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TL;DR
- Four Tacoma generations have been sold in the US: 1995–2004, 2005–2015, 2016–2023 and the current truck, redesigned for 2024 on Toyota's TNGA-F platform.
- Every 4x4 Tacoma uses part-time 4WD with a two-speed transfer case, except the 2024-on Limited with the i-FORCE MAX hybrid, which gets full-time 4WD with a locking center differential.
- A factory electronic locking rear differential is standard on the current TRD PreRunner, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro and Trailhunter.
- The 2024-on truck's two engines make 228–278 hp (i-FORCE turbo four) or 326 hp and 465 lb-ft (i-FORCE MAX hybrid); Toyota rates the current truck to tow up to 6,500 lb.
- Toyota's 2005–2010 frame-corrosion program (ZH6) ran 12 years from first use, so it has expired for almost every truck; a rusty frame on one of these is now the buyer's problem.
At a Glance
| If your 2024–2026 Tacoma 4x4 is a… | What its 4WD does | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|
| SR, SR5 or TRD Sport | Part-time 4WD with low range and brake-based traction aids (A-TRAC, Auto LSD); no standard locker | Snow, dirt roads, easy trails |
| TRD Off-Road | Part-time 4WD, locking rear differential, Bilstein remote-reservoir shocks | Rocky and rutted trails |
| TRD Pro or Trailhunter | Hybrid, part-time 4WD, rear locker, front sway-bar disconnect, 33-inch tires | Harder trails and overland trips |
| Limited (hybrid) | Full-time 4WD with a locking center differential | Wet and icy pavement, mixed roads |
Generations and Model Years
| Generation | Model years | Engines (US) | Rear suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1995–2004 | — | — |
| 2nd | 2005–2015 | 2.7L four (159 hp, 180 lb-ft); 4.0L V6 (236 hp, 266 lb-ft) | — |
| 3rd | 2016–2023 | 2.7L four (159 hp, 180 lb-ft); 3.5L V6 (278 hp, 265 lb-ft) | Leaf springs |
| 4th | 2024–present | 2.4L turbo four (228–278 hp); 2.4L i-FORCE MAX hybrid (326 hp, 465 lb-ft) | Coil multi-link; leaf springs on SR, SR5 XtraCab and TRD PreRunner |
IIHS records the Tacoma as redesigned for the 2005, 2016 and 2024 model years; NHTSA's recall records list Tacomas from the 1995 model year. The current truck shares the TNGA-F body-on-frame platform with the Tundra and Sequoia.
4WD System by Trim (2024–2026)
The 2026 grades are SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, TRD Pro and Trailhunter. The TRD PreRunner is rear-drive only; it still gets the locking rear differential.
- Part-time 4WD (every 4x4 except the Limited hybrid): an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case gives 2H, 4H and 4L, backed by A-TRAC and an automatic limited-slip function. Both are brake-based: they clamp a spinning wheel so torque reaches the one with grip. Neither is a mechanical locker.
- Full-time 4WD (Limited with i-FORCE MAX): a locking center differential replaces the part-time layout, so the truck can stay in 4WD on dry pavement.
- Rear locker: standard on TRD PreRunner, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro and Trailhunter.
- Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism: standard on TRD Pro and Trailhunter and available on TRD Off-Road. Toyota says disconnecting the front bar adds about 10 percent more articulation.
- Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control are part of the off-road grades' equipment.
The TRD Pro uses FOX QS3 three-way adjustable shocks; the Trailhunter uses Old Man Emu 2.5-inch forged monotube shocks with rear remote reservoirs, a high-mount air intake and an onboard air compressor. Both run 33-inch Goodyear tires on 18-inch wheels. Toyota quotes the TRD Pro (without the tow package) at up to 33.8° approach, 23.5° breakover and 25.7° departure, with up to 11 inches of running ground clearance.
Engines, Towing and Payload
| Powertrain (2024–2026) | Output | Transmission | Where you find it |
|---|---|---|---|
| i-FORCE 2.4L turbo (SR tune) | 228 hp, 243 lb-ft | 8-speed automatic | SR |
| i-FORCE 2.4L turbo | 278 hp, 317 lb-ft | 8-speed automatic | Most other grades |
| i-FORCE 2.4L turbo, manual | 270 hp, 310 lb-ft | 6-speed manual with rev matching | Select grades |
| i-FORCE MAX hybrid | 326 hp, 465 lb-ft | 8-speed automatic | Standard on TRD Pro and Trailhunter; available on TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited |
Toyota rates the current Tacoma to tow up to 6,500 lb and carry up to 1,705 lb of payload (2026 figures). The last V6 trucks were rated higher, at 6,800 lb under the SAE J2807 test with the tow package. A heavy bumper, winch, rack and rooftop tent all count against payload, so check the tire-and-loading placard on your own truck's door jamb rather than the brochure maximum.
