We only had to wait two short years for the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro, since the last generation’s model appearance for the 2015 model year. Check out TFLtruck’s complete coverage of the 2015 Tacoma TRD Pro. The original TRD Pro reinforced Toyota’s intentions to lead among the factory-prepared off-road midsize trucks. The 2017 model takes the concept further with higher ground clearance, FOX off-road racing shocks, underbody skid plates, cat-back exhaust system, and beefy tires.
The 3.5L D-4S V6 in the TRD Pro Tacoma is the same as you will find in other Tacoma models. It produces 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque and uses a 6-speed automatic transmission to send the power to the terra firma. A 6-speed manual transmission is also available at a starting price of $40,720 before destination charges. The truck is equipped with a Limited Slip Differential (LSD), but the driver also has the option to engage the rear locker. The suspension is tuned for higher speed off-road runs, but the nature of the Longhorn River Ranch trail was focused more on slow speed crawling.
The TRD Pro does offer Toyota’s Crawl Control feature. It’s basically a cruise control system for slow off-road use. The system utilizes ABS brakes and traction control to maintain a preset speed.
Here is the first drive in the 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and an interview with Tacoma and Tundra chief engineer, Mike Sweers.
