6 Weeks with My 2024 Tacoma TRD Off-Road - Do I Regret Not Getting the Hybrid or Ranger?

Okay, the new Tacoma and Ranger hybrids are out, and the fuel savings look tempting! Let's talk about my 2024 TRD Off-Road at the 6-week mark. What I love, what I've fixed, and if I'm feeling some buyer's remorse all while doing an MPG Look on the highway.
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‪@toyotausa‬
#Toyota #Tacoma #TRDOffRoad #MTM #Offroad #4x4 #TruckLife #Overlanding #Adventure #ToyotaTech #ToyotaTacoma #TRDOffroad #FordRanger #hybridtrucks #2024Tacoma #truckreview #buyersremorse

[@MarkusJ55]

I just bought a 24 TRD Sport Premium package and i absolutely love it. I was coming from a 23 Limited, which was a great truck, but to me the 24 is so much better in every way.

[@BenInBeta]

Nice! I'm glad you love it! Thanks for the comment and watching!

[@evancontos2267]

Excellent real life video, much appreciated. If ur happy, you bought the right one 🙂 If you don't look back at ur ride when u walk away, you bought the wrong one, lol 😂😂

[@BenInBeta]

Hey Evan, very true and thanks for watching! I really appreciate the comment too. 😀

[@cruzn4u]

I reserved the IforceMax last May of 2023. I was going to pull the trigger on the non-hybrid but my wife said I should wait. She knows I'm going to wish that I waited for the IforceMax when it comes out while I'm driving the non-hybrid. But I'm getting impatient. My dealership said that it may not be out until July or August.

[@BenInBeta]

My wife initially said the same thing, but then I drove the gas model. Have you done that yet? Drive it and then decide. When I have been back to the dealership for accessories, there have been Tacos on the lot every time. If you think, I wish it had more power, then keep waiting, if you think this is all I need, then get the gas model. The power setup on the hybrid is pretty nice, but If you don't have a use for that, the storage under the seats is pretty handy so far for us in the gas model. It's all a trade-off. Do what is best for you, being patient can really pay off too.

[@KO_infamous]

Same minor gripe, my phone battery gets destroyed. The super fast charging works fine though, but you NEED to plug it in. Also, stock truck, same trim and all as you, just averaged 24.4 on a 90 miles all highway round trip cruise controlled at 72. Very pleased with that for a daily driver.

[@BenInBeta]

Yeah that's fantastic. Where are you located geographically?

[@KO_infamous]

@@BenInBeta Long Island, NY so it's a nice flat trip. Bit of wind, but nothing crazy. Largely ideal conditions, but just knowing it can do it regardless is nice 👍

[@pzadach]

Great video, I think you got the right trim level for your use. I was initially excited about the hybrid but after watching reviews it does not seem that impressive. Saw a mpg test on Daily Motor channel where he drove steady highway speeds and only got 19.5 mpg. Other reviewers don't seem to be experiencing the "wow" factor they were expecting given the torque and hp numbers.

[@BenInBeta]

Thanks for watching, I would agree as well and we're very happy with our choice for sure.

[@Joshcmakin]

I have the same truck, just rolled over 6k miles...i love it

[@nhanvi6888]

Yes,2024 white color, TRD offroad double cab, with premium packages so much-loved than I was coming a 2017 TRD offroad double cab,...Thank-you so much,for your videos, If you don't mind please share with me ,how much is it you pay for,

[@BenInBeta]

The price was $53,000 with destination.

[@jackcrackerman]

I'm about a week into ownership of my 24' Tacoma and I'm loving it. Still getting used to the throttle and trying to get more out of the gas mileage, usually averaging around 18.5 - 20, I can get over 26 on the freeway, but I don't do a lot of driving on the freeway during the week. For android auto, I actually replaced my 5 year old phone when I put my deposit down several months ago for the Tacoma (because I wanted to use the wireless charging) and I gotta say, with my OnePlus 12 phone, the wireless charging is fast and wireless android auto is flawless. As for the hybrids, I largely think they're a bit of a dud.

[@BenInBeta]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Please update me as to how your mileage changes as you break it in. OnePlus makes some solid phones. I have the Pixel 8 Pro, so you'd think I would work better, but I also have a case on mine and that might affect charging some too. Thanks again!

[@RequiemJr]

I'm enjoying mine so far. It looks great and feels great. I will eventually get a Tacoma TRD PRO. Maybe next year or two years from now. I love it.

