It skipped out on the 2016 model year and left us only with the TRD Sport cousin. But now it's back, and the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro is built to cope with anything from curbs to river crossings.
The compact pickup was just unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show and will go on sale this fall. It's based on the existing Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4x4 Double Cab and comes with both cosmetic and chassis upgrades.
Sadly, power still comes from a naturally aspirated V6 engine. But the 3.5-liter has got a sufficient 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, meaning it's much faster than the 2015 model year. Regardless of whether you go for the 6-speed manual or the automatic, it will have 4x4 and a standard electrically-controlled limited slip differential.
The suspension has been upgraded and now consists of Fox 2.5 Internal Bypass shocks and TRD springs that give it a 1-inch lift. The back has Fox dampers and progressive-rate leaf springs. To cope with mother nature, Toyota gave the truck some sturdy 16-inch black alloys shod in Goodyear Wrangler that are reinforced with Kevlar. They also installed offsets, widening the tracks by 1 inch at the front and the rear.
Right, let's move on to the cosmetic changes. We've got a Toyota heritage grille, a traditional hood scoop, aluminum front skid plate, LED fog lights, LED daytime running lights and some nifty black fender flares. Compared to the 2015 model, the interior is like a Cadillac... or, at least, an Avalon. We've got leather seats, a TRD shifter, leather steering wheel, custom floor mats and the latest infotainment system.
It's also pretty safe and comfortable to drive, being equipped with rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and blind spot monitoring. And before you tell us that it's not as tough as a Ford, watch the video below. Two guys drove the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro to the Arctic Circle without making any mods to it.
Sadly, power still comes from a naturally aspirated V6 engine. But the 3.5-liter has got a sufficient 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, meaning it's much faster than the 2015 model year. Regardless of whether you go for the 6-speed manual or the automatic, it will have 4x4 and a standard electrically-controlled limited slip differential.
The suspension has been upgraded and now consists of Fox 2.5 Internal Bypass shocks and TRD springs that give it a 1-inch lift. The back has Fox dampers and progressive-rate leaf springs. To cope with mother nature, Toyota gave the truck some sturdy 16-inch black alloys shod in Goodyear Wrangler that are reinforced with Kevlar. They also installed offsets, widening the tracks by 1 inch at the front and the rear.
Right, let's move on to the cosmetic changes. We've got a Toyota heritage grille, a traditional hood scoop, aluminum front skid plate, LED fog lights, LED daytime running lights and some nifty black fender flares. Compared to the 2015 model, the interior is like a Cadillac... or, at least, an Avalon. We've got leather seats, a TRD shifter, leather steering wheel, custom floor mats and the latest infotainment system.
It's also pretty safe and comfortable to drive, being equipped with rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and blind spot monitoring. And before you tell us that it's not as tough as a Ford, watch the video below. Two guys drove the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro to the Arctic Circle without making any mods to it.