Toyota’s legendary midsize pickup truck, the Tacoma, has been around for decades, creating a loyal customer base who affectionately refer to it as the “Taco”. For 2024, the Japanese automaker unveiled the fourth-generation Tacoma with an all-new chassis, a pair of turbocharged four-cylinder engines, and the promise of a reasonably comfortable ride.

Toyota offers a 2024 Tacoma for just about anyone from the stripped-out SR base model to the hardcore off-roading TRD Pro range-topper for nearly $64,000 to start. But within that model lineup of nine distinct trims, the TRD Sport stands out as a just-right blend of value and capability, making it arguably the perfect mid-range Tacoma. Let’s discuss everything you need to know about the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport.

Tacoma TRD Sport Overview

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma lineup starts with the $31,500 SR base model aimed at worksite use with steel wheels, a detuned engine, and a leaf-sprung rear suspension. The SR5 and PreRunner variants follow, but only the SR5 Double Cab switches to a coil spring rear suspension at this level. Alloy wheels are added to both, while the TRD PreRunner gets a digital gauge cluster. Sitting roughly halfway between the entry point and the top-spec TRD Pro is the Tacoma TRD Sport.

It has an MSRP of $39,400 excluding destination charges and is one of the only Tacomas to offer a five- or six-foot bed with its double cab body, as well as the six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. The TRD Sport is also the first trim line to offer access to the more potent hybrid engine that Toyota dubs the i-Force Max, making these models one of the most versatile in terms of how they can be configured.

Though four-wheel drive (4WD) is standard on higher trim lines, the TRD Sport comes standard with rear-wheel drive and the option for 4WD. It sits below the rough road oriented TRD Off-Road Tacoma and, like its name implies, is the closest thing to a street truck currently available within the 2024 Tacoma lineup.

It’s possible to spend a lot more on the TRD Sport. For instance, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport with the automatic, 4WD, and the double cab long box body costs $42,600. Adding just one expensive package will send the price beyond $50k.

Tacoma TRD Sport Exterior

2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport Notable Features

• 18-inch machined TRD Sport alloy wheels
• Black badging
• Color-keyed door handles and over-fenders
• Hood scoop

To drive home the sporty aspect of the 2024 Tacoma TRD Sport, it comes fitted with several exclusive features like a hood scoop, a monochromatic treatment of the door handles and fender flares, and black wheels with machined pockets featuring the TRD emblem. Unlike the SR, SR5, and TRD PreRunner with just six exterior finish options, the TRD Sport offers nine, including Solar Octane and Bronze Oxide.

LED bed lighting comes standard on these models as well and, unlike the models positioned below it, the TRD Sport can be upgraded with the hybrid powertrain. However, it will cost you an extra $6,900.

Tacoma TRD Sport Interior

Inside, the 2024 Tacoma TRD Sport features an aluminum pedal set and the option for anodized blue trim throughout. Only sold in crew cab (or what Toyota calls Double Cab), the TRD Sport seats five in simple fabric comfort that can be dressed up with a two-tone black and gray design. It also features an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen and wireless smartphone mirroring.

Something else this ideal mid-pack Tacoma comes with is the ability to upgrade things – dramatically. For $8,835 on the standard model with the normal engine, the TRD Sport Premium package brings niceties like SofTex upholstery, climatized front seats, a 14-inch central display, a surround-view monitor, a moonroof, and a JBL audio system.

Many of these features are offered on higher-spec Tacomas but at the top of the range, the TRD Pro model occupies truly rarefied and expensive air. Along with special front and rear bumpers, the TRD Pro boasts exclusive IsoDynamiic front seats with exposed rear hydraulic dampers providing serious off-road comfort.

Powertrains, Towing, And Performance

2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport Specs

Another unique feature of the Tacoma TRD Sport is the TRD-tuned suspension system that features a twin-tube design for sportier handling. For an even more engaging drive, these Tacomas can be had with a six-speed manual transmission. However, it can only be paired with the base engine and makes slightly less horsepower and torque than when it’s mated to the eight-speed automatic.

If towing is important, this base powertrain is the way to go as it offers up to 6,400 pounds of capacity versus 6,000 with the hybrid setup. It’s worth noting that Toyota created the hybrid with a mind toward performance, not dramatically improved efficiency. With 4WD, the 2024 Tacoma hybrid earns 23 mpg combined. The standard model is not far behind at 20 mpg (automatic).

Tacoma TRD Sport Vs. Key Rivals

2024 Tacoma TRD Sport Versus 2024 Ford Ranger XLT

Ford’s midsize Ranger was all-new in 2023 and comes only as a crew cab with a five-foot bed. The closest model, price-wise, to the Tacoma is the less expensive XLT. On paper, the Ranger appears to have the upper hand with more towing capacity, a larger 10-inch standard infotainment display, and tech like a digital rearview mirror. Despite all that, it pretty much matches the TRD Sport on the powertrain front.

2024 Tacoma TRD Sport Versus 2024 Chevy Colorado LT

Over at Chevrolet, the also-fairly-new Colorado undercuts the Tacoma by over $7k in LT trim. The Colorado Trail Boss is more closely aligned on price point but is a serious off-roader, so not a good comparison model. With the Colorado LT, buyers get class-leading towing, Google built-in with an 11.3-inch central touchscreen, and alloy wheels. On the downside, the Colorado LT’s 237-hp engine can only tow up to 3,500 lbs – you need to upgrade to the 310-hp engine to increase towing to 7,700 lbs.

What is the difference between a Tacoma TRD and a TRD Sport?

TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development, the division behind the TRD Sport, which is a trim model of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma.

What size engine is in the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport?

The 2024 TRD Sport comes standard with a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four and the option for a hybridized version.

Is the TRD Sport better than the SR5?

The 2024 TRD Sport is more expensive than the 2024 SR5 model and comes with additional features including bigger wheels and a sport-tuned suspension.