It’s time to get out there with the Tacoma TRD Pro. We have a week to see how this famous beast fares on and off the pavement. From completing missions to off-road driving, we are testing in every possible way. See what we’ve collected so far.
Seven things you need to know about the 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
We spend some time behind the wheel of the 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro just to get over it. We understand it’s getting old and we haven’t had a significant update since 2016, but that doesn’t matter.
Significantly older than the competition has to offer. The 8.0-inch infotainment display introduced in 2020 doesn’t have the sharpest graphics.
In addition, the resolution of the rear camera, 360-degree camera, and backup camera appears to be low. We found ourselves staring at the screen to maneuver around narrow obstacles. However, parking sensors are useful.
The digital instrument cluster is pretty basic, but provides important information like navigation, fuel economy, and off-road driving specifications.
You do get a wireless phone charging pad, but no wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Also, on a positive note, all of the techniques are very simple and straightforward. You can adjust your vehicle’s settings in seconds.
3. The ride quality isn’t that bad
Critics love bashing the 2023 Toyota Tacoma for its rough pavement behavior. However, the truck does not shake or shiver due to the large bumps. It will hit a bump and settle quickly. Despite this, this truck delivers a sense of connection to the road.
The Tacoma has a louder interior thanks to its larger all-terrain tires and aggressive off-road suspension. But it doesn’t hurt your ears or make it ring like a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco on the highway. Also, the acoustic system perfectly covers the noise.
4. The internal storage for personal items is impressive
The Toyota Tacoma 2023 has excellent storage space for personal items. There are lots of little boxes and huts around the front of the cabin. The tray around the wireless phone charger is huge.
There are three cup holders up front and usable space in the door sides. Also, the glove box is larger than expected. However, the center console is blocked by a safe which we have been instructed not to open.
Viewed from above, the center console is narrow and a bit short. However, we cannot confirm its dimensions.
5. The 2023 Tacoma is a sports car
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro features a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate in 6.6 seconds. Edmunds agrees that it has more than enough power for daily commutes, merging into traffic, and overtaking others.
It has direct steering and responsive handling into a corner well. There is almost no body roll at all! The Tacoma also has an excellent turning radius, which makes it easy to park and navigate through congested areas.
However, the Tacoma can be slow to rise during hard acceleration. You may notice a few kickbacks before you start. Also, the brakes are a bit soft. Stopping may take a little longer than expected on the curb. Off-road driving modes are a little more controlled.
6. The 2023 Tacoma is solid
We believe the 2023 Toyota Tacoma is safe and reliable. It performed excellently during heavy rain, thunderstorms with hail, sticky sleet, and snow. In areas with construction where puddles collect on refrigerators, the Tacoma didn’t slide at all.
It feels well planted, confident and stable in slippery conditions. Wipes water, sleet and snow right off your windshield so you can maintain proper visibility. The truck is well balanced and doesn’t feel light in the rear, which is even better for stopping.
Our favorite off-road mode was the Mud and Sand mode for more control in areas with wet mud, snow, dirt, and more. The Tacoma didn’t slide on ice, didn’t struggle in deep mud, and showed no signs of being stuck. It works through obstacles with precision and elegance.
7. The Toyota Tacoma has a better interior than you think
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro doesn’t feel like it has a cheap or outdated interior, apart from the outdated tech aspects. The steering wheel feels a little dated, but the rest of the cabin is fine. In addition, the controls on the steering wheel are very convenient.
There’s leather-wrapped Southern-feel materials to spice things up, attractive stitching, and textured plastics for a high-quality feel. In addition, the all-weather rubber flooring is very easy to clean with a modern look.
You can easily adjust the vents to blow in any direction, hopefully not shifting too far in. The sunroof lets a nice amount of natural light into the cabin without being too bright either.
We’re still learning and tinkering with the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. Stay tuned for our off-road coverage and our full review.
