This right here is my major concern. I'm on the fence right now- at the price we're talking about in here I can get a fully worked out TRD Tacoma to replace my 2004 TRD Tacoma which has 350k miles on it. Reliability of the parts and availability of the parts (less service, I do most of that myself) is a major concern for me. I'm also less worried about the timeframe- I'm hoping to see a Hybrid Tacoma in 2024- so waiting that long to make my final decision, and see what Toyota brings to the market works for me. It sure wouldn't hurt my feelings to see much better gas mileage, as much as I'd like to be driving a Grenadier.
It looks like there will be two options for the Tacoma in 2024: a turbo-charged I4, and a hybrid I4. This has not yet been confirmed by Toyota, but TFL is running with the story, so I think its likely to be true:
We have new information from an anonymous insider source that the upcoming 2024 Toyota Tacoma will offer a choice of two powertrains: a 2.4L turbocharged I4 or
tfltruck.com
For the utility of the machine, not really so much different. I have a certain volume of dive equipment that I need to move on a pretty regular basis between Canada, the US, and Mexico over very unimproved roadways. That volume will fit in the Grenadier with the back seats removed and flat panel installed over the battery compartment. The Grenadier has slightly more power than the Tacoma, which will help with the towing the small camper with the weight inside. The suspension on the TRD Tacoma is trash (always has been) and not rated for the weight i carry in it. The Grenadier is likely to be similar in this regard. From a strictly utilitarian standpoint, the Grenadier might actually have a leg up over the Tacoma, but Toyota has a very good reputation for making things easy to work on- I have doubts about how tight that BMW engine is squished into the Grenadier engine bay.
I agree that the utility of a pickup is awesome. There are - of course - pros and cons when comparing a wagon to a pickup, and it comes down to what works the best for any one person most of the time. You probably know all this, but what the hell, I'll waste both our time...
A wagon is much better for technical off-road driving, for driving around town, and there are other nice things - like you don't get snow, frost, or moisture build-up blocking your view the way you do if you own a truck with a topper (truck guys know what I'm talking about).
A truck is much better for hauling lots of gear, and (if you have a topper) it allows you to leave big items in the bed that you want to use regularly, if (1) you don't want the stuff taking over the interior of your vehicle, or (2) you don't want it on your roof. For example, I leave recovery gear in the bed; and sometimes my mountain bike - secured and protected from the elements by a topper. In the winter, I leave 10 pairs of skis in the bed. My wife and I ski 4-5 days per week, and we each have 5 pairs of skis in the bed: 1 pair of Tele skis, 1 pair of Classic skis, and 3 pairs of Skate skis - each waxed for different conditions
Its kind of nice not having this stuff in the cab with us, and its also nice not pulling stuff out of a Rocket Box on the roof.
While the Grenadier has a much better payload than the Tacoma, you can modify the Tacoma to improve payload. The first option I'll suggest has not yet been finalized (either in spec or in price), but the second option is viable, would give you a truck bed, decent payload, and still be half the price of a Grenadier.
(1) Toyota is coming out with a new overland package called the Trailhunter, that can be added to a Tundra, Tacoma, or Sequoia. Details have not yet been confirmed, but it is supposed to improve payload, and provide things like steel bumpers, a suspension lift, larger tires, and appropriate gearing for the larger tires. Again, we don't know the specifics of the package or the price. Here is a story from TFL on the Trailhunter package:
https://tfltruck.com/2022/11/new-toyota-tundra-trailhunter-sema-debut-news/
(2) Get the Tacoma TRD Off-Road model - not the TRD Pro. The Off-Road starts at $35,440 while the Pro starts at $46,685 - you pay a premium for the "Pro" badge. Yeah, you get really nice Fox shocks on the Pro, which are great for high-speed desert driving and high speed dirt roads, and there are a couple of other nice features (like better fog lights), but both come with a rear locker, and both run the same size tire from the factory 265/70/R17 (which is the same size as the Grenadier). The payloads for the two models are similar, but you can get a higher payload if you get the Off-Road with the Access Cab, and the 6-foot bed.
Payload TRD Off-Road: 1,135 pounds (four-door with 5-foot bed) or 1,285 pounds (access cab with 6-foot bed).
Payload of TRD Pro 1,155 pounds (the Pro is only available in one configuration: 4-door with 5-foot bed).
After you get your Tacoma Off-Road, swap out the suspension with one that provides a little lift, and improves payload. I'm running a Stage 5 Icon suspension on my Tacoma, and there is significant improvement all around (2-inch lift, I run 33-inch tires, it carries weight much better, is fantastic at speed on washboard roads, great in the whoops, and flexes more on rocky trails). Another great option is Old Man Emu's BP51 suspension (sold in the U.S. by ARB), and you can opt for the Heavy Duty springs. Again, this will carry weight much better than the stock suspension.
Discover Old Man Emu suspension systems by ARB, designed for superior performance, comfort, and durability. Enhance your 4x4 vehicle’s ride, handling, and load-carrying capacity with our shocks, springs, and complete kits.
arbusa.com
After modding your Tacoma, you total cost would be between $40,000 - $55,000 depending on how you spec the vehicle. Who knows what the Grenadier will cost - maybe $70,000 - $80,000. Just remember:
no modification can change the legal payload of your vehicle, which is defined by the door sticker. So its always best to get a good payload from the manufacturer (advantage Grenadier). Of course, if payload is super-important, the Ford Ranger has better payload than the Tacoma, and is still a "midsize" truck, or you can step up to a larger truck, and then you can get up to 4,000 pounds of payload no problem!
