2020 TRD Pro Series: Fresh Features, Recent Updates, and a Hot New Recruit
A ways back, we broke down what constitutes a TRD Pro badge in our 2017 Tacoma spotlight. But a lot has changed in two model years and some exciting things are in the works for 2020. So, we figured it was high-time to give you a more recent rundown of what’s included in that fancy TRD-badged model currently sitting on the lot, as well as what Toyota has in store for the 2020 TRD Pro Series.
In a nutshell, the TRD Pro series consists of ultra-capable off-road vehicles, specifically designed for adventure-seeking Toyota customers. And in addition to tasteful style upgrades, these rides sport some of the best equipment money can buy—at both the OE and aftermarket levels. Not to be confused with the similarly-named TRD Off-Road package, the TRD Pro model option jumped into the growing arena of high-performance off-road vehicles in 2015, with admirable features and a competitive price point. A game plan that still rings true. (But with some strategic updates for 2020.)
Current TRD Pro Series Features
For the 2019 model year, the Toyota TRD Pro Series consists of the Tundra full-size truck, Tacoma mid-size truck, and 4Runner mid-size SUV. And while each has its own specially-formulated TRD recipe, there are baseline characteristics they all share, defining them as TRD Pro worthy. Namely, 2.5-inch Fox® Internal Bypass Fox Shocks paired with TRD-tuned springs, a unique front grille with “TOYOTA” lettering, and special floor mats, shift knobs, and exterior badging. Oh, and did we mention VooDoo Blue joined the color lineup?
Outside of those features, the models vary quite a bit. So, to keep things organized, we broke down each model in the TRD Pro Series (including that special new recruit) and outlined what’s noteworthy for current 2019 versions at your local dealer as well as the 2020 models that will land sometime this summer.
Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
Big Daddy of the current and 2020 TRD Pro series, the king-size Toyota Tundra is surprisingly off-road-ready, despite its bulk. The base model hasn’t seen a generational change-up since 2007, but it did get a major refresh in 2014. The Tundra’s rugged TRD Pro trim disappeared for 2018, but returned this year well-rested and ready to party.
2019 Model
In addition to the suspension upgrades it shares with its series’ mates, the 2019 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro also received new 18-inch BBS five-spoke wheels wrapped in Michelin A/T tires and a TRD-engineered ¼-inch aluminum skid plate. Visual updates include plenty of black accents, some sweet Rigid Industries LED fog lights, and the addition of a hood scoop, in addition to the signature retro grille and TRD-badging.
Current TRD Pro Tundras are only available in a crew-cab configuration with a 5.7L i-FORCE V8 putting out 381 hp and 401 lb.-ft. of torque. Boosting performance is a specially-tuned dual exhaust sporting black chrome exhaust tips. Capability remains impressive with a 9200-lb towing rate and payload capacity of up to 1560 lbs. Pricing starts at $49,745.
2020 Updates
Unveiled at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, the 2020 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro gets a few modest upgrades. Most notably, an availability in both crew-cab and double-cab configurations and the addition of a larger 8-inch color touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa support. The model will also see smart-key entry and push-to-start, plus a premium JBL sound system.
If you were hoping for more excitement, it looks like you’ll have to wait a little longer. Toyota has confirmed that a next-gen Tundra will come in 2021, wearing a new platform and possibly sporting some form of electrification.
Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
Well-suited for off-road trails even in stock form, the Toyota Tacoma is a popular and plucky model that weathered the 2011 midsize truck market slump better than its competitors. It entered its third generation not too long ago in 2016, so the base model saw only a few convenience upgrades in 2019. The TRD Pro trim, however, kicked things up a notch.
2019 Model
Like its TRD Pro Series siblings, the highlight for the 2019 Tacoma iteration is the redesigned suspension courtesy of those new Fox Shocks. Other exciting additions come in the form of 16-in. black alloy wheels with Goodyear Wrangler Kevlar all-terrain tires, a new black-chrome tipped cat-back exhaust, and an optional Desert Air Intake system designed to prevent excess dirt from getting into the 278-hp 3.5L V6 engine.
The trim adds Rigid Industries LED foglamps to accompany projector-beam headlights and an OE ¼-inch-thick front skid plate that can double as a vehicle jack. Toyota also threw in built-in roof-rack fastening points, a power moonroof, premium JBL audio system, and navigation—all for a grand total price increase of only $940 on the manual and $1,645 on the automatic.
2020 Updates
Both the TRD Pro and its lesser Taco-mates receive some extensive updating for 2020, though the powertrains remain untouched. All versions get a fresher face, mostly due to the vehicle’s new LED headlights with unique U-shaped daytime running lights and some tasteful tweaks to the grille. The TRD Pro trim, specifically, will see a revision to its Fox shocks, more than four pounds shed from its 16-inch wheels, and the addition of a seriously cool Army Green color option. (In fact, that color will be available across the entire series.)
A new 10-way power-adjustable seat will finally make its way into the cabin, as will an 8-inch touchscreen, and some wild new camera tech that gives drivers front, side, and rear angles as well as the ability to see under the truck, too.
Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
Like a fine wine, the Toyota 4Runner seems to only get better with age. Ten years into its fifth generation, this rugged and dependable, body-on-frame beast represents a dying breed: the last of the traditional SUVs holding out in a neighborhood gentrified by bland crossovers. (You say, “dated,” I say “endearing.”)
2019 Model
True to form, not too much changed between 2018 and 2019 for the 4Runner TRD Pro. Aside from the aforementioned series-wide suspension upgrades and badging, the current model gains several black accents, including matte-black 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 31.5-in. Nitto Terra Grappler all-terrain tires, an aluminum front skid plate, and special TRD Roof Rack.
Automatic headlights (faaaancy) are new, as are LED foglights and a JBL sound system. The powertrain remains untouched—a 3.2L V6 mated to a 5-speed automatic—as does interior comfort, which is still dominated by heavy plastic. (All the easier to wash mud off, right??) Pricing starts at $46,615.
2020 Updates
Those swayed by the 4Runner’s old school charm will be pleased to know not a whole lot is changing for its 2020 TRD Pro series, although some important safety upgrades and a restyled grille are planned. Collision-avoidance tech, automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure bells finally become standard equipment. And an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility makes its way into the cabin along with a keyless ignition.
New Recruit: Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro
Perhaps the biggest news for the 2020 TRD Pro series, is the addition of a new model to the lineup: the Toyota Sequoia. This full-size SUV, often marketed as a seven-seater family hauler, proves it still knows how to party. A body-on-frame chassis and respectable ground clearance join a 381-hp V8 engine and Multi-Mode 4WD system that uses a lockable TORSEN limited-slip center differential—proving the model has good fundamental chops for the TRD Pro treatment.
Like the other players in the series, the 2020 Sequoia TRD Pro will see revised Fox shocks, an upgraded infotainment and sound system, the throwback grille, lots of fresh LEDs, and plenty of TRD-badging. Additionally, the model will receive 18-inch BBS forged-aluminum wheels wrapped in all-terrain rubber, an aluminum front skid plate, running boards, a special roof rack, and a throaty black chrome tip single exhaust (with a cat-back upgrade available). Pricing should fall somewhere in the mid-$60k range
