Add new comment

The Toyota Tacoma has long dominated the midsize truck segment. One of the main reasons is its reputation for long-term quality and dependability. “You just can’t kill a Tacoma” is often heard in truck enthusiast circles.

The 2019 Tacoma offers a full line of Toyota Racing Development options, both for on-road and off. TRD Sport is your option if you plan to say more on city streets and highways. The two off-roading choices are TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro, and both give drivers numerous reasons why they should be picked. The real question is, how do you know which one is best for you and your family? For comparison, the new 2020 Toyota Tacoma utilizes all-new features to make off-roading easier.

What do Off-Road and Pro Toyota Tacoma trucks have in common?

Both trucks utilize a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 278 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. torque. They are both available in 6-speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmission.

For the latest in safety, both 2019 Tacoma TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro come standard with Toyota Safety Sense. These active safety features include pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with sway warning and automatic high beams.

Gas mileage is identical with both Tacoma’s at 20mpg combined (18 city / 22 highway).

If you are serious about your off-roading, you really cannot make a bad decision by choosing either truck. Both Off-Road and Pro feature multi-terrain select, crawl control (automatic only), locking rear differential and hill start assist.

What cab and bed sizes are available?

First, with 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro, there is one choice and one size fits all here. This is available in 4WD Double Cab with a 5’ bed.

The TRD Off-Road has several options. If you do not need four-wheel drive capabilities, you can pick a 2WD Double Cab with 5’ bed. Automatic choices are Access Cab with 6’ bed and Double Cab with 5’ or 6’ bed lengths. For those longing for the rush of stick shift driving, choose the 4WD 6-speed manual Double Cab with 5’ bed. See what accessories make the 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro so special.

Pricing differences between the 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro

While both Off-Road and Pro are loaded with equipment to offer truck buyers, the TRD Pro has many more features. Therefore, it has a much higher price tag.

For this comparison, let’s match up apples to apples. Or at least as many apples as we can get. Take a 4WD Double Cab with 5’ bed. Base price (before delivery from factory and adding any options) for 2019 Tacoma TRD Off-Road is $36,765, while the TRD Pro is $45,665.

On paper this is a considerable price difference. However, the Tacoma TRD Pro has numerous additional features that might justify more money for consumers. Now let’s see “if the juice is really worth the squeeze.”

Exterior Differences

The first noticeable difference between the two trucks is the front end. The 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro has a trapezoidal grille highlighted with a bold “TOYOTA” logo across the center. TRD Off-Road has a wire mesh front grille with a chrome surround accent.

If you see the two trucks side-by-side, the badass beast with the hood scoop is the TRD Pro. Both Off-Road and Pro come standard with projector headlamps and LED daytime running lights. Tacoma TRD Off-Road has traditional fog lamps, where TRD Pro shines bright with Rigid Industries LED fog lamps.

Wheel size and appearance is one of the most polarizing components for truck enthusiasts. If truck owners don’t like the stock wheels, this is usually one of the first things to get modified. You will find 16” black and silver machined alloy wheels on TRD Off-Road, while TRD Pro has 16” black rims with TRD logos.

A small exterior difference is the exhaust. The 2019 TRD Off-Road has a stock metallic exhaust tip, while the TRD Pro has a black chrome exhaust tip that says TRD.

Watch Truck Battle - 2019 Tacoma TRD PRO vs TRD Off-Road: You Decide the Winner

Suspension Comparison

Both the 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road are made for off-roading with their suspension systems, but there are noticeable differences.

Built to go where not many trucks can go, Tacoma TRD Off-Road utilizes TRD Off-road tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks. In front you will find independent coil-spring double-wishbone with stabilizer bar. Off-Road has rear leaf springs with staggered outboard-mounted gas shock absorbers and stabilizer bar.

Refreshed 2020 Toyota Tacoma Updates by Grade Level and Subscribe to Torque News Youtube for Daily Automotive Videos

The 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro offers drivers a more complex suspension system. Get the best of both on-road and off-roading that Tacoma has to offer with exclusive 2.5-inch Fox internal Bypass coil-overs and stabilizer bar. Suspension has independent coil-spring double-wishbone in front and leaf spring in the rear.

Comparison of Interior Features

The Tacoma TRD Off-Road features cloth seats with a manually-adjustable driver’s seat, smart key push button start, 3 USB ports, power sliding rear window, Qi wireless charging and Entune premium audio with navigation with advanced voice recognition. Off-Road comes loaded with equipment that would impress most Tacoma buyers. That is, unless, you are comparing it to the 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro.

Remember, the TRD Pro has a significant price jump over its Off-Road counterpart. To assist in justifying spending more, Pro grade level loads up on even more features.

As opposed to fabric, you will find the luxury of heated leather seats with red stitching and red TRD logos. Also, look for standard digital dual temperature controls, moonroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink for garage door programming. Toyota does not want you to forget you are driving a TRD Pro, so look for TRD Pro carpet mats and shift knob displayed proudly throughout the cab.

For added safety, blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on TRD Pro. No longer will cars sneak up on you in your blind spots. You are in control now.

For folks who appreciate a strong sound system, you will be rewarded in the TRD Pro with standard Entune Premium Audio with navigation and JBL Audio. I’m a big JBL guy and know it makes a significant difference when you have JBL speakers in your vehicle. Listen to crystal clear music with 6 JBL speakers including subwoofer amplifier.

TIP: Additional Off-Road Upgrade Package Available

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road offers an option package you might be interested in. The technology package includes rear parking sonar, blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. The package also switches your truck to a color-keyed rear bumper. If you do not get this package, your Tacoma will have a chrome rear bumper.

Based on this comparison, do you prefer the 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro or the TRD Off-Road? What features are important to you and what ones do you not care about as much?

Thanks for reading everyone. Be sure to also subscribe to my “Toyotajeff” YouTube channel for comprehensive Toyota reviews and how-to videos. See you next story.

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