[@BenInBeta]

I'm glad to hear that. Who knows maybe the prices will come down on those. One can hope right? Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@kevinbradley8613]

The hybrid powertrain will be “dealer adjusted” to kingdom come, unfortunately. Plus, you get extra storage without the batteries hogging up the space. No regerts 😂

[@BenInBeta]

Yeah, the storage is great. I have no regrets either.

[@driftx2]

I'm in Colorado too. I ordered the TRD Offroad with Hybrid and Upgrade package (not premium). I was also torn between regular TRD offroad or 2024 ranger. I probably would be happy with any of them still, just got finger happy with the hybrid lol.

[@BenInBeta]

Thanks for the comment. I'm confident you'll be happy with the purchase. That'll put you close to the same price as mine I'm guessing, though it'll depend on what accessories they add to it too.

[@itsallminor6133]

Good video. I have A third gen watching these to see the difference as time goes

[@BenInBeta]

Thank you and thanks very much for watching. The 3rd Gen is a great truck too!

[@itsallminor6133]

@@BenInBeta thanks. I don't really drive it much. I bought it just before to avoid the 24 changeover. Perhaps why I'm curious and following the 24 now.

[@thepdc6220]

Great vid. I got the trd or with just the large screen and heated seats. Same reasons. I didn’t want things that are gimmicky and wanted the truck in its basic form to upgrade off of.

[@BenInBeta]

Thanks for watching and I agree!

[@noxnyc23]

I don’t have the trd o f but I did get the blue trd sports. Im not an off road guy or take the truck in some terrain. I do occasionally fish and maybe help a friend here and there out for some outdoor purchase they can’t fit in their suv.. all and all I’m quiet happy with the power of these new gen taco. They look great in person.. I do avg 18 mpg in short trips very happy with that comming from a premium gas sedan only.. congrats on your truck and enjoy..

[@BenInBeta]

Thanks and thank you for the watch and comment too. The Sports look pretty sweet and they do all the things you mentioned and more. I like that blue color too. Enjoy your Taco as well!

[@bkraft]

I got the blue TRD sport also - 6 speed manual. It's my dream truck. I only go off road occasionally when I go camping. And what off-roading I do is very minimal and not too bad. This truck has enough punch for my needs - and I drive it very conservatively. It will spend most of its life being babied in my garage. I just upgraded from a 2006 Tundra - before the Tundras got so big. So it's basically the same size. I was raising a family when I got my Tundra - so I needed a roomier back seat. I don't have as much a need for that now.. My only concern is the turbocharged engine - I want to get another 18 yrs out of it - but if I don't - oh well - I guess I'll upgrade!

[@BenInBeta]

Nice, that's a sweet truck and it'll go further off road if you needed it to. I know a lot of people are concerned about the turbo, but check out the car care nuts video on the Tacoma and you may feel better. I think those that'll keep it a long time will have to replace the Turbo someday, but that's still better than replacing an entire motor or scraping a vehicle. Enjoy the Taco 🌮. And thanks for watching.

[@deantrainr]

Kinda bummer the wireless android audio is weak but it makes sense if the connection is good til your battery in your phone wears out. Definitely better to manually keep it plugged in like we have to do with the previous gen. Glad you’re happy with your 4th gen Tacoma. I was somewhat disappointed when I test drove a trd Offroad few days ago but I was impressed with the 8 speed gearbox and the “14 screen with noticeably better back up camera resolution. I love my 2022 TRD PRO and will keep it til it breaks. 👌🏻😊

[@BenInBeta]

Thanks for watching and the comment. The wireless stuff is fine for short trips around town, but wired is much better for long drives and in the wilderness. I'd probably feel the same if I had a 22. We rented a 23 OR last fall and it was pretty nice, but having spent a few hundred miles in both the 24 is definitely a better place to spend time for me. Enjoy the 22!

[@MrTanr69]

Im excited for my Trd OF hybrid. I bet that is the trim to go for if you want the hybrid. Wveryone keeps Taking about the pro and trailhunter or limited. There is two more hybrid trims that everyone keeps forgetting about. Im up in Golden so not to far from you, so im curious to see how well the hybrid version of rig does. Mine will be here in July, TRD off road hybrid upgrade package with audio and moon roof.

