Are you ready to hit the trails and begin your next adventure? If you answered yes, the Toyota Tacoma is right for you. It’s the perfect midsize truck that lives up to Toyota’s motto; Let’s Go Places.
But deciding which model of the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) to get can be a tricky choice. What’s better: The Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road or the TRD Pro?
This article will help you choose which Toyota Tacoma model is right for you.
TRD Off-Road vs TRD Pro: The Specs
The table below shows all the standard features offered on the 2022 models. The starting msrp for the TRD off-road is $34,890 versus $46,135 for the TRD pro. This helps visualize the physical differences side by side.
Option | TRD Pro | TRD Off Road |
Performance | ||
Electronically Locking Rear Differential | Standard | Standard |
FOX® Internal Bypass Shocks246 Tuned by TRD | Standard | |
Tow Package (3.5L V6 Only) | Standard | Standard |
TRD Pro Cat-Back Exhaust | Standard | |
TRD Pro Front Skid Plate | Standard | |
Technology | ||
4.2-In. TFT Multi-Information Display (MID) | Standard | Standard |
Apple CarPlay®56 & Android Auto™73 & Amazon Alexa147 Compatible | Standard | Standard |
Audio—Includes 8-In. Touchscreen Display | Standard | |
Premium Audio With Dynamic Navigation214—Includes 8-In. Touchscreen Display | Available | Standard |
Premium JBL®26 Audio With Dynamic Navigation214—Includes 8-In. Touchscreen Display | Available | Standard |
Connected Services197—Safety Connect®222 With 1-Year Trial,188 Remote Connect67 With 1-Year Trial,223 Wi-Fi Connect157 With up to 2 GB Within 3-Month Trial.226 See Toyota.com/audio-multimedia for Details. | Standard | |
Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM)185 With Camera | Available | Standard |
Qi-Compatible Wireless Smartphone Charging | Standard | Standard |
Smart Key System190 on Front Driver’s and Passenger Doors With Push Button Start | Standard | Standard |
Three Total USB Ports:209 One USB Media Port, Two USB Charge Ports | Standard | Standard |
Safety | ||
Active Front Headrests183 and Eight Airbags240 | Standard | Standard |
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | Standard | |
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror and HomeLink®200 Universal Transceiver | Standard | |
Integrated Wide-Angle Fog Lights | Standard | |
Rigid Industries®211 LED Fog Lights | Standard | |
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)213 With Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)198 | Available | Standard |
Keyless Entry With Engine Immobilizer206 | Standard | |
Integrated Backup Camera247 | Standard | Standard |
Rear Parking Assist Sonar | Available | Standard |
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)165 With Auto-Location | Standard | Standard |
Toyota Safety Sense™ P (TSS-P)245 | Standard | Standard |
Appearance | ||
16-In. Machined Contrast Alloy Wheels | Standard | |
16-In. TRD Pro Black Alloy Wheels | Standard | |
Chrome Rear Bumper, Black Overfenders and Color-Keyed Door Handles | Standard | |
Heritage-Inspired “TOYOTA” Front Grille With Camera | Standard | |
Hood Scoop With Unique Graphic | Standard | |
Black TRD Pro Tailgate Badging | Standard | |
Gray Grille With Smoked Finish and Chrome Surround | Standard | |
Color-Keyed Rear Bumper, Black Overfenders and Color-Keyed Door Handles | Standard | |
LED Headlights With Sequential LED Turn Signals and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | Standard | |
Projector-Beam Headlights With LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | Standard | |
Power Tilt/Slide Moonroof With Sliding Sunshade | Available | Standard |
Convenience | ||
10-Way Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat Including 2-Way Lumbar Support; 4-Way Adjustable Front Passenger Seat | Standard | Standard |
Black TRD Pro Leather-Trimmed Heated Front Seats | Standard | |
Fabric-Trimmed Seats | Standard | |
Leather-Trimmed Heated Front Seats | Available | |
Composite Bed With 120V191 Power Outlet | Standard | Standard |
Deck Rail System | Standard | Standard |
Front Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control (V6 only) | Standard | Standard |
Heated Power Outside Mirrors With Turn Signal Indicators | Standard | Standard |
Leather-Trimmed Shift Lever | Standard | Standard |
Leather-Trimmed Tilt/Telescopic Steering Wheel With Audio Controls | Standard | Standard |
Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) With Crawl Control (CRAWL)177 | Standard | Standard |
Power Sliding Rear Window With Privacy Glass (Double Cab V6 Only) | Standard | Standard |
Sliding Rear Window With Privacy Glass | Standard | |
Variable Intermittent and Mist Windshield Wiper Control | Standard | Standard |
Source: Toyota
The Break Down
After viewing the table you can see both trucks are good options. However, there’s a price difference of about $11,000. The biggest difference between the trucks is the appearance and luxury options.
With the TRD pro you would have all black leather interior features and the TRD off-road would give you the gray and black fabric with some leather features. The biggest advantage to leather is they are heated and more durable. Fabric seats break down easier with everyday use. Another feature that comes standard with the TRD pro is entune premium audio with jbl speakers.
A downside to this is it costs about $5,000 and that would put your starting msrp cost difference between the two models to about $6,000. This package is the TRD premium off road package. This lets you get the leather seats and the upgraded audio and navigation system of the pro on the TRD off road model. Depending on the package you add, you can also get the LED headlights and taillights.
Along with luxury comes appearance. The TRD pro has many options that come with the truck straight from the dealer. TRD pro models can give you options such as a hood scoop, special emblems, exterior colors, and TRD pro stamped parts. Another thought to keep in mind is bed length. TRD pro models only offer a 5ft bed and double cab. The off road model offers you a 5ft or 6ft bed with the option of access cab or double cab.
Both models make excellent overlanding vehicles, if that’s something you’re into!
Related Reading: What is Overlanding?
The Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road
The off-road is a good base for people who want to make the truck their own. It’s mechanically almost exactly the same. The one difference is the suspension; the Tacoma TRD off-road comes from the factory with bilstein shocks and the pro has fox suspension.
If you plan on making upgrades to your truck this is one of the best models. There are so many companies online that offer products such as bumpers, winches, rims, tires, Tacoma specific roof racks, light bars and so much more. The opportunities are endless which makes it easier to make the truck how you want it.
Related Reading: How Much Can a Toyota Tacoma Tow?
The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
The Tacoma TRD pro 2022 is the best and most luxurious trim of the Tacoma so far. You may want this truck if you like the TRD pro look better and want all the extra features without needing to install them yourself aftermarket.
Taking a look at this trim, you can see parts such as the doors, bed, and headlights all have the TRD pro labels. Then, of course, you get all of the safety features and audio and navigation systems without having to add an extra package.
I personally used the Tacoma TRD pro in my Tacoma overlanding build! I added plenty of mods to my truck to make it my dream overlanding rig, this also included adding things like a Pedal Commander to mitigate some of the drag in the Tacomas throttle response.
Overall Conclusion
The final decision on which Toyota Tacoma TRD to purchase all depends on what your plans are for owning the truck. If you want to make the truck your own by adding customizations and modifications, the off road could be the better option. People who want a truck that is already put together may want to go for the pro option.
With the pro, you get that rugged and tough look straight from the dealer. In a way, the TRD off road is the bare bones model that is perfect for customization. Online there are many companies that offer products to customize and upgrade all trim levels of the tacoma. That being said, you can make an off road Tacoma just as good or even better than a pro.
There’s also the TRD sport model, but that’s beyond the scope of this guide.
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