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Mercedes Lilienthal
The 2019 Toyota TRD Pro trio
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Mercedes Lilienthal
The TRD Pro 4Runner perched on an Imogene Pass overlook
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Mercedes Lilienthal
Tacoma in muddy waters at Columbine Campground
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Mercedes Lilienthal
The TRD Pro Tundra on Imogene Pass
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photo courtesy Expedition Overland
Mercedes, using crawl control while driving the 4Runner
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photo courtesy Expedition Overland
The TRD Pro Tacoma’s interior cabin.
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photo courtesy Expedition Overland
The TRD Pro Tundra’s dash.
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MATTHEW SCOTT
The TRD Pro trio with Expedition Overland.
Words by Mercedes Lilienthal; Photos by Mercedes Lilienthal and Expedition Overland
Toyota demonstrated how it is reinvesting in its off-road fans by releasing new 2019 TRD Pro 4WD vehicles. The Toyota team hosted media on a multi-day off-road drive event to showcase the 2019 TRD Pro lineup. This wasn’t the usual run-of-the-mill “fly in, drive a day, fly out” gathering nor was it a stuffy presentation in a fancy hotel’s banquet center. This was a thoughtfully planned camping and off-pavement adventure for automotive journalists, me included. We had ample time to drive Toyota’s latest Tacoma, 4Runner, and Tundra, all 2019 pre-production models. We camped nowhere near civilization, alongside the master adventurers from Expedition Overland, and got the rigs muddy, dusty, pin-striped—and broken in. Toyota wanted us to drive their 2019 line-up, and we certainly did.
We navigated through the Colorado mountains and Utah’s barren high deserts; traversing over gravel roads, cliff-embracing turns, washboarded roads, rock, and through several waterways. We stretched the Toyotas up and over Colorado’s Imogene Pass (13,114 feet), and completed 210 of the 260 km (132 of 160 mi) of the Rimrocker Trail connecting Montrose, CO to Moab, UT. We found ourselves amongst red rock, alpine forests, and aspen groves. Cell phone service was non-existence but that didn’t deter us from pushing each TRD Pro’s limits.
TRD Pro Side-by-Side Comparisons and Driving Impressions
The 2019 Tundra, Tacoma, and 4Runner boast 2.5-inch TRD Pro-exclusive Fox internal bypass shocks. The front shocks are paired with specially-tuned TRD coil springs, whereas the rears include either upgraded leaf springs (for Tacoma and Tundra) or TRD rear coil springs (for 4Runner). These shocks were specifically tuned by TRD engineers to enhance pavement touring and off-road crawling capability. The springs lift the Tacoma and 4Runner’s front ends an additional one inch over stock, whereas the Tundra gets two inches of boost. This’ll help with approach and departure angles, as well as clearing tall obstructions. The suspension set-up accepts uneven terrain with comfort without knocking you around. It was a surprisingly smooth ride when zipping over washboarded trails.
Each model includes the above-mentioned Fox shock set-up, as well as a quarter-inch thick skid plate with red TRD lettering. The Tundra includes LED headlights and daytime running lights, along with Rigid Industries LED fog lights; whereas the 4Runner and Tacoma still stick with halogen headlights (the Tacoma boasts LED DRLs and Rigid LED fogs with 4Runner donning non-branded LED fogs). The TRD Pro Tacoma is the only TRD that dons an optional TRD desert air intake. While it looks like a snorkel, it’s not—as it’s not waterproof. It’s an intake system that allows minimal dust into the engine; perfect for dusty terrain.
The Tundra and Tacoma share leather seating with TRD Pro logos, whereas 4Runner uses a synthetic softex material (I didn’t notice a difference). Also included are TRD Pro floormats, shift knobs, and exterior badging (you’ll know it’s a TRD Pro). A new-for-2019 standard Entune JBL audio system is included for the Tacoma and 4Runner, but not for Toyota’s big-brother Tundra. Lacking across the board were ample USB outlets. Toyota needs to up its charging opportunities.
