For fans of off-roading who are on the lookout for a durable SUV or truck, Toyota TRD models, first introduced in Canada in 2015 and based on Toyota Racing Development’s extensive expertise acquired in rally racing, are definitely short-list material. This is even more so with the launch the next generation of the models for 2019, just unveiled at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show.
Scheduled to hit the market this coming fall, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma, Tundra and 4Runner TRD Pros get unique 2.5-inch internal bypass Fox shocks, custom-set in each of the three models. According to the automaker, the shocks provide exceedingly smooth and comfortable rides in normal road conditions, but stiffen progressively through the shock stroke for exceptional bottoming resistance.
The front shocks are connected to specially calibrated TRD springs to produce a smooth ride while maintaining high lift; in the rear, the Tundra relies on rear leaf springs, also used in the TRD Off-Road grade, while the 4Runner uses the TRD Off-Road grade rear coil springs. The Tacoma, for its part, benefits from progressive-rate off-road leaf springs to deliver more compression suspension travel on rough terrain.
2019 Tacoma TRD Pro
Distinctive exterior elements include unique TRD Pro badging, black TOYOTA grille, front protective plate with red-lettered TRD logo, TRD cat-back-style exhaust with black chrome tip and 16-inch black TRD Pro alloy wheels fitted with Kevlar-reinforced Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires. There’s also the all-new TRD Desert Air Intake, which prevents dust that accumulates inside the wheel well (where air intakes are usually located) from being ingested into the engine.
Interior highlights include a standard power moonroof, TRD Pro-branded floor mats and leather-trimmed seats with TRD Pro emblems on the headrests. A larger front sway bar ensures crisp steering and more-stable road behaviour.
2019 Tundra TRD Pro
Like its smaller sibling, the Tundra TRD Pro gets LED headlights and fog lights, a new TOYOTA grille and new air intake under the hood. In back, the bed’s rear quarter panels get TRD Pro stamping. Lower down, the new satin black 18-inch BBS wheels help reduce unsprung weight; they are fitted with Michelin all-terrain tires. Front suspension is lifted by two inches, the TRD Pro dual exhaust with chrome tips produces a more pronounced growl, and the underbody is protected by a TRD Pro skid plate with red Toyota lettering.
In the cabin, the leather front seats features the TRD Pro logo, and contrasting red stitching dress up the dashboard, seats and armrests. The model’s distinctive appearance is further accentuated by TRD Pro protective mats, a TRD Pro gear knob and centre stack that sports the… TRD Pro logo.
2019 4Runner TRD Pro
For the 4Runner, the front suspension has been raised by one inch, and wheel travel by almost that much. A unique TRD fascia offers additional protection for the inverted rear suspension. Front protective plates (also with the TRD Pro name, this time in red lettering), a new roof rack, matte-black 17-inch alloy wheels and Nitto Grappler tires are also part of the package.
An all-black TOYOTA grille and smoked trim on the headlights add distinctive styling touches to the SUV, while inside gets dressed up with TRD Pro mats and gear knob, SofTex seats with red stitching and red TRD Pro logo on the headrests.
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma, Tundra and 4Runner TRD Pro editions come in three colours: Super White, Midnight Black Metallic, and Voodoo Blue (TRD Pro-Exclusive). We can't wait to put them to the test!
