Midsize pickup trucks serve as an excellent alternative to full-size models, providing comparable personality, performance, and utility while offering more manageable dimensions. For Toyota, the Tacoma has consistently outperformed the full-size Toyota Tundra in sales, highlighting its key role in the midsize market segment. We enjoyed a week-long evaluation of the TRD Pro, which is recognized as the most capable among the 11 available Tacoma trims.
Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Highlights
The TRD Pro is the second Tacoma grade we reviewed this year. Please check out our review of the Trailhunter model published in January 2025. Meanwhile, the following are the highlights of the TRD Pro:
1. Bold New Design
The 2025 Tacoma TRD Pro showcases Toyota’s latest rugged design language with chiseled body lines, a raised stance, and an aggressive front fascia. Replacing the traditional Toyota badge is prominent TOYOTA block lettering across the grille—a nod to classic off-roaders. The look is enhanced by a high beltline, upright roof pillars, a wide-set hood, and a high-clearance front bumper, projecting toughness from every angle.
2. Exclusive TRD Pro Styling
Distinctive visual upgrades set the TRD Pro apart from the rest of the Tacoma lineup. You get unique color choices, blacked-out exterior trim, a functional hood scoop, and LED headlights with sequential turn signals. The 18-inch TRD black alloy wheels are wrapped in 33-inch Goodyear Territory all-terrain tires, giving it an imposing stance and added trail capability right out of the box.
3. Powerful Hybrid Performance
Under the hood is Toyota’s most potent Tacoma powertrain yet: the i-Force MAX hybrid system. It combines a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor integrated into the 8-speed automatic transmission. The result? A whopping 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. This is not your average hybrid—it prioritizes raw power over fuel efficiency, launching the TRD Pro into a performance league of its own.
4. Genuine Off-Road Capability
The TRD Pro isn’t just for show—it’s engineered to conquer rugged terrain. It features class-leading off-road geometry with an approach angle of 35.7 degrees, breakover angle of 24.6 degrees, and departure angle of 22.6 degrees. An impressive 11.5 inches of ground clearance lets it clear rocks, ruts, and trail debris with confidence.
5. FOX Suspension Tech
Built for serious off-road travel, the Tacoma TRD Pro includes a suspension system developed in partnership with FOX. The truck rides on 2.5-inch FOX QS3 adjustable internal bypass shocks with rear remote reservoirs for increased cooling and durability. FOX IFP bump stops in the rear reduce bottoming out during hard landings or deep compression events—essential when pushing the limits on uneven trails.
6. Trail-Ready Tech
Advanced tools make off-roading smarter and safer. The available Multi-Terrain Monitor uses cameras around the vehicle to offer real-time underbody and surround views, helping drivers avoid obstacles and find the safest path. It pairs well with Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and a locking rear differential—making the TRD Pro a highly capable trail machine, even for novice off-roaders.
7. Premium Interior Comfort
Inside, the TRD Pro feels surprisingly upscale. Leather-trimmed seats dressed in red come heated and ventilated, with power lumbar support up front, which is ideal for long drives or recovery after rough trail days. A heated steering wheel adds comfor, while high-mounted seats give drivers a commanding view of the road or trail.
8. Modern Digital Cockpit
Tech lovers will appreciate the TRD Pro’s 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, fully customizable to show everything from hybrid system power output to off-road telemetry. The standard 14-inch touchscreen serves as the control hub for navigation, audio, and camera feeds, while supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
9. JBL Sound with a Twist
Audiophiles will enjoy the available JBL premium audio system, which includes a unique party trick—a removable portable Bluetooth speaker mounted behind the rear seats. Use it at campsites, tailgates, or job sites for a soundtrack wherever your Tacoma takes you.
10. Full Safety Suite
Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 suite comes standard and includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. Additional available features include a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors, making daily driving and trail navigation safer and easier.
11. Built-In Strength
Beyond design, the TRD Pro adds functional trail armor. Skid plates protect the underbody from damage, while forged aluminum upper control arms improve strength and durability. These enhancements not only improve performance but ensure your truck can take a hit and keep going.
12. No-Frills Entry, Serious Capability
The TRD Pro sits high and forgoes convenience features like side steps or A-pillar grab handles. Why? To preserve ground clearance and off-road angles. It’s a design choice that favors hard-core trail performance over daily comfort—though it may be tricky for shorter or older passengers to climb aboard.
13. Muscular Personality, Manageable Size
Compared to its full-size sibling, the Toyota Tundra, the Tacoma is smaller—but don’t mistake its compact size for weakness. The TRD Pro is all muscle and agility in a tight frame. At around 90 percent of the Tundra’s size, it’s easier to maneuver in tight areas while still packing serious capability and presence.
14. Premium Price, Premium Punch
The TRD Pro is not cheap. With pricing starting at $63,745 before delivery—and our test model ringing in at $68,917—it’s among the most expensive midsize trucks you can buy. Still, it justifies the cost with unmatched off-road tech, bold design, and segment-leading performance. For those who want the most rugged and capable Tacoma money can buy, this is it.
Toyota Tacoma Takeaways
Toyota’s most popular pickup truck is new, strong, and highly capable. It operates in a space where the competition is becoming more effective. These models include the Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, and the Nissan Frontier. Still, the Tacoma continues to define a segment where performance and utility remain important. With its hybrid system, the Tacoma leads the pack.
