is a bit harder, and you can feel the axle getting a little feisty when braking heavily. If we hadn’t driven one of the coil-spring Tacoma’s, it probably wouldn’t have bothered us as much, but once you’ve been in a more modern suspension, it’s hard to go back.

With Off-road stance, committed gear like an electronic-locking rear differential and grippy BF Goodrich Trail Terrain T/A tires, the PreRunner should be more than capable in the rough stuff, and the 2WD is an especially good choice for those who live where you don’t get much adverse weather. Traditionally 2WD trucks cost less to insure – another win.

Overall, we loved the drive of our Tacoma – it’s definitely a modern truck, but it’s still got some of the traditional vibe, and a bit of truckiness in the ride and handling, that makes it feel special.

Off-Road and On-Price

Another great thing about the PreRunner – it’s an affordable option. The Tacoma lineup starts with the SR, at just under $32,000 it has an entry-level, 228-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder, and for a rugged workhorse with modern tech and few frills, it’s a strong no-nonsense choice.

The PreRunner nudges you somewhere in the middle of the lineup, starting at $38,120. Our tester featured the sole option of the PreRunner Upgrade Package for $1,310. Add in $1,495 for Destination and we rang the bell at $40,925. (For comparison, our 2024 4×4 TRD Sport came in at $44,950, so you’re looking at around a $4,000 savings compared to a 4×4 model. Not insignificant.)

Competitors? We’d look at the Nissan PRO-X 4×2 at $41,905, comparably equipped. It also has a rugged look and off-road credentials, and it has a powerful V6. The PRO-X comes as a Crew Cab, so you’ll get more interior room, but the tradeoff is a shorter bed. Those looking for a less truck-like experience should check out the Honda Ridgeline, which rides and handles more like a cushy SUV. It also has a powerful V6, but like the Nissan you’re getting a full 4-door model. Also, no 2WD model is available. Ruggedly equipped, it comes in at $47,490.

The 2025 Tacoma PreRunner fills a special niche in the compact truck market, with off-road goodness in a less-expensive 4X2 package. With its advanced turbo 4-cylinder engine, great interior design, and rugged looks, it’s a great all-around truck!