Toyota, a brand synonymous with reliability and off-road prowess, amplified its reputation with the introduction of the TRD Pro Series. Rooted in Toyota’s celebrated off-road racing legacy, particularly its Baja endurance race victories, the TRD Pro lineup – encompassing Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner – has become the go-to choice for adventurers seeking unparalleled off-road performance. Building on this heritage, the 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro emerged as a significant upgrade, equipped with factory-installed off-road enhancements crafted by Toyota Racing Development (TRD). This model was specifically engineered for extreme off-roading enthusiasts who demand peak performance from their vehicles in the most challenging environments.
Unrivaled Off-Road Design and Features
The 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is not merely about aesthetics; it’s built for extreme off-road functionality. Based on the Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4×4 Double Cab Short Bed configuration, it offered both a 6-speed manual transmission (with a clutch start-cancel switch for tricky situations) and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Visually striking and functionally robust, the Tacoma TRD Pro was available in Cement, Barcelona Red Metallic, and Super White exterior colors. Key exterior enhancements included:
- 16-inch TRD Black Alloy Wheels with Goodyear Wrangler® All-Terrain Kevlar®-reinforced tires: These robust wheels and tires are designed to withstand punishing terrain and provide exceptional grip.
- TRD Pro Aluminum Front Skid Plate: Offering crucial underbody protection, the ¼-inch thick aluminum skid plate shields vital components from rocks and debris.
- Rigid Industries® LED Fog Lights: These high-intensity LED fog lights provide superior visibility in low-light and adverse weather conditions, essential for off-road exploration.
- Projector-beam Headlights with Black Bezels, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and Auto On/Off Feature: Combining style with practicality, these headlights offer enhanced illumination and modern aesthetics.
- Taillights with Black Bezels: Complementing the headlight design, the black bezel taillights add to the truck’s aggressive styling.
- TRD Pro Badge on Front Door with Diamond-Pattern Knurled Finish: A distinctive badge signifying the TRD Pro’s special status and adding a touch of rugged elegance.
- Black TRD Pro and 4×4 Rear Tailgate Badging: Bold badging clearly marking this Tacoma as a high-performance off-road variant.
Further enhancing its unique appearance, the 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro featured a heritage-inspired “TOYOTA” front grille with a color-keyed surround, a blacked-out hood scoop and graphic, color-keyed power outside mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, color-keyed door handles, black overfenders, and a color-keyed rear bumper. These elements collectively create a commanding and instantly recognizable off-road presence.
Interior Comfort and Advanced Technology
Despite its rugged exterior and off-road focus, the 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro doesn’t compromise on interior comfort and technology. The cabin is designed to provide both sportiness and convenience, featuring:
- Black TRD Pro Leather-trimmed Heated Front Seats with TRD Pro Logo: Offering premium comfort and support, these heated leather seats are embroidered with the TRD Pro logo, adding a touch of exclusivity.
- 4-way Adjustable Driver’s Seat with Lumbar Support and 4-way Adjustable Front Passenger Seat: Ensuring optimal driving and passenger comfort for long off-road journeys.
- Entune™ Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite: Keeping drivers connected and informed, this system provides navigation and access to various apps for entertainment and information.
- TRD Shift Knob: A sporty and ergonomically designed shift knob, enhancing the driving experience.
- TRD Pro Floor Mats: Durable floor mats branded with the TRD Pro logo, protecting the interior from dirt and debris.
- Leather-trimmed Tilt/Telescopic Steering Wheel with Audio and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone Controls: Providing a comfortable grip and convenient access to audio and phone functions.
- Rear Parking Assist Sonar: Aiding in parking maneuvers, particularly useful in tight spots or when navigating obstacles.
- Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA): Enhancing safety by alerting the driver to vehicles in blind spots and when reversing.
The 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro also included an analog instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch color Multi-Information Display (MID). This MID provides essential vehicle information, including an inclinometer and tilt gauge for off-road driving, as well as outside temperature, odometer, trip meters, and average fuel economy. For those who love to document their adventures, a GoPro® mount was conveniently located on the windshield.