4WD on the 2nd and 3rd Generations
The 2016–2023 trucks used Toyota's 4WDemand part-time system with an electronically controlled transfer case. An automatic limited-slip function was standard, and an electronically controlled locking rear differential was standard on TRD Off-Road, Trail Edition and TRD Pro. Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select came on TRD Off-Road models with the automatic. Transmissions were a six-speed automatic, or a six-speed manual with the V6.
On the 2005–2015 trucks, the automatic limited-slip function was standard and an electronic locking rear differential was available on 4x4 and PreRunner models. The 2015 TRD Pro added Bilstein remote-reservoir shocks and 1.75 inches more front ride height. The V6 tow package rated the 2015 Access Cab at up to 6,500 lb.
What Fits Across Generations
| Generation | Cabs | Bed lengths |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd (2015 figures) | Access Cab, Double Cab | 60.3 in or 73.5 in |
| 3rd (2023 figures) | Access Cab, Double Cab | 60.5 in or 73.7 in |
| 4th | XtraCab (6-ft bed only), Double Cab | 5 ft or 6 ft |
Because the 2024 truck moved to a new frame, cab and bed, 3rd-gen tonneau covers, racks, bumpers and lift kits are a separate fitment group, and within the 4th generation the coil-sprung and leaf-sprung rear ends take different lift and leveling parts. Toyota says the new bed holds 7 percent more volume than the old one.
Frame Corrosion Programs
Toyota's Warranty Enhancement Program ZH6 came from a class-action settlement approved May 21, 2017, covering frame corrosion on certain 2005–2010 Tacomas. Dealers inspected frames against a court-ordered rust-perforation standard and replaced frames that failed, free of charge. Coverage ran the later of 12 years from the truck's first use or one year from May 21, 2017, so it has run out for almost every 2005–2010 truck. The related corrosion-resistant compound campaign (LSC H0F), limited to 20 cold-climate states and Washington, D.C., expired May 20, 2019. On a used 2nd-gen truck from a salt state, inspect the frame yourself.
For 2001–2004 trucks in the same cold-climate states, NHTSA recall 12V542 (about 150,000 trucks) covered a spare-tire carrier lift plate that could corrode and drop the spare onto the road.
Recall History (NHTSA)
As of September 2026, NHTSA's recall data lists 43 campaigns filed by Toyota that include a Tacoma or Tacoma Hybrid; distributor and aftermarket-equipment campaigns are extra. The drivetrain and chassis campaigns most relevant to off-road owners:
| NHTSA campaign | Model years | Problem | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26V514 | 2024–2025 (incl. 2024 Hybrid) | Shock-absorber flange can corrode until the external oil reservoir detaches | 48,280 |
| 25V656 | 2025 (incl. Hybrid) | Front driveshaft CV joint can deform and break | 5,960 |
| 25V058 | 2024–2025 4x4 | Mud and dirt packed in the rear wheels can damage the rear brake hoses and cause a fluid leak | 221,846 |
| 24V152 | 2022–2023 | Rear axle shaft can separate from the housing after debris leaves fasteners loose | 381,199 |
| 17V285 | 2016–2017 | Oil leak where the rear differential carrier meets the axle housing | 227,732 |
| 14V604 | 2005–2011 4x4 and PreRunner | Rear leaf spring can fracture and puncture the fuel tank | 710,711 |
| 10V042 | 2010 | Front propeller shaft can crack and separate | 8,000 |
| 07V324 | 2007 4x4 | Improperly cast rear propeller shaft section | 108 |
| 05V225 | 2001–2004 (with 4Runner, Tundra and Sequoia) | Scratched front lower ball joints can wear, loosen and separate from the knuckle | 768,379 (all models) |
The three driveshaft campaigns cover separate model years (2007, 2010 and 2025), so one completed repair doesn't clear the others; NHTSA's VIN lookup shows each open campaign. Toyota's 25V058 filing ties the rear brake-hose damage to mud packed inside the rear wheels.
Tacoma Owner Pages
- How to put tacoma in 4wd
- Problems & Maintenance
- Mod Priorities
- Best Tonneau Covers
- Best Lift Kits
- Best Roof Racks
- Best Seat Covers
- Best Front Bumpers
- Best Leveling Kits
- How Many Miles Will It Last?
- 5-Year Maintenance Cost
- Toyota accessory fitment hub
Check for Open Recalls
Look up open NHTSA recall campaigns for this model by year. This calls NHTSA's free, public recall API directly from your browser — nothing is sent to us.
Choose a year and select “Check Recalls”.
