By NITISH S. RELE – MOTORINGFLORIDA@GMAIL.COM

Best-selling midsize pickup in America for the last 20 years? Point to a domestic and you will be proved wrong because Toyota Tacoma has ruled the roost by keeping its competitors way out of reach. Having sold a record 270,000 units last year, there appears to be no stopping the Japanese carmaker’s truck. So understandably we were more than excited to test-drive the TRD Offroad trim recently.

After a major redesign in 2025, the Tacoma continues as is with the I-FORCE MAX hybrid power train, a 2.4-liter inline-4 cylinder turbocharged engine pumping out a healthy 326 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 465 pounds-feet of torque @ 1700 rpm. Our 4X4 double cab truck came with a 5-foot bed (four adjustable tie-down cleats and fixed cargo tie-down points). Power is put to the road via a smooth and precise 8-speed auto gearbox. An independent coil spring double wishbone front (with Bilstein shocks for smoothing the rough terrain) and a leaf spring rear suspension keep the pickup stable and smooth at all times. The electric power rack-and-pinion steering is thoroughly weighted and delivers good response to the driver. Tow and payload capacity are a commendable 6,500 and 1,705 pounds respectively.

Our edition with a black front Toyota emblem flanked by LEDs and daytime running lights was draped in an all-new and pleasing Heritage Blue color. A front skid plate with underbody transfer case ensures that your ride on tough surfaces will be secure. TACOMA embossed on the rear power tailgate will instantly grab your attention. The thought-out interior is roomy with a clean and attractive dashboard presented in a straightforward manner. Take the 12.3-inch digital cluster for instance. And of course, you have the option of 2WD, 4L and 4H via a dial on the dash. Six-way manual front fabric-trimmed seats in conjunction with a tilt/telescopic steering column should allow most to find an ideal driving position. Auto a/c, push-button start, 60/40 rear seat, wireless phone charger and overhead sunglass holder come at no extra cost. But you would be wise to spend $8,540 on the TRD Offroad Premium Package, which will fetch power heated/cooled front seats, 14-inch infotainment screen, dual auto a/c, JBL premium audio, moonroof, and more.

Standard safety features include dual front airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, stability, traction and trailer sway controls, blind-spot monitor with rear-cross traffic alert, electronic locking rear differential, multi-terrain monitor, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system. Providing a further sense of security is the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 includes a pre-collision system to detect pedestrians, lane trace alert with steer assist and dynamic cruise control.

Looking to venture out and explore the back roads? No worries, with the part-time 4WD drive, spacious and useful Tacoma at your disposal. Besides, Toyota’s reputation for durability and reliability should seal the deal.  

TACOMA (TRD OFFROAD)

Tires: 265/70R18

Wheelbase: 131.9 inches

Length: 213 inches

Height: 73.9 inches

Width: 76.9 inches

Weight: 5,410 pounds

Fuel capacity: 18.2 gallons

City/hwy/comb: 22/24/23 mpg

Base price: $47,235

Price as tested: $59,649

Web site: www.toyota.com