2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro: Is the Latest Generation a Success?
The Toyota Tacoma has long held the title of America’s best-selling small truck, a reign that has lasted for the past two decades. The latest iteration, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, aims to build on this legacy with a host of upgrades and a new hybrid powertrain. But does it still capture the essence of what made the Tacoma so beloved?
I recently had the opportunity to drive the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Double Cab 4×4 for a week, and here’s what I found.
New Looks and Configurations
The 2025 Tacoma boasts a more modern design, with a variety of front grilles and fascias. My test truck featured the heritage grille, which pays homage to the iconic Toyota pickups of the late 80s and early 90s.
The Tacoma offers a high degree of configurability. It is available in two cab types: the two-passenger XtraCab and the five-passenger Double Cab. You can also choose between a five-foot and a six-foot bed.
TRD Pro: Built for Rough Terrain
The TRD Pro trim is designed for off-road enthusiasts and high-speed desert runs. TRD, which stands for Toyota Racing Development, outfits the truck with a suite of performance-enhancing features.
This means you get Fox adjustable shocks, a performance air intake, rugged 33-inch Goodyear all-terrain tires with 18-inch black alloy wheels, and reinforced aluminum skid plates for underbody protection.
One of the coolest features of the TRD Pro is the IsoDynamic front seats, which utilize air-over-oil shock absorbers to cushion the ride over rough terrain. I found the red SofTex imitation leather seats to be incredibly comfortable.
Hybrid Powertrain and Performance
The 2025 Tacoma introduces a hybrid powertrain for the first time. It pairs a 2.4-liter, turbocharged inline-four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a small battery pack.
All Tacomas are powered by versions of Toyota’s T24A-FTS turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
My test truck produced a combined 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is rated at 22 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, which is respectable for a truck of this size.
Interior and Tech
The Tacoma’s interior has been significantly upgraded, with a more stylish and feature-rich design. Build quality feels solid, as is typical of the brand.
The truck is packed with creature comforts – even some you may not expect, like the shock-absorbing seats and a detachable JBL Bluetooth speaker. Tech is also notably improved compared to the previous generation. The Tacoma can be optioned with a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and an advanced 360-degree multi-terrain camera system.
The centerpiece of the tech package is its optional 14-inch touchscreen, running Toyota’s latest infotainment system, which is user-friendly.
The Verdict
The 2025 Tacoma is undoubtedly a great truck, representing a significant improvement over its predecessor regarding power, driving dynamics, and technology. However, its success has always rested on dependability at a reasonable price point. With the new features and technology, the price tag has increased, which may drive loyal customers to explore other options. It remains to be seen whether the new Tacoma will retain the core values that have made it so popular over the years.
The 2025 Tacoma can tow up to 6,500 lbs. Hybrid Tacomas max out at 6,000 lbs of towing weight.
