The 2004 Toyota Tacoma
TRD Off-Road is a very capable off-roading vehicle, with the ability to tackle all but the most difficult off-road terrain. A tough off-roading vehicle is your key to awesome off-roading adventures, but not all SUVs and trucks measure up to the foreboding challenges of hitting the trails. So, should you take the 2004 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road off road? Or are its rugged good looks all for show?
Jerry
, the car insurance
comparison super app
, is here with the 2004 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road off-road rating. We’ll go over the key specs that are necessary for competent off-road driving, including ground clearance, torque, and tires. We’ll also offer a few alternatives if the Tacoma doesn’t quite meet your needs.Can the 2004 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road go off road?
Yes—the 2004 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road has proven itself adept at handling most off-roading challenges, so it’s a good choice for most off-road enthusiasts.
When it rolled off the line in 2004, the Tacoma had a starting price of $12,460, but you’ll likely be able to get one used for between $3,819 and $5,843 today. Of course, you’ll want to make sure to find a Tacoma with the TRD Off-Road package, as it's key to optimizing this rig’s off-roading prowess.
Here’s the lowdown on the Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road’s most important off-roading specifications.
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Start earning nowGround clearance
Ground clearance is critical for off-roading adventures. The Tacoma TRD Off-Road sports a ground clearance of 8.5 inches. This is decent but slightly less than you’d want for off-roading. Still, it's capable.
Ideally, you want between 8.8 and 10.8 inches of ground clearance in order to ensure your vehicle’s undercarriage doesn’t get damaged when you’re rumbling through off-road terrain and over various obstacles.
Torque
Another key attribute of capable off-roaders is low-end torque, meaning a higher amount of torque at a lower rpm. When you’re off-roading, you need more power than speed, so a high amount of low-end torque gives you enough juice to overcome sticky off-road spots.
The 2004 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road only features 177 lb-ft torque @ 4,000 rpm, which isn’t a ton of power for off-roading. However, the TRD Off-Road package comes with a locking rear differential, which locks the axles together to provide all available torque to the wheels with traction, giving you the ability to power through very tough terrain.
Tires
The 2004 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road sports P205/75R15 tires, which are all-season tires with enough durability to handle off-road conditions. You’ll be able to mix off-roading with normal paved driving with these tires, but they might not last as long if you drive on a lot of paved roads.
Drivetrain
The 2004 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road was available with either two- or four-wheel drive. If off-roading is your goal, you’re going to want to hunt for a four-wheel-drive Tacoma. If you find a 2004 Tacoma with the TRD Off-Road package, you’ll be set—it comes with four-wheel drive.
Angles
Angles are essential when it comes to off-roading, specifically the approach and departure angles.
Approach angle: The maximum angle a vehicle can climb without interference
Departure angle: The maximum angle a vehicle can descend without interference
The 2004 Toyota Tacoma is very capable in this department, with a 24-degree approach angle and a 28-degree departure angle.
Off-road rating: Trail Boss
We here at Jerry have devised a very scientific and technical (okay, not really) rating system for off-road vehicles. We break it down below:
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| | Vehicles better suited to highway conditions |
| | Vehicles that can handle off-road conditions in certain circumstances |
| | Vehicles designed for casual off-roading |
| | True off-road vehicles capable of tackling a range of terrain |
We give the 2004 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road a rating of T: Trail Boss. With the TRD Off-Road package, the 2004 Tacoma is capable of handling all but the most difficult off-roading terrain.
The best alternatives to the 2004 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road
If you want an off-road vehicle and the 2004 Toyota Tacoma doesn’t quite do it for you, we’ve compiled a list of comparable off-roaders to whet your whistle.
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| | | The 2006 Ford Ranger is a solid off-roading choice, and it has a functional interior and plenty of utilitarian power. |
| | | The 2006 Nissan Frontier offers terrific off-road capability along with a well-built frame and spacious interior. |
MORE: Cheap off-road trucks
How to find affordable car insurance for off-road vehicles
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