2016 Chicago Auto Show: 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro: Comments

[William Maley]

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When Toyota redesigned the Tacoma last year, we wondered if a TRD Pro version would be coming as well. Today at the Chicago Auto Show, Toyota revealed the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro.

 

The Tacoma TRD Pro begins with the suspension as Toyota has added a set of FOX 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, TRD front springs that raise the ride height by an inch, and a set of progressive-rate off-road leaf springs. The four-wheel drive system comes with a limited-slip differential, Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. A set Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain tires come with a set of sixteen-inch TRD wheels.

 

Power comes from a 3.5L 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. There is a choice between a six-speed manual or automatic.

 

Outside, the Tacoma TRD Pro comes with the old school TOYOTA emblem on the grille, TRD Pro badging finished in black, hood scoop, and a skid plate. Inside are a set of leather seats with the TRD logo embroidered, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Toyota's Entune infotainment system with navigation, and a mount for a GoPro camera.

 

The Tacoma TRD Pro arrives at dealers this fall.

 

Source: Toyota

 

 

Press Release is on Page 2

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2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro - - Dirtier Than Ever!

• Toyota Kicks Up More Dust with the Debut of the Newest Tacoma TRD Pro Off-Road Pickup
  

CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2016 - - Whether tackling treacherous snow-covered terrain, driving off the beaten path, or surviving extreme conditions where roads fear to tread, the adrenaline-pumping TRD Pro Series from Toyota is up for any challenge. Two years ago, the TRD Pro Series arose from Toyota’s storied off-road racing heritage, with its numerous victories in the grueling Baja off-road endurance races. Born from this experience, the Toyota TRD Pro Series Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner have helped serious off-roaders go places they never dreamed possible.

 

This fall, the Toyota Tacoma will rejoin the 2017 model year TRD Pro family with all-new factory-installed off-road equipment designed by the experts at Toyota Racing Development (TRD) to make it even more off-road capable than before.

 

Aimed squarely at extreme off-roading enthusiasts who challenge themselves and their trucks and SUV’s in some of the harshest conditions, the new 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro will raise the bar on TRD Pro performance. Courtesy of TRD, the new Tacoma TRD Pro will add an array of new performance equipment and features, making this a truly second-generation TRD Pro product, and the new benchmark for challenging off-road terrain.

 

Extreme Exterior for Extreme Performance
The 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro is designed to not only look tough, but to perform in the toughest off-road environment. Based on the Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4x4 Double Cab Short Bed model in either 6-speed manual (with clutch start-cancel switch) or 6-speed automatic transmission, the new Tacoma TRD Pro will be available in three exterior colors: Cement, Barcelona Red Metallic, and Super White. The exterior of each Tacoma TRD Pro model will also include:

• 16-inch TRD black alloy wheels with Goodyear Wrangler® All-Terrain Kevlar®-reinforced tires
• TRD Pro aluminum front skid plate
• Rigid Industries® LED fog lights
• Projector-beam headlights with black bezels, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and auto on/off feature
• Taillights with black bezels
• TRD Pro badge on front door with diamond-pattern knurled finish
• Black TRD Pro and 4x4 rear tailgate badging
  

Each Tacoma TRD Pro will also come equipped with a heritage-inspired TOYOTA front grille with color-keyed surround, blacked out hood scoop and graphic, color-keyed power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, color-keyed door handles, black overfenders, and a color-keyed rear bumper.

 

Interior Sportiness Combined with Convenience Technology
Driving a sporty package in rugged off-road conditions does not mean you can’t ride in comfort and with the latest safety and convenience technologies. The new Tacoma TRD Pro combines sportiness and convenience with standard features that include:

• Black TRD Pro leather-trimmed heated front seats with TRD Pro logo located in the headrest
• 4-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and 4-way adjustable front passenger seat
• Entune™ Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite
• TRD shift knob
• TRD Pro floor mats
• Leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth® hands-free phone controls
• Rear parking assist sonar
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
  

The new Tacoma TRD Pro also includes an analog instrumentation that features a 4.2-inch color Multi-Information Display (MID) with an integrated inclinometer and tilt gauge. The MID also adds outside temperature, odometer, tripmeters, and average fuel economy.

 

As in all Tacoma models, a GoPro® mount is located on the windshield for serious off-roaders who like to document their exploits with GoPro® HERO cameras.

 

Pro Performance
The new 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro continues to be all about off-road performance as it strives to raise the bar from the original. The Tacoma TRD Pro will be powered by a 3.5-Liter V6 DOHC 24-valve direct-injection Atkinson-cycle engine with VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide) intake and VVT-I exhaust.

