The Toyota Tacoma has long been a favorite among pickup truck enthusiasts, especially those who crave off-road adventures. Building upon this legacy, the 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro emerged as the pinnacle of factory-built off-road capability. Born from Toyota’s rich off-road racing heritage and engineered by Toyota Racing Development (TRD), this truck was designed to conquer the most challenging terrains right out of the dealership.
Extreme Design for Unmatched Off-Road Performance
The 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro isn’t just about rugged looks; every design element serves a purpose in enhancing its off-road prowess. Starting with the foundation, it’s based on the Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4×4 Double Cab Short Bed model and offered with a choice of a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Visually, the TRD Pro stands out with its assertive styling and exclusive features.
The truck rides on 16-inch TRD black alloy wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler® All-Terrain Kevlar®-reinforced tires. This combination provides exceptional grip and durability on loose surfaces and rocky trails. The aggressive wheel offset also widens the track by 1.0-inch both front and rear, enhancing stability during off-road maneuvers.
Beneath the front end, a TRD Pro aluminum front skid plate protects vital underbody components from rocks and debris. Visibility is crucial in off-road conditions, and the Tacoma TRD Pro comes equipped with Rigid Industries® LED fog lights that cut through darkness and adverse weather.
The front fascia is distinguished by projector-beam headlights with black bezels, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and an auto on/off feature, providing modern style and enhanced visibility. The rear also receives taillights with black bezels, complementing the overall dark and aggressive theme. Unique TRD Pro badging adorns the front doors and tailgate, signaling its special off-road pedigree.
Adding to its heritage-inspired design, the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro features a TOYOTA front grille with a color-keyed surround, a blacked-out hood scoop and graphic, and black overfenders. Color-keyed power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, color-keyed door handles, and a color-keyed rear bumper complete the exterior package, creating a cohesive and rugged aesthetic.
Interior Comfort and Advanced Technology
The interior of the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro blends sporty styling with practical technology and comfort features. The cabin is designed to be both functional for off-road adventures and comfortable for everyday driving.
Occupants are treated to black TRD Pro leather-trimmed heated front seats with distinctive TRD Pro logo embossed in the headrests. The driver benefits from a 4-way adjustable seat with lumbar support, while the front passenger seat is also 4-way adjustable. TRD shift knob and TRD Pro floor mats further enhance the sporty interior ambiance.
Technology is seamlessly integrated with the Entune™ Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite, keeping drivers connected and informed. The leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel includes audio and Bluetooth® hands-free phone controls for added convenience and safety. For enhanced safety and convenience, the TRD Pro includes rear parking assist sonar, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA).
The instrument cluster features analog gauges alongside a 4.2-inch color Multi-Information Display (MID). This MID provides essential vehicle data, including an inclinometer and tilt gauge for off-road driving, as well as outside temperature, odometer, trip meters, and average fuel economy. Staying true to its adventurous spirit, the Tacoma TRD Pro includes a GoPro® mount on the windshield, allowing drivers to easily capture their off-road exploits.
Pro Performance for Extreme Off-Roading
The heart of the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro lies in its performance-oriented mechanical upgrades. It’s powered by a robust 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, delivering a balance of power and efficiency.
However, the true performance enhancements are found in the TRD-tuned suspension and exhaust systems. The Tacoma TRD Pro boasts FOX 2.5 Internal Bypass shocks tuned by TRD. These high-performance shocks provide exceptional damping and control in challenging off-road conditions. The front suspension features TRD-tuned front springs with a 1-inch lift, increasing ground clearance and approach angle. The rear suspension utilizes TRD-tuned rear suspension with progressive-rate off-road leaf springs, providing a smooth ride on and off the road while maintaining load-carrying capability.
The 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro comes standard with 4WDemand part-time 4WD with an electronically-controlled transfer case and Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD). An electronically controlled locking rear differential is also standard, maximizing traction in low-grip situations. The V6 Tow Package, including a Class-IV towing receiver hitch and coolers, further enhances its utility.
For automatic transmission models, Crawl Control (CRAWL) and Multi-terrain Select systems are included. CRAWL automatically modulates the throttle and brakes at low speeds, allowing the driver to focus on steering through difficult terrain. Multi-terrain Select optimizes traction by adjusting engine throttle and traction control settings for various surface conditions. Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), also for automatic models, prevents rollback when starting on steep inclines. Manual transmission models benefit from Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), a 4WD traction control system that manages power flow to the wheels without cutting throttle input, ensuring maximum traction in demanding situations.
TRD Pro Legacy: Built on Racing Heritage
The TRD Pro series represents the pinnacle of Toyota’s off-road expertise, stemming from decades of racing and engineering development by Toyota Racing Development (TRD). TRD has been instrumental in Toyota’s success in off-road racing events like the Baja 1000, and this racing experience directly informs the design and engineering of TRD Pro vehicles.
TRD’s involvement extends beyond racing to developing high-performance parts and accessories for Toyota vehicles, ensuring that the spirit of off-road performance is accessible to everyday drivers. The 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is a testament to this legacy, offering a factory-engineered off-road machine that is both incredibly capable and reliable.
Toyota Warranty and Availability
Like all Toyota vehicles, the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro is backed by Toyota’s comprehensive warranty, providing peace of mind and demonstrating Toyota’s commitment to quality and durability. Production of the Tacoma TRD Pro takes place at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, Inc. (TMMTX) in San Antonio. The 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro became available in the fall of 2016, bringing a new level of off-road performance to the mid-size pickup truck segment.
The 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro stands as a benchmark for off-road pickup trucks, blending rugged capability with modern features and Toyota’s legendary reliability. It’s a truck built for adventure, ready to tackle any challenge and explore the unbeaten path.
