It’s always a fun week when a pickup truck lands in my driveway.
And it was more fun than usual when the 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro 4×4 Double Cab, America’s best-selling midsize for 17 consecutive years, paid a visit.
Designed in the United States, the third-generation Tacoma inherits its design inspiration and the “work hard, play hard” ethos of Toyota’s legendary desert racing trucks. Known trims include SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, TRD Pro, Trail Edition and Nightshade Edition.
The Tacoma’s structure is built from extensive use of high-strength steel in the frame and hot-stamped high-strength steel in the body. All models are equipped with double-wishbone, coil-spring front suspension, and the stout leaf-spring rear suspension uses staggered gas shocks mounted outboard. This setup is designed to provide a steady on-road ride and helps bolster the Tacoma’s off-road capability.
My tester was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with Toyota’s VVT-iW technology and Atkinson cycle combustion to help maximize efficiency. The V6 delivers 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of peak torque and is paired with an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission that delivers 20 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving.
Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds, depending on model grade. Package includes Class IV trailer hitch, engine oil cooler, transmission fluid cooler, power steering cooler, 130 amp alternator, 4- and 7-pin connector with converter and trailer sway control .
4WDemand part-time four-wheel drive uses an electronically controlled transfer case and a locking rear differential with Multi-Terrain Select: Crawl Control and Hill Start Assist Control.
TRD Pro is Toyota’s flagship off-road model. The bold look starts with a coat of exclusive “Solar Octane” polish, or neon orange in layman’s terms. Let’s just say you can see the TRD Pro coming.
TRD Pro sports a heritage-inspired front grille with large “TOYOTA” lettering and a colored surround. The package continues with a blacked-out hood and color graphic power outside mirrors with turn indicators, color door handles and a color rear bumper. A TRD-tuned exhaust adds a guttural growl.
Tacoma seats five adults with a second-row rear bench. Or you can throw a couple of golf bags in there, like I did, to protect them from the rain. And the five-foot short box bed was big enough to haul a loveseat to the nearby transfer station along with a variety of points and points kicked out of the garage.
High capacity doesn’t get in the way of the Tacoma’s comfort, which rides quietly thanks to improved door seals, a multi-layer acoustic windshield, soundproof headliner and floor muffler. The cabin exudes a high-quality feel with soft trim and metallic accents.
Amenities include leather-trimmed and heated front seats, premium eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, JBL audio with six speakers, subwoofer and amplifier, and power rear window.
Every Tacoma is also equipped with the Star safety system, which includes vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and intelligent override technology smart braking
Other safety technology includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, rear parking sonar, lane departure warning, blind spot monitor and a multi-terrain monitor.
Base price: $50,625
Price as driven: $51,150
The price of the destination is included in the base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealers.
