Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport Puts Pick-Up Values First

The latest trend in pick-ups has been to emphasize posh interiors, quiet and smooth rides, dazzling tech features and premium amenities. In contrast the 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 4×4 revels in the traditional values into this body-on-frame mid-sized pick-up.

Derived from the world-class off-road racing and endurance rigs, rough and ready is the order the order of the day for the 6-speed manual Tacoma TRD Sport! Even the color choice of the test vehicle — Quicksand – evokes visions of hard charging across a scorched desert landscape.

Though manageable and responsive in normal daily driving, the suspension and engineering of the Tacoma is clearly geared to rock- crawling and hill climbs. The 3.5 Liter V6 direct-injection 278 horsepower engine is great for highway speeds and flat out sprints over irregular terrain.

With all this performance emphasis, comfort and tech are also well served in the Tacoma TRD with high-tone leather trimmed and stitched seating, leather wrapped telescoping steering wheel and analog instrumentation with a 4.2 inch color multi-function display.

The nicely equipped test vehicle topped out at $38,000 making it a solid value in this class.

2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Specs

MSRP: $32,390
MPG: 19 city / 24 highway
Horsepower: 278 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs
Engine: 3.5 L V6
Curb weight: 4,060 lbs
Dimensions: 212″ L x 74-75″ W x 71″ H