Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

Toyota’s Tacoma TRD Pro off-roader is back, and ready to climb every mountain

Stephen Edelstein
By

When the redesigned Toyota Tacoma debuted last year, the TRD Pro off-road model was conspicuously absent from the lineup. Toyota is rectifying that for 2017, with an updated model that debuts this week at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show.

While the name may stand for Toyota Racing Development, the TRD Pro isn’t quite as hardcore as, say, a Ford F-150 Raptor or a Ram Power Wagon. But considering that there really isn’t anything directly comparable to those behemoths in the midsize truck segment right now, that’s not much of an issue.

A beefed-up suspension system sets the TRD Pro apart from other Tacoma models. It includes Fox 2.5 internal-bypass shocks, TRD-tuned front springs with a 1.0-inch lift, and TRD-tuned rear suspension bits. All TRD Pro models also get the 4WDemand four-wheel drive system, with an electronically-controlled transfer case and automated limited-slip differential, plus a towing package.

The TRD Pro rides on Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Kevlar-reinforced tires, with special 16-inch alloy wheels. Other model-specific visual cues include an aluminum front skid plate, LED fog lights, headlights and taillights with black bezels, and TRD Pro badging. The interior gets plenty of TRD badging as well, and features plenty of luxuries like heated leather front seats, navigation, and Toyota’s Entune infotainment system with app suite. Who said off-roading had to be tough?

Although Toyota does offer a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine on some Tacoma models, the TRD Pro is only available with the larger 3.5-liter V6. This engine produces 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, and runs on the Atkinson cycle like the engines in many hybrids, to improve efficiency. Models equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission (there’s also a six-speed manual) get Toyota’s Multi-terrain Select system, which alters vehicle behavior for different types of terrain, as well as hill-start assist.

The 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro arrives in showrooms this fall. Pricing will be announced closer to that time.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Stephen Edelstein
Stephen Edelstein
Contributing Editor
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more