I've got an '04 Wrangler that I really like, but I'm considering trading it in for a Tacoma because a new job will demand a 70 mile commute at least once a week and maybe more. The Wrangler is just not a highway machine, but it's pretty awesome off road, of course. Enough off road capability to traverse fairly steep hills and sometimes rather rocky trails is definitly a must have. The Tacoma is going to be reliable (it's a Toyota) and much better at 70+ mph, but I'm sure there must be some off roading lovers driving Tacomas who could tell me what to expect if I bought the 4x4 version in terms of off road performance. Thanks in advance.

What kind of off-roading will you do? The Taco is one of the most off-road capable trucks out there. Venture to ttora.com forums and read a few threads there and you'll see.