We still can’t wrap our heads around the cult of Tacoma. Don’t get us wrong: it’s a fine truck, but its fans are rabid, tripping over each other for the privilege of paying thousands over sticker for a used model with 50,000 miles on the clock. And the alpha version, the Tacoma TRD Pro? Well, that may as well be unobtanium. Even before the phrase “supply chain issues” was a thing, it was common to hear of TRD Pro models selling out long before they could even hit the dealer lots.

While we may never be able to actually own a Tacoma TRD Pro, getting our hands on a new one is only a phone call away. Toyota was kind enough to toss us the keys to its latest Tacoma TRD Pro, this one sprayed in a bright lime green, and then told us to go have fun with the thing.

A quick refresher for those who don’t live and breathe all things trucks: the Tacoma TRD Pro how an OEM does its own version of an OEM+ build, with a parts selection designed to be as robust as the base truck itself. The build starts with a TRD Off-Road-spec truck and adds uprated Fox shocks, with remote reservoir Fox shocks for the rear; a beefy ¼-inch aluminum front skid plate; extra underbody protection; and exclusive TRD Pro wheels. Visually, these TRD Pro-badged trucks also got heritage “TOYOTA” front grilles, TRD Pro stamping on the bed side, and RIGID Industries foglamps.

(And if this sounds too much like a brochure, that’s because your author spent years writing the brochures for the Tacoma TRD Pro. Sorry about that.)

In the spirit of kaizen – Toyota’s mantra of continuous improvement – the 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro gets additional suspension upgrades in the form of TRD-engineered forged aluminum upper control arms. These allow the truck to sit even higher – around 1.5 inches taller than the 2021 model – which of course means improved approach, breakover and departure angles.

Mechanically, in typical Toyota fashion, it’s the same as it ever was. Meaning the 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro is still rocking the years-old 3.5-liter V6, rated here at 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. It’s not the fanciest, nor is it the most powerful, but it’s durable, and that’s why people buy into Toyota. And in our tester, this engine comes mated to a six-speed manual, further boosting its enthusiast cred. As for the drive, well, it’s a truck. If you want fast, sharp or responsive, look elsewhere. But if you want that old-school truck vibe, look no further.

Further adding to our own bias, we have an ‘80s Toyota 4x4, stock, and with a 5-speed transmission. Granted, mechanical bits have evolved a lot in 40 years, but the 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro feels just like our old-school ride. Even with modern electronic aids, this new truck offers the same feeling of connection as the old one. Power, though significantly increased, comes on in the same way, transmitting similar vibrations through the gas pedal and cabin. Brake feel is also similar, though offering superior stopping power. And this newest truck still has hydraulic steering, so you can actually feel what those front wheels are doing.

While we couldn’t take this particular TRD Pro off road, we’ve done a lot of off-roading in other Toyota products. And with our admittedly tarmac-oriented skills, even the base truck is more capable than we ever will be. But what impressed us most is how these off-road modifications make the truck better on the street. Yes, the taller ride height presents some challenges in terms of visibility, but the softer shocks make this truck compliant – dare we even say “comfortable” – on the road.

No one will be wowed by the interior, but it gets the job done. It’s basic, with lots of hard plastic, hard leather and low-res screens. Given the purpose of the Tacoma TRD Pro, stuff that feels more durable, versus finessed, makes a whole lotta sense. It’s the right interior for this truck, so we won’t knock it.

Okay, one knock: that TRD shifter has got to go – it feels awful in the hand. It’s probably fine for AT-equipped Tacomas. But in a manual, where it’s used all the time, it’s a joy killer. It sucks to think that Toyota didn’t spend 5 minutes studying basic ergonomics. It’s too fat, too wide, and too bulky. No matter your hand size, you won’t find a way to comfortably handle this thing, so don’t even try.

Enough bitching, let’s end on a positive note. Children are delighted by this thing – especially its Electric Lime color. And we do mean children. Kids everywhere point and smile when they see this truck, a lot of them somehow magically pulling out their own bright green toy trucks. Adults love it too, as it brings a sense of fun to roads filled with various shades of black, silver and white.

And really, that’s what you’re buying into when you buy a TRD Pro: that sense of fun. And now we think we get the appeal. The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is your favorite toy truck made real. It delivers a sense of fun while still presenting itself as “responsible,” or at the very least “grown up.” And when you’re sitting in that driver’s seat, way high up with the windows rolled up, no one can hear you make those “vroom-vroom” noises, and that alone makes this truck worth the price of entry.

The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

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