5 Badass Features of the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

I vividly remember an October 2015 conversation with Mike Sweers, the chief engineer for both the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra, about the all-new third-generation Tacoma that was just debuting at the time. As we bounded up steep inclines, passed through running streams, and navigated jagged rock paths at an off-roading event on the south edge of Texas Hill Country, he recounted to me the uphill battle of convincing a group of Toyota executives in Tokyo that marketing the mid-size Tacoma as badass was a smart move. Cultural differences and the literalism of language translation made it a tough sell; and frankly, that was understandable. Nonetheless, a decade later, the Tacoma continues to turn heads and earn accolades. The all-new, fourth-generation Tacoma captured the title Truck of Texas from the Texas Auto Writers Association at their 31st annual Texas Truck Rodeo, the first time a midsize pickup has earned the honor, and the third Toyota pickup in four years to take top awards alongside the Tundra in 2022 and 2024. Simply put, there's no denying that the Tacoma was then and still is ... well, just badass.

Commanding Powertrains

The heart of the Tacoma TRD Pro lies in its engines, both of which balance raw energy with thoughtful engineering. The standard i-FORCE 2.4L turbocharged engine generates 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque, providing spirited acceleration and reliable efficiency at 26 MPG on the highway. For those chasing maximum adventure, the i-FORCE MAX hybrid produces 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an EPA estimated 24 MPG combined. Available on select models, a six-speed intelligent manual transmission adds rev matching and stall avoidance, giving drivers tactile connection and confidence over technical terrain. Power is present, precise, and poised to respond to every command, making both trailblazing and everyday driving feel exhilarating.

10/13/15

Having Your Rock and Climbing It Too: An Off-Road Adventure

C'mon, let's go places ... perhaps on an off-road adventure with Mike Sweers, the chief engineer for both the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra.

Suspension and Trail Handling

Every mile off-road reminds drivers that the Tacoma's suspension is as serious as its power. The TRD Pro's FOX QS3 internal bypass shocks with 2.5-inch aluminum housings and remote reservoirs soak up rugged trails while maintaining composure at higher speeds. Trailhunter grades feature Old Man Emu 2.5-inch forged monotube shocks, tuned for heavy loads and aggressive trail excursions. Limited models introduce Adaptive Variable Suspension that continuously adjusts damping, offering a smooth, controlled ride on both gravel and asphalt. The truck feels like a single organism, responding to the road beneath it with intelligence and fluidity that is rare in mid-size pickups.

Intuitive Off-Road Technology

Technology in the Tacoma TRD Pro is engineered to support adventure seamlessly. Multi-Terrain Select allows for tailored traction across mud, sand, and dirt, while CRAWL Control provides low-speed control over obstacles. The Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism increases articulation for extreme terrain, compatible with Toyota-approved lift kits. Drivers gain confidence from the Multi-Terrain Monitor displayed on the available 14-inch touchscreen, showing obstacles in crisp detail, while integrated recovery points, Baja-inspired RIGID Industries LED fog lamps, and a heritage-style grille with LED light bar blend utility with aggressive styling. Every technological enhancement feels purposeful, giving the driver clarity and control in challenging environments.

After being the most popular midsize pickup in the U.S. the last 20 years in a row, it's great to see the all-new Tacoma be presented Truck of Texas. We are honored that TAWA recognized the Tacoma as the first Truck of Texas from a segment other than full-size pickup.

Dedra DeLilli, Toyota Vice President—Vehicle Marketing and Communications

Interior Luxury and Engagement

Step inside and the TRD Pro's cabin offers more than rugged functionality; it invites immersion. Heated and ventilated SofTex-trimmed IsoDynamic seats reduce body movement on rocky terrain while stabilizing vision for precise driving. Walnut burl-wood accents, soft-touch surfaces, and thoughtfully placed controls create a tactile, upscale experience. The 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keeps navigation and entertainment within reach, while multiple USB-C ports and a Qi wireless charging pad ensure devices stay powered. A ten-speaker JBL system, including the FLEX portable speaker, delivers crisp, rich audio, whether in remote trails or urban streets. Every drive becomes a sensory experience, marrying off-road toughness with refined comfort.

Towing, Payload, and Practicality

Beyond adventure, the Tacoma TRD Pro excels in utility. Maximum towing capacity reaches 6,500 pounds, and payload tops 1,705 pounds. Trailer Back Up Guide with Straight Path Assist, wireless trailer camera, and trailer brake controller make towing intuitive, while Double Cab and XtraCab configurations offer clever storage solutions, including fold-flat rear seats and lockable compartments. Trailhunter models provide a 2400W AC power supply to cabin and bed, supporting everything from campsite gear to professional equipment. Power, capability, and thoughtful design converge, ensuring that whether carrying toys, tools, or adventure essentials, the Tacoma handles it all with composure.

The 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is more than a truck; it is a testament to purposeful engineering, luxury, and fearless capability. Its powertrains, suspension, off-road technologies, and interior comforts work in harmony to create a driving experience that feels immersive and deliberate. Each detail reinforces confidence and excitement, proving that the Tacoma continues to lead the mid-size pickup segment with unmatched presence, capability, and sophistication.

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
2025 Toyota Tacoma

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. Toyota directly employs more than 49,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 33 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota's 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 26 electrified options. Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has committed $110 million to create innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved and diverse communities near the company's 14 U.S. operating sites.

2025 Toyota Tacoma Overview The all-new 2025 Toyota Tacoma is engineered to tackle any terrain with its rugged design, powerful performance, and advanced technology.