Comparing the Gas TRD Off-Road vs. Hybrid TRD Pro Objectively & Subjectively From an Enthusiast Standpoint

[Quez]

I've been putting this thread together in pieces for a couple of weeks now, I hope you guys enjoy the read.

To keep it simple - luckily (or unlucky depending how you look at it.) I was able to snag a 2024 TRD Offroad through my local enterprise for a couple of months since my M3 had got into an accident. Through my insurance, I was able to use it for 60 days. I knew my rental time would be over before my car would be ready so I found a 2025 TRD Pro in mudbath a couple hours away and bought it after about a month of having the rental. Being that I still had the rental, I continued to drive that the remainder of the time (why would I put miles on my own vehicle lol.)

So I thought I’d share a side-by-side take on the two rigs many are eyeballing or doing research on for the major differences: the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off‑Road (non-hybrid, without the Premium Package) vs. the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Hybrid. I’m writing this from the lens of someone who has had a 2GT 4.0, 3GT 3.5, and spent 2 months with both powertrains on the 4GT. I absolutely look daily usability, so here’s how these stack up on multiple fronts.


1. General Info

2024 TRD Off-Road (non-hybrid)

• With the 2.4-liter turbo I4 (278 hp / 317 lb-ft) this truck has solid punch for a midsize. I did have mine tuned after a couple days of driving it stock. That opened up an entire new world there. You can read about it here. I won't go too much into depth about tunes on this thread, but it made a huge difference.
• I instantly noticed the stock 2024 drove better in every way than my 3GT did.
• On pavement it feels just like a truck should. It handled how I'd expect a stock truck to, and truly wasn't bad to commute in. I have a 55 mile one way trip to work, so I spend a fair amount of time in the truck.
• On the interior without the Premium Package, you’re skipping some creature-comfort refinements (which I'll get into later) but that means you’ll feel more of the truck-ness (which some of do like). I personally like having the creature comforts on the interior being that I do spend a lot of time on the road.
• Because it’s the non-hybrid variant, the powertrain is simpler — fewer elements to worry about, and the engine bay looks a lot cleaner in terms of wiring, and accessibility.

2025 TRD Pro Hybrid

• This is the heavier-duty side of things. The hybrid powertrain (for example on the TRD Pro line in other Toyota trucks) pushes more torque and feels stronger in off-road conditions. For example, the large power difference with the hybrid getting 326 hp / 465 lb-ft
• That extra torque especially will show up off the line, especially when you put that bad boy in sport mode. When I tell you it's zippy - that's an understatement. The truck GETS IT. This is where I noticed the biggest step up from the driving behavior in a hybrid vs. non hybrid platform.
• On pavement you’ll feel a bit more of the size as your driving —bigger suspension from factory, adjustable dampers, etc.
• Straight off the dealerships lot the TRD Pro is objectively more capable, and more “serious” for off-road enthusiasts looking for something they don't have to put a bunch of money it to make it capable.

Verdict on driving behavior: If you’re going to hit trails more than not, and want something that will be capable right away the TRD Pro Hybrid has the edge. If you drive a greater mix of street + occasional trail, and prefer lighter, more manageable road feel but still want benefits of a truck then the TRD Off-Road non-hybrid might be the smarter pick.


2. Power

• 2024 TRD Off-Road (non-hybrid): 278 hp / 317 lb-ft torque (2.4L turbo).
• 2025 TRD Pro Hybrid: 326 hp / 465 lb-ft

So yeah the hybrid version has a clear advantage in torque and in usable power especially under load/off-road. If you tow, climb, or carry heavy gear, that extra torque will matter. After driving both, it was very clear to me that the hybrid just outperformed the gas model in every way.


