There is a new addition to the Toyota Tacoma lineup, and it is the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro that is coming later this calendar year. This is an off-road focused Tacoma that goes above and beyond what the TRD Off-Road model is designed to do. The TRD Off-Road truck is no slouch when it comes time to leave the pavement, but the TRD Pro gets a beefed up suspension system to handle some high-speed off-road running. It’s not a full-blown “trophy” truck that competes in the Baja 1000, but it has additional wheel travel and FOX Racing off-road shocks with remote reservoirs. The truck also features: Rigid Industries LED fog lights, aluminum TRD front skid plate, TRD alloy wheels with Baja-inspired design, and Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain tires.
The TRD Pro Tacoma comes equipped with the same 3.5L V6 engine as in other Tacomas. The engine puts out 278 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 265 lb-ft of torque @ 4,600 rpm. You still have a choice between a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmissions in the TRD Pro. Manual transmission enthusiasts can rejoice!
So how does the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro differ from the 2016 Tacoma TRD Off-Road? Check the specs table below that Toyota recently shared.
| Tacoma Double Cab Short Bed 4×4 | 2016 TRD Off-Road | 2017 TRD Pro |
| Turning radius (ft) | 40.6 | 40.6 |
| Overall height (in) | 70.6 | 71 |
| Track (Front/Rear) (in) | 63/63.2 | 64/64.2 |
| Approach/Departure/Breakover (deg) | 32.5/23.9/25 | 35/23.9/26 |
| Ground Clearance (in) | 9.4 | 9.4 |
| Payload (lbs) | 1,420 | 1,420 |
| Towing (lbs) | 6,700 | 6,400 |
This table lets you get a quick overview of the differences. Basically, the TRD Pro is a little taller, one inch wider, has improved approach and departure angles, and loses just 300 pounds of maximum towing capacity. It’s a bit surprising that the ground clearance remains the same, but it is measured as minimum clearance to the differential. Overall, it appears that Toyota worked hard to increase off-road prowess of the truck without sacrificing daily driving capabilities. The truck has the same turning radius and the same payload capacity.
It’s not a surprise that the truck has a slightly lower towing capacity, as the upgraded suspension components and skid plates add to the curb weight. Still, Toyota was able to keep the payload capacity intact.
Why did Toyota go for the Rigid Industries LED fog lamps for the TRD Pro? The front of the truck is lifted up just enough that the standard fog lamps are too high and do not comply with the SAE J583 standards. The LEDs by Rigid Industries have a different light pattern that throws light lower, wider, and further than fogs on the TRD Off-Road truck. This is a welcome upgrade, and it comes from the factory.
Naturally, the TRD Pro comes with a locking rear differential, A-TRAC traction system with the manual transmission, and Multi Terrain Select and CRAWL control systems on the trucks equipped with the automatic transmission.
Get everything you ever wanted to know about the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro from its official debut at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show as Roman Mica speaks with Tacoma chief engineer – Mike Sweers.