[@BenInBeta]

That's sweet! I'm sure you'll love it. It'll be great in the mountains. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@biglouinorlando]

I haven't purchased one yet, I'm thinking the way you do. The TRD Pro/Trailhunter are nice but way overpriced, the hybrid option is nice for the extra power but I'm not convinced that the MPG will improve much from base. I think a TRD off-road will fit my needs.

[@BenInBeta]

It's a solid truck and I really don't have many complaints and there's no perfect vehicle, but this one is pretty close for us.

[@J.Young808]

With my 2023 Tacoma OR ACLB I’m averaging 18.5mpg driving in town and I’ve gotten up to 23.8mpg driving on the freeway here in Honolulu. I believe you meant that you wish Toyota kept the 21 gallon tank and not 21mpg😂. With the Tacoma Hybrid you loose the storage under the backseat. Edit for spelling (dumb autocorrect) ETA You did mention the lack of storage. I’m waiting for the 4Runner Trailhunter or OR-Premium as I miss my 2022 T4R TRD OR-P in Lunar Rock.

[@BenInBeta]

Thanks for watching, I did mean gallon tank not mpg. Mistakes happen right? The 4Runner looks sweet too, but that would definitely have not had enough payload for us unfortunately. I hope you enjoy it!

[@codyrasco]

Hey, what's that basket lookin thing for the back seats? Just bought a 24 TRD Sport 6 spd 4x4. The Off Road package would be wasted on my usage (mostly Pavement Pruncess with some light/moderate off roading on camping trips in the desert to get to hiking spots-live in San Diego.) It looks pretty handy. Thanks for the vid.

[@BenInBeta]

That's for our dog back seat cover for the dog. It's like a hammok kind of. It works great to keep the seats cleaner, gives her more support and has a vent in the front to let air though. . amzn.to/4buXtG2. Congrats on the sport it'll be great for you I'm sure!

[@garybeaty4032]

The main thing the ranger has over the tacoma is the towing capabilities and rear seat space. Tacoma has everything else I prefer, so that would still be my choice

[@BenInBeta]

That and better payload too, but I agree!

[@kevinbradley8613]

Biggest reason to skip the hybrid… no manual transmission. That’s a deal breaker for me!

[@BenInBeta]

It's hard to get a manual in any truck these days! I'm glad Toyota still offers one.

[@Mjr1348]

New sub here ….Are you running 265 or 285 with the Wildpeaks ? I have the same truck and the same line of thinking as you. Love this truck !!!

[@BenInBeta]

I went with 265. I didn't feel the added weight of the 285 was worth it without getting more lift. You might consider 255/80/17s though that would give you a 33 inch with no need to modify. I'm thinking that's the way I'd go if I were to go with a larger tire. Thanks for the question.

[@deanmay338]

I really like the new Tacoma. However, I tow a small camper (2,900 lbs loaded with about 400 lbs of tongue weight), will purchase a shell/topper, and haul camping gear in addition to passengers, pet, etc. So, I really like the drivability of midsize trucks, but still want about 1,500 lbs of payload. That is doable with most other midsize trucks other than the Tacoma and Frontier. I like both, but will lean toward the Ranger, GM twins, Gladiator (Sport S with max tow package), or the Ridgeline (most have 1500 lbs plus of payload).

[@BenInBeta]

Yeah, Dean, I hear you. We've thought about a trailer as well, and that would solve our payload concerns, but I'm not sure if we want to deal with that on the tighter turns and trails here. But it could happen one day. I liked all of the midsizers that I drove. Didn't get to drive a 24 Ranger, but I did drive everything else and a 23. The Jeep was my least favorite for comfort and tech reasons. I wouldn't have an issue buying any of them though. Good luck finding the one that's right for you!

[@deanmay338]

@@BenInBeta looking forward to following your adventures!

[@BenInBeta]

Thanks I appreciate that. Looks like the weather is keeping us home this weekend, but as soon as we can get out we will!

[@martin4749]

I’m trying to talk myself in to a compromise. Much to my chagrin, Toyota dropped the nice trims in the extended cab. I would hand them the money right now for an Xtracab TRD off road. I don’t want four doors, but that means driving a stripped down truck. As the cliche’ goes, it is what it is.

[@BenInBeta]

That's very true. I will say that the non premium trims are comfortable too, but best of luck figuring out what works for you. It can be tough sometimes. Thanks for watching and the comment.

