2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab TRD Pro is assumed to be priced at $ 47,150 with the standard 3.5-liter V6 that produces 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque that can be fitted with both 6-speed automatic and manual transmissions. The TRD Pro will also, most probably, pack in more features than the TRD Off-Road, in the form of 16” black painted TRD wheels and hood scoops with unique graphics. Black grille, extra skid plates, unique leather upholstery, upgraded Cat-black exhaust, Fox 2.5 inch internal bypass shocks, and most importantly a unique Electric Lime Metallic color are some of the highlighted assets that have a high probability to be showcased in the upcoming model.

The 2022 TRD Pro is anticipated to continue with the same ground clearance of 9.4 inches but this year the suspension is raised by 1.5 inches at the front while the rear stays the same at 0.5 inches. The Tacoma TRD Pro is generally based on the Tacoma Limited trim meaning it is available in a 4X4 Double Cab configuration only with a 6 feet standard bed behind the cabin. The same might remain true for the upcoming model too. 

Since the TRD Pro is a range-topping model, it is specced to the brim with features like a JBL audio system, Navigation system, rear parking sensors, and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert as standard equipment. In addition, Toyota’s Safety Sense P package also comes standard which gets you Pre-collision braking, high speed, Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Life does get easier with high-cushioned seats and decent insulation as well. Though little is known about the 2022 model in this regard yet it will be reasonable to associate these virtues with the newer model. 

Which trim should you buy?

The TRD Pro is a range-topper that will get you the benefit of all the top features that you would want in a midsize pickup truck. Also new for 2022, the TRD Pro’s suspension geometry is much better than previous iterations with a better approach, and departure angles. It is true that one should not be too much obsessed with the power-assists and automation when it comes to trucks but at least asking for a well-organized arrangement should not be questioned. And fortunately, it is all high in this section. If by any chance, you have trickled down your choice to the TRD Pro, for its numerous indestructible reasons and reliable reputations - then go for it. 

2022 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab TRD Pro Release Date

Considering the love affair between this machinery and Americans, it is no less than a fact that there are a lot of people earnestly waiting for this pickup truck. The dates can be guessed to be at the end of 2021 but it is not concrete and official.

Besides being a capable off-roader, the 2022 TRD Pro also tends to be the most fuel-efficient of the lot when the figures of the 2021 model are taken as a reference. This is possible because Tacoma’s 3.6-liter V6 engine develops the least power, which helps in compensating after returning 17/20/18 MPG in city/highway/combined situations. It can also hold a decent amount of fuel at 21.1 gallons, which later translates down to 422 miles at a single stretch on the highway and 380 miles on a daily basis. These figures are impressive as one has to keep in mind the towing capacity it is capable of loading in a go. 

Both the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and GMC Canyon have the same configuration of 3.6-liter V6 engine but the Canyon triumphs the Tacoma and Colorado on the highway with 22 MPG. With a 21-liter fuel tank, it gets an impressive 462 miles of range too for the same. But the 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon with a bigger fuel tank at 22 gallons, cliches the podium over other competitors with 506 miles of range and 23 MPG on the highway, and a range variation of around 40 miles on average.

Tacoma’s interior has always been more on the functional side, but ergonomically, it sometimes feels a bit compromised. For example, headroom space in all Tacoma models is low on both the first and second row at 39.7-inches and 38.3-inches respectively. Even legroom space is minimal in the TRD Pro’s configuration with just 32.6-inches for second-row occupants. The Tacoma might have a standard-sized six-foot length bed but there are not enough storage cubbies or carry-on space available inside, aside from the center console bin. But since the 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro is a top trim, its seats are speculated to be wrapped in the same leather upholstery as that of its predecessor and to have a standard sunroof as part of the package for the same.

One of the other add-ons that might be as welcoming as one would expect is the presence of that power-adjustability on the seats and automatic temperature regulation in the top-notch trim of the lineup in pairing with the heating function. One may also find that Day-Night Rearview Mirror, 60-40 Folding Split-Bench Rear Seat, and Cruise Control on the steering wheel that makes up for what should have been there in a pickup truck of such status. Though the aforementioned description is an analysis of the 2021 model, the newer model does not appear to be holding any new virtue as of now or in the near future.

Apart from the dark sides, the Toyota Tacoma Double Cab TRD Pro boasts the most payload capacity at 1,685 lbs if the character of its predecessor is retained. On the other hand, the Jeep Gladiator with its box-shaped design enjoys the benefit of a spacious interior with 42.8-inches of headroom space for both first-row and second-row occupants. Both Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon share the same platform and have a similarly sized cabin, but the GMC Canyon has more payload capacity than the Chevy due to a difference in the suspension setup because of which the latter inches out the former in their respective reputation. 

