Starting its fourth generation in 2024, we already see a few improvements for the 2025 Toyota Tacoma. Like a new color, recovery points, and more.
Toyota recently launched the fourth-generation, 2024 Toyota Tacoma with the first trucks arriving several months ago. But Toyota just released news about the 2025 Tacoma, including a few updates.
What’s New?
First, on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims, you’ll now see easy access, red front tow hooks. On the 2024 model, the recovery points blended into the underbody. For 2025, the bright red color makes them easier to see, just like the rear recovery points, which Toyota already painted bright red for 2024
Next, exclusive to the Tacoma TRD Pro, Toyota offers the color Mudbath. This is the same color that Toyota offers exclusively on the 4Runner TRD Pro. It looks a bit more like butterscotch than mud to me, but I find it a nice color all the same.
Finally, there is a fourth pre-wired auxiliary switch for 2025. Sweet. Ultimately, these are small changes, but potentially useful ones.
Two Engines Offered
Otherwise, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma is largely the same as before, because of course it is. Toyota still offers eight Trims: SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, TRD Pro, Trailhunter.
You still choose between the i-Force and i-Force Max engines. The i-Force makes use of a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four-cylinder engine to deliver 278 HP and 317 lb.-ft of torque. The i-Force Max gets help from a hybrid system and the same engine to deliver 326 HP and 465 lb.-ft of torque. It’s the standard engine of the TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims. TRD Sport and higher trims get at least the option of the hybrid engine, which means only the SR, SR5, and TRD PreRunner have no chance of hybrid help.
Regardless of which engine you choose, an eight-speed automatic transmission comes standard. However, optionally available on the non-hybrid trucks is a six-speed manual transmission with rev matching and stall avoidance technology. And finally, there are still rear wheel drive, part-time and full-time four-wheel drive systems offered on the Tacoma, depending on the trim you choose.
What’s inside?
The full interior of the Tacoma effectively carries over. You still get either an 8-in or 14-in center display. Toyota offers the 14-in display on TRD Sport and higher trims. Its standard equipment on the Limited, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter. Either one includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. And PreRunner and higher trims make use of a 12.3-in, fully digital instrument cluster.
Also, not new for 2025, but a neat trick. On TRD Sport and higher trims, you pay extra for a JBL® Premium Audio with JBL® FLEX portable speaker. The FLEX speaker disconnects from the center and connects via Bluetooth to play audio for up to six hours outside of the truck, Toyota says. It’s also standard equipment on Limited, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter trims.
When will we see it?
Expect the new trucks to arrive to dealers “this winter,” and to start at $33,085 ($31,590 + $1495 destination charge), just $90 more than the 2024 model year price.
In the last several months, I got the chance to drive three different 2024 Tacoma trucks: the TRD Pro, Trailhunter, and Limited. I liked all three but found the Limited to fit my personal tastes the best with its adjustable shock absorbers, generally more road friendly manners, and more useful second-row.
To be sure, Toyota made incremental changes here, but all of them seem practical and directionally correct. If I get the chance to review a Mudbath colored TRD Pro, with its red front recovery points and a fourth auxiliary switch, I will happily accept.
