2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Professional Assessment

It’s tough to wrap my head round the truth that the standard Toyota Tacoma is humble no extra. I’ve simply pushed a car that, not so way back, would have been thought of to be a full-size pickup any means you have a look at it. It felt much less Tacoma and extra of what I do know to be a Tundra expertise. After per week with the brand new Tacoma, the scale, somewhat appropriately, grew on me (pun very a lot meant).

TopSpeed had the privilege of testing a recent 2025 Tacoma TRD Professional mannequin with simply 300 miles on the clock. The truck was completed within the (new for 2025) exterior shade known as “Mudbath.” The TRD Professional variant comes very well-equipped with few further manufacturing facility choices out there. The true kicker is how properly the TRD Professional is factory-ready for the aftermarket. Toyota is aware of its clients properly, and provides an enormous catalog of post-factory additions, a few of which our tester was outfitted with. I personally favored the TRD mild bar and Inflexible fog lights, the mattress lighting, and detachable JBL heart speaker. This truck additionally had the “heritage” grille added, completed in paint-matched “mudbath.”

In an effort to offer you an trustworthy and unbiased overview, the car reviewed on this article was pushed every day all through the course of day by day life for a interval of 1 week. For detailed perception into testing procedures and information assortment, please overview our methodology coverage.

2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Professional First Impressions

The “Mudbath” brown exterior paint is eye-catching, though I’m unsure if I might personally select it. I’ve seen this truck in a fantastic pearl white, which appears to go well with its sharp strains considerably higher. Then once more, there’s one thing to be stated about an army-themed off-roader. Simply have a look at it right here, subsequent to an armored navy car. It is practically the identical shade of “mud”, nearly as menacing with its sharp strains, and practically as giant, too. There’s one thing cool about it, however in a really indifferent means. Nonetheless, the truck itself is a good-looking factor to have a look at. The signature hood-scoop stays purposeful, whereas Inflexible-branded LED mild bars have been cleverly built-in into the bodywork.

The aggressive wheels/tires give a beefy really feel to the Tacoma, as do the crimson accent parts. I like the colour scheme and tactile really feel to it. The 33-inch tires and dead-even degree between entrance and rear give the TRD Professional a high-in-the-sky really feel with out really having to leap out and in of it on your life. The TRD skid plate and general ruggedness are enjoyable methods to have a good time the mannequin. It is a Tacoma that appears prefer it was modified in a really tasteful means, however understanding it is all backed by the reliability of the Toyota manufacturing facility makes it much more interesting.

Exterior Dimensions

Driving Impressions And Efficiency

Driving off instantly, you’re conscious of the hybrid system. It really works effectively and rapidly switches between modes in order to not lag in any respect. Actually, I discovered it to be way more responsive than the GMC Canyon’s turbo-four (non-hybrid) powertrain. Toyota is certainly pumping in faux engine noises by the audio system, and most of these noises emulate a V-8, which initially I believed was foolish. As time went on, I weirdly didn’t thoughts the V-8 noises as a lot. The extra vital noises match the presence of the Tacoma TRD Professional. Additionally, being a hybrid meant I may, with a secure conscience, park within the very particular “Clear Air/EV” parking spot. Dealer Joe’s wasn’t prepared. Shout out to The Residence Depot, too, for my brand-new barbecue, which was simply transported within the TRD Professional. I wasn’t planning on buying one simply but, however when the chance knocks with a stable pickup, you’re taking it. Clearly, it does the city stuff simply in addition to any grocery-getter.

I did respect the TRD exhaust, which does contribute some pure sounds along with the artificial ones. The steering is sharp sufficient, however not overly heavy in an artificial means. The experience is pretty stiff on-road, however off-road the shocks are inclined to do a greater job absorbing the tough stuff. Then taking it a step additional, you possibly can detach the sway bars on the push of a button, making issues even smoother at low speeds whereas giving the truck extra compliance when pushing the suspension to its bodily journey limits. It is extraordinarily succesful, simply conquering obstacles I believed would give it a good struggle. Off-road, this Tacoma transforms right into a car that feels completely different altogether. Ruts, rocks, and simply altering terrain basically soften away only a bit underneath the Tacoma. I did not have it within the soiled stuff for too lengthy, however it did impress for the bit that I did. The TRD actually is a Professional.

Braking And Acceleration

In regular stop-and-go site visitors conditions, the Tacoma makes use of each little bit of its EV functionality by beginning off in full EV mode. When you dip previous, say five-percent throttle, the ICE kicks on, and also you abruptly have an enormous quantity of thrust ahead. It’s amusing the way it occurs too. The engine appears to growl to life after a bit, not dissimilar to the most recent GTP Le Mans racers. Perhaps that is a stretch, however it’s primarily the identical concept. The transition is way smoother than hybrids of the previous, offering a extra seamless addition.

