Toyota->ke88 debuted its TRD Pro series in 2014 with versions for the Tundra, 4Runner, and Tacoma. While the Tundra->ke485 and 4Runner->ke1844 have soldiered on unchanged since then, the Tacoma underwent a generational change for 2016, losing the TRD Pro option along the way. Now the option is back, and more ready to hit the high-speed off-road course with a vengeance.

Introduced for the 2017 model year, the TRD Pro package expands from the Tacoma’->ke1042s TRD Off-Road package on 4WD Double Cab Short Bed trucks. That means the TRD Pro series enjoys all the same off-road equipment as the already-rugged TRD Off-Road trim, while adding additional hardware for tackling terrain.

The Tacoma TRD Pro continues to use the new 3.5-liter V-6 developed for the 2016 Tacoma. Both a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic are offered here, making this one of the few vehicles to combine an off-road package with a manual transmission.

Hardware isn’t the only addition Toyota gave the Tacoma TRD Pro. Leather seats with embroidered headrests, the Entune infotainment system, TRD-branded floor mats and a shift knob, and the standard TRD Pro “TOYOTA” front grille, unique wheels, fender flairs, and TRD Pro badges.

Update 08/02/2016: Toyota has announced pricing for the Tundra TRD Pro. Check out the prices section below for all the details.

Continue reading to learn more about the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.

Exterior

The 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro features a host of exterior additions beyond the standard truck. Up front, the “TOYOTA” grille recalls Toyota trucks of the past, namely the iconic FJ. The grille is now a statement piece for all TRD Pro models, including the Tundra and 4Runner. The Tacoma’s lower fascia now features LED fog lights from Ridged Industries, a leader in aftermarket off-road equipment. The hood carries the (sadly, non-functional) scoop for a brawny attitude, while black fender flairs carry the rough-and-tumble look to the sides.

Around back, the Tacoma TRD Pro carries the same looks as the standard Tacoma, save for the TRD Pro badging on the tailgate. A matching badge is found on the front doors, as well. The truck is available in three color choices that include Cement, Barcelona Red Metallic, and Super White.

Utility wise, the TRD Pro comes with an aluminum skid plate under the front bumper, helping keep the drivetrain safe. Tow hooks are also present for recovery operations.

Interior

Toyota didn’t have to do much to the Tacoma’s interior. It was completely redesigned for the 2016 model year, getting many welcomed upgrades in both content and materials. The Tacoma benefits from Entune infotainment system with navigation, Toyota, App suite, Bluetooth, and a premium audio system.

Small detailed changes includee TRD Pro-branded, all-weather floor mats, a TRD Pro shift knob, and the TRD Pro logo stitched on the headrests of the front seats. Since the TRD Pro trim sits atop the Tacoma lineup, it comes standard with leather seats, rear parking assist sonar, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The driver’s gauge cluster benefits from a 4.2-inch TFT display that shows vehicle information, along with an integrated inclinometer and tilt gauge for off-roading. And like all Tacoma trucks, the TRD Pro comes with an integrated GoPro camera mount on the windshield, just right of the rearview mirror.

Drivetrain

The Tacoma TRD Pro is only available with the Tacoma’s most powerful engine option – the 3.5-liter V-6. The engine runs both an Atkinson and Otto combustion cycle for added economy without killing power. Dual overhead cams feature variable valve timing precisely controls airflow while both direct and port fuel injection control fuel flow. The result is 278 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 265 pound-feet of torque at 4,600 rpm.

Mated to the V-6 is your choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Power is then sent to an electronically controlled, two-speed transfer case that sends power rearward in 2WD and to all four wheels in 4WD. An electronically locking rear differential further helps the TRD Pro’s off-road chops. When not fully locked, the differential acts as a limited-slip, adding traction in wet or snowy conditions.

Suspension wise, the TRD Pro comes with Fox Racing shock absorbers measuring 2.5 inches, with internal bypasses. The front end has an one-inch lift over the TRD Off-Road package, while the rear utilized upgraded leaf springs with progressive-rate damping for off-road use.

On TRD Pro trucks with the automatic transmission, Toyota’s Crawl Control comes standard. The system is like an off-road cruise control that modulates the throttle and brakes, allowing the truck to crawl over obstacles at a driver-specified speed, leaving the driver to worry solely on steering. Furthermore, the Multi-terrain Select system allows the driver to dial in what terrain he’s on, giving the truck’s computer a heads up on properly applying traction control and ABS functions.

Manual transmission trucks aren’t available with those functions, but rather come standard with Toyota’s Active Traction Control, or A-TRAC system. The system uses the four-channel ABS system to control power flow to the all four wheels without cutting engine throttle, helping the truck best apply power to the tires with the most traction.

Prices

The Tundra TRD Pro is only available with four-wheel drive and in a double-cab configuration. The entry-level model comes with a six-speed manual transmission and starts out at $40,760. If equipped with a six-speed automatic, the price jumps by $2,000 to $42,760. For the record, Toyota must be exceptionally proud of the new Tundra TRD Pro, as the outgoing model was priced at $35,725, which accounts for an increase of $5,025.

Competition

Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Trail Boss

The Colorado Z71 Trail Boss isn’t an honest competitor to the Tacoma TRD Pro – at least in a true apples-to-apples comparison. The Chevy doesn’t offer a swanky Crawl Control system, Multi-terrain Select feature, or even a manual transmission. The Z71 Trail Boss package simply includes skid plates, upgraded shock absorbers, all-terrain tires, fender flairs, and badges. 4WD isn’t even standard.

Still, the Chevy is the closest competitor to the Tacoma TRD Pro. Both are in the midsize segment and come powered by a V-6 engine (though the Chevy does offer an I-4 turbodiesel option) mates to six-speed automatics. Similar transfer cases and part-time locking rear differentials make the fight a bit more fair. What’s more, the Chevy’s Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac all-terrain tires are far more aggressive than the Tacoma’s Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Kevlar tires.

Prices for the Z71 Trail Boss package start at $3,320 over the cost of a standard Colorado.

Read our full review on the Colorado ZL1 Trail Boss here.

Conclusion

The Tacoma TRD Pro’s re-entry into the market now has Toyota again offering three off-road-ready vehicles that pay homage to the automaker’s past. It seems Toyota has listened to its consumers to provide a respectable off-road package that is both appealing to the eyes and to the trail, with actual equipment meant for off-road use.

We are a little disappointed Toyota didn’t retain the beadlock-style wheels from the last generation Tacoma TRD Pro, thought it now borrows the sharp-looking wheels from the 4Runner TRD Pro. Also disappointing is its uses of mild all-terrain tires. Where’s the BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires from the first-gen Tacoma TRD Pro?

Regardless of our nit-picky complaints, the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro seems like the best choice for an off-road vehicle in the midsized truck segment. We look forward to getting behind the wheel and getting dirty.

Update History

Updated 02/16/2016: We added a series of new images taken during Tacoma TRD Pro’s official debut at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. Check the "Pictures" tab to see them.