The ultimate off-road Tacoma is based on the Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4×4 Double Cab model with the Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6. That engine is paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Toyota gives the Tacoma the TRD Pro treatment by replacing the front grille with an old-school-style piece, adding black exterior accents in various places, bolting on an aluminum front skid plate, throwing on fog lights and some 16-inch wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Kevlar-reinforced rubber, blacking out the head- and taillight casings, and slapping on some TRD Pro badges.
In addition to 4WDemand part-time 4WD, an electronically controlled transfer case and locking automatic limited-slip rear differential, and Crawl Control (automatic models only), the Tacoma TRD Pro has some upgraded suspension parts to help it conquer rough terrain. According to Toyota, “Tacoma TRD Pro really earns its off-road cred through its TRD-installed suspension and exhaust enhancements that include: FOX 2.5 Internal Bypass shocks tuned by TRD, TRD-tuned front springs with a 1-inch lift, [and a] TRD-tuned rear suspension with progressive-rate off-road leaf spring.”
The interior of the Tacoma TRD Pro features four-way front seats, a leather-wrapped wheel with audio and Bluetooth phone controls, Entune Premium Audio with navigation, rear parking assist and blind spot monitoring tech, and TRD Pro logos on the front headrests and floor mats.
Look for the Taco Supreme Tacoma TRD Pro in Cement, Barcelona Red Metallic, or Super White at dealerships this fall. It shouldn’t be hard to see. We’ll be searching it out at the Texas Auto Writers Association’s 2016 Truck Rodeo in October – and driving it through dirt and mud and over rocks.
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
Where do you go for answers when you have a Lexus with a gorgeous leather interior but are not sure about how to maintain that luxurious look? The "Club Lexus" forums, of course.
