The biggest member of Toyota’s TRD Pro trio, the Tundra TRD Pro, is getting similar updates as the Tacoma and 4Runner TRD Pros for 2019. This includes updated Fox Racing Shocks and a few cosmetic changes to keep things fresh. The 2019 Tundra TRD Pro can easily be picked out thanks to its new secondary hood scoop and new 18-inch BBS forged-aluminum wheels.

As with its TRD Pro stablemates, the Tundra TRD Pro will arrive in showrooms in the fall of 2018. Toyota hasn’t released pricing yet, but here at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, we’re getting our first look at the truck. Keep reading for the details.

Continue reading for more on the 2019 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro.

More Capability with Minor Cosmetic Changes

The most impressive change Toyota gave the 2019 Tundra TRD Pro is an upgraded suspension. The truck still uses 2.5-inch diameter shock absorbers from Fox Racing, but the pistons are now larger at 46mm. The front suspension uses the Fox shocks inside TRD-tuned coil springs in a MacPherson strut-style setup. The new version gives the Tundra two inches of lift compared to the standard Tundra, while wheel travel has increased by 1.5 inches over the 2018 Tundra TRD Pro.

The front shocks have 11 bypass zones for variable performance depending on the terrain. Seven of the zones manage compression while four manage rebound. Basically, the shocks become stiffer the deeper into their travel. This allows for a smooth ride over small bumps but keeps the truck from bottoming out when traveling over larger bumps.

The rear suspension also has several upgrades. The larger 46-mm pistons are used in the shocks and they have 12 bypass zones with eight for compression and four for rebound. Piggyback, or external reservoirs, contain more shock fluid that’s designed to help manage temperatures when traveling over rough terrain for an extended time. More impressively, the updated shocks give the rear suspension an extra two inches of travel.

Also new are the 18-inch BBS forged-aluminum, five-spoke wheels. The satin black rims are said to be 3.35 pounds lighter per wheel, saving the truck 13.4 pounds in total unsprung weight. Like the Tundra TRD Pro before, Toyota’s tire choice is 275/65-series Michelin all-terrains.

Exterior changes are minimal, but considering how little Toyota messes with its trucks’ appearance, the updates are relatively massive. The 2019 Tundra TRD Pro gets a new hood scoop above the standard scoop seen on all other Tundras. The halogen fog lights are replaced with LED lights from Rigid Industries, a purveyor of LED off-road lights for aftermarket applications. The Tundra TRD Pro also gets the upgraded LED headlights found on the 2018 Tundras, too. The front skid plate gets red lettering inside the TRD Pro stamped logo. Last but not least, the Tundra’s TRD cat-back dual exhaust now has Black Chrome tips.

Inside, the Tundra TRD Pro retains the same look as before. There’s the TRD shift knob and TRD Pro logos on the floor mats, headrests, and center console armrest cover. An optional moonroof is now available, as well.

Toyota left well enough alone when it came to the Tundra’s powertrain. The venerable but aging 5.7-liter V-8 returns with the same 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only gearbox available and the part-time 4WD system still offers both high- and low-range gearing. While not the most technologically advanced or fuel efficient, the 5.7-liter sounds amazing thanks to the TRD Pro’s standard TRD cat-back dual exhaust. The exhaust was a highlight of our experience the last time we drive a Tundra TRD Pro.

As mentioned, Toyota has not released pricing for the 2019 Tundra TRD Pro. That news will come closer to the truck’s on-sale date happening in the fall of 2018.

References

Toyota Ups the Ante With 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro

Read our full review on the 2017 Toyota Tundra.

Read more Chicago Auto Show news.

Read more Toyota news.