After a long absence, the Toyota Tacoma TRD PreRunner is returning to the lineup in 2024. PreRunner was the name given to two-wheel drive Tacomas that were upgraded with 4×4 styling and a raised suspension but without the four-wheel drive. The new Tacoma TRD PreRunner continues this trend. It combines a beefy look with a locking differential, an extended-cab body, and two-wheel driving.
2024 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner
2024 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner Review
The Tacoma PreRunner, which was produced from 1998 until 2015, had a two-wheel drive, a factory-raised suspension, a locking rear differential, and a wider track due to an extra offset of the wheels. The name has returned to the Tacoma lineup, even though the later PreRunner models only had the upgraded hardware.
The larger lineup allows for greater differentiation among the models. Each trim level rides on its suspension. The PreRunner’s setup includes a higher ride height and Tokico twin tube dampers. Other off-road trims have Bilsteins, Old Man Emu, or Fox shocks. The Tacoma TRD PreRunner uses the same leaf spring rear suspension as the other Taco trims. Toyota’s coil-spring multi-link suspension is only available on higher trim levels such as Limited, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro. BFGoodrich Trail Terrain T/A tires in the size 265/70R17 are wrapped around PreRunner’s aluminum wheels to create a stylish setup.
2024 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner Specs
PreRunners are limited to the XtraCab configuration. This is Toyota’s term for an extended cab that has two doors paired with a six-foot bed. XtraCab Tacomas have a storage platform that folds down with locking compartments instead of rear seats. The previous generation XtraCabs were characterized by stubby rear-hinged access doors and had the option to offer either fold-down seats or a blank area for storage for commercial customers. PreRunner is also equipped with electronic parking brakes and four-wheel disc brakes. The PreRunner’s payload is still a secret, but it can tow up to 6,500 pounds. This is among the highest amounts of the Tacoma line-up.
Engine
Toyota has kept the manual transmission alive for the past few years in the midsize truck market. It continues to offer it in the Taco, but not the PreRunner. The only powertrain option is the turbocharged, 2.4-liter engine with an eight-speed transmission. This combination is capable of 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. Other Tacomas have a turbo engine with a lower output and a hybridized version that makes 326 horsepower.
2024 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner Review
2024 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner Price & Release Date
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD PreRunner’s price hasn’t been revealed yet, but we can anticipate it will be available in dealerships by 2023. It is expected to cost less than the other Tacoma off-road models. We’d guess that, given its limited availability to two doors, it will cost a little more than SR5 or SR models.