Toyota is catering to those that like an enormous preliminary hit of energy. The truck leaps from zero to thirty, and makes use of its EV tech in a intelligent means. The extra conservative you might be with the go-pedal, the extra it desires to show off the engine fully and simply glide alongside in EV-mode solely. There have been cases the place, at freeway pace, on the 405 freeway, I used to be driving alongside for intervals of time in full silence, permitting the EV motor to offer simply sufficient push to maintain the Tacoma shifting alongside. It is not gradual, with a low 7-second zero to sixty time. For a four-cylinder pickup, that is pretty spectacular.

The braking energy of the Tacoma TRD Professional is confidence-inspiring on the prime of the pedal, with first rate preliminary chunk. The Tacoma has grow to be so profitable at masking pace, you do must re-calibrate how a lot room you could decelerate, even with nice brakes. It’s nearly a GT-like expertise, however in a way more utilitarian means. Sort of odd. The Tacoma decelerates from 60 miles per hour to a cease in a decent 137 toes.

• Acceleration 0-60 MPH: 7.1 Seconds
• Braking: 60-0 MPH: 137 Toes

Efficiency Specs

Toyota Tacoma TRD Professional Gas Financial system

The Toyota Tacoma TRD Professional solely managed 18.8 MPG common within the week I drove it. This can be a fairly disappointing quantity contemplating the extent of the hybrid system, and I used to be the only occupant. Essentially the most I put within the mattress was a boxed barbecue. By comparability, I just lately drove a Jeep Gladiator with a naturally aspirated V-6 that achieved 20 MPG common whereas hauling a mattress stuffed with rubbish and with three folks within the automotive always. A concept that will clarify the Tacoma’s less-than-stellar MPG common is the truth that the little four-cylinder is continually in increase.

It depends on a ton of increase to make the motive force really feel like a giant punch of energy is at all times there. Actually, it felt prefer it was compensating a lot with each turbo increase and the electrical motor that it turned a bit too jerky in regular site visitors circumstances. I needed to dial it again to “Eco” mode for a lot of the week’s driving. I might have somewhat had the truck apply increase and electrification extra linearly to after I really go to use a hefty quantity of throttle. This odd tuning meant it was utilizing most of its energy so early on that something after, say, 50% throttle and three,000 RPM felt the identical. It felt like there was nothing left within the reserves, and thus, the necessity for extra revs appeared pointless.

Inside Design And Consolation

The inside of the Tacoma feels oddly much more “Tonka Truck” than its exterior. The knobs and inside trims are all rugged, however in a barely subtle means. Something that strikes (similar to switches/toggles) has a buttery-smooth motion to them that makes the inside of the Tacoma immediately elevated, regardless of what its utilitarian design would possibly counsel. The seats, though very area of interest and distinctive with shock absorbers built-in into them, will not be probably the most comfy. They appear unimaginable, and when switched into off-road mode do really enable for a good quantity of “flex”. The issue is that they solely flex laterally, the place I hoped for a little bit of vertical compliance as properly. I ended up driving round with them in off-road mode on a regular basis, which made the marginally chatty on-road experience a greater expertise.

Visibility is top-notch within the TRD Professional Tacoma, permitting for exact placement wherever you drive the factor. The soundproofing is definitely surprisingly sturdy for what is meant to be one thing of an entry-level mannequin for Toyota.

Inside Dimensions

Know-how And Ease Of Use

It is fairly shocking simply how a lot tech could be discovered inside a contemporary Toyota Tacoma. The rearview mirror is digital, the infotainment display is so giant, it rivals that of some luxurious autos. There are built-in drive modes. Electrically managed sway bar disconnects, four-wheel-drive selectors, a locking rear differential, and crawl-mode choices are all out there rapidly inside attain. The digital instrument cluster provides many various views with corresponding amusing names like “Informal” and “Powerful.”

There may be additionally house on the wi-fi charger for 2 telephones, a rarity, though just one could be charged at a time. I respect the huge Apple CarPlay integration and the stereo system is kind of spectacular. I could not fairly determine the right way to totally defeat the adaptive radar cruise, because it appeared to have a thoughts of its personal, however truthfully got here in helpful throughout many driving conditions. There’s lots to digitally digest within the TRD Professional, however it all comes collectively in a means that’s deserving of a “Professional”-labeled title.