3. Creature comforts

2024 TRD Off-Road (no Premium Package)

• Without the Premium Package means you lose things like: heated/ventilated front seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel, 14-in infotainment screen, digital rearview mirror, power tailgate/power rear window, etc. Luckily you still get CarPlay which is huge being that the 3GT didn't come with it.
• Interior is still modern: you get good tech, strong build quality, but less luxury feel.
• Rear-seat legroom is still not the greatest as everyone knows but let's be honest - we didn't buy a Tacoma for the interior space.
• Storage inside the cabin: The non-hybrid retains the typical under-seat storage and folding rear seat floor pan. It's a fair amount, but not massive like in the Tundra

2025 TRD Pro Hybrid

• On the hybrid/Pro side depending on the trim level you’ll likely get higher-tier interior features (IsoDynamic seats for the pro, SofTex with the premium interior trims). Dual-zone front A/C, digital/analog appearance, multiple power outlets, etc.
• One space disadvantage: In hybrids, batteries can intrude. For example, for the Tacoma Hybrid (not necessarily the TRD Pro) the Tacoma Hybrid’s battery pack rides in the space beneath the rear seat. This eliminates the storage area that’s usually there in the non-hybrid model, so if you’re planning on stashing tools or cargo there, you’ll have to find another space.
• This may seem small, but it's something I really liked toyota put thought into, the steering wheel in the TRD Pro has a more premium feel.
• The seats IsoDynamic seats in the TRD Pro are 10x more comfortable to me. They may cause a large sacrifice in space but to me that didn't matter as I'm removing my rear seats anyways. The high bolsters, sporty feel really does the trick for me. I prefer these over any other seats toyota has at this point in time.

Verdict on creature comforts: The TRD Pro Hybrid is objectively more upscale and better equipped as standard, but the non-hybrid Off-Road with no Premium Package will feel more raw (which you may prefer). If under-seat storage is a priority, the non-hybrid might have the edge.

 

[Quez]

4. Miles per gallon (MPG) / efficiency

2024 TRD Off-Road (non-hybrid)

• Doing a 55 mile trip one way I was averaging about 18-19 mpg 2024 Tacoma TRD Off-Road. This may vary for you as I only drive in sport mode.
• I do like to get on the gas pretty heavy and expect the truck to scoot when I push it. I may not give the most reliable info here as I probably drive a lot different than most

2025 TRD Pro Hybrid

• For the Tacoma hybrid the spec sheet mentions combined 23 mpg (22 city / 24 highway) for the 2025 TRD Pro
• But: other real-world reports are telling. I'm still under 1,000 miles on my truck so it says I'm currently averaging around 17. From what I've read it begins to increase as you start to get some more miles on the truck. I cannot confirm or deny that. If we're being honest though MPG is truly the last thing I care about. I don't even bother to look at the price of gas. We have to buy it either way so no reason to hurt my own feelings about it.
• In reality the hybrid should be more efficient in many conditions, but because TRD Pro has extra weight features you may not notice it as much. I do think it's cool that when I start the truck, I can roll forward without the gas engine "kicking on" though.

Verdict on MPG: The hybrid TRD Pro may offer a modest mpg advantage in certain conditions for a "broken in vehicle" (especially highway/easy driving) but don’t expect economy car numbers — if you carry the weight, use the torque, or go off-road frequently, you’ll still be in the mid to high teens to low 20s. The non-hybrid is slightly less efficient but simpler. It outperformed the TRD Pro Hybrid in my experience MPG wise.


5. Noise

Non-hybrid 2024 TRD Off-Road

• You’ll hear more “truck sounds” — turbo whine, exhaust note, body/suspension noise, etc. Because fewer sound-insulation or luxury features in the base/non-Premium spec, you’ll get more acoustic feedback from pavement imperfections, off-road ruts, etc.
• That can be part of the charm (you feel the engine), but if you want a quiet cabin on highway or commuting, you may notice more tire/road noise.
• It was noticeably louder from road noise in every trip I took.

2025 TRD Pro Hybrid

• Better refinement (and more likely generous sound/insulation package.)
• Hybrid powertrain itself tends to be quieter at low speeds (less engine revving) but when you load it/hit trails you’ll still hear plenty.
• There are engine sounds pumped into the cabin which is annoying.

