Ford has its own stage in the showroom and with its historic reputation, many of us tend to overlook other equally high-grade vehicles that are available. Sure, Ford is inexplicably immaculate and the designs of their trucks are creative, other off-road models might have borrowed some influence from the giant.
Nonetheless they don’t stand far behind productions of Ford like Ford Raptors. The Toyota Tacoma, in comparison to Ford, carries all the instruments need to make an ultimate off-road beast. A monstrous build that’s always ready to fulfill your adventurous challenges, this Japanese manufactured off-road truck can overtake Ford Raptor in many aspects.
A Toyota Tacoma is heavily integrated with high tech features and with a decent price, it’s much more suitable for those on a budget. Here are 15 reasons why you should go for the Tacoma TRD Pro over a Ford Raptor!
15 Pricing And Models
Where the initial prices of Ford’s Raptor pounce over a $50k range, Toyota Tacoma is a rescue option for those striving for a perfect off-road rig. The off-road model of the Toyota Tacoma starts with the SR model which is priced at $26,050 while the TRD models start at $32,745. Your best bet is the TRD model!
14 Color Palette
The Toyota Tacoma TRD isn’t just a course rig designed with robust edges to combat the extremities of your trips. A wide palette of colors offers a subtler look to the off-road truck without toning down the bust of the body. Colors range from classic royal blue to sandy greys and metallic red.
13 Exterior Tech
The exterior bodywork is undoubtedly grazed with high-end features that make it favorable to Ford’s Raptor. Outside mirrors with signal turn indicators, LED headlights and chrome finished grilles make the vehicle appear more visible during daytime and in traffic. Moreover, Toyota’s traditional front grille is equipped with a camera.
12 Wheels And Tires
Closing down underneath the body, the wheels are a crucial component making up an off-road truck. The off-road vehicles’ most significant update was their strength bearing wheels. Toyota’s TRD is no exception. 16-inch wheels and P265/70R16 tires will easily step over obstacles.
11 Multi-Terrain Package
Toyota Tacoma TRD has an impressive way of incorporating technology that’s precisely prepared to cooperate with a tough trip. The TRD Off-Road features a special Multi-Terrain Select (MTS). The package offers more control with enhanced traction and engine throttle so it’s easier for you to maneuver it around the sandy desert hills.
10 Rear Wheel Control
The rear-wheel power is maximized with TRD’s unique electronic controlled locking rear. The power of the engine is balanced throughout the wheels so the rig can storm over those course landscapes without scrambling over. A Crawl control modulates the engine throttle on 5 range of low-speed settings automatically.
9 Monitoring And Sunroof
A power tilt or slide sunroof is provided as an optional feature in the TRD version. A panoramic view monitor comes in the upgraded off-road TRD while the standard is equipped with a Multi-terrain monitor with a camera on the exteriors of the body so you can have better coverage of your surroundings.
8 Filtering Air And Fog
Exclusively designed, TRD’s Pro Desert Air Intake is fixed on the windshield extending out like an antenna. The filers collect the cool air from a height while blocking down the excess dirt in the dust line from getting into the engine. The LED fog lights help navigate in dust and dark pitches.
7 Luxury Interior
The interior holds a seating capacity for a total of 5 passengers with 57.5/42.6 cu.ft of passenger volume. The interior is well furnished with fabric or leather-trimmed seats available as an option in the package. The 4-way adjustable driver seats are provided with lumbar support for drivers with chronic back pains.
6 Engine And Power Capacity
The engine is identical to that of Ford’s Raptor so basically there’s no obtrusive difference in power outputs. A 3.5-Liter V6 DOHC 24-Valve direct-injection engine paired with a high compression ratio of 11.8 exerts a 278 horsepower and 265 lbs. ft of torque. The engine is capable of supporting a payload of 1440 lbs.
5 Electronic Transmission
The TRD Pro is fixed with a 6-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission that enhances the performance and control on off-road terrains. A trailer Sway control included in their special Tow package manages the torque to haul over 6000 pounds of freight reducing any disruption or damage to the vehicle.
4 Shock Absorbers
The engine is fixed with many side upgrades like a Bilstein Shocks that engage with the engine performance to absorb or reduce any shocks incurred from any obstacle’s impact for smooth driving. Fox’s Internal Bypass shocks clear out all the suspension performance and gives more power to the rear wheels.
3 Efficient Fuel Economy
TRD’s MPG as per the company’s estimates measure to city/highway 18/22 mpg. The fixated fuel tank capacity contains 21.1 gallons. A Variable-assist power rack-and-pinion steering aids in maneuvering the control in parking at low speed. Contrary to enhancing the assist, the flexible steering lowers the assist at high speed for more stability.
2 Protection And Safety
Skid plates constructed from quarter-inch-thick aluminum protect the engine and front suspension. The plates act like a shield to protect the functional and core parts of the truck from the rough trail’s damage. For passenger safety, pre-collision and pedestrian detection with other radars collaborate for safe and secure driving. The airbags and child protection locks are installed per safety standards.
1 High-End Entertainment
All the mechanics and exterior illustrated makes the product truck seem dull. Luckily the interior’s entertainment is established with many high-end multimedia partners. Bluetooth wireless tech, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa and Sirius XM, just to name a few. The audio system includes six speakers and Wi-Fi connection. It’s the perfect modern pickup!