Do you want a reliable truck for off-roading that won’t break the bank like the Ford Raptor? Well, you’re in luck. The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro incorporates everything that drivers love about the Tacoma and combined it with outstanding off-road specs. 

The Tacoma TRD Pro Is Great For Off-Roading 

We will begin by evaluating prices. The TRD Pro starts around $43k, while the Ram Rebel starts around $44k, and the Ford Raptor starts around $53k. Of course, the Ford Raptor is a full-sized truck instead of a smaller option like the Tacoma. 

However, the savings you gain with the Tacoma TRD Pro might not appear at the gas pump. This truck only gets up to 18 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. 

While the Ford Raptor’s fuel economy is much worse, the Rebel rings in with 22 mpg on the highway and 32 mpg on the highway. 

Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Power 

The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro has a 3.5-Liter V6 engine that pumps out 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. This amount of power gives the TRD Pro the ability to two up to 6,400 lb. 

The Ford Raptor’s base engine has 450 horsepower and can tow up to 6,000 lb. The Ram Rebel’s base engine is a diesel engine that produces 395 horsepower and can tow up to 6,450 lb. You can also choose to have a V8 in the Rebel. 

So, the TRD Pro is on par with towing compacity against its competitors, even if 278 horsepower seems a little low. It can go 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, which is moderate. 

TRD Pro Off-Roading Specs 

The Tacoma TRD Pro sits up pretty with a ground clearance of 9.4”. It also has an approach angle of 31 degrees, making it more than capable of climbing over slopes. 

Because the TRD Pro has a break-over angle of 23.9-degrees a 29-degree departure angle, it’s well equipped for going over obstacles and dunes. 

If you do scrape the bottom, don’t worry. The Tacoma TRD Pro has skid plates that are manufactured from ¼” tick aluminum armor to protect crucial mechanical components. 

The TRD Pro also has FOX Internal Bypass Shocks and remote reservoirs in the rear to provide a smooth ride wherever your adventures take you. 

We are pretty impressed by the TRD Pro’s unique snorkel for driving in the desert. It sits higher to reach cold, fresh air and to prevent dust and dirt from getting into the engine. 

Use the panoramic camera to see a 360 view all around your truck to see exactly where your tires will land. Along with front, side, and rear views, the Tacoma also provides rear-end sonar to detect obstacles in the way. 

The Crawl Control automatically adjusts engine torque and braking power through various low-speed modes to help you safely navigate obstacles. 

Plus, the electronically locking rear differentials distributes equal power to the rear tires to prevent slippage in sand and other adverse conditions. Multi-Terrain modes also help you instantly adjust to changing conditions. 

While this truck isn’t the largest or more powerful, it’s advanced and capable. It’s perfect for hauling your boat and climbing over obstacles without having to be massive in size or putting a huge dent in your wallet.