 

Tacoma TRD Pro really earns its off-road cred through its TRD-installed suspension and exhaust enhancements that include:

• FOX 2.5 Internal Bypass shocks tuned by TRD
• TRD-tuned front springs with a 1-inch lift
• TRD-tuned rear suspension with progressive-rate off-road leaf spring
  

Every Tacoma TRD Pro will be equipped with 4WDemand part-time 4WD with a transfer case and Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD) that are both electronically-controlled. Also standard will be a V6 Tow Package that includes a Class-IV towing receiver hitch, ATF cooler (automatic only), engine oil cooler, power steering cooler, 130-amp alternator, 4- and 7-pin connector with convertor, and Trailer-Sway Control (TSC).

 

An electronically controlled locking rear differential is also standard to help distribute engine power evenly to both rear wheels so they move at the same speed, providing more grip in low-traction conditions.

 

When the trail gets challenging, Tacoma TRD Pro’s Crawl Control (CRAWL) will help drivers conquer their off-road adventure. Equipped on automatics only, this advanced system automatically modulates the throttle and brakes on five low-speed settings so you can keep your focus on navigating across difficult terrain.

 

Equipped on Tacoma TRD Pro automatic is the Toyota Multi-terrain Select system. With five modes to choose from, the system helps regulate wheel spin by automatically adjusting the engine throttle and traction control. When combined with the standard Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain tires with tough Kevlar construction, Multi-terrain Select helps enhance traction dramatically, meaning you can get back to the fun more quickly.

 

Tacoma TRD Pro’s Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), equipped on automatic transmission models only, helps you safely get up those hills. This technology helps minimize Tacoma from rolling backward when you move your foot from the brake to the gas pedal, so you can move upward with confidence.

 

The added traction of 4WD is great, but with Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), it’s even better! Equipped only on the Tacoma TRD Pro manual, A-TRAC is a 4WD traction control system that uses the 4-channel ABS system to control power flow to the front and rear wheels, all without cutting throttle input, to help make traction no matter where you may be.

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[G. David Felt]

I give them credit for building a solid off road truck, but their Predator look design is so tiring and just ugly to me.

[Frisky Dingo]

Freaking sweet!!

[ccap41]

I'm with Frisky, I think this looks awesome! The Tacoma looks much more "truck-like" to me.

If I had the money for one of these I'd love to drive one every day.

[Frisky Dingo]

This truck could very well be what would (hypothetically) make me go with this over a Colorado.

[Cory Wolfe]

It's an honest truck... except for that fake hood scoop. Why not make it functional and give it some cajones under the hood to boot? Your move, Chevy.

[ocnblu]

Chevy's already gone nutcase on their special editions.  Co-worker really wants a green shortbed 3.6 4X4 Z71 (he currently has a sweet bright yellow S-10 ZR2 extended cab from back in the day), which would be competitively priced.  He went to a semi-local auto show, sawr a blue, crewcab Z71 Trail Boss Duramax with a sticker price of  + - $50k.  FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS for a Colorado!  Here we go again with GM's outrageous pricing structure.  Trail Boss package alone is SEVEN GRAND... and for what?  Black trim and tires?

[Frisky Dingo]

7K for the 'Trail Boss' Pkg, lol. I wasn't even aware of that, we haven't ordered one. That's absurd. Should be a $2,500 option max.

[ccap41]

Yeah Chevy offers 55 different appearance packages and not-a-one will compete with a Tacoma TRD Pro off the beaten path. 

 

Apparently this is all you get in that 7k purchase, lol. 

Z71 Trail Boss:

Z71 Trail Boss

• Sport bar with LED trail lighting
• 17-inch Black painted wheels
• Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac®265/65R17 all-terrain tires

 

• Black 3-inch round rocker steps
• Spray-on bedliner
• Black Chevrolet bowtie emblems

• Black fender flares
• All-weather floor mats with Z71 logo

 

 

 

[ccap41]

It's an honest truck... except for that fake hood scoop. Why not make it functional and give it some cajones under the hood to boot? Your move, Chevy.

Yeah you'd think they could just slap a mild tune on it for an extra like 15hp/10tq or something.. Mostly just to say it's more powerful. I mean it already gets pretty poor mileage and then the mild lift and tires kill any idea of getting decent mileage out of a smaller truck so might as well give it a little more power. 

[G. David Felt]

 

It's an honest truck... except for that fake hood scoop. Why not make it functional and give it some cajones under the hood to boot? Your move, Chevy.

Yeah you'd think they could just slap a mild tune on it for an extra like 15hp/10tq or something.. Mostly just to say it's more powerful. I mean it already gets pretty poor mileage and then the mild lift and tires kill any idea of getting decent mileage out of a smaller truck so might as well give it a little more power. 

 

 

Both Chevy and GMC needs to offer Hummer Packages that give you real world off road prowess.

[ccap41]

 

 

It's an honest truck... except for that fake hood scoop. Why not make it functional and give it some cajones under the hood to boot? Your move, Chevy.

Yeah you'd think they could just slap a mild tune on it for an extra like 15hp/10tq or something.. Mostly just to say it's more powerful. I mean it already gets pretty poor mileage and then the mild lift and tires kill any idea of getting decent mileage out of a smaller truck so might as well give it a little more power. 