Data from NHTSA's public recall API — this lookup is not the official record and 4x4 & Overlanding is not affiliated with NHTSA. Always confirm current recall status at nhtsa.gov/recalls using your vehicle's VIN before assuming a vehicle has no open recalls.
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Sources
- Toyota Newsroom — The 2026 Toyota Tacoma: Adventure Awaits — 2026 grades, i-FORCE and i-FORCE MAX outputs, full-time 4WD on Limited, locker and Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism availability, shocks by grade, 6,500-lb towing and 1,705-lb payload, XtraCab and bed lengths, 33-inch tires on TRD Pro and Trailhunter.
- Toyota Newsroom — 2024 Toyota Tacoma is the Ultimate Adventure Machine — Fourth-generation redesign on TNGA-F; SR and manual-transmission outputs; part-time 4WD with A-TRAC and Auto LSD; full-time 4WD on Limited i-FORCE MAX; locker on TRD PreRunner, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro and Trailhunter; leaf springs on SR, SR5 XtraCab and TRD PreRunner; TRD Pro angles and 11-in clearance; 10% articulation gain from SDM; 7% larger bed.
- Toyota Newsroom — Trailhunter grade features for Tacoma and 4Runner — Trailhunter Old Man Emu 2.5-in forged monotube shocks with remote reservoirs, 33-in tires on 18-in bronze wheels, high-mount intake and onboard air compressor.
- Toyota Newsroom — 2023 Toyota Tacoma Adds New SR5 SX and Chrome Packages — Third-generation 2.7L and 3.5L V6 outputs, transmissions, 4WDemand part-time system with Auto LSD, locker on TRD Off-Road, Trail Edition and TRD Pro, Crawl Control and MTS on TRD Off-Road automatic, 6,800-lb SAE J2807 towing, leaf-spring rear, bed lengths.
- Toyota Newsroom — 2015 Toyota Tacoma product release — Second-generation 2.7L and 4.0L V6 outputs, standard Auto LSD, available electronic locker on 4x4 and PreRunner, 2015 TRD Pro Bilstein shocks and 1.75-in front lift, 6,500-lb towing, cab and bed dimensions.
- IIHS — 2015 Toyota Tacoma crew cab pickup ratings — Tacoma redesigned for the 2005 model year.
- IIHS — 2023 Toyota Tacoma crew cab pickup ratings — Tacoma re-engineered and restyled for the 2016 model year.
- IIHS — 2024 Toyota Tacoma crew cab pickup ratings — Tacoma redesigned for the 2024 model year.
- Toyota — Warranty Enhancement Program ZH6: frame corrosion on certain 2005–2010 Tacoma (Warranty Policy Bulletin POL17-09), via NHTSA — May 21, 2017 settlement, frame inspection and replacement against the rust-perforation standard, coverage term of the later of 12 years from first use or one year from May 21, 2017.
- Toyota — Limited Service Campaign H0F: frame corrosion-resistant compound (2005–2010 Tacoma, 2007–2008 Tundra, 2005–2008 Sequoia), via NHTSA — Vehicles included in the 2017 frame-corrosion settlement, the 20 cold-climate states plus D.C., and the May 20, 2019 expiry of the CRC campaign.
- NHTSA — Recall 12V542 — 2001–2004 Tacoma in cold-climate states: spare-tire carrier lift plate corrosion, about 150,000 trucks.
- NHTSA — Recall 26V514 — 2024–2025 Tacoma and 2024 Tacoma Hybrid shock flange corrosion and reservoir detachment, 48,280 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 25V656 — 2025 Tacoma and Tacoma Hybrid front driveshaft CV joint, 5,960 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 25V058 — 2024–2025 Tacoma 4x4 rear brake hoses damaged by mud buildup, 221,846 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 24V152 — 2022–2023 Tacoma rear axle shaft separation, 381,199 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 17V285 — 2016–2017 Tacoma rear differential oil leak, 227,732 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 14V604 — 2005–2011 Tacoma 4x4 and PreRunner leaf spring fracture and fuel-tank puncture risk, 710,711 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 10V042 — 2010 Tacoma front propeller shaft cracks, 8,000 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 07V324 — 2007 Tacoma 4x4 rear propeller shaft casting, 108 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 05V225 — 2001–2004 Tacoma (with 4Runner, Tundra, Sequoia) front lower ball joints, 768,379 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 96V129 — Recall records list Tacomas from the 1995 model year (1995–1996 front suspension support).
- NHTSA — Recalls API (recallsByVehicle and campaignNumber) — Campaign counts by model and model year and the potentially-affected unit counts quoted in the recall tables (pulled September 28, 2026).
- NHTSA — Recalls lookup by VIN — Where to check a specific vehicle's open recall campaigns.