Cargo And Storage Area

Inside space for storing is ample with loads of house within the door playing cards for water bottles and a big heart console. There may be some under-seat storage for rear-seat passengers; nonetheless, a few of that house is taken by the subwoofer. There may be, after all, the cargo mattress, which provides in-bed LED lighting, and loads of house with 37.4 cubic toes in a 5-foot configuration. There may be additionally an electrically operated delicate shut/open tailgate.

2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Professional Vs. Its Rivals

The Toyota Tacoma TRD Professional, GMC Canyon AT4X AEV, and Ford Ranger Raptor are all combating on your vote as one of the best mid-size performance-minded pickup. This can be a area of interest section within the automotive business, so the competitors is extremely fierce. All three provide completely different takes on what it takes to be sporty anti-pavement autos. For many years, drivers have been taking comparatively fundamental variations of those vans and modifying them into monstrous off-roaders. Now, the producers have taken be aware, and are producing their very own modified variations straight from the manufacturing facility.

How The Toyota Tacoma TRD Professional Compares To The GMC Canyon AT4X AEV

• 

  2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Professional
  

  Mannequin

  Tacoma TRD Professional

  Engine

  2.4-Liter Turbocharged Inline-4 (hybrid)

  Transmission

  8-Velocity Automated

  Horsepower

  326 HP

  Torque

  465 LB-FT

  Driveline

  4WD

  MSRP (As Examined)

  $68,900

  Gas Financial system

  20 MPG AVG

  Towing Capability

  6,000 LBS

  Payload Capability

  1,680 LBS

  0-60 MPH

  7.1 Seconds

  Prime Velocity

  113 MPH

  Execs & Cons

  • Sharp Seems to be
  • Sturdy Powertrain
  • Tech-Heavy

  • Questionable Gas Financial system
  • Some Low cost Supplies
  • Bumpy Trip (on-road)

  Develop

• 

  2024 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV
  

  New for 2024 is the AEV version of GMC’s Canyon AT4X. This particular version provides gear from off-road clothes shop AEV similar to a brand new set of wheels on 35-inch tires, new bumpers, new inside accents, and a full-size, bed-mounted spare tire. The Canyon AT4X AEV can deal with just about each sort of terrain with confidence. 

  Mannequin

  Canyon AT4X AEV

  Engine

  2.7-Liter Turbocharged Inline-4

  Transmission

  8-Velocity Automated

  Horsepower

  310 HP

  Torque

  430 LB-FT

  Driveline

  4WD

  MSRP (As Examined)

  $67,990

  Gas Financial system

  16 MPG (mixed)

  Towing Capability

  6,000 LBS

  Payload Capability

  1,000 LBS

  0-60 MPH

  7.2 Seconds

  Prime Velocity

  102 MPH

  Execs & Cons

  • Plush Trip
  • Luxy Inside
  • Extremely-Succesful

  • Excessive MSRP
  • Laggy Powertrain
  • Compromised Cargo Mattress

  Develop

The GMC is, and I am unable to stress this sufficient, way more comfy on-road. I respect that truck’s extra luxurious general really feel, although I am unable to say the identical about its powertrain. These are autos that fulfill a really particular function, and due to this fact, they have to be one thing of a jack-of-all-trades. Off-road, it is only a bit extra sloppy, one thing that the sharper Toyota nails.

Efficiency

Each the Tacoma and Canyon make the most of an all-four-cylinder powertrain lineup. Whereas each put out spectacular numbers, it is the Toyota that really impresses. The GMC is stuffed with lag and uninspiring engine noises. The Toyota sounds imply, and has the chunk to match its (principally artificial) bark. It is by no means laggy due to the electrical motor that completely torque fills the place the ICE powertrain would in any other case battle. It makes for a driving expertise that mimics a a lot bigger, nearly naturally aspirated-feeling engine. This provides it an enormous benefit over the GMC, and due to this fact is extra predictable, providing energy the very second you ask for it.

Consolation

This Tacoma is uncomfortable. It needed to be stated. It is fascinating although, as a result of it is solely uncomfortable on-road. The second you hit the dust, issues instantly change, as if it is aware of precisely what floor it is protecting. The GMC’s suspension and seats are considerably extra comfy. With out the TRD Professional seats with the dampers in them, you’d most likely get whiplash on-road, however off-road they supply an entertaining movement that helps you get into the groove of undulating surfaces. I am glad it has them, however it would not excuse the truck’s general harshness.

Know-how

Each vans provide an intense quantity of tech that goes past simply what’s on the display in entrance of you. With modes, and toggles, and buttons controlling the autos’ completely different digitally-enhanced bodily talents, it will probably all be a bit a lot. Fortunately, each arrange their digital mayhem in a cohesive means.