Bottom line: If quiet highway driving is a priority, neither is ultra-lux but the hybrid might edge ahead slightly in refinement; however the off-road tire/suspension package could negate some of that.


6. Factory height (ground clearance / ride height)

2024 TRD Off-Road (non-hybrid)

• Running clearance listed at up to 11.0 inches for the 2024 Tacoma (on the TRD Off-Road).
• Overall height ~74.6″ (for the 2024 Off-Road) according to one spec sheet.
• The truck did sit objectively lower than the TRD Pro did from factory. My dogs had zero issue getting in and out of the cab.

2025 TRD Pro Hybrid

• For the TRD Pro the ground clearance may be similar or slightly higher (thanks to more off-road hardware). One spec sheet (for 2024 TRD Pro) lists max running ground clearance up to 11.0″ as well.
• Height for a 2025 TRD Pro listed as ~75.8″ in one spec sheet for the Tacoma.
• Expect the hybrid Pro to be a touch taller to the naked eye, it looks great straight off of the dealer lot. The added height benefit just gives it that visual appeal everyone likes.

Verdict on height: Both trucks have solid off-road ride height (≈11″ clearance). The TRD Pro Hybrid is slightly taller overall (which can affect garage clearance, side step height, etc) but nothing dramatically different. If you care about ease of entry/exit or garage height, the Off-Road might feel “lower” (less climbing in/out).


7. Looks / visual impression

2024 TRD Off-Road (non-hybrid)

• Think rugged & purposeful: Think 17″ wheels with all-terrain tires, subtle TRD Off-Road badging, good stance.
• Without the Premium Package you may not have the fancy trim or interior accents, but exterior will still carry that “go-anywhere” mid-size truck look.
• For many enthusiasts, the understated look is a plus — you get capability without “look at me” Vibes.
• You'll essentially get a blank canvas to modify - everyone loves that part.

2025 TRD Pro Hybrid

• TRD Pro branding always leans more aggressive: beefier shocks, more aggressive wheel/tire combination, TRD specific exterior styling cues (e.g., blacked-out TRD grill, skid plates, etc).
• Hybrid doesn’t necessarily change the look drastically, but the “Pro” name carries weight and visual cues. If you’re after the full badging, the Pro looks sharper in the Toyota off-road lineup.
• One trade-off: flashy & possibly more stolen-interest, higher premiums/insurance, etc.
• This is subjective but to me it just looks better in every way possible. I've gotten so many double takes, or questions asking "wow, it really came stock like that?" Someone guessed that it costed around 100K for some reason lol
• I wish it did have the TRD Pro "camo" that came on the tundras.

Verdict on looks: If you want the “full” off-road aesthetic, the TRD Pro Hybrid is the winner. If you prefer more subtle, less show-truck vibe (but still capable) then the TRD Off-Road non-hybrid is very solid.


Final thoughts

If I were picking between them (and I assume somewhat similar budgets), here’s how I’d frame it:

• Go with the 2024 TRD Off-Road (non-hybrid, no Premium Package) if:
  • You favor simplicity, lighter feel, and don’t need every luxury.
  • Under-seat storage and slightly lower ride/entry ease matter.
  • You want to keep budget or complexity down.
• Go with the 2025 TRD Pro Hybrid if:
  • You want top-tier trim/features, better “capability ceiling”.
  • You don’t mind the extra weight / higher cost / possible slight trade-offs in some storage or mpg gains in real-world.
  • You want something that visually and capability-wise “signals” the pro-level off-roading cred.

From my perspective: I lean toward the TRD Pro. I'm grateful that I got to spend a couple months with both as it really helped me put this post together. If there any questions regarding my expereince between the two - or something you want to know/I may have missed as this was just a quick overview feel free to ask & I'll get you an answer.

I'll add pics when I'm home & not using my work computer.