Toyota Tacoma Trim Levels Explained

Updated on Jan 27, 2024

When Toyota debuted the Tacoma in 1995, it marked the birth of an icon. The Tacoma indicated the split away from the Toyota Hilux chassis Americans had known since the late ‘60s and introduced a Japanese pickup geared toward the American market. This resulted in larger and comfier pickup, catering to the uniquely American trend of daily driving trucks, which, to the rest of the world, was essentially viewed as a strictly commercial vehicle.

Nearly 30 years and four generations later, the Toyota Tacoma is still the top-selling midsize pickup in America, known for its iconic Toyota reliability, rugged styling, and remarkable resale value. Though several changes have come and gone over the years, one constant remains: there are multiple trim levels to choose from!

It’s no secret that Americans love variety in our vehicles; everything is personalized, optioned, and hand-selected to best meet our needs and expectations. Even from the get-go, Toyota recognized this pattern, debuting the 1995 Tacoma with various trim levels, including the LX, DLX, and top-of-the-line SR5. As decades and generations passed, Toyota only expanded the Tacoma’s trim options, with the current generation sporting at least seven!

In this guide, we’re covering everything there is to know about Tacoma trim levels, including what these packages offer, how they influence pricing, and the current trim levels available for Tacoma.

What Are Trim levels?

Before tackling the current options available on the Tacoma, let’s first answer some basic questions about trim levels and packages, namely what they are in the first place!

Trim levels are special packages offering various options and features. You can essentially think of them as a tiered list of equipment, beginning at the least-pricey and, in turn, the least optioned package. Each subsequent package brings more options and, as a result, a higher price tag. These options typically enhance comfort, styling, and overall performance.

Let’s break these options into categories; first, we have creature comforts, including options, such as:

Upgraded upholstery
Power-adjustable seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Heated seats
Carpeted floors (compared to vinyl)
Adjustable steering wheel position
Upgraded audio
Power windows/locks

Next, let's discuss drivetrain variances. Higher trim levels are typically available with upgraded powertrains (more cylinders, more displacement, and more power), automatic transmissions (though some prefer manual gearboxes for reliability and driving experience), beefier drivetrains, often bumping up from 2WD to 4WD, and limited slip differentials.

Finally, let’s touch on exterior upgrades. Base trim packages often include unpainted bumpers, basic stamped steel wheels, and standard halogen lighting. By contrast, higher-spec trims may include such features as:

Fog lights
Premium LED lighting
Body-color-molded bumpers, fender flares, and trim
Premium alloy wheels
Pre-installed bed liners
Oversized tires
Pre-installed lift kits

Toyota Tacoma Trim Levels

Now, let’s get into Tacoma Trim Levels! In this section, we’re covering the newest-generation Tacoma and its debut trims, ranging from the base SR package to the top-tier TRD Pro.

SR

The Tacoma SR is the least expensive package on the list. This entry-level pickup provides the basic creature comforts and necessities; however, it lacks several options of the higher-priced packages. This being said, don’t mistake the 2024 SR as a bare-bones model, as with other manufacturers' entry-level trims! This package offers several unique features that more than satisfy most daily drivers and dedicated work rigs, including such options as:

2.4L i-FORCE turbocharged I4 engine packing 228 HP and 243 lb-ft of torque
Optional 6-speed manual transmission
Smart Key System with push-button ignition
8-inch touchscreen multimedia system with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Available in Double Cab or two-door XtraCab
Available with a 5 or 6-foot bed
XtraCab model features seating for 2 and a dedicated rear workspace/storage

SR5

The Tacoma SR5 is a mild upgrade from the standard SR, featuring various creature comforts and performance features. This package is ideal for daily drivers and family vehicles, offering a more powerful powertrain, comfortable rear suspension (Double Cab models), and various aesthetic upgrades, like premium 17-inch alloy wheels. Other features of the SR5 include:

2.4L i-FORCE turbocharged I4 engine packing 278 HP and 317 lb-ft of torque
Available in two configurations, including:
- Double Cab with a 5 or 6-foot bed
- XtraCab with a 6-foot bed
Upgraded coil-spring rear suspension (Double Cab only)
Premium 17-inch alloy wheels

TRD PreRunner

The 2024 TRD PreRunner is a substantial jump from the SR and SR5 trims, offering several performance and aesthetic upgrades not available on the lower trim levels. This package is ideal for daily drivers and weekend warriors, featuring upgrades geared toward off-road performance and gear storage. These options include:

Standard 2.4L i-FORCE turbocharged I4 engine packing 278 HP and 317 lb-ft of torque
Optional 2.4L i-FORCE MAX turbocharged I4 HYBRID engine packing 326 net combined horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque
Available in two configurations, including:
- Double Cab with a 5 or 6-foot bed
- XtraCab with a 6-foot bed
Oversized front brake package
Available oversized rear brake package on i-FORCE MAX models
E-locking rear differential
Rear MOLLE storage panel
Matte-black TRD 17-inch alloy wheels with BFGoodrich off-road tires
Fold-flat passenger seat for in-cab work surface