Some of the standard interior features list available with the 2022 Toyota Tacoma are:

• Heated front seats
• Power moonroof
• Multi-terrain monitor
• Keyless entry
• Auto-dimming rearview
• 10-way power driver's seat
• 120-volt power outlet

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2022 TRD Pro is likely to continue to offer its Entune infotainment features that are offered with the Limited and TRD Sports trims. These include an 8-inch touchscreen programmed to support both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Amazon Alexa as well. There’s also a Navigation system alongside a standard charging pad. However, Toyota’s Entune now desperately needs an upgrade since the graphics are still fuzzy and lack some functionalities. The 6-speaker audio set and SiriusXM satellite radio along with the HD predictive traffic and Doppler weather overlay are some of the advanced tech complexities that are worthy of reintroduction or longevity considering their engagement prospects.

Some of the key infotainment features are:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Wi-Fi
• Navigation
• Wireless charging
• 6-speaker audio set
• Doppler weather overlay
• HD predictive traffic

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab TRD Pro is one mean-looking midsize pickup truck. This off-road specced pickup truck boasts the most aggressive Toyota heritage grille with the TOYOTA letterings instead of the logo. Besides some of the crucial 2022 upgrades includes increased suspension lift, black 16-inch TRD wheels, an improved approach, departure and break-over angles, and 9.4-inches of ground clearance that helps in extreme off-road conditions. The Tacoma TRD Pro also gets additional front skid plates, a hood scoop with special graphics, LED headlights, and a new Lime Metallic Exterior paint option that is only available with this trim.

Besides, the Tacoma pickup truck is comparatively smaller than its counterparts. This translates to lesser curb weight, a shorter wheelbase, and an even shorter length, especially when compared to the 2022 GMC Canyon AT4.

As mentioned before, the Tacoma TRD Pro is not the biggest pickup truck here. It’s the GMC Canyon which stands 224.6-inches long with a wheelbase that is 140.5-inches long. Its structural twin, the Chevrolet Colorado is not as long as the Canyon, but it weighs more at 4715 lbs, compared to the latter which means the former will have more struggle in keeping line with the revs around the corners and tough terrains than the latter. Meanwhile, the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon gives the Canyon healthy competition for it has a bigger wheelbase for straight line stability. In addition, the Jeep stands tall above all three midsize pickups with 11.6-inches of ground clearance and an overall height of 76.1 inches.

To sum up the standout exterior features of the 2022 Tacoma are:

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Bespoke projector-beam LED headlights
• LED fog lights
• TRD badging on Skid Plates, Hood Scoop
• Aggressive heritage front grille’
• New Electric Lime Metallic exterior paint color

Standard across Tacoma trims is Toyota’s Safety Sense P suite of features. This safety package gets you collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and lane departure warning to name a few. Besides, the Tacoma badge has a solid reputation with federal institutions. The IIHS has awarded the 2019 Tacoma as their Top Safety Pick+ vehicle in the past, and since the Tacoma has not changed its platform, we can assume that it is the same safe pickup machinery. The NHTSA also gave an overall rating of four stars out of five stars for the 2021 Tacoma, which is not that bad.

Some of the expected standard safety features available with the 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro are:

• Stability and Traction control
• ABS
• Hill-start
• Electronic Brake distribution
• Eight airbags

Some of the expected unique safety features available exclusively with the 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro is:

• Rear Parking Sensor
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Blind-Spot Monitoring
• Panoramic-View Multi-Terrain monitor

2022 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab TRD Pro vs 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Crew Cab

The advantage that the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 enjoys over the Tacoma is the ample configuration options. Besides that, not only does it get a more powerful V6 engine, it has quite the decent off-road capability, alongside a better riding experience around town. But one of the flaws in those figures is that they are not a replica of themselves when tested in real-time scenarios while the Toyota delivers the expected. However, the Tacoma TRD Pro is a bit more expensive than the Chevrolet Colorado. In terms of algorithms, both need updates tech-wise.

2022 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab TRD Pro vs 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Crew Cab

The GMC Canyon AT4 Crew Cab has a V6 engine that produces 308 hp and its 275 lb-ft of torque is extremely useful in towing 7700 lbs cargo and has a payload capacity of 1544 lbs. But despite all that power advantage, the GMC Canyon has an electronically limited top speed of 98 mph, which is quite underwhelming. On the other hand, the Tacoma TRD Pro edges it out on those parameters. But don’t dust off the GMC as its practicality levels the ground. 

2022 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab TRD Pro vs 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon

Between the Tacoma TRD Pro and Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, the Jeep is more spacious and sits taller than the Tacoma pickup truck with higher ground clearance. To add to that, the Jeep even gets a more powerful V6 engine but with the heavy curb weight at 5505 lbs, the Jeep Gladiator is less fuel-efficient inside city limits and has to give up a bit on its power-weight ratio that starts to make a case for the Tacoma. Better acceleration and powertrain prowess do give a jump start to the Toyota badging but it misses to match the Jeep in range coverage. Therefore, both become equally desirable. 

The upgraded 2022 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab TRD Pro might have all the crucial off-road equipment to make it very capable. But in the grand scheme, Toyota has not really changed much with this brand. Its cabin still feels a bit cramped, and a decent infotainment system just dampens the experience. However, the 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro is still the same rugged and capable pickup truck with a competitive towing capacity and genuine off-road capability, and in its own space, it is definitely an improvement over the past.