2017 TOYOTA TACOMA TRD PRO FIRST LOOK

2017 TOYOTA TACOMA TRD PRO FIRST LOOK BY AUTO CRITIC STEVE HAMMES

When you climb the ladder of Toyota’s off-road truck lineup the top rung rests at TRD Pro. Short for Toyota Racing Development, TRD Pro vehicles are aimed squarely at the most dedicated adventure-seeking, off-road driving, work-hard-play-hard enthusiasts.

Toyota offers the TRD Pro models for Tundra and 4Runner and now for the second time, the next generation Tacoma.  It stands out with its heritage-inspired “TOYOTA” front grille but this is not just a poseur.

This Tacoma is designed to perform in the toughest off-road environments.  Based off of the TRD Off-Road 4X4 Double Cab short-bed model, the Pro adds 16” TRD black alloys, Wrangler A/T Kevlar-reinforced tires, a TRD-tuned suspension with a 1” lift in the front and progressive rate off-road leaf springs in the rear, FOX shocks, front skid plate, LED fog lights, projector-beam headlights, a standard V6 tow package and a host of exterior and interior aesthetic upgrades.

Additional off-road technology includes a Locking Rear Differential, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), clutch Start Cancel on manual transmission models, Active Traction Control, and Crawl Control.

For automatic transmission equipped models, a Multi-Terrain Select system allows the driver to choose between different types of terrain such as loose rock, or mud and sand. Each input regulates wheel spin by adjusting throttle and brake pressure to provide maximum traction on almost any terrain.

Pricing starts at $41,920 which includes a 278 horsepower V6 and 6-speed manual rated at 18mpg in combined driving.  A 6-speed automatic is optional.