 

 

Both Chevy and GMC needs to offer Hummer Packages that give you real world off road prowess.

 

Yeah, Chevy has the balls to make a 650hp/tq, $100,000 Corvette and a $75,000, 508hp stripped out track Z/28 but they won't even touch anything that even looks at dirt. 

[Frisky Dingo]

Yeah, Chevy's 'off-road' package trucks are a joke right now.

[ocnblu]

My ultimate Colorado would be a Duramax regular cab LT 4X4 with 31" tires, G80 locker and a goddamned stickshift.  In a color green that doesn't cost $400 extra.

[Suaviloquent]

It's focused, it's well differentiated, and it quite easily looks after hard-core, off roading customer's needs or need for the capability, even if it won't really be used.

 

I think Toyota understands its Tacoma buyers like clockwork. 

 

It's so good, that I don't think that Ford could for example execute a Ranger "Raptor" or a Raptor Ranger all that well, unless it sunk a ton of coin into doing so. Nah, I take that back, it just won't even happen. Toronto Raptor Ranger (inside joke "nahhh...it won't ever even happen "6 rings b!tch").... Anyways I digress no more. It's gonna continue to build up the Toyota off-roading legacy,

[Robert Hall]

I see lots of lifted, off-road looking trucks around here, very popular in AZ....very few probably go off-road, though...most look too clean and polished..

[ocnblu]

I see lots of lifted, off-road looking trucks around here, very popular in AZ....very few probably go off-road, though...most look too clean and polished..

Not a lot of mud in AZ, is there?  Aren't these stud muffins usually out climbing rocks with their trucks and "going fishing" with their bros?

[Robert Hall]

Some probably do...many are urban cowboys...putting on appearances.

[ccap41]

My ultimate Colorado would be a Duramax regular cab LT 4X4 with 31" tires, G80 locker and a goddamned stickshift.  In a color green that doesn't cost $400 extra.

The Tacoma can be had with a manual transmission in all of their trims

What's the G80 locker as opposed to what the truck already has for a 4 wheel drive system? I've heard the brand/model/name before but never really knew WHAT it did better than a factory locking system.

[ocnblu]

Yeah, I've driven Tacomas, they wouldn't make a pimple on a Colorado's butt cheek. 

 

The G80 is a mechanical locking rear end that works at low speeds to power the truck over obstacles if a significant enough speed differential is detected between the rear wheels.  It cuts power to the slipping wheel and applies it to the opposite wheel, until the obstacle is traversed.

[Stew]

I like it.  it is probably the single Toyota product I would consider purchasing right now.

[ccap41]

It is definitely the only Toyota product I would consider right now. But I would seriously consider it if it made any logical sense for me to own a truck. 

[Stew]

It is definitely the only Toyota product I would consider right now. But I would seriously consider it if it made any logical sense for me to own a truck. 

 

Oh, i would of-road the heckens out of it lol. 

[G. David Felt]

I like it.  it is probably the single Toyota product I would consider purchasing right now.

Gotta disagree with you Stew, that is such an Ugly truck plus so far the Tacoma has not impressed me even in TRD PRO package. Would take a Diesel GM Mid size truck over this.

[Stew]

 

I like it.  it is probably the single Toyota product I would consider purchasing right now.

Gotta disagree with you Stew, that is such an Ugly truck plus so far the Tacoma has not impressed me even in TRD PRO package. Would take a Diesel GM Mid size truck over this.

 

 

Oh, don't get me wong, I think he GM wins are superior in nearl every way.  More refined, more power, better FE, Far nicer inside, and much better looking outside.  I just think this is the most complete TRD Pro package et and I am enticed by the off-road capabilities.   GM's refusal to offer a more serious off-road package or at the very least decent ground clearance on the Trail Boss is what irks me. 

[ccap41]

The interiors are a wash if you ask me. They're different but neither is actually anything special. It's more which design and shapes do you like better because neither is swathing everything in leather and soft touch materials or anything, and rightfully so. Personally, I think the Tacoma looks the best from the outside and I think a lot of that has to do with how "soft" the twins look, especially compared to their older brothers the Sierra and Silverado. 

 

Yeah it's borderline impressive how far GM has stayed away from dirt for any truck. Just appearance packages. 

[ocnblu]

New Tacoma's interior looks like 1970's Japanese science fiction movies.

[ccap41]

Nahhh you're drunk. Go home. 

[Suaviloquent]

Actually most reviewers have said while the Colorado had better ergonomics because of greater seat adjustments, the materials of like equipped Tacos and Colos - the Taco has nicer materials.

 

Here's the case that the Taco is being marketed to the person who uses their truck more recreationally.

 

While the Colo and Canyo are more marketed as just shruken versions of their bigger counterparts. 

 

Then again, I am a huge technologyandstuffdudefan, hence my sig...

 

So through my intense calculationers and stuffus....I give the win to the Cholesterol, unless I want power absolute, where I would have to give the Turd the win because it is a Taco Supreme.