The TRD Pro series offered up comfortable and solid rides. The Tacoma was agile, responsive, and included important off-road features like a rear locker and multi-terrain select system allowing the driver to choose between different types of terrain like rock, mud, and sand. Multi-terrain select regulates wheel spin by adjusting engine throttle and braking for different off-road situations. Another notable feature was crawl control, which worked well in steep inclines with loose boulders. The 4Runner was the most luxe, and included the aforementioned off-road features. The Tundra full-size truck allowed room for plenty of passengers or payload, and was a rock-solid performer for less technical off-road terrain, but may strain at boulder crawling or steep ascents—it lacks the rear locker, crawl control, and multi-terrain select system. Toyota missed the mark by not offering these upgrades for the Tundra. Let’s hope they reconsider this.
What’s Changed Over Previous Years?
From factory shocks, to Bilsteins, to the current 2.5-inch Fox set-up, which are included in the entire TRD Pro line-up. Along with the Fox shocks, prominent features like the improved quarter-inch thick skid plate have been offered across the board. Additionally, the multi-terrain select system, rear locker, and crawl control are standard options on Tacoma and 4Runner.
Tacoma:
The Toyota Tacoma has been manufactured in the US since 1995. The first generation Tacoma was classified as a compact pickup but second and current generations grew to be a mid-size truck. With the third generation being unveiled in 2015, notable differences from the previous generations were witnessed.
Toyota took styling cues from the 2014 4Runner and Tundra and made the Tacoma’s appearance more aggressive. The Tacoma boasted a larger grille and air dam, as well as redesigned tailgate and cargo bed. A debossed Tacoma logo and infused spoiler were also featured, as well as TRD desert air intake (new for 2019). Toyota also changed the truck’s frame by adding more high tensile steel to shed pounds and up the frame’s rigidness.
The interior got a redo too. Soft-touch materials were introduced (vs previous gens hard plastic). Sound insulation was improved and cabin made more luxurious. Gone were the days of a cheap-feeling interior. The Tacoma is growing up.
Tundra:
The first Tundra rolled off the US manufacturing floor in 1999. The second generation full-size Toyota was a big step forward and continues to see change. This could be due to increased competition, such as the Ford Raptor, Ram 1500 Rebel, or the Nissan Titan Warrior truck. Similar to the Tacoma, the Tundra has grown in size.
In 2007, the second-generation Tundra got exterior updates like redesigned tail lights, tailgate and spoiler, enhanced fenders, and a raised hood line to improve its looks.
Along with the exterior, the interior received updates. The cabin showcased upgraded materials, new gauges, controls and seats, and more luxurious appointments.
In addition to the new 2019 Fox shock set-up, the TRD Pro Tundra sports a new TRD Pro Toyota grille replacing the old emblematic grille. The TRD Pro gets improved lighting too: LED headlights and daytime running lights, along with Rigid Industries LED fog lights. Also new for 2019 are 18” BBS forged aluminum wheels, wrapped in Michelin 275/65R18 all-terrains, and TRD-accented interior and exterior.
4Runner:
Currently in its fifth generation, the ever-popular 4Runner has seen several iterations over the last 30+ years. Originally stemming from the N60 series Hilux Surf design, the 4Runner was introduced as an export in 1984. Toyota decided to modify the existing Hilux (short-bed pickup body) vs developing a brand new vehicle. Borrowing from the Hilux Surf until 1995, the 4Runner saw its first major redesign. It then split from its pickup heritage and shared characteristics to the Land Cruiser Prado four-door wagon. This shift made the 4Runner compete against the likes of the Nissan Pathfinder and other SUVs. Inclusions were a larger body, longer wheelbase and increased interior and cargo space. Since then, the 4Runner has undergone facelifts and refreshes.
Along with the 2019 TRD Pro Tundra, the TRD Pro 4Runner sees a suspension upgrade, TRD-tuned front springs and TRD front skid plate. Additionally, the redesigned roof rack boasts reminiscence of the FJ Cruiser rack. Continually redefined, the 4Runner is an overlander’s go-to rig.
At the End of the Day
Legions of Toyota fans will appreciate the look and features of the 2019 TRD Pro Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner. And although there are no official release dates, everyone looks forward to seeing the re-designed versions of these trucks in coming years.