Pro-Level Performance and Off-Road Prowess
The heart of the 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro lies in its enhanced off-road performance. 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, this truck delivers ample power and efficiency. However, the true off-road credentials come from the TRD-engineered suspension and exhaust upgrades:
- FOX 2.5 Internal Bypass Shocks Tuned by TRD: These high-performance shocks, tuned by TRD engineers, provide exceptional damping and control across varied terrains. The FOX 2.5 Internal Bypass technology ensures position-sensitive damping and improved suspension travel.
- TRD-tuned Front Springs with a 1-inch Lift: Providing increased ground clearance and improved approach angle, the TRD-tuned front springs enhance off-road capability.
- TRD-tuned Rear Suspension with Progressive-rate Off-Road Leaf Spring: Designed for optimal off-road performance, the rear suspension features progressive-rate leaf springs that balance ride comfort with load-carrying capacity and articulation.
Every 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is equipped with 4WDemand part-time 4WD, featuring an electronically-controlled transfer case and Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD). Standard also is a V6 Tow Package, including 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 converter, and Trailer-Sway Control (TSC). An electronically controlled locking rear differential further enhances traction in challenging conditions.
For extreme off-road situations, the Tacoma TRD Pro automatic transmission models feature Crawl Control (CRAWL). This system automatically modulates the throttle and brakes at five low-speed settings, allowing the driver to focus solely on steering through difficult terrain. Multi-terrain Select, also available on automatic models, offers five modes to regulate wheel spin by adjusting engine throttle and traction control, optimizing performance on various surfaces. Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) prevents rollback when starting on inclines. Manual transmission models feature Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), a 4WD traction control system that manages power flow to the front and rear wheels without cutting throttle, maximizing traction in demanding situations.
TRD Heritage and Toyota Reliability
The TRD Pro Series is the pinnacle of Toyota’s long-standing commitment to off-road performance, dating back to the introduction of the first Off-Road package for Tacoma in 1998. Toyota Racing Development (TRD) has been instrumental in Toyota’s global racing success for decades and continues to develop motorsport-derived accessories for Toyota vehicles.
Like all Toyota vehicles, the 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is backed by Toyota’s comprehensive factory warranty, including a 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty, a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a 60-month corrosion warranty with no mileage limitation. ToyotaCare, a complimentary maintenance and roadside assistance plan, is also included for two years or 25,000 miles.
Assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, Inc. (TMMTX) in San Antonio, the 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro arrived in fall 2016, ready to set a new standard for off-road performance and adventure.
2017 Tacoma TRD Pro Preliminary Specifications
| Tacoma TRD Pro | |
|---|---|
| Wheels | -16” TRD black alloy-Aggressive wheel offset widens the track +1.0-inches front and rear |
| Tires | -Goodyear Wrangler® All-Terrain Kevlar®-reinforced tires |
| Shocks | FOX 2.5 Internal Bypass shocks Tuned by TRD– Front: TRD-tuned FOX 2.5 Internal Bypass Coil-overs with TRD coil springs– Rear: TRD-tuned FOX 2.5 Internal Bypass Shocks with TRD Off-Road specification Leaf Springs– 2.5-inch diameter aluminum bodies– FOX patented Internal Bypass technology– Position-sensitive Damping– Internal Floating Pistons (IFP)– Hardened, oversized shock shafts are protected by redundant dust boots– Improved suspension droop travel and bottom out resistance |
| Springs | -Unique TRD-Tuned front springs provide a 1-inch lift-TRD-tuned rear suspension includes progressive-rate leaf springs from TRD Off-Road models. |
| Fog Lights | – Rigid Industries® LED fog lights– Cool white (6500K) light color-35-degree high intensity beam pattern– Instant On/Off |
| Skid Plate | – TRD PRO front skid plate – Constructed of ¼-inch aluminum |
| Exterior | – Unique heritage-inspired “TOYOTA” front grille with color-keyed surround– Blacked-out hood scoop and graphic– Black bezel headlights, taillights, and overfenders– Color-keyed mirrors, door handles, rear bumper– Black “TRD PRO” badge on front door with diamond-pattern knurled finish– TRD Pro and 4×4 rear tailgate badging |
| Exterior Colors | -Cement, Barcelona Red Metallic, Super White |
| Interior | – Black TRD Pro Leather-trimmed heated front seats– TRD Pro logo located in headrest– TRD Shift Knob– TRD Floor Mats |
