Why is Tacoma called Prerunner?
The Toyota Tacoma is a popular midsize pickup truck known for its durability, off-road capabilities, and versatility. Among its various trims, the "Prerunner" designation has sparked curiosity among truck enthusiasts and casual drivers alike. But what does "Prerunner" mean, and why is it associated with the Tacoma? Let’s dive into the history and purpose behind this unique trim level.
What Does "Prerunner" Mean?
The term "Prerunner" originates from off-road racing. In professional off-road racing, teams often use a "prerunner" vehicle to scout or "pre-run" the racecourse before the actual event. These vehicles are designed to handle rough terrain and mimic the capabilities of the race trucks, but they are not built to the same extreme specifications. The idea is to familiarize the driver with the course and identify potential hazards.
When Toyota introduced the Tacoma Prerunner, it was inspired by these off-road prerunner vehicles. The Tacoma Prerunner is essentially a two-wheel-drive truck that looks and feels like a four-wheel-drive model, offering rugged styling and enhanced ground clearance without the added cost or complexity of a 4x4 drivetrain.
Key Features of the Tacoma Prerunner
The Tacoma Prerunner trim stands out for its unique combination of features that make it ideal for drivers who want off-road aesthetics and some capability without committing to a full 4x4 system. Here are some of its defining characteristics:
- Raised Suspension: The Prerunner comes with a higher suspension, similar to the 4x4 Tacoma, giving it better ground clearance for light off-road use.
- Off-Road Styling: It features rugged design elements like larger tires, skid plates, and flared fenders, which are typically associated with off-road vehicles.
- Two-Wheel Drive: Unlike a traditional 4x4, the Prerunner is a rear-wheel-drive truck, making it lighter and more fuel-efficient while still capable of handling uneven terrain.
- Affordability: By skipping the 4x4 drivetrain, the Prerunner offers a more budget-friendly option for drivers who don’t need full off-road capabilities.
Why Choose a Tacoma Prerunner?
The Tacoma Prerunner is an excellent choice for drivers who want the look and feel of an off-road truck without the added cost or maintenance of a 4x4 system. It’s perfect for light off-road adventures, daily driving, and anyone who appreciates the rugged aesthetic of a capable truck. Additionally, its raised suspension and durable build make it a practical option for navigating rough roads or inclement weather conditions.
Conclusion
The Toyota Tacoma Prerunner is a testament to Toyota’s ability to blend style, functionality, and affordability. By borrowing design cues from off-road racing prerunners, this trim level offers a unique driving experience that appeals to a wide range of truck enthusiasts. Whether you’re exploring backroads or cruising through the city, the Tacoma Prerunner delivers a balance of performance and practicality that’s hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year to stay away from Toyota Tacoma?
While most Tacomas enjoy a long history of reliability, there are a few years that are not good investments. Out of all of the years the Tacoma has been on the road, avoid the 2016-2017 years. Other years with issues include 2006-2009, 2011, and 2012.
What Tacoma years are best?
A: The Toyota Tacoma models from 1995 to 2005, along with the years 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2020, are highly recommended for their reliability. These models have fewer reported complaints and are known for enduring over 100,000 miles with minimal issues.
Why are Baja trucks 2WD?
Trophy trucks have been traditionally two-wheel drive (RWD) as the construction of driveline components capable of withstanding the high horsepower, torque at high speeds offroad was prohibitively expensive.
What is the PreRunner trim?
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma lineup has introduced a new trim level called the PreRunner. This trim is perfect for those who want a rear-wheel-drive truck with off-road capability. The Tacoma PreRunner has all-terrain tires wrapped around 17-inch TRD wheels, providing excellent traction and durability on various surfaces.
Why are PreRunner 2WD?
2WD prerunners don't have a heavy front axle and transfer case which saves you hundreds or pounds. Not having these 2 items are 2 less things that can break when you're out in the desert. Suspension travel is another benefit of 2WD prerunners.
Are tacoma prerunners 2WD or 4WD?
2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD PreRunner Is a Two-Door Two-Wheel-Drive Truck with Four-Wheel-Drive Looks. Toyota dusts off the PreRunner moniker for this off-road-ready rear-drive Tacoma trim. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD PreRunner pairs a rear-drive drivetrain with off-road enhancements.
Why are they called Prerunners?
Technically speaking, the word "prerunner" refers to a vehicle that is used to pre-run an off-road racecourse. Most racers have a separate vehicle, similar in build to their race vehicle, that they use to scout the condition of the course prior to the race.
What does PreRunner mean on Tacoma?
It is a vehicle that tests the terrain and the trail before the actual event to ensure a safe rally. A prerunner is any vehicle used to pre-run an off-road race course. It can be any car ranging from a truck to a motorcycle. The idea is to get a lay of the land and assess the lap timings before the race.
Is a PreRunner better than a Tacoma?
Off-Road Capability
Because the 4×4 has power going to all four wheels, it has better off-road capabilities than the PreRunner. The 4×4 is better equipped to handle rough terrain, steep inclines, and slippery conditions. If you plan on taking your truck off-road regularly, the 4×4 is the better option.
When did Toyota stop making the PreRunner?
2015
Toyota ditched the PreRunner moniker from the Tacoma line following the 2015 model year. For 2024, however, the automaker's bringing the trim back to its latest-generation mid-size pickup truck.
