Looking for input from TRD Pro Owners

Hello there, long-time Toyota owner. Currently have an 08 Tundra Limited with 150k, A 19 Limited Highlander with 61k, past Tacomas, 99, 04DC, 07DC, Avalon Touring, etc. It's been 10 YEARS since I have last posted about a tacoma!

I am eyeing a new 2025 Pro, but I am currently in a 2019 Audi RS5 with 450HP and ALL kinds of creature comforts. I know, apples and potatoes, but I am looking for insight on ride comfort (if there is such a thing) on the platform, creature comforts in the cabin, etc. I can give up some of the German experience with a fully loaded Tacoma (technology has come far in 6 years), even from my car. My Rs5 is coming up on 60k, and as much as I love the driving experience, it will become VERY expensive to maintain in the coming year. For example, the brakes are $7,500.00

This will be my new daily driver, and I currently commute 30 minutes downtown Cincinnati and park in a parking garage.

I value being unique with my vehicles, having a limited production is important to me. I am in the fashion car business for my career, therefore I will be using the vehicle as I talk about performance accessory products and categories I manage. I also value comfort and durability.

Thoughts are appreciated!

 

Tacoma will have way longer wheelbase and subsequently wider turning radius than your Audi. Also, it will be much wider and you will fill up a parking spot. A city parking garage will not be as easy experience than your car.

Try to get a test drive for ride comfort.

 

I’m coming from a BMW with all the creature comforts but I’m not getting into a Tacoma to replace the BMW. I’m getting into the Tacoma for my adventure weekend vehicle. I recommend test driving a Tacoma pro or any other off road hybrid engines and make an informed decision.

 

I’ve got a Lambo Gallardo and a 24 Pro. I enjoy driving my Pro much more than the Lambo. The seats are more comfortable, easier to get in/out of, updated electronics and plenty of power. I strongly recommend the Pro!

 

I had a 2018 S5 before. The tech in the new Tacoma is great and you will be gaining quite a bit.

- phone key, I don't actually take my key fob anymore. Just having your phone in your pocket will open the doors and start the truck.
- electric rear view mirror.
- wireless car play/AA
- Toyota sense 3.0. Will do mild auto pilot, auto brake, adjust speeds , etc. Works great and seamless.
- 360 cams including a bed cam.
- 2400 watt inverter! You can use it to run practically anything including. Using it as 1 big power bank. I plan on running my fridge for extended power outages.
- USB-C ports everywhere including the bed.

 

I love my 2024 Pro. Smooth ride, very comfortable, very stylish, durable, and lots of tech and power.

 

My 2024 TRD OR has a much much larger turning radius than my 2005 TRD OR. Like surprisingly larger. But I don’t have any issues fitting in a parking garage. It’s not Tundra.

 

Just warning him about the relative differences. He is asking about going from sportish car to truck. Not truck to truck.

 

Agreed. Wasnt being snarky. I caught he had Tacomas before and wanted to share the difference. Even with all the cameras on my premium version, I feel like Austin Powers in a golf cart in a tunnel trying to park sometimes. Getting more used to it though.

 

No worries. Will you update your profile?

 

F-150 Raptor and rent two spots next to each other in the garage.

 

Delay gratification and try lots of stuff. I have an acquaintance with big regrets for replacing a car with a halo model and others who got lesser models and competitors with similar regrets. You also make me think of my wife's nice German wagon and our prolonged shopping and testing.

Another element to be aware of beyond handling and rear seating is the short bed models. Those silly to me things could not carry stuff our minivan did but also our wagons with rear seat down. Yeah you can put a ladder and other stuff in sideways but that takes away other space. Twice in my prolonged shopping I asked the salesperson to stop talking and try to put exact stuff I had in our Sienna and Outback in the short beds. It could either not be done or not be done with any sort of elegance.

Beyond the utility of long beds also be aware of the handling. With lots of testing we could notice the wheelbase makes a difference for some bumps, surfaces and railroad crossings. You can change OEM tires but know the halo models also have tires not really optimized for street and highway use. The Trail-Terrain T/A also a Toyota OEM on some are far more civilized but also quite decent for off-road use and 3PMSF rated. For my mix that has to do a mix of on and off road those are pretty good.

Definitely think hard about my point of try stuff and delay gratification. I absolutely love my gen 4 Tacoma but part of it is having far superior vehicles for road and commute driving.

 

Ah, you sound like another tire guy. That is me too, I category manage for a large midwest tire retailer. Thanks for the feedback! I need to drive one for sure.. I stopped at a dealership yesterday but they were closed. The next issue is actually finding one. There are two Mud Brown models coming in a couple weeks, that I could drive, and if I liked would order in white

 

$280.00 per month! LOL, nah! But I do love the Raptors too. Michelin NA sent me on a proving trip in the Utah mountains with the Raptor, and the KO3 TA

 

Done

 

I love my pro terra an it is a good ride. My only complaint is the seats destroy the back seating no leg room what so ever for anyone. I am currently looking into finding seats that are identical to the Pro in terms of the softex that can do heat and cool thinking maybe a four runner? and make the switch on the seat just for the back leg room. Also looking to get a cover for my bed for extra storage space. Debating a diamondback or looking at the possible new peragon tectonic if it has any legitimacy to it. Seat ride is great though no complaints on that.

 

I've got a lot of experience with some different 3PMSF tires and honestly have to wonder if the OEM trail terrain would be certified if not OEM tires. Especially after 3000+ miles of powder chasing and mountain passes.

You'll have to sort out the other matters on your own. We just no way would give up a fine car or wagon, and back to our wonderfully civilized pickup is for the work/utility aspects.

The halo models are great for what they are. It is just that as someone who actually drives off road a lot, I don't need any more than a TRD OR, and it is much nicer for when on road. With your tire knowledge consider that Sport and Limited have plenty capable tires but better for road. The Limited has that to me problem of the goofy short beds. I dislike fake hood scoops. A Sport problem for me is no rear locker.

I know some love having the halo, top or fancy models but beyond function, I spend more on stuff that doesn't depreciate like autos, or spend on experience stuff like travel and sports. I do get how some love the top models but it's just not me. Prioritizing extra or premium for our home and cabin appreciated. The few times I got halo model vehicles was a throwing a lot of money away and I did not like standing out.

 

I ended up driving a Trail Hunter to get a feel for the platform and I was really impressed. I plan to replace tires rather early on as I get significant discounts from Michelin NA, and plan to run the KO3. I am planning to travel to Rochester NY to pick up a 2024 Pro in ICE that is available in a couple weeks. Clearning the deal now