The Toyota Tacoma is already an overland favorite, but the easiest path to offroad capability is buying it in TRD form. Toyota’s TRD models deliver factory designed upgrades that keep your warranty, and now they’re more aggressive than ever with the latest Tacoma TRD Pro.
Not far behind it is the new 2022 Tacoma Trail Edition, which also gets a suspension lift, upgraded wheels and tires, and minimized cosmetic panels to improve its offroad prowess, too. Here’s all the tech details for both trucks…
2022 Tacoma TRD Pro
Featuring a 1.5″ taller front suspension and 0.5″ taller rear end, they’ve added 2.5″ Fox bypass shocks and a reworked upper control arm, too. These changes provide several critical performance advantages:
- 36.4º approach angle
- 24.7º departure angle
- 26.6º breakover angle
- More rebound stroke
- Better suspension performance
The improved angles come from the suspension lift. That extra height gets fully utilized thanks to the new forged alloy upper control arms with revised ball joints that allow more articulation, which allows full rebound stroke.
The custom TRD-tuned Fox shocks have an internal bypass system that basically keeps the shock in the sweet spot for plush travel over normal bumps, then firming up at either extreme to prevent harsh bottom out or top out. Here’s Fox’s video explaining this:
The result should be drastically improved offroad performance, particularly at higher speeds.
Tacoma FRD Pro tire, wheel & engine upgrades
Beyond the suspension, the new Pro model gets blacked out TRD rims with Goodyear Territory tires. The rims of offset slightly, giving the truck a wider stance, and the tires have the requisite side tread to complete the look.
Under the hood, it has a TRD-tuned cat-back exhaust for a little more pep (and acoustics) from the standard 3.5L V6, upping the output to 278HP and 265 lb-ft of torque. It’ll come with 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions, with a new alloy skid plate underneath to protect it.
New LED headlights are paired with Rigid LED fog lights, plus sequential turn signals and extra turn signals on the power mirrors. Those mirrors, along with the door handles and bumper, are all painted to match the rest of the vehicle, but the grill and fender flares are black…as is the hood scoop.
Thankfully, this new Electric Lime Metallic is only one of four color options – Super White, Magnetic Gray Metallic, and Midnight Black Metallic are also available for MY2022 Tacoma TRD Pros.
The whole thing is based on the 4×4 double cab short bed Tacoma, and it gets all the electronic goodies and amenities we’d want:
- Multi Terrain Monitor (front/rear/side cameras)
- 8-inch multimedia touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatible
- 4.2-inch color Multi-Information Display
- Inclinometer/tilt gauge/outside temperature/odometer/trip meters/fuel economy
- Black leather-trimmed heated front seats
- TRD shift knob
- TRD Pro all-weather floor mats
- 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat
- Power moonroof comes standard
- JBL Premium Audio (on automatic transmission models)
We’re working on pricing and availability and will update as we get it.
2022 Tacoma Trail Edition
Built off their SR5 4×4 Double Cab, the new Trail Edition is a more affordable option for explorers on a bit of a budget but still want real offroad capability…and a solid platform on which to build a fully capable overland rig.
For the Trail Edition, Toyota lifted the suspension 1.1″ in the front and 0.5″ in the rear. The front is increased with a longer coil spring, so it’s not as advanced of a system as the TRD model, but you still get a bit more travel and ground clearance. Rear is handled with a simple spacer between the leaf spring and the axle.
To make the most of the taller suspension, Toyota removed the front air dam to further improve its approach angle. New angles are:
- 34º approach angle
- 23.6º departure angle
- 26.4º breakover angle
They also shared the new TRD skid plate here, and added a locking rear differential for better slow-speed 4WD traction.
The Trail Edition shares the same 3.5L V6 with the same output specs as the TRD Pro, and like all V6 models, comes standard with their Tow Package. Pull up to 6,400 lbs on the included Class IV 2″ hitch, and do it comfortably knowing the drivetrain is ready thanks to the package’s included engine oil cooler, transmission fluid cooler (automatic transmission only), power steering cooler, 130-amp alternator, 4- and 7-pin connector with converter, and Trailer-Sway Control (TSC).
You don’t have to tow things to appreciate that…if you’re building out a full adventure rig, the added weight of water, fuel, topper or tent, bed storage cabinets, light bars, and all that can easily add 700-1000 pounds.
While it loses the leather seating, it keeps the 10-way adjustable driver’s seat, 8″ multi-media center, and most of the other electronic amenities. Where it improves upon the TRD Pro is the bed, adding lockable bed storage (driver’s side is insulated and can double as a cooler), and 120V power outlet.
On the ground are Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires on new 16″ bronze-finished wheels (that match the bronze Toyota badge on the grill). They add 0.5″ to the vehicle’s footprint, lending an ever-so-slightly wider stance.
It comes in a new Lunar Rock color, as well as Army Green, Midnight Black Metallic, and Super White. Pricing and availability TBA.
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