Toyota Tacoma has a strong character and many talents. When these are mixed with the brand’s strong reputation for durability and reliability, it is enough to keep the model at the class top for more than a decade. However, with the reintroduction of the Ford Ranger in the US, the first position can soon be challenged.
However, Toyota updated the fast-selling Tacoma for the 2020 model year and has also strong cards in hand, the TRD versions. But at the top of the lineup is Tacoma TRD Pro with enhanced styling and extreme off-road capability. The 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro also benefits from the mid-update and Toyota made it better in almost all aspects.
The new model year brings improved comfort and in-car technology. There are also modest styling tweaks and some suspension improvements. The model gained also a new wheel design and modern LED lighting units. Toyota also equips the off-road specialist with a long list of the active safety systems.
2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro: Design
The off-road-ready Tacoma TRD Pro is easily distinguishable in the lineup thanks to its unique styling details and robust off-road enhancements. The 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro gets also refreshed styling and features.
Actually, the TRD Pro version gets the most upgrades for the mid-update in the range. The capable off-roader has unique blacked grille combined with the new LED daytime running lights and fog lights from Rigid industries. The taillights are also distinguished with black graphics.
For the new model year, Toyota also offers the new design 16-inch wheels which are four pounds lighter than on the previous TRD Pro version. Unique for the TRD Pro and new model year is also the availability of Army Green Paint. Buyers can also demand this model in Midnight Black Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic and Super White.
Interior, equipment:
Inside the cabin, the TRD Pro version improves the comfort of the driver and gets an upgraded infotainment system. It is also armed with modern safety equipment.
The mid-update brings a new 10-way power driver seat for the TRD Pro version. The upgraded infotainment system supports now Apple Car Play and Android Auto and Amazon Alexa. The system is managed via the 8-inch touchscreen.
The TRD Pro has also a standard power moonroof and premium JBL sound system.
Toyota also equips all Tacomas with the Toyota Safety Sense P package of modern safety systems. The list includes lane departure alert with a sway warning system, automatic collision braking with pedestrian detection, radar cruise control and automatic high beams.
The TRD Pro will also use a number of cameras for the all-around view and there will also be an underbody camera watching what is happening under the truck while going over harsh terrains.
2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro: Performance
The refreshed 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro relies on the same engine for the new model year but benefits from the revised suspension.
The refreshed TRD Pro uses already mentioned, lighter 16-inch wheels but gains also the new 2.5-inch Fox internal bypass shocks combined with new, front and rear springs. The suspension adds an inch of the ride height in this version and has 8 bypass zones front and 11 at the rear section. Adding to the off-road performance are also Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Kevlar-treated tires.
The TRD Pro version uses also part-time, four-wheel drive systems including also electronically controlled rear differential and electronically controlled transfer case.
Important for the off-road adventures are also Multi-terrain System, Hill Start Assist and Crawl Control. The TRD Pro has also additional underbody protection.
Providing power is a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The model has 278 horsepower and torque of 265 pound-feet at disposal. The six-speed manual and automatic transmissions should be available.
The model can tow up to 6, 800 pounds. As for the fuel economy, with the manual gearbox, we should expect 17 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. When used with the automatic transmission, the fuel consumption should be 18 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro: Availability, Price
The extreme off-road adventure with the refreshed 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro should again start at around $43,000. The model should be available by the end of the year and Toyota should soon reveal the price.
