Toyota has seized and cultivated a hot market segment with its fresh crop of midsize Tacoma pickups. Targeting youthful consumers and those wanting a vehicle capable of meeting extreme off-road challenges, the automaker is unleashing new Tacoma TRD versions it’s describing as “beasts.”
With the new-generation 2016 Tacoma TRD Off-Road already grabbing positive attention from consumers and the automotive press for its off-road prowess, Toyota is upping the ante with a 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro with a starting price of $40,760.
The TRD Pro is the ultimate off-road truck in the Tacoma lineup, created to conquer rugged trails with advanced electronic and mechanical enhancements. The Tacoma TRD Pro is available in double-cab form, and its 3.5-liter V-6 engine is mated with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.
Practically speaking, the well-outfitted 2016 TRD Off-Road model offers everything a typical 4x4 buyer needs to tackle off-road trails, so the new TRD Pro probably fits in the overkill category for most consumers. It’s built for extreme-off-road enthusiasts, or those who simply demand the best.
“The TRD Pro is equipped with one of the most high-performance off-road suspension systems ever to be offered on a production vehicle,” said Bill Fay, Toyota Group vice president and general manager.
Up front, the TRD-tuned suspension features 2.5-inch Fox coil-over shocks, mated with heavy-duty TRD springs, which lift the truck an additional inch. In the rear, Fox 2.5-inch shocks with remote reservoirs are paired with TRD leaf springs. Aluminum construction and internal bypass technology give the shocks flexibility to adapt to varying terrain, providing better ride quality on and off the road.
Ruggedness and appearance get a boost with Kevlar-reinforced Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires. These wrap 16-inch glossy-black TRD alloy wheels with an aggressive offset that widens the track one inch.
Protecting the front underside is a white TRD Pro skidplate constructed of 0.25-inch-thick aluminum. Lighting up the trails are Rigid Industries LED fog lights with a 35-degree high-intensity beam pattern.
Importantly, the TRD Pro comes standard with advanced technology that’s capable of making a novice off-roader look like a seasoned driver. These features include a 4WDemand part-time four-wheel-drive system with automatic limited-slip differential, electronically locking rear differential, and Crawl Control/Multi-Terrain Select.
Crawl Control, available only with automatic transmission models, monitors each wheel and delivers appropriate power to overcome challenging conditions. With the driver only controlling the steering wheel, and no braking or acceleration input, Crawl Control enables the pickup to deftly climb and descend ultra-steep hills, traverse boulder-infested trails, and dig itself out of deep mud, sand, and gravel.
A Tacoma TRD Off-Road or TRD Pro can be buried to the frame rails in sand and lift itself out via the Crawl Control system. The system deliberately and slowly turns every wheel, gradually building up sand and traction until it reverses itself up, out, and onto solid footing.
Complementing Crawl Control is the Multi-Terrain Select system. After selecting the terrain type from five modes — Mud & Sand, Loose Rock, Mogul, Rock & Dirt, and Rock -- the system automatically adjusts engine throttle and traction control to help regulate wheel spin.
Aside from the TRD Pro distinguishing itself on rugged trails, it has standout looks and a refined interior. Its chisel-sided grille is framed in a body-colored surround and features black honeycomb texture with a wide horizontal center bar imprinted with silver “TOYOTA” lettering.
Headlights and taillights get a blacked-out bezel treatment, and the theme continues with a black hood scoop and black over-fenders. The rear bumpers, door handles, and outside mirrors are color-keyed. TRD Pro badging on the front doors and tailgate identify the vehicle as the ultimate off-road pickup.
While the TRD Pro is trekking over inhospitable terrain, life in the cab is very hospitable. The heated front buckets are upholstered in black leather with a TRD Pro logo on the headrests. Front seats are four-way adjustable and the driver seat benefits from a lumbar support. The special shift knob and floor mats are exclusive TRD Pro features.
Standard infotainment and safety technologies include: Entune premium audio with integrated navigation and app suite, rear parking-assist sonar, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and a multi-info display that indicates vehicle lean and pitch angles — a feature that’s bound to get frequent use by the extreme-off-road enthusiasts Toyota is banking on buying its high-performance TRD Pro.
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