Toyota is looking to continue its foray into the off-road ready truck segment with the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro, joining the Tundra and 4Runner models in the series.
Coming out this fall, the new model is aimed “squarely at extreme off-roading enthusiasts who challenge themselves and their trucks and SUV’s in some of the harshest conditions,” the automaker proclaims.
The new midsize entry will roll out of the factory ready to tackle tough terrain 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 an electronically controlled transfer case and Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD).
(Nissan fills in the blanks about “standard” Titan model. For more, Click Here.)
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).
The Tacoma comes with an electronically controlled locking differential to ensure power is evenly distributed. The new Tacoma comes in just three colors – Cement, Barcelona Red Metallic and Super White – and a choice of a six-speed manual with a clutch start-cancel switch or a six-speed automatic.
Choosing the automatic gives adventurers Crawl Control that automatically modulates the throttle and brakes on five low-speed settings to improve traction and allowing the driver to focus on pointing the truck in the right direction … also know as navigating tough terrain.
Selecting the automatic transmission also nets buyers a variety of other helpful technologies like Multi-terrain Select, Hill Start Assist control, Active Traction Control and other options.
(Click Here for details about the Ram’s new off-roader: the 2017 Power Wagon.)
Big power and big control in an off-road package doesn’t mean skimping on comfort. The new TRD Pro comes with heated front seats, four-way adjustable driver seats with lumbar supports, a leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel complete with audio and Bluetooth hands-free controls, rear parking assist sonar, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.
You can also get the 4.2-inch multi-information display with an integrated inclinometer and tilt gauge as well as displaying outside temperature, odometer, tripmeter and average fuel economy.
Perhaps most important to the outdoor enthusiast, the new Tacoma TRD Pro has a prime spot for your GoPro! The new truck has a special mount for the camera on the windshield to let the driver record all of his or her wilderness adventures.
(To see more about GM’s pickup problems, Click Here.)
While Toyota told us when the truck will be available (this fall), it didn’t release any pricing details.
