There has been a lot of discussion in recent months about the Ford Raptor and the Ram 1500 TRX. Both are serious off-road machines with desert dune conquering aspirations. But, there is another off-road capable truck that is not mentioned as much. That is the 2021 Toyota Tundra equipped with the TRD Pro package.

2021 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro

When Toyota slaps the TRD package on its trucks, the company aims at providing enhanced off-road prowess through modifications to the original truck. These modifications include an upgraded and tuned suspension, dual exhaust, 18-inch wheels, and TRD Pro leather seats. Their modifications are enough to provide a significant improvement over a non-TRD packaged truck.

Here is the thing. The Ford Raptor or Ram 1500 TRX are overkill unless one is going to be traversing dunes or jumping a full-size pickup. Although the trucks look cool and have awe-inspiring 0-60 times, most owners won’t explore the dunes or racetrack. So, A TRD Pro package that has good off-road prowess is sufficient. Also, the 2021 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro comes starting at around $55,000.

Price point analysis

The Ford Raptor is not available yet in the newly redesigned 2021 F-150 platform. So, the remaining 2020 models are becoming harder to find. Consequently, their price points are being elevated by many dealerships. If, big if, a Ford Raptor can be found, expect to pay north of $70,000.

The Ram 1500 TRX starts at $70,095, according to the Ram website. That is for the base TRX trimmed truck. That price point does not even include a TRX bedside decal. That is an additional $495 option. Speaking of options. A well-optioned out Ram 1500 TRX can place pricing nearer to $90,000.

In short, the Raptor and TRX are great trucks. That is something not being disputed. But, are they, at minimum, $15,000 more truck than a 2021 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro? Think about it. The Toyota can save a person that much and still be able to handle off-road concerns. Or, one could take the same $15,000 and apply it to modifications. A Tundra TRD Pro could be pretty extensively modified with an additional $15,000 of play money.

The Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is a good value for the dollar

Here is the bottom line. The 2021 Tundra TRD Pro pickup is often overlooked or even forgotten. However, it is still equipped for the off-road duties most buyers are concerned about. Also, it is the less expensive option when compared to the Raptor and TRX. So, for people that are concerned with stretching their money, Toyota makes more sense. It is more affordable.

There is a concern, however. The current Toyota Tundra platform has been around for more than ten years. There have been mostly cosmetic changes along the way. But, a total redesign is expected soon. Purchasing a vehicle right before a total redesign can mean a good deal, but it can also mean higher depreciation once the new models start floating around on roadways. So, a purchaser will have to weigh the good and the bad.