[@donjuan2105]

I've been a lifetime Tacoma fan and have only owned Tacoma trucks. When Toyota announced the 4th gen last year, I was excited to possibly own an Off-road or TRD PRO. My plan was to sell my 16 within the next two years and pick up the PRO. These prices are absolutely ridiculous honestly and I never thought I'd seriously be considering a Ford Ranger Raptor or a GMC AT4

[@BenInBeta]

First thanks for watching and commenting. Yeah the prices are crazy for sure. But it's also cool to see some great competition in the midsize segment. I'm not sure you really go wrong with any of them. Good luck narrowing the choices down!

[@TryingYourLvck]

legit question if you can answer it... what fuel savings? the eMPG is higher on the non hybrid engine for the Tacoma

[@BenInBeta]

Sure since almost all of our day to day mileage is in town and only a couple of miles away we'd be using the battery and electric motor more often and regen on all of the hills around here. If we got 22 in town, vs 18, we'd save money. On longer trips that'd be less the case. I'd guess we'd also get better mileage on trails as well and maybe be able to extend the range of the gas tank a bit. It'd most likely be offset by a battery replacement down the road if we kept the vehicle long enough. That's how I see that anyway.

[@hmongboy9161]

i pick up the offroad instead of waiting for the pro,trailhunter due to only driving it during the weekend which is not healthy for the hybrid battery

[@BenInBeta]

Nice! How do you like it so far? Thanks for watching.

[@hmongboy9161]

@@BenInBeta only 300 mile so cant really give a review on it yet lol

[@BenInBeta]

Of course, first impressions though?

[@hmongboy9161]

@@BenInBeta ill say the 8 speed transmission makes a big driving difference compare to the older gen tacoma, its like driving a turbo diesel, gears are shifting but rpm is still at the 2000 mark going 65++ mph lol

[@javierramos9795]

Dude if I was you I would do the metal skid plate immediately, unless you’re just doing light off roading.

[@BenInBeta]

Thanks for the advice and watching!

[@dino5254]

I would've gotten a Hybrid but it doesn't come in a 6ft bed except for the Trailhunter.

[@BenInBeta]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Yeah some of the configurations are kinda strange. But at least Toyota has a 6ft bed as a choice right?

[@dino5254]

@@BenInBeta Yes on the non Hybrid versions. I have a 6ft. bed on my TRD Off Road.

[@shelbygtrag5859]

I feel same way about my 2020 TRD OR prem. too much for not enough to upgrade to new 2024. Not seeing real upgrades!

[@BenInBeta]

That makes sense to me. Thanks for watching and the comment as well!

[@billw8476]

yes, keep the 2020, it will last a lot longer than the turbo 4 banger,for sure!!

[@tacosan9256]

The hybrid is for power and torque as you said, it doesn’t really assist with mileage- that’s from the Toyota head engineer

[@BenInBeta]

Yep. Thanks for the comment and watching!

[@MrBe787]

I get an average 18 mpg in my V6 4 Runner 😂

[@BenInBeta]

That's great to hear, I'm guessing once I get more hwy mileage it'll be in the 22ish range. We'll see. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@bradenb]

What's with this practicality? I was told I can't overland unless I buy the most expensive package available and then replace all those expensive options with aftermarket ones.

[@BenInBeta]

I have gotten that feeling too Brad! Sometimes it's funny watching the dedicated overlanding channels and seeing a Honda CRV or Subaru where they go. We overlanded in our Tucson last summer and had a great time doing it!

[@alexruiz5517]

Are you worried about the turbos? That’s the only thing that is holding me back from purchasing one.

[@BenInBeta]

I'm not worried about them. The turbos of old we're afterthoughts in design, all of these new were developed around the turbo. Toyota is using a heavy duty cycle turbo on the Tacomas from what they said in interviews as well. Will it have to be replaced someday, yes, but I'm okay with that given how well it drives, especially at altitude. The whole industry is moving in this direction and Toyota has been making turbocharged engines globally for a very long time. So I am not concerned about it, but we'll see long term how it holds up. Thanks for the question and watching too!

[@alexruiz5517]

@@BenInBeta No problem! You gained a sub. How much do you think its to switch the turbos?

[@BenInBeta]

I'm sure it's a couple thousand dollar repair, but we're prepared to do that. I'm expecting that sometime after 100000 miles though too. Check out the car car nuts video on the new Tacoma. His video is very in depth and he's an independent mechanic who specializes in Toyota.

