- Competes with:Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
- Looks like: 2018 Tacoma TRD Pro
- Drivetrain: 3.5-liter V-6, six-speed automatic or manual transmission, four-wheel drive
- Hits dealerships: Fall
Although not quite an evolution, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro off-road trim level will have a new look and some interesting changes. The new TRD Pro trim for the Tacoma, Tundra and 4Runner SUV is getting its debut at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show.
The 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro will be quite similar to the 2018 version, but it will now share a few upgraded styling features with the Tundra and 4Runner TRD Pro. What are those shared features? The TRD logo on the new aluminum front skid plates, three distinct colors (Super White, Midnight Black Metallic and Voodoo Blue), similar upgraded suspensions and the Toyota Star Safety System as standard. The Star Safety System includes stability and traction control, an anti-lock brake system, brake-force distribution and smart-stop technology.
The Tacoma and Tundra will also come standard with Toyota's Safety Sense P, which includes a precollision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, sway control, auto high beams and radar cruise control.
A new TRD desert air intake (also called a snorkel) is at the top of the list of new features available for the 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro. It's designed to provide the Tacoma's 3.5-liter V-6 with cleaner air on dusty trails or protection against water ingestion during stream crossings.
Toyota enthusiasts will recognize the 2.5-inch-diameter retuned high-performance Fox shocks, taller front coils and softer rear leaf springs. The front springs will offer about an inch more ride height and the rears springs will deliver a touch more wheel travel. Additionally, the 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro will offer black alloy wheels and 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler Kevlar All-Terrain tires.
All 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro models will be offered with a choice between a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, the latter of which will allow for the inclusion of Toyota's unique Crawl Control technology that provides computer-controlled multiple-speed trail ascent or descent. Of course, the four Fox shock absorbers are key to the TRD Pro's performance. They have eight separate bypass zones for the front shocks (five compression and three rebound) and 11 bypass zones for the rear (seven compression and four rebound). Finally, the rear Fox shocks have a small 2-inch remote reservoir to help with cooling and performance.
Other standard features on the 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro include the newest version of the Entune Premium JBL Audio system with a subwoofer amplifier and integrated navigation and apps suite. Inside, the TRD Pro will have unique floormats and leather-trimmed seats as well as TRD Pro logos inside and out.
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro will be available later in the fall (along with the corresponding 4Runner and Tundra TRD Pros); pricing will be announced closer to its on-sale date.
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