Redesigned for 2022, the full-size 2024 Toyota Tundra pickup takes on the long-time segment leaders such as Chevrolet, Ford and Ram. And if off-roading is your thing, each offer models that will not disappoint. Chevy has their ZR2, Ford has the Raptor and Ram has the TRX. Not to be out done, Toyota offers the Tundra in TRD Pro form. While not as radical as the others, the TRD Pro is the ultimate Tundra for off-road capability.
The TRD Pro sits just under the Capstone in the Tundra lineup. As the Capstone model focuses more on luxury, the TRD Pro is optimized for off-roading and comes with a standard V-6 hybrid powertrain, electronic locking rear differential, beefier underpinnings, composite bed, and the lineup's huge infotainment screen.
Regular Tundras are already aggressive looking, but the TRD Pro just enhances it. The truck sits extremely high, and the ground clearance screams "take me off-roading." Adding to the extra aggression is the all blacked out exterior trim, black wheels, black trim and hood vents, albeit fake.
Powering the TRD Pro is the Tundra's most potent engine - the i-Force Max 3.4-liter V6 twin-turbo hybrid engine, which delivers 437 horsepower at 5,200 RPM, and 583 LB-FT of torque at just 2,400 RPM. That exceeds what the truck's last V-8 made, and it offers more torque than the turbo V-6 found in the Ford F-150 Raptor. It is paired up with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
But what really makes the TRD Pro are the improvements to its off-road capabilities. Every Tundra TRD Pro receives an electronically locking rear differential, more off-road modes, a special off-road suspension with 1.1-inch front lift, Fox coilovers and rear shocks, and a TRD Pro front stabilizer bar. Look under the truck you'll spot aluminum TRD front skid plates as well as engine, fuel tank, and transfer case undercovers.
And it doesn't end there. All TRD Pros wear 18-inch forged BBS wheels fitted with 33-inch all-terrain Falken tires. An LED lightbar mounted to the grille, smoked headlights, and front and rear mudguards are also included. And, in case this special Tundra still doesn't catch your eye, the TRD Pro badges and logos that are sprinkled around the exterior most certainly will.
Climb inside, and the Tundra cabin is a comfortable place for all passengers. The materials used are of good quality and they feel solid - nothing cheap. It is busy and rugged looking though - nicely fitting the TRD Pro persona. Being a TRD, there are some unique features found in the cabin, like the red stripe on the bottom of the steering wheel, the red start button, and the red stripe on the shifter. All the higher end Tundras (including the TRD Pro) get a large 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen that looks and functions great.
There are many high-tech features that come in the TRD Pro, including auto-leveling LED headlights, the 120-volt power outlet (great for off-roading or at a work site) as well as the automatic folding mirrors. Then there is the multi-terrain monitor. It shows the very edge of your tires as well as a front-view with steering input guidelines that eliminates the need for a spotter when the going gets tough. For those with safety concerns, they can rest at ease knowing the Tundra TRD Pro has just about every safety and driver assist feature you can get, like the standard blind-spot monitor, pre-collision sensor, auto braking, and trailer merge warning.
The Tundra TRD Pro that Toyota sent to me was wearing the Terra paint color (like an orange-brown) which complements the black accents very well. Along with it is an MSRP of $74,270.
As mentioned above, the TRD Pro has a hybrid engine. Let's be clear about something - this hybrid technology used in this Tundra has nothing to do with fuel efficiency. It's about torque - and you feel it the instant you step on the go-pedal. The electric motor (which provides about 48 instant horses) is the reason the Tundra is able to provide massive torque at such a low RPM. And not only does the TRD Pro feel powerful, but it also moves with a roar. In fact, I recently spent time in a Silverado with the 6.2 liter V8 - and I was quite surprised that, the Tundra, even at idle, has a far meaner growl than the GM's big V8. And it has the power to back the rumble - able to blast to 60 mph in about 5.7 seconds.
No surprises with the braking and handling, as both feel solid and confident The steering in the TRD Pro (and in other Tundras as well) is on the light side, making it very easy to guide the truck down any type of road, and really making it feel smaller than it really is.
When put to work, this Tundra can tow up to 12,000 pounds and carry 1,940 pounds of payload.
Today's Tundra has been a sales success ever since it came out as a 2022 model. For those seeking an alternative to the F-150s, Rams and Silverados that are out there - the Tundra is a perfect choice. And if you want some extra adventure in your life, opt for the TRD Pro model.