Off-Road Test Review: 2011 Toyota Tacoma T|X Pro

I really don't see the appeal of this package as apposed to a TRD off road. If they kept it more like the prototype (seen here) with the larger, better quality tires, and what seemed to be a small lift, it would make more sense.

 

"How about that Tacoma Truck concept truck from a couple years ago? That truck had a proper solid front axle, decent ride height, and the appropriate dual-purpose tires. That was what we were all hoping for when we heard Toyota was coming out with the T|X Pro, but instead all we got was a sticker- and faux-skidplate-package.
Lame."

 

Now that, I might have been very intrigued by. That does look pretty Sharp.

 

The only thing i see is that diffrent is it comes with the sport seats instead of the offroad ones (they are diffrent right?)

 

No

 

This is my opinion, but the beadlocks look pretty intense, then it also comes with the TRD catback exhaust system. yes, the skidplate is for crap, but pur a bull bar on there with a skid plate and you're good to go! =)

 

Comments

It's funny that Toyota tries to market a truck to the off-road crowd that still has wimpy independent front suspension and nearly bald street tires.
How about that Tacoma Truck concept truck from a couple years ago? That truck had a proper solid front axle, decent ride height, and the appropriate dual-purpose tires. That was what we were all hoping for when we heard Toyota was coming out with the T|X Pro, but instead all we got was a sticker- and faux-skidplate-package.
Lame.
Watch how successful Jeep is going to be with their rumored upcoming JK-based pickup truck. With its solid axles in back AND in front (not to mention diff locks, 4:1 transfer case, and a real set of tires) Jeep is going to have a hard time producing enough of them to keep up with demand! Maybe THEN Toyota will realize their mistake of abandoning the solid-axle enthusiast.


Posted by: Geoff | Sep 29, 2010 12:16:52 PM

this is a direct copy paste from the first comment under when i read it. This guy is a total idiot! Sh*t i think Toyota sould release a offroad package that comes with Super Swamper non radial tires while there at it. it would sell real nice, not.

 

Dodge sells their trucks with the same rugged fails.

Quite honestly, I don't mind that toyota does too. Any one looking to seriously off road is going to be after particular tires and quite frankly, BFG AT's that would fit properly would be E load and ride like crap with stock suspension.

 

Tacoma T/X Pro = FAIL

 

You are spot on sir. I don't see any significant change......I have more mods on my Taco than this 2011??? Toyota needs to step up and they have not done this yet. I am not impressed with the TXpro.....eye candy only.

 

I hear all of your guys putting down the TX Pro model. I have heard the same comments and put downs about my 2003 Anniversarry Edition Corvette Convertible. They have all said that the $5k package upgrade was too much and it was not worth it. But, I always say, it looks great and I get a lot of positive comments from other Vette owners when I go to shows and to Carlisle every August. I bought my TX Pro for its looks. I did not buy it to go offroading. It will get me through the snow in the winter and I like how it looks. I was not out of the dealer for more than 15 minutes and I had another truck owner come up to me and want to look at it. He said that it was a great looking truck and he especially likes the wheels. I don't want to start a war of words here about the TX Pro vs the TRD. I bought the truck because I like it and probably the other guys did for the same reason.

 

Well put. It's sort of like buying a house that has a lot of potential or buying a 'turn-key'. The turn-key will cost more, but you get a house that looks great from the get go and don't need to invest time and money. My wife and I bought a townhome because we didn't have the time or desire to customize a home to our needs. Now, we've flipped sides and our next house will hopefully have more room for customization.

The T/X Pro is definitely move-in-ready. I've seen them on the lot and have certainly been drawn in by their appearance.

 

It just looks like a standard TRD Off-Road Tacoma to me. It just has some different wheels with fake bead locks. Real bead locks are not street legal.

 

I wouldnt buy it. I could have but went with the 2010 DC TRD offroad 4x4 instead. I changed out the grill for a 2011, added better tires, better side steps, better wheels. Granted the beadlocks look good but I guarantee they are simulated like the beads on the MT wheels, not worth the extra money for nothing really, "extra" thats worth it. I do however LOVE the TX Pro decal. Hell, I may get one if I can ever find them being sold. Don't worry, I asked Sock and he said they are too big and would be double the price so hes not going to make them.

 

I think the TX Pro "looks" kick ass, and if it actually delivered substance, I'd think it was a great package. But the understanding of what little functional upgrades it actually contains is a letdown. IMO fake bead locks are akin to a non-functional hood scoop...looks cool, but is merely an illusion.

 

You might want to check your math.

nope

Typical for a manufacturer to do this at the end of a model run...at this point the r&d money is going toward the next gen truck...

So, they put together a new "package" to keep some freshness to the tiring gen. They always do this with off the shelf parts and maybe a new sticker or badge. Again, with off the shelf parts, r&d is not necessary to bring out a "new model"...it also helps to clear the stock of parts with a new generation on deck.

One of the most ironic and happenstance examples of this is the 1967 Sting Ray. The new shark bodied Vette was the rage...and everyone knew it was coming in 1968. GM needed to do something to keep interest in the 1967. With no r&d money...and less time...the decision was made to just debadge the car. It turned out sweet...and to this day is one of the most desirable Vettes to ever roll out of St. Louis. Of course the 427/435 tri power motor didn't hurt 1967 sales either.

 

So the whole package (OF) is around $5,000. Thats just crazy.
$5k can get you a lot of upgrades to make the Sr5 more off road capable then Tx/pro
Seriously, the same stock gauge sheet metal for skid plates in Home depot is like $20 or just glue cutting board from Walmart and you got yourself skid plate that is 20x stronger then factory one.
Install lockright on the back (cost of $300) and voila kick ass offroad
Oh and if you want that slick exhaust just cramp tip in vice

 

You know, They could have put a Sport Scoop on it, Off-road Package, and a long bed with the DC, JBL, BF Goodrich ATs, Locking Front & Rear Diff and have a truck with the best of both TRDs. I would have been highly interested and would have paid the difference.

I wanted a DC TRD Off-Road, WITH A LONG BED.

I wanted a DC TRD Off-Road, WITH A HOOD SCOOP

They could have done that and not be out any money except for the locking front diff.

Doesn't Toyota ever read these forums?

WC

 

No, no, no... an OFF ROAD Tacoma is one with things that actually do something to improve the truck's off road ability...

The hood scoop is ONLY for looks and has NO function. The scoop also takes away CRITICAL over the hood visibilty... and if you did any serious off roading, you know even the plain hood could be lower to see the terrain ahead as you crest grades.

Also, Toyota has addressed the front locker need perfectly IMO with the A-TRAC... which is an 'automatic front and rear locker system' that allows easy steering on tight trails, which a locker does not.

The long bed is the only thing you mentioned that I think should have the A-TRAC available on... but perhaps not call it an Off Road, as the length may be the reason Toyiota didn't do that... too long for serious trailing?