Taco Combo: 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro and Trail Edition First Look
Both new versions of the 2022 Tacoma will ride higher, get some specialized off-road bits, and offer new colors.
Barring unforeseen delays, the 2022 Tacoma will be hitting dealerships by the end of the summer. Given that’s just around the corner, manufacturer-wise, Toyota has released details on two of the trim levels that’ll be available its popular pickup. As expected, both are double cab short-bed models, and are powered by the same V6 good for 278 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of twist. In a nod to the Save the Manuals crowd, a six-speed stick will still be available, though if you don’t want a third pedal, a six-speed automatic is also available.
Since this is YotaTech, and the members here are all about the trail less traveled, let’s cut to the chase and take a look at the more-hardcore TRD Pro first. Along with a new color — see-it-from-space Electric Lime Metallic — the venerable off-roader gets a host of improvements to keep it going when the going gets tough.
The new TRD Pro will sit 1.5 inches higher in the front, and 0.5 inches higher in the rear than the outgoing version. That means a 36.4-degree approach angle, 24.7-degree departure angle, and a 26.6-degree breakover angle. New forged aluminum upper control arms are also on the menu, and they’ll be mated to 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks from the off-road specialists at Fox. That’s the same company that handles damping on the class-leading Ford Raptor, and ensures a significant performance boost.
The updated wheels on the TRD Pro will be finished in black, to match the exterior badging and overfenders, and be wrapped in Goodyear Territory all-terrain tires. In addition to an updated front grille and a blacked out hood scoop, there will also be trim-exclusive LED headlights, along with fog lights from Rigid Industries. Another trick bit is the front-mounted aluminum skid plate, which will help keep any of the greasy bits from being bashed up.
At the rear, there’s an embossed TRD Pro script in the side of the bed, and it’s the coolest change to any of the truck’s identifying marks. Importantly, Toyota didn’t neglect the brains of the truck when it beefed up the brawn. To help navigate even the trickiest of trails, the TRD Pro will feature a Multi Terrain Monitor which will let drivers view images from cameras on the front, side, and rear of their rigs.
The other trim option will be the Trail Edition. While less hardcore than the TRD Pro, it will still feature some killer updates over the standard truck. It gets a lift kit too, though it will only be 1.1 inches higher in the front, while retaining the 0.5-inch rise at the back. My favorite element — at least from an appearance stand point — is the bronze-colored Toyota lettering in the middle of the grille. It looks boss, and in my opinion, even cooler than the on its beefier brother. That lettering will also match the 16-inch Trail Edition-specific wheels.
Trail Edition buyers will also get the option of Luna Rock paint, which was TRD exclusive up until now, and some cool appointments in the bed to make the campground or jobsite a more convenient place to be. First, there’s lockable storage on both sides of the bed, and the driver’s side compartment can also double as a cooler. Second, there’s now a 120-volt power outlet in the bed, so you can plug in a boom box if you’re partying, or a laptop if you’re on the clock. The Tacoma tow package will come standard, and allow drivers to bring along up to 6,400 pounds of toys.
Stay tuned for more news on the 2022 Tacoma, and let me know if you’re planning to make the upgrade!
Photos: Toyota