We're not wild about the redesigned Toyota Tacoma's rough ride, clumsy handling, uncomfortable driving position, noise levels, and lack of refinement.
But what's always been dazzling about the Tacoma is how it can expertly tackle demanding off-road adventures. With the Tacoma TRD Pro, Toyota aims to build on that strength.
Make no mistake: The TRD Pro Tacoma is no mere styling exercise made up of tape stripes and fancy wheels.
Built in San Antonio, the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro gets a revised suspension system with unique front springs that add a 1-inch lift, along with beefier rear leaf springs. Standard wheels are 16-inch black alloys with aggressive tires reinforced by Goodyear Kevlar.
Other TRD details include exterior styling tweaks, a cat-black stainless steel exhaust system, and many "TRD Pro" badges scattered about the truck.
The powertrain remains the same: a 278-hp, 3.5-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic, which returned a decent 19 mpg overall in our tests of a Tacoma SR5.
You can also get the full TRD Pro treatment on the larger Toyota Tundra pickup as well as the 4Runner SUV.
CR's Take: In our tests, the standard Tacoma ascended our rock hill course like a champ, gobbling up the boulder-strewn slope with ease. It has ample ground clearance and axle articulation, and it was easy to modulate the throttle with measured input for delicate control. Low range allowed it to descend slopes with little need to apply the brakes. With the TRD Pro version, fiercer off-road capacity will probably please those looking to tame even the roughest trails. Just don't expect this model to coddle you with a smooth on-road ride and quiet cabin.