TRD Sport

The 2024 Tacoma TRD Sport doesn’t take its name lightly; this trim level is sporty through and through, from the body-color-molded exterior trim, flares, and door handles to the upgraded suspension, i-FORCE MAX powertrain, and sport-inspired interior with an optional 6-speed manual gearbox. Standout features include:

Optional 2.4L i-FORCE MAX turbocharged I4 HYBRID engine packing 326 net combined horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque
Optional 6-speed manual transmission
TRD Sport-tuned red dampers
Black 18-inch TRD alloy wheels
Color-matched trim, door handles, and flares
Black exterior badging
Machined aluminum pedals
TRD mesh grille with functional hood scoop

TRD Off-Road

The TRD Off-Road is built for the trail, featuring various accessories to significantly improve off-road performance, as the name suggests! This package provides upgraded dampers, locking differentials, high-output powertrains, and even an optional electronic sway bar disconnect system! Other standout features include:

Optional 2.4L i-FORCE MAX turbocharged I4 HYBRID engine packing 326 net combined horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque
Optional 6-speed manual transmission
Standard E-locking rear differential
Monotube Bilstein remote-reservoir dampers
Optional front sway bar disconnect system
Increased maximum payload to 1,709 lbs
Multi-Terrain Select system with Crawl Control

Limited

Where, thus far, upgraded trims place importance on off-road performance, the 2024 Tacoma Limited focuses on luxury, offering various creature comfort upgrades that make for the ultimate daily driving experience. This sophisticated trim package features a luxurious interior, comfort-tuned suspension, and premium exterior upgrades, including:

Optional 2.4L i-FORCE MAX turbocharged I4 HYBRID engine packing 326 net combined horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque
Comfort-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension
Full-time all-wheel-drive system and center-locking differential
Interior Heads-up display
14-inch touchscreen multimedia system
Premium 10-speaker JBL audio
Digital rearview mirror
Power Moonroof
Standard power-retractable running boards
Chrome, 18-inch alloy wheels with matching exterior accents
Power raising & lowering tailgate

Trailhunter

While the 2024 Tacoma's other available trim options are carryovers from previous generations, the Trailhunter is an all-new package geared toward outstanding off-road performance, appealing to overland crowds. This off-road-centric rig comes equipped with high-output Rigid auxiliary lights, an upgraded suspension, model-specific wheels, a grille, a rack, and other accessories unique to the Trailhunter platform. Such upgrades include:

Standard 2.4L i-FORCE MAX turbocharged I4 HYBRID engine packing 326 net combined horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque
Standard E-locking rear differential
Old Man Emu 4x4 Suspension by ARB, providing a 2-inch front lift and 1.5-inch rear
Pre-installed rock rails, high-strength steel skid plates
Bronze-colored heritage alloy wheels wrapped in 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires
Integrated on-board air compressor
Bronze-colored TOYOTA heritage grille with integrated 20-inch LED light bar
White/amber multifunction RIGID LED fog lamps

TRD Pro

The TRD Pro is essentially a showcase for TRD, or Toyota Racing Development, products available for the 4th generation Tacoma. These trim levels come equipped with the top-of-the-line hybrid powertrain, TRD performance products, sport-tuned TRD suspension, and various other upgrades that enhance the Tacoma’s styling and performance capabilities. This package includes such key features as:

Standard 2.4L i-FORCE MAX turbocharged I4 HYBRID engine packing 326 net combined horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque
TRD cold air intake & cat-back, dual-tipped exhaust system
Standard E-locking rear differential
FOX QS3 3-way adjustable internal-bypass, remote-reservoir dampers
FOX IFP (Internal Floating Piston) rear bump stops
Air-over-oil dampened IsoDynamic performance seat
Red aluminum front TRD upper control arms
Black flow-formed TRD wheels with 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires
High-clearance ARB rear bumper
Red recovery hooks
TRD aluminum front skid plate
LED light bar with LED headlights
RIGID white LED fog lamps

Which Trim Level is Right for You?

First, let’s talk about usage. While some Tacoma owners are in the market for a reliable work truck, others want a comfortable daily driver. Even more, some are out for a best-performing, off-the-shelf midsize wheeler!

Your planned usage of your Tacoma will significantly inform which model you’ll gravitate toward. However, as a baseline, those looking for a work truck will appreciate the value and features of an SR or SR5, those looking for a cushy driver will like the comfort and amenities of a TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, or Limited, and those looking for unparalleled off-road performance will undoubtedly gravitate toward the Trailhunter or TRD Off-Road.

Next, let’s discuss pricing. Obviously, there’ll be a massive jump in cost between each package, with Toyota claiming a base price of around $28,000. If the previous generation Tacoma is any indicator of its successor's price, expect trim to vary in price up to approximately $50,000. We’ll update as more information is released.

This being said, pricing plays a significant role in which model you’ll opt for. Also, consider the benefits of purchasing a lower-spec SR or SR5 and installing $10,000 worth of upgrades, which still nets a lower price than higher-spec TRD models!

Aside from budget and uses, it all comes down to personal preference. Which features do you love? Which can you live without? And remember, you can always Special Order a New Pickup!