The answer varies greatly depending on who you talk to. Some people may choose the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, while others might prefer the Jeep Gladiator. Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is our undisputed king of off-road trucks. The current-gen Tacoma is a pickup truck that has been around for over a decade. It’s a classic and offers some of the highest reliability ratings among off-roaders.
The iconic Toyota is set to become a force in the automotive industry with the launch of its all-new Tacoma 2024. HotCars artist Timothy Adry Emmanuel took the brand new 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro to create the ultimate off-roading vehicle with the dune-busting, 2025 Tacoma Off-Road Concept. This concept gives us an up-close look at what a hard-core off-roader would look like based on the fourth-generation Tacoma. This 2025 Tacoma Off-Road is equipped with a host of upgrades that are designed to make it trail-ready. It also has a surprise hidden under the hood.
2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Concept
Tacoma TRD Pro, the current generation of Tacoma pickups, is a capable and reliable off-road vehicle that does not hesitate to be considered outdated. The Tacoma TRD, despite its eight-year age, is still a better off-road pickup than the Silverado 1500 ZR2 or even the stunning GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X. The new 2024 Tacoma TRD has high expectations due to its iconic status.
While we wait patiently for the release of the new Tacoma, Emmanuel decided that he would take things to the next level and build a monster capable of dominating Moab and Rubicon with the 2025 Tacoma Off-Road Concept based on the 2024 Toyota TRD Pro. The best way to describe what we’ve done is “Jacked-up”. The new design is sharp and compact, giving it a “Tundra-like” feel.
If you look at all the upgrades, this is not a compact vehicle! The Tacoma Off-Road Concept features a custom FOX suspension system and massive off-road tires mounted on beefy aluminum wheels. The underbody is reinforced with aluminum skidplates. The rugged side step allows for easier entry and exits into the all-new Tacoma’s technologically advanced and surprisingly comfortable interior.
The Off-Road Tacoma is fitted with a custom front bumper guard which integrates two KC HiLiTES auxiliary lights to illuminate the trails in the dark. The front fascia, with its two industrial tow hooks and winch, looks like a bull about to pounce. Two LED DRLs look like garlands and complement the new LED headlamp assembly. Our Tacoma Off-Road Concept comes with a custom-made snorkel for those wading sessions. This will help the engine breathe clean air.
The KC Light treatment does not stop at the front bumper. A series of four auxiliary lights are also laid out in a custom-made bed rack. The spare off-road tire is also mounted in the truck bed, and it’s held in place by cool yellow heavy-duty polyester straps. The exterior makeover transforms the new Tacoma into an off-roading beast, but it’s what lies beneath the hood which is shocking and impressive.
Engine & Specs
This 2025 Tacoma TRD Pro Concept has a hybrid motor and is an off-road pickup with extreme performance. Rumors are circulating that the new Tacoma will ditch its V6 in favor of a hybrid. We took on the challenge of modifying the proposed mild hybrid powertrain and tested it under extreme conditions including being submerged in slush and water.
The i-Force MAX powertrain from the Toyota Tundra 2023 has been installed in this off-road beast. The hybrid twin-turbo V6 produces a combined 582 lb.-ft. of torque and 437 hp in its stock form. This 2025 Tacoma Off-Road comes with a heavily-modified version, which boosts performance to 550 hp. Our off-road Tacoma also comes with a six-speed gearbox. A ten-speed automatic is standard.
It is rare to find a hybrid engine with a manual transmission, especially in off-road rock-climbing trucks. The Tacoma manual transmission is only connected to the V6, while the electric motor serves as an over-boost during difficult terrain conditions. Electric motors provide low-RPM torque, crawling power, and other essential features when required. The battery pack is also waterproof and fortified to give you the confidence to submerge it halfway in the water.
Exterior Design
Tacoma 2025 features LED headlights that are both stylish and practical. These headlights not only improve nighttime visibility but also add a modern element to the truck design. Tacoma’s grille is bold and distinctive, separating it from its competitors and highlighting its rugged nature. Wheels and Tires For off-road enthusiasts, the 2025 Tacoma is equipped with alloy wheels of 16, 17, and 18 inches, as well as all-terrain tires.
Interior Features
The Tacoma cabin is designed with comfort and functionality in mind. The Tacoma can comfortably seat five passengers, making it a great vehicle for long or short distances. The leather-trimmed and heated seats available for the front add comfort and luxury to both driver and passenger.
Technology and Connectivity Solutions
The Toyota Tacoma 2025 is equipped with the latest technology to keep you entertained and connected on the road. Apple CarPlay compatibility, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a premium audio system are all available as standard. This ensures that you and your passengers will have plenty of entertainment on board.
Cargo and Storage
Tacoma has a variety of cargo options that can be customized to meet your specific needs, whether you are moving furniture or camping. This truck is available with a 5-foot- or 6-foot-long bed and features a 120V/400W outlet in the bed.
Performance and Handling Capabilities
Engine Options The 2025 Tacoma comes with two different engine options. The 2.7-liter engine generates 159 horsepower, while the V6 produces 278 horsepower. Both are equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Off-Road Ability
The 2025 Tacoma is no exception. It has been praised for its off-road abilities, and it doesn’t disappoint. The Tacoma is equipped with Multi-terrain Select and Crawl Control, as well as an electronically controlled rear differential. TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road trims have upgraded suspension systems, skid plates, and added protection for enhanced off-road capability!
Towing Capacity
Toyota Tacoma 2025 boasts a powerful towing capability, making it simple and safe to transport toys or equipment weighing up to 6,800 pounds. Its towing capability is suitable for both business and leisure purposes when properly equipped.
Safety Features in an Emergency
Toyota places safety first in every vehicle, including the Tacoma 2025. Safety Sense is a suite of driver-assistance technologies that includes features such as Automatic High Beams, Lane Departure Warning, Pre-Collision System, Pedestrian Detection, and Dynamic Radar cruise control. These help to prevent accidents and keep drivers and passengers safe.
Crash Test Ratings
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma is yet to be evaluated either by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but we expect that its performance in the crash tests will remain consistent with previous models.
2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Trim Levels, and Pricing
Toyota Tacoma 2025 offers six trim levels with different features and capabilities. Here is a list of the six trim levels and their starting prices.
- SR – Starting at $26,150 the base model Tacoma is equipped with features such as an 8-inch touchscreen, Toyota Safety Sense, and a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine.
- SR5: For an additional $28,530, you can get remote keyless access, a 4.2″ multi-information display screen, and alloy wheels.
- TRD Sport: Starting at $33,390 the TRD Sport trim includes sport-tuned springs, 17″ alloy wheels, and a V6 engine with 3.5L. This trim is designed to enhance driving dynamics.
- TRD off-road – The TRD off-road trim starts at $34,960 and features such off-road enhancements as Multi-terrain Select (MTS), Crawl Control, and an electronically controlled rear differential.
- Limited – The Limited trim starts at $39,640 and includes luxurious features like leather-trimmed seats, a premium audio system, as well as a power moonroof. TRD Pro: Starting at $45,450, TRD Pro offers off-road capabilities and includes skid plates, upgraded suspension components, and special styling features.
When will the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma be launched?
Toyota and truck lovers will be thrilled to see the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma unveiled in 2023 on May 19. The current Tacoma, which is almost a decade old, is still the most popular off-road vehicle. Creating a successor is a Herculean task. Toyota teased us with a series of teasers over the past few days. We feel confident that the new Tacoma will not disappoint off-road enthusiasts. The new Tacoma will feature a hybrid engine, a stylish design, and a variety of cab configurations.