Before the 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is Released, Consider the Advantages of 2019 Model

There are many factors you will consider when looking to buy a new Tacoma: one of the world's most popular trucks by Toyota. They come in all heights, lengths, widths and with a multitude of features and options. One model stands out, though, waving its hands up high to be picked by truck buyers looking for the perfect choice. The TRD Pro.

We know by now that Toyota is releasing its refreshed 2020 Tacoma this fall. But that is no reason to sleep on the 2019 model. For the best of just about everything, you may wish to take a closer look at the 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro.

Shall we begin under the hood?

One of the primary factors in searching for a truck is the powertrain. Toyota Tacoma’s bread and butter is its reliable 3.5-liter DOHC V6 direct-injection Atkinson-cycle engine, which delivers 278 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. torque. The Pro is available with 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.

In logging hundreds of hours of Tacoma windshield time over the past few years, I find the truck smooth driving with nice acceleration. It is not a race truck, and it is not meant to be, so I would not expect it to be the fastest flash along the asphalt.

Available only in double cab configuration, the 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro has a 5-foot bed with built-in bed liner. It has a towing capacity of 6,400 pounds for both automatic and manual transmissions.

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For those drivers concerned with fuel mileage, Tacoma offers you 20 mpg combined (18 city / 22 highway) for automatic and 18 mpg combined (17 city / 20 highway) in the manual. The fuel tank size is 21.1 gallons.

Tacoma Off-Road anyone?

TRD Pro Tacoma is designed to be the best of both worlds, both on-road and off. You will find exclusive 2.5-inch FOX Internal Bypass TRD-tuned off-road suspension with rear remote reservoirs on 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro. This intricate system is designed to give your truck a smooth, comfortable feel while driving on city streets and highways, but tighten up to absorb the toughest terrain.

Multi-terrain select helps regulate wheelspin by adjusting engine throttle and traction control. It is available in five different modes for different landscapes like loose rock and dirt, gravel, mud and sand, moguls and rocks. As Underdog used to say, ”There’s no need to fear – TRD Pro is here.”

Also standard on 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is Crawl Control. This is a system you would use to navigate through tough ground such as intense sand and rocks. Available in five settings, CRAWL regulates throttle and braking so that you can focus on steering until you have conquered your obstacle.

Other features designed to help you travel off the beaten path are hill start assist and electronically controlled locking rear differential. See my latest story comparing the 2019 Tacoma with 2019 Tundra in six rounds.

But what about the interior?

You would speculate that a truck like the 2019 TRD Pro would be all performance and less about convenience, but that is not exactly the case. Tacoma offers a variety of conveniences and technology with the Pro.

Ride in style with heated leather seats and red TRD logo headrests. Toyota wants you to not forget you are riding in a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) truck. If you miss the headrests, do not worry. You can find TRD badging on the exterior, the shift knob and even the carpet mats.

For multimedia enthusiasts you will find standard Entune Premium Audio with navigation and a 7” touch-screen. This includes SiriusXM, Siri Eyes Free and advanced voice commands.

I am a huge fan of JBL sound, as it allows passengers to enjoy concert-like performance while in their Toyota’s. In the automatic 2019 TRD Pro (not standard in manual transmission) the standard system has 6 JBL speakers with perfect speaker placement for rich studio sounds, subwoofer and amplifier.

Other standard equipment you should appreciate includes smart key push button start, 3 USB ports, leather-trimmed steering wheel, dual climate control, power sliding rear window and auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink for garage door openers.

Colors for 2019 and for 2020 Toyota Tacoma Trucks

Toyota traditionally offers an exclusive color for its Tacoma TRD Pro. In 2018 the chosen color was Cavalry Blue. This year, for 2019, you can get your TRD Pro in Voodoo Blue.

For those customers waiting for a 2020 model, your exclusive color will be Army Green. It will also be available in Super White, Magnetic Gray Metallic and Midnight Black Metallic. What do you think of Army Green as a Tacoma color?

Other colors you can choose in your 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro are Super White and Midnight Black Metallic.

READ MORE: Sneak Preview of 2020 Tacoma TRD Pro, including picture of Army Green.

What do you think of the Tacoma TRD Pro? Do you plan on being in the market for a new truck now or in the next year? Also, do you think you will pick up a 2019 or will you wait for a 2020 to come out?

Thanks for reading everyone. Follow along with my stories for your complete Toyota news and reviews. See you next story…

Jeff Teague is a Toyota news reporter at Torque News. You can reach Jeff on Facebook and follow his Instagram for his popular "Toyotajeff Minute" quick Toyota reviews. Follow him on Twitter at @toyotajeff1 and tweet him tips for new stories. Jeff also shares Toyota news videos on his Youtube Channel at ToyotaJeff1.