For weeks, Toyota had been hyping a TRD Pro version for its Tundra, 4Runner and Tacoma, leading off with a commercial teaser that sparked a lot of debate over whether the new model would bring something substantial — such as a diesel, supercharger or V8 option — or be little more than suspension, wheels, trim bits and paint.
Thursday, at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show, Toyota confirmed the TRD Pro line is limited to badging, colours, upgraded suspension and other trim bits — though it did say “performance” upgrades would be coming down the road.
The 2015 Tundra, 4Runner and Tacoma will all be available in TRD Pro trim, which consists of Bilstein shocks with remote reservoirs, TRD-tuned front springs, an aluminum front skid plate, black wheels, TRD floor mats and shift knob and an iconic front grille lifted from the old FJ Cruiser.
The Tundra, which was refreshed for 2014 and revealed last year at the Chicago show, also gets a unique dual exhaust with throaty sound and will be available, like the 4Runner and Tacoma TRD Pro, in black, super white or “inferno orange.” The Tundra also gets a 2-inch lift in the front, 18-inch wheels with Michelin tires and a decreased spring rate to improve ride quality.
The Tacoma also gets a TRD exhaust but 16-inch wheels. The 4Runner, also revised for 2014, gets a 1.5-inch lift in the front of the TRD Pro model, more wheel travel, and 17-inch black wheels. It looks sharp.
Toyota described the new model trucks as “the most capable off-road Toyota’s today” and did not reveal pricing.