How The Toyota Tacoma TRD Professional Compares To The Ford Ranger Raptor

• 

  2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Professional
  

  Mannequin

  Tacoma TRD Professional

  Engine

  2.4-Liter Turbocharged Inline-4 (hybrid)

  Transmission

  8-Velocity Automated

  Horsepower

  326 HP

  Torque

  465 LB-FT

  Driveline

  4WD

  MSRP (As Examined)

  $68,900

  Gas Financial system

  20 MPG AVG

  Towing Capability

  6,000 LBS

  Payload Capability

  1,680 LBS

  0-60 MPH

  7.1 Seconds

  Execs & Cons

  • Sharp Seems to be
  • Sturdy Powertrain
  • Tech-Heavy

  • Questionable Gas Financial system
  • Some Low cost Supplies
  • Bumpy Trip (on-road)

  Develop

• 

  2024 Ford Ranger Raptor
  

  The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is a rugged off-road pickup truck recognized for its highly effective engine and superior suspension. It incorporates a robust exterior, comfy inside, and off-road-focused options like Fox Racing shocks and terrain administration modes. The Ranger Raptor is a succesful selection for these searching for an exhilarating and adventurous driving expertise.

  Mannequin

  Ranger Raptor

  Engine

  3.0-liter DOHC Twin-Turbocharged V6

  Transmission

  10-speed computerized

  Horsepower

  405 HP @ 5,750

  Torque

  430 LB-FT @ 3,250

  Driveline

  Entrance Engine / 4-Wheel Drive

  MSRP (As Examined)

  $59,045

  Gas Financial system

  17 MPG

  Towing Capability

  5,510 Kilos

  Payload Capability

  1,465 Kilos

  0-60 MPH

  5.3 Seconds

  Execs & Cons

  • Good Dimension
  • Thrilling Powertrain
  • Enticing Value

  • Cranky Transmission Tuning
  • Some Low cost Inside Supplies
  • Wants Bigger Tires From Manufacturing unit

  Develop

Ford’s Ranger Raptor gives a much more entertaining efficiency truck (at excessive speeds), whereas Toyota’s Tacoma TRD Professional completely rocks the crawling sport. It has super-predictable torque early on from the gas-electric hybrid powertrain, and sufficient grip to creep over the robust obstacles. Ford’s extra conventional powertrain may be fundamental compared, however it is a bit of a wild youngster, sustaining smiles-per-mile.

Efficiency

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This simply goes to the Raptor. Ford has made a reputation for itself with Raptor-branded autos, they usually all ship class-leading efficiency. They need to be the “Porsche 911 of off-road”, however I am unsure the 911 is even worthy of such a comparability. That is how splendidly sharp Raptor autos are off-road. The Tacoma does do “truck” stuff higher, although, with each a better towing capability and payload capability.

Consolation

Because of the Fox Racing suspension, and extra comfy seats, the Raptor gives a much more comfy drive, in principally all conditions. On and off-road, the Raptor continues to be the consolation king. It is not as glamorous as both the Tacoma or particularly the Canyon, however as one thing to take in the world’s harsh bumps, it will get the job finished whereas floating alongside practically any floor.

Know-how

The tech in Toyota’s Tacoma is extra in depth than within the Ranger Raptor. The Raptor has extra devoted drive modes, however the TRD Professional has a extra malleable chassis. You may disconnect the sway bars, enter particular crawl modes, and even the infotainment itself is extra intuitive to make use of. Additionally, a vertically oriented display is not my private favourite, however even much less so when it is as slim because the one within the Ranger Raptor’s.

Our Advice For Which Mannequin You Ought to Purchase

It appears Toyota constructed a Tacoma for a uncommon buyer. It’s actually difficult and tech-filled, however keep in mind, this truck has constructed a status on simplicity and reliability. It may be attempting to do an excessive amount of within the relentless battle to “slot in” with different fashions within the section. I can’t assist however assume how a lot better the TRD Professional may have been with a less complicated powertrain, and fewer gimmicks.

​​​​​​​A $68,000 price ticket for a Toyota Tacoma is a bit ridiculous too, however contemplating how a lot it has jam-packed into it, the value displays its unending record of options. I’d personally go for a lesser mannequin, and even, for round eight grand much less, simply go for the Raptor which provides a way more entertaining powertrain with fewer compromises as an general efficiency pickup truck. I just like the Toyota Tacoma TRD Professional, however I like how trustworthy the lesser fashions are greater than it, and I like a few of what the competitors has to supply higher, nonetheless.