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David Dewhurst Photography
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David Dewhurst Photography
The addition of remote reservoir shocks is fantastic, but the TRD PRO is noticeably lacking any ground clearance upgrades.
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David Dewhurst Photography
The additional embossing of “TRD PRO” in the bedside is a nice touch.
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Courtesy of Toyota
Michelin LTX A/T2’s are ok, but we’d like to see a proper mud terrain on a truck that is focused on the off-road.
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David Dewhurst Photography
It’s not a Raptor fighter, but we love that Toyota are taking the off-road game a even more seriously.
By Budd Stanley, photos courtesy of Toyota
Toyota brings their Raptor, Rebel, Power Wagon fighter north of the 49th
For years, Toyota has been offering Canadians some of the most astute off-road performing 4WD’s on the market. Despite the loss of icons like the Land Cruiser and FJ Cruiser, we are still left with a respectable lineup of quality off-road inspired 4WD’s. Metal high-clearance bumpers and solid front axles may have been relegated to history but we still have the TRD Off-Road Edition Tacoma, Tundra and the Trail Edition 4Runner.
However, while all these great 4WD’s with “Off-Road” stamped onto the exterior are great vehicles, there has always been a sense that Toyota could get a little more aggressive with these enthusiast-focused vehicles. It would be nice if they did something a little more... hardcore.
Well it turns out that Toyota Canada has been holding out on us. South of the 49th, Toyota USA has been quietly slipping the Yanks an even more formidably off-road weapon called the TRD Pro-Series. These take the TRD Off-Road series trim level, and jack up the all-terrain testosterone level a couple of extra notches. Down south you can get the TRD Pro-Series trim in the 4Runner, the Tundra and most recently, the Tacoma.
Well, we are happy to report that Toyota has given us off-road thrill junkies a Christmas present for 2016. The Pro-Series name is coming north, and Toyota is going to attach it to the Tundra.
The Toyota Tundra TRD Pro-Series will be based on the 4x4 Tundra 5.7L with the TRD Off-Road packages, and will be available with the choice of double cab or the more spacious Crewmax cab configurations. From this spec, the TRD Pro-Series adds exclusive performance equipment , which includes the TRD Remote Reservoir Suspension Kit built by Bilstein , TRD Performance Tailpipes and dual exhaust, TRD skid plate and 18-in black alloy wheels. This is matched with TRD Pro -Series styling cues including black leather seats with red stitching, TRD Pro bed-side stamping, carpet floor mats and centre cap and a TRD shift knob.
Toyota chose not to mess with the standard 381 hp 5.7L V - 8 that comes coupled to a six-speed super ECT transmission, so the Pro-Series will not be going after the Raptors desert racing lineage but should be quite an astute adventurer. Active Traction Control, an auto limited slip rear differential and one-touch 4WD will also come as standard.
Despite our disappointment in the lack of a more aggressive off-road tire, we have to thank Toyota for offering Canadians the best of the breed. And Toyota, we deserve the 4Runner and whatever hardcore version of the Tacoma you are undoubtably working on behind closed doors.
The 2016 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Series pick-up is on sale now at Toyota Dealers across Canada, with suggested MSRPs of $54,475 for the Double Cab model and $56,975 for the Crewmax model.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- MSRP: $54,475
- Price as tested: NA
- Engine: 5 .7 L V-8
- Power: 381 hp, 40 1 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Curb Weight: 2,5 40 kg (5,600 lb)
- Wheelbase: 3, 700 mm (165 in)
- Ground Clearance: 270 mm (10.6 in)
- Approach Angle Deg: 26
- Departure Angle Deg: 22
- Ramp Breakover Angle: NA
- Wading Depth: NA
- Tow Capacity: 4,760 kg (10,500 lb)
- Fuel Efficiency (L/100km): 18.2 City, 14.1 Highway, 16.3 Combined
Toyota trucks have always been designed to tame the toughest terrain and weather on the planet. And now – with the launch of the 2016 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Series full-size pick-up truck – they’re better than ever.
“ With the Tundra TRD Pro Series, your weekends just got more epic,” said Larry Hutchinson, Vice President of Toyota Canada Inc. “This new, adrenaline-fueled off-roader is just as comfortable dominating extreme terrain as it is towing a trailer or boat. Tundra has always been ready to handle just about any task – and now it’s built to conquer.”
Two Tundra TRD Pro Series models join the existing 2016 Tundra line-up, offering Canadians capability and style for incredible off-roading experiences.
Every Tundra TRD Pro Series models is decked out with a premium audio system with a 7” display screen and integrated Sirius XM Satellite Radio to ensure epic experiences are accompanied by an epic soundtrack, while the built-in navigation system ensures that no matter where adventure takes you, you can always get back again.
The Toyota Tundra TRD Off-Road model that is the foundation of the Pro Series trucks is already incredibly well-equipped, with Bilstein shock absorbers, fuel tank protector plates, clearance and backup sensors, heated front seats including a power-adjustable driver’s seat, an anti-theft system and more.
A 5.5-foot (Crewmax) or 6.5-foot (Double Cab) cargo bed with a removable, locking, easy lower and lift tailgate makes loading up for adventure easy, while a towing capability of more than 4,400 kg (9,700 lbs) plus a factory-installed trailer brake controller and towing package (including heavy-duty hitch receiver, 4+7 pin connectors, supplemental transmission cooler and transmission fluid temperature gauge) means every Tundra TRD Pro Series pick-up is ready to haul all the gear that fun is made of.
As with all Tundra models, the TRD Pro Series trucks are very generously equipped with standard comfort, convenience and safety features that raise the bar in the full-size pick-up truck segment. These include Toyota’s latest Display Audio technology with touchscreen interface and Bluetooth capability, air conditioning, a backup camera, a Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System and more. For complete and up-to-date details and specifications, visit www.toyota.ca/tundra.