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The 2022 Toyota Tundra ushers in a new generation for this half-ton pickup. Is the TRD Pro trim good enough to be the off-road pickup you want to drive? This trim competes with the GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 and AT4X models, the Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2, and the Ford F-150 Tremor and Raptor trucks. Is the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro the right truck for you? Let’s find out what Popular Mechanics thinks.

The Toyota Tundra TRD Pro has some incredible features to make you better at off-roading

Sunset Behind a Tundra Off-Road Truck
Sunset Behind a Tundra Off-Road Truck | Toyota

The Popular Mechanics team referred to the Tundra TRD Pro cabin as a spaceship compared to a Ford Bronco with a manual transmission. This Toyota full-size truck brings advanced technology to the trails, making it much easier for you to handle the challenges of uneven and unpaved terrain.

What does the 360-degree camera system offer on the trails?

Typically, we think of this camera system as a feature meant for parking, but it’s useful when driving slowly on the trails as well. The 360-degree camera system of the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro provides a preview of what’s ahead and around the truck.

Crawl Control is an impactful feature of the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro

Black Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Driving on a Snow-Covered Trail
Black Toyota Tundra TRD Pro | Toyota

Do you remember the days of cruise control being simply an on/off function of your vehicle? Today’s trucks and off-road SUVs are often equipped with Crawl Control, a low-speed off-road cruise control. This system works with the Electronic Stability Control feature of the Tundra full-size truck to give you more control when climbing up or down a hill. This can be extremely useful when faced with steep downhill grades.

Will you put the Multi-Terrain Select system to good use in this Toyota off-road truck?

If you don’t use the Multi-Terrain Select system, you’re not getting the most out of your TRD Pro trim level. This system has several settings to regulate the wheelspin, brake pressure, and throttle response to master the terrain. This system has different settings for:

  • Mud
  • Sand
  • Rock
  • Automatic

With these settings, you can tackle most off-road challenges you’ll find while driving the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro.

Does the new rear suspension layout improve the off-road performance of this Tundra?

Orange Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Off-Road Full-Size Truck Climbing a Hill in the Woods
Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Off-Road Full-Size Truck | Toyota

Yes, even though leaf springs have a tried and proven track record, they are harsh during off-road travel and limit the capability of any truck. The latest Toyota Tundra TRD Pro uses coil springs instead of leaf springs. This change allows for better off-road travel and more wheel articulation, which makes for a better-performing off-road truck.

Are the standard tires of the TRD Pro right for a full-size off-road pickup truck?

Even though the Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires that are standard for this Tundra aren’t as hardcore as some others, Popular Mechanics reports these tires performed well during their off-road test. These standard tires are limited because they’re made to mitigate road noise and offer better fuel economy. You can buy off-road tires with deeper treads and head to some of the toughest trails with the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro.

Does the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro offer the right off-road statistics?

White Toyota Tundra TRD Pro on a Dirt-Covered Trail
White Toyota Tundra TRD Pro | Toyota

The most important statistics for any off-road truck are the ground clearance and off-road angles. This full-size off-road truck gives you:

  • 10.4 inches of ground clearance
  • Approach angle of 26.2 degrees
  • Departure angle of 24.2 degrees

If you compare this to the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4, you find:

  • 11.1 inches of ground clearance
  • Approach angle of 32.5 degrees
  • Departure angle of 23.4 degrees

This puts the TRD Pro a little behind the Sierra AT4 when out on the trails.

Can this Toyota be the right full-size off-road truck for you?

Orange Toyota Tundra TRD Pro on a Trail
Orange Toyota Tundra TRD Pro on a Trail | Toyota

Yes, the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro has a full package of impressive off-road features and plenty of power. This truck uses a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine with a mild-hybrid layout to deliver 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque.

The Tundra brings an off-road focus to your drive, but other hardcore models are available. If you want something with more hardcore off-road qualities, the GMC Sierra AT4X, Ford F-150 Raptor, and Chevy Silverado ZR2 are available.

Next, check out some of the best small trucks for camping, or watch this Toyota Tundra TRD Pro off-road video below:

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