[@joreldavis4069]

$3400 for the Hybrid. Also, who do you know that bought a new Toyota hybrid, and when did they have to replace their battery?

[@BenInBeta]

I was using the numbers that the media provided when I recorded this as it was before the config tool was released. And hybrid and EV batteries don't last forever they will eventually need to be replaced that's just a fact of the technology. If you keep the truck long term it's something that will need to be replaced. If you're someone who changes vehicles often it's not a concern. And thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.

[@datkinegaming8292]

the price tho? why not a chevy Colorado

[@BenInBeta]

Well I have a video discussing all of the midsizers and why we ended up choosing the Tacoma so I'd say check that video out for the full story. The short story is to get a locker that I can engage when I want I would have to step up to the ZR2 or the Bison. Those were one stop sale when I was looking to purchase, for some pretty significant issues. I also didn't really love the infotainment system in the Colorado/Canyon, the safety sense systems and camera systems were all better in the Tacoma and the ZR2 is more desert racer than overlander. If i ended up at Bison, it'd have been $60k as well. They are great trucks though. You really can't go wrong with any of midsizers as long as they fit in your budget.

[@scotw67]

Good luck…😂😂😂

[@BenInBeta]

Thanks, good luck to you as well and thank you for watching.

[@user-ju1qx9dc3w]

Can’t tell if this is legit or a massive cope due to sticker price shock on the hybrids 😂

[@BenInBeta]

Not for me, it's really how I feel. Thanks for watching!

[@zoovthoj2177]

you get what you paid for so.

[@BenInBeta]

Yep that generally true. Thanks for watching.

[@Pb_Slinger]

I am never gonna spend full-size truck money on a mid-size 4 cylinder. Toyota completely lost the plot with the Tacoma. Simple and reliable. These boosted, high stress systems won’t out last buyer’s extended loan terms. No real Tacoma fan wants a hybrid either. I can’t maintain a hybrid system like a can a NA system, nor do I want to.

[@BenInBeta]

First thanks for watching the video. I totally understand you concerns. The good news is you don't have to buy a new truck if you don't want to and there will be many used Toyotas on the market for a long time to come. I'm not sure I'm as worried about the turbos as others, many because I have owned turbo vehicles in the past and if there were issues, it wasn't the turbo that was causing them. We'll see how long it lasts, but only time will tell and hopefully all of the manufacturers are doing their research properly to ensure longevity as pretty much everyone is switching to turbos, even in the full sized market. As for cost, everything is too expensive, but you can't get a fully loaded new full sized truck for what this costs, at least not right now. That may change and I hope it does. Thanks for the comment. I really appreciate it.

[@Pb_Slinger]

@@BenInBeta I just bought a brand new v8 F150 with all the trim for 63,000. Same as the new Tacoma TRD Pro trim I usually buy. What’s a Pro Tacoma going for now? $65,000 MSRP? Oh! I’m also getting 19.5 mpg after lift and tires. What am I sacrificing? MAYBE 2 mpg’s?

[@BenInBeta]

@Pb_Slinger I'm glad you found what you're looking for then. 63k would have been 10k over my budget, but I'm glad it fit into yours!

[@Pb_Slinger]

@@BenInBeta it doesn’t really. The last TRD Pro I bought in 2020 was just north of 50k. Honestly, I could’ve bought a full-size truck for that also, back in 2020. So I guess my point is actually invalid, isn’t it… Everything is expensive. One thing is certain. Boosted 4 banger hybrids aren’t for me.

[@BenInBeta]

@@Pb_Slinger and I hope you are able to continue to find what you want as time goes on. Only time will tell. Tim at Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk had a interested video on Toyota and other companies working on reformulated, renewable, gas that works that might be helpful in keeping the NA engines around longer. If you haven't checked that out, I'd recommend it.

[@ronaldwmartinson6668]

There are good things with 2024 but You can't get me to buy a Turbo 4cyl EVER!! MORE PARTS, MORE HEAT & MORE STRESS. THIS TRUCK WILL COST MORE UP FRONT AND MORE DOWN THE ROAD. WHY FOR A COUPLE MILES MORE PER GALLON?? TOYOTA NEEDS TO TALK TO THE FAITHFUL PEOPLE AND THEY OBVIOUSLY HAVEN'T. HELLO NISSAN??

[@BenInBeta]

The Frontier is a solid truck too. I drove one as I was comparing. I'm not sure how much longer they'll have a NA engine either, but at least right now you can get one.