Check out everything that makes Toyota’s most rugged pickup truck so desirable among buyers.

Back in 1957, Toyota entered the American market with the Toyopet Crown and established its sales network. This Japanese behemoth gradually grew into one of the most popular car brands in the country. Some Toyota automobiles stand out with their enhanced capabilities and unparalleled reliability. One of the most renowned among them is the off-road-oriented Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro which is an exceptionally rugged pickup truck and an even better choice than the full-size Toyota Tundra for off-roading.

The Toyota Hilux came to American shores in 1969 and the brand sold five generations of the Toyota Truck before it was replaced by the American-made Toyota Tacoma in 1995. The Toyota Tacoma then transcended into one of the most widely acclaimed midsize pickup trucks in the country over its three generations, and the upcoming 2024 Toyota Tacoma marks the debut of its fourth generation. The top-end Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro trim is a fan-favorite for off-road enthusiasts, and today we look at the best features offered by this adventure-ready pickup truck.

10 The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Flaunts A More Aggressive Demeanor With Unique Exterior Design BitsToyota

The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro shines above its regular counterparts not only with its off-road apparatus but also with its bolder, more rugged panache. Toyota has preened to make their rugged off-roader look suave and sophisticated. The TRD Pro features a more aggressive front fascia and a light-up TRD Pro logo along with a multitude of other unique exterior touches that sets it apart from its lesser siblings.

The brand has also added a black hood scoop with a “map of Baja” decal on it that is both aesthetically appealing and functional. The truck has an all-LED lighting setup along with black bezels and LED daytime running lights. This combined with rugged, extra-durable LED fog lights from Rigid Industries makes sure that you aren’t left in the dark during after-dark adventure drives.

9 The 3.5-Liter V6 In The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Comes With A Cat-Back ExhaustToyota

Powering the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is the same 3.5-Liter V6 that energizes every other Tacoma model. This motor churns out a maximum output of 278 horses and 265 lb-ft of torque which isn’t superfluous but is plenty of vigor for this midsize pickup truck. Also, the reputation this truck has for reliability is another reason to opt for it over the more powerful competitors. You can confidently buy any model year of the second and third-generation Toyota Tacoma as all of those models are found to be exceptionally durable.

Additionally, what makes the Tacoma TRD Pro standout is the TRD Pro cat-back exhaust that comes connected to it, delivering extra grunt. The cat-back design maximizes departure angle through a side exit, allowing for smoother exhaust flow. This results in better engine performance and exits a more resounding exhaust note. Even so, the TRD Pro isn’t raucous or vociferous enough to exceed the 95-decibel legal noise limit.

8 The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Is A Dying Breed Available With A Manual TransmissionToyota

The 3.5-liter V6 engine of the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is proffered with two transmission choices, a 6-speed stick shift or a 6-speed automatic. This is a choice that has ceased to exist among most other brands. Also, we aren’t sure if the next-generation Tacoma TRD Pro which is all set to launch in 2024 will be offered with this choice. All of this makes the manual transmission in the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro more desirable.

The stick shift obviously allows for full manual control over the truck while providing an easier, more enjoyable off-roading experience for the seasoned off-roader. Additionally, the manual TRD Pro comes clubbed with the proprietary Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) feature. Once switched on, A-TRAC automatically detects wheel spin and sends power to the wheel with traction while braking the one that is spinning without grip.

7 Multi-Terrain Select With Five Modes Is Standard In The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro AutomaticToyota

After a manual-only feature, we now look at the automatic-only features of the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. The 6-speed automatic transmission of the TRD Pro comes equipped with Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) with five modes as standard. Tackling extreme terrain is a lot easier with these terrain modes to choose from, and you don’t have to wonder when to activate/deactivate 4-high or 4-low gearing.

The five terrain modes in the Multi-Terrain Select are Rock, Rock & Dirt, Mogul, Loose Rock, and Mud & Sand. Depending on the mode selected and the terrain you are driving on, Multi-Terrain Select regulates several factors including wheel spin, brake pressure, and throttle response to deliver maximum traction. The Toyota Multi-Terrain Select is further augmented by a couple of other features that we’ll cover next.

