2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro for Sale: Your Ultimate Off-Road Warrior
If you're searching for a rugged mid-size pickup truck that combines off-road capability with everyday practicality the 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro deserves a top spot on your list. Whether you're an off-road enthusiast or simply need a versatile truck for daily commuting and weekend adventures the Tacoma TRD Pro continues to impress in the crowded truck market. However no vehicle is perfect and there are a few potential drawbacks you’ll want to consider before signing on the dotted line. In this detailed review we’ll break down everything you need to know about the 2023 Tacoma TRD Pro from its capabilities and tech features to how it stacks up to its competition. Read on to find out if it’s the right truck for you!
Performance and Engine Specifications
One of the Tacoma TRD Pro’s main selling points is its off-road performance. Under the hood you’ll find a 3.5-liter V6 engine which delivers 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. This setup is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and of course four-wheel drive comes standard on the TRD Pro.
Pros
- Off-road suspension: The Tacoma TRD Pro comes with Fox internal bypass shocks and a TRD-tuned front spring setup which enhances its ability to handle rugged terrain.
- Crawl control: An advanced feature that allows drivers to set a low-speed mode for off-road driving ensuring you can navigate rocky or uneven terrain without constantly modulating the gas pedal.
- Multi-Terrain Select: This system adjusts throttle and braking settings to help the truck tackle different types of off-road surfaces whether you’re crawling over rocks or trudging through mud.
Cons
While the TRD Pro is fantastic off-road the on-road experience is a bit of a different story. The ride quality can feel stiff especially on highways or city streets where you might feel every bump and crack in the road. Additionally some drivers may find the engine underpowered for highway merging or towing when compared to competitors like the Ford Ranger or Chevy Colorado.
Exterior Design
The 2023 Tacoma TRD Pro stands out from the crowd with bold exterior features that scream off-road toughness. The TRD Pro-exclusive Lunar Rock paint color adds a unique flair to the truck along with TRD Pro badging blacked-out accents and a hood scoop. It also comes equipped with Rugged 16-inch wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires.
Pros
- Aggressive styling: There’s no mistaking the TRD Pro for any other truck in the lineup thanks to its TRD skid plate and unique grille.
- High ground clearance: With an approach angle of 35 degrees and departure angle of 23.9 degrees the Tacoma TRD Pro is ready to take on steep trails and rocky obstacles.
Cons
While the Lunar Rock paint job is unique it might not appeal to everyone especially if you’re more into classic truck colors like black or silver. Another downside is the limited bed space — while the Tacoma's bed is designed to be practical for most everyday needs if you're looking to haul more oversized items on a regular basis you may find it restrictive compared to full-size trucks.
Interior and Comfort
Inside the 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro you’ll find a functional yet somewhat dated cabin. While the truck comes with plenty of tech and convenience features some may find that its interior materials don’t quite match up with those of its competitors.
Pros
- Heated front seats: Both the driver and passenger get to enjoy the comfort of heated seats on those cold mornings.
- Leather upholstery: The TRD Pro comes with premium leather-trimmed seats featuring TRD Pro badging.
- Infotainment system: The truck includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility making it easy to stay connected on the go.
Cons
The interior materials while durable don’t feel as luxurious as what you’d find in rivals like the Ford Ranger or Honda Ridgeline. Also the infotainment system while functional feels a bit outdated compared to some competitors' more intuitive and modern setups. The rear seats can be tight especially for taller passengers so if you're planning to use the Tacoma as a family vehicle that’s something to keep in mind.
Towing and Payload
For a mid-size truck the 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro does offer respectable towing capabilities. With its V6 engine and tow package it can handle up to 6400 pounds of towing capacity. This makes it more than capable of towing a small boat or trailer.
Pros
- Trailer sway control: This feature helps to maintain stability when towing by adjusting engine power and braking to help keep the trailer in line with the truck.
- Payload: The Tacoma TRD Pro has a maximum payload of 1,155 pounds making it suitable for carrying gear on your off-road adventures.
Cons
While these numbers are decent they fall short of what some competitors can offer. The Ford Ranger for instance has a towing capacity of 7500 pounds which may be more appealing for those who need to haul heavier loads regularly.
Safety Features
Safety is always a priority and Toyota has equipped the 2023 Tacoma TRD Pro with a range of advanced safety technologies to help keep you and your passengers safe.
Pros
- Toyota Safety Sense P: This suite of features includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection Lane Departure Alert Automatic High Beams and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
- Blind Spot Monitor: Helps you keep an eye on vehicles in your blind spots while merging or changing lanes.
Cons
While the Toyota Safety Sense package is great the lane-keeping assist feature can sometimes feel a bit too intrusive for drivers who prefer a more hands-on approach to driving. Additionally the Adaptive Cruise Control works well but it can feel a bit sluggish when it comes to accelerating back up to speed after slowing down.
Fuel Economy
For a truck with serious off-road capabilities the Tacoma TRD Pro offers decent fuel economy but it might not blow you away especially compared to some of the newer hybrid or diesel truck options on the market.
Pros
- The EPA estimates that the 2023 Tacoma TRD Pro gets 18 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway which is competitive for a V6 off-road truck.
Cons
If fuel efficiency is a top priority for you this might not be the truck for you. Competitors like the Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel or Ford Maverick Hybrid offer better mileage especially for long-distance trips.
Pricing and Value
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro isn’t the cheapest mid-size truck out there but given the off-road hardware and Toyota’s reputation for reliability it offers solid value for the right buyer.
Pros
- Starting price: The TRD Pro starts at around $48,000 which is a competitive price for an off-road focused truck.
- Resale value: One of the Tacoma’s standout qualities is its strong resale value — Tacomas tend to hold their value extremely well compared to other trucks in this segment.
Cons
That said the base price might be a bit steep for buyers who are primarily looking for a daily driver rather than an off-road machine. If you don’t plan to make the most of its off-road capabilities you might be better off with a more affordable trim like the TRD Off-Road.
Competitors
In the mid-size truck market the 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro faces stiff competition. Here’s a quick look at some of its main rivals.
- Ford Ranger Tremor: Offers better towing capacity and a more powerful engine but lacks the off-road heritage of the Tacoma.
- Jeep Gladiator: Provides more open-air fun and a diesel option but comes with a higher price tag.
- Chevy Colorado ZR2: A serious off-road competitor with an available diesel engine but its interior is less refined than the Tacoma’s.
Alex Collantes’ Opinion on the 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
Alex Collantes a seasoned off-road enthusiast shared his thoughts on the 2023 Tacoma TRD Pro. “I’ve owned a lot of trucks over the years but the Tacoma TRD Pro is one of the few that really balances off-road capability with everyday practicality,” said Collantes. “It’s not perfect — I wish it had a bit more power for highway driving and the interior could use an update — but for hitting the trails or camping trips you can’t beat the reliability and toughness of this truck.”
Conclusion
Overall the 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is a top choice for drivers who need a rugged off-road truck that can also handle daily commuting duties. It excels in tough terrains and its reliability makes it a solid long-term investment. However it’s important to weigh its potential drawbacks like the stiff on-road ride limited bed space and underwhelming power for towing. If off-road capability is a priority the TRD Pro is hard to beat but for those who want a smoother ride or more power there may be better options out there.