The proliferation of the off-road-ready trucks is evident and the mid-size segment is also expanding the offer of the off-road specialist models. The Chevy Colorado offers a Z71 package with several off-road upgrades while the ZR2 version is a real-deal off-roader. The GMC Canyon can be had with All Terrain package while Nissan Frontier comes in the Pro-4x version. The new Jeep Gladiator is capable in all trims while the Rubicon provides the most capability. The Ford Ranger is also available with the off-road package and the Raptor version is also expected soon. The class-leader Toyota Tacoma is no exception and TRD-branded versions are the hallmark of the model. The updated 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is, however, the most credible off-roader in the models’ range.
What’s new?
Toyota updated the Tacoma for the 2020 model year and there are important improvements. The best-selling mid-sizer finally comes with Apple Car Play and Android Auto plus Amazon Alexa. There are also some visual and comfort updates across the range. The TRD Pro gets some visual modifications but comes also with revised suspension. There are also new lightweight wheel design and under-body camera. The engine options remain the same.
2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro: Design
Toyota applies several styling tweaks to the new Tacoma and the off-road specialist 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro comes also with some design upgrades.
The model gets a new set of 16-inch wheels which weigh 4 pounds less than the previous design. The Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Kevlar-reinforced tires wrap around the lightweight wheels and model also comes with revised color pallet. The model gets new color options including Super White, Midnight Black Metallic, Army Green and Magnetic Grey Metallic. Toyota discontinued Cavalry Blue and Voodoo Blue.
The attention-grabbing details on the Tacoma TRD Pro are also a scooped hood, dark-themed grille and lighting units, Rigid Industries LED fog lights, TRD Pro skid plates, special graphics elements, etc. Toyota will offer the model in the crew cab, short cargo bed configuration.
Interior, Equipment:
The updated Toyota Tacoma comes with the same interior design and overall material quality but there are some issues addressed with the new version.
For the new model year, Toyota finally brings an updated infotainment system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto including also Amazon Alexa. The TRD Pro will get the infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen but the model also gets a surround-vision camera system with additional camera monitoring what is under the truck. The Tacoma TRD Pro benefits also from the new 10-way power driver’s seat.
Every Tacoma comes also with the full suite of active safety systems. The list includes lane departure warning, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
The TRD Pro version has also several unique interior features. The model has TRD Pro leather-trimmed seats and leather treated steering wheel and shift knob. The TRD Pro floor mats are also part of the equipment list.
2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro: Performance
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro comes with the revised suspension for the new model year which should improve this version’s bouncy ride manners. There are retuned springs, 2.5-inch Fox shocks with internal bypass technology and new lightweight wheels 16 inches in diameter.
The engine of the choice is again a familiar 3.5-liter V-6. The engine can be in pair with either six-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox. There is also standard part-time, four-wheel drive with electronically controlled rear differential and two-speed transfer case. The underbody protection and lifted suspension are also there to make off-road driving possible and keep the equipment safe.
The engine makes 278 horsepower and torque of 265 pound-feet. The model can tow up to 6, 800 pounds. As for the fuel economy, with the manual gearbox, the model should score 17 mpg city and 20 mpg highways. With the automatic shifting unit, the model upgrades to 18 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro: Release, Price
The updated 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro will go on sale leader in the year. All off-road centered upgrades packed in the TRD Pro trim lifts the price above $40, 000. The model should again be available from around $43, 000.