6 The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Makes Off-Roading An Easier Task With CRAWL And HAC FeaturesToyota

Crawl Control (CRAWL) And Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) are two features that complement and enhance the Multi-Terrain Select function in the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro automatic. Crawl Control has five low-speed settings according to which it automatically regulates the throttle and brakes allowing the driver to tackle the trail easier. The electronic stability control feature of the truck feeds it with the vital information based on which Crawl Control acts.

Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) is another automatic-only feature included in the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. This feature ensures that the off-road truck doesn’t roll backward on a hill while you switch between the throttle and brake pedals. It slows down the reduction in brake pressure that happens once you take your foot off the brake pedal and provides the ideal torque, delivering a smooth take-off.

5 FOX Shocks In The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Allows It To Glide Effortlessly Through Any TerrainToyota

For optimum all-terrain performance, you need specialized hardware and in that regard, the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro delivers gracefully. The truck features a 1.5-inch suspension lift in the front and a 0.5-inch lift in the rear for strengthened off-roading prowess. Exclusive suspension components include a TRD-tuned off-road suspension comprising FOX Internal Bypass shocks with rear remote reservoirs.

The truck also gets TRD-tuned coil springs up front and leaf springs in the rear. This rugged suspension combined with the electronically-locking rear differential makes up a hell of a truck that allows you to conquer any terrain with ease. Dune-bashing, rock-crawling, trail-hunting and overlanding are all easy tasks with the dedicated off-road hardware the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro comes loaded with.

4 16-Inch Alloys And All-Terrain Tires Of The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Ensure Optimum TractionToyota

Along with robust power output and capable suspension components, an off-road vehicle also requires competent all-terrain or mud-terrain tires to vanquish extreme topography. Toyota has got you covered as the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro comes fitted with 16” TRD black alloy wheels wrapped around with Goodyear Territory all-terrain tires.

This adroit set of rubber comes lined with DuPont Kevlar providing an extra layer of protection and strength. All in all, the TRD Pro has the best-looking wheels coiled around with the most rugged stock tires of the lineup delivering a setup that has got your back on any harsh terrain. Even with these blocky tires, the TRD Pro still manages to do a 0-60 run in 7.7 seconds and brakes from 70 mph at a respectable distance of 180 feet.

3 The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Keeps You Updated Of Your Surroundings Via Its Multi-Terrain MonitorToyota

Off-roading is a hobby in which you have to be extra conscious and cautious of your surroundings as well as the landscape you are driving on. Take your eyes off the trail, and you could find your truck’s underbody seriously hurt by a rock or the sides damaged by a boulder. To avoid this, you have to be extremely aware of the path you take and the landform you are driving on.

However, even if you are super careful, there could be an impediment lying around in a blind spot. The Multi-Terrain Monitor in your Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro allows you to monitor your immediate surroundings. The front, rear, and side cameras display a live feed of your truck’s vicinity alerting you of any potential obstacles that could be harmful.

2 A Unique Aluminum Skid Plate Safeguards The Underpinnings Of The Toyota Tacoma TRD ProToyota

Even if you are extra vigilant about your surroundings, instances where small rocks or chippings hit the underbody of your truck while attacking the trail are pretty much unavoidable. Hence, the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro comes factory-fitted with a unique quarter-inch thick aluminum front skid plate that safeguards the powertrain components from scree lying around on the unbeaten path.

Although the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro has 9.4 inches of ground clearance, the skid plate ensures further protection and allows you to step on the throttle and take risks confidently off the beaten path. Aftermarket skid plates or protective equipment might not be able to provide the same quality of protection and hence the TRD Pro’s factory-fitted protective component provides elevated peace of mind to the owner.

1 Toyota Safety Sense P Included In The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Provides All-Round ProtectionToyota

While protecting the automobile itself is important, it is much more crucial to shield its occupants against crashes and hazards, especially an off-road vehicle. Ergo, the brand has incorporated a standard suite of safety features into the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro that assures all-around protection of its occupants at all times. These include both Toyota Safety Sense P and Toyota’s proprietary Star Safety system.

The Star Safety System consists of basic safety features including ABS, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Smart Stop Technology (SST), and Brake Assist (BA). The Toyota Safety Sense P on the other hand comprises more advanced driver-assistance tech such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC).