Exploring the power, fuel economy, and features of the all-new Tacoma TRD Pro Hybrid.
The 2025 Tacoma is available in twelve distinctive models and trim packages, built with a choice of gasoline or high-torque Hybrid i-FORCE MAX powertrains. The Tacoma TRD Pro hybrid stands out from the pack.
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro hybrid just may be the best looking mid-sized pick up truck I have seen in a long time. However, despite it’s rugged good looks and exceptional off-road prowess, there is still room for improvement.
2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro hybrid: The Walk Around
RUGGED! The first word that popped into my head as I approached the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro hybrid. Adding to the main colours (black, white and charcoal), Mudbath is the 2025 edition to the TRD Pro distinct color pallette. Mudbath is not only the perfect name but also the perfect colour as dust is well hidden returning to city streets after adventuring on to a road less travelled.
The new design is a modern blend of classic style and bold off-road features. Continuing to build on the TRD Off Road Premium grade, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro hybrid adds a Toyota heritage grille with LED light bar and rigid fog lamps, aluminum front skid plate, rocker protector and red front recovery hooks for a head on agressive presence.
The side profile showcases chiselled edges on the body work accented by 18-inch TRD Pro alloy wheels with black lug nuts boasting 33-inch Goodyear Territory RT tires with red Fox shock absorbers contrasted behind. On the driver’s side is a dual TRD Pro exhaust that adds the gritty sound to the overall look. A certain amount of sound is pumped through the speakers in the cabin carrying the aggressive ambience of the outside in.
From the rear, a power tailgate operable from both sides, an ARB steel rear bumper with two red recovery hooks, plus a five foot composite truck bed enhanced with high output auxiliary power outlets. Both the cabin and the truck bed come “equipped with a 2400-watt onboard AC inverter that supplies 120 V AC power.” This is a great option for power tools, lighting equipment, refrigerated coolers or any other item you may need for a job or for the outdoors. On the opposite side of the rear truck bed is a 12V charger.
All around the exterior are cameras are strategically placed and combined provide a 360° view visible on the dash mounted multi media screen, while backing up or on demand.
2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro hybrid: Interior Styling
The rugged exterior styling of the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Hybrid continues seamlessly into the cabin.
The TRD prowess is predominant throughout the five-seat cabin with strategic emblem placement. Right up front a TRD-emblazoned, leather-wrapped steering wheel, metal foot pedals, tactile operational dials, and a robust full-grip shifter—all combining to create a bold, masculine atmosphere.
The front seats in the 2025 Tacoma TRD Pro Hybrid are a standout blend of rugged engineering and purposeful comfort. Slide into the sporty dual texture seats with bold SofTex upholstery contrasted with digital-camo with red contrast stitching.
These seats are like no other. The 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro hybrid boast heated and cooled, IsoDynamic front seats. Translation: the seats have shock absorbers behind them keeping your torso perfectly positioned while minutely adjusting both laterally and vertically when driving uneven terrain.
The shocks offer 1.5″ of travel, which translates to reduction of fatigue while increasing focus and control on those roads less travelled. On the pavement, both occupants and vehicle are ready to dominate the street.
There is a downside. The added depth of the seat significantly decreases rear-seat leg room. In fact, the perfect demographic for this vehicle would be an adventurous couple with a dog or two but definitely not children.
Front and centre in the cabin is a crystal clear 14″ multimedia touchscreen slightly angled toward the driver. Wireless pairing with a smart phone offers Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Visible through the steering wheel you will find a 12.3″ fully digital instrument display delivering configurable gauges of information to suit the driver. Natural light is in abundance with the addition of a power slide and tilt moon roof.
Let’s talk sound system! The 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro hybrid boasts an eight speaker JBL audio system. In the dash is a removable portable JBL speaker so you can take your music with you when you exit the truck.
I absolutely love a head up display and the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro hybrid projects onto the windshield in the perfect line of site. Tilt and telescopic steering further enhance the commanding position in the driver seat. Add in the combination of textures, mixing soft touches, purposeful dials, carbon-fibre finishes and the use of heavy metal accents make this cabin a stand-out and offer a sensory driving experience.
However, there is a downside. The rear view mirror in the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro hybrid, in my experience, is pointless. There is little visibility offered and what is offered is blocked by the middle headrest of the back seat (interestingly enough, this is the first time I have seen a rear middle seat headrest). In addition, when checking my blindspot, I only saw the B pillar leaving me to rely on the side mirrors or the camera system. Good thing the side mirrors have blindspot monitoring.
2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro hybrid: Power and Performance
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro hybrid is powered by the innovative Hybrid i-FORCE MAX system, seamlessly blending electric and gasoline power for unrivaled efficiency and performance. This cutting-edge technology ensures a dynamic driving experience both on and off road, raising the bar for hybrid trucks in the automotive industry.
The i-FORCE MAX is a 2.4 L turbo L4 hybrid powertrain with full time and part time four wheel drive. For the six cylinder engine lovers, you will be impressed as this four cylinder delivers just as much power and a better drive. This beast produces 326 HP and 465 lb-ft torque. It is an eight-speed automatic transmission with the capability of manual shifting.
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro hybrid offers several drive modes with each one adjusting power and steering for different driving conditions. The drive modes are selected by a simple rotation of the dial on the center console. Selected modes are displayed on the gauge cluster:
- Normal mode is the default offering balanced performance for the daily drive.
- Eco mode is designed to maximize fuel efficiency by reducing throttle response and optimizing other systems to conserve energy.
- Sport mode locks down the transmission, engine and steering to provides a responsive driving experience. Sport mode would be my default mode each and every time.
- Tow/Haul mode for hauling heavy loads.
The TRD Pro hybrid trim includes locking rear differential, a front stabilizer disconnect mechanism as well as FOX® Shock Absorbers with Quick Switch 3 (3 manually selectable damping settings).
Surprisingly, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro hybrid runs just fine on regular fuel. Most high-end vehicles in today’s market command higher octane fuel for optimal performance. With a 69 litre fuel tank, the Tacoma TRD Pro hybrid offers 10.5 litres per 100 km city driving, 9.9 litres per 100 km highway for a combined average of 10.3 litres per 100 km.
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro hybrid weighs in at 3,054.95 kg (6,735 lbs) and can just about two its own weight with a towing capacity of 2,722 kg (6,000 lbs).
2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro hybrid: Safety Features
There are an abundance of safety features in the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro hybrid. Starting with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the latest iteration of Toyota vehicle safety. It is an advanced driver-assistance and safety suite that enhances a vehicle’s ability to detect and avoid hazards by using an improved forward-facing camera and radar system.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 features included in the Tacoma TRD Pro hybrid:
- Automatic High Beam (AHB)
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
- Lane Departure Alert (LDA)
- Road Sign Assist (RSA)
- Pre-Collision System (PCS)
- Proactive Driving Assist (PDA)
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System with auto location
The air bag system in the Tacoma TRD Pro offers roll-sensing front head/side curtain, front seat curtain plus driver and front passenger knee airbags.
2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro hybrid: Conclusion
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Hybrid impresses with its rugged performance and advanced hybrid technology, catering to off-road enthusiasts and eco-conscious drivers alike. While it excels in many areas, there remains room for improvement in terms of interior refinement and overall value. Positioned in a niche market, this truck commands a premium price that may deter some buyers. Ultimately, the Tacoma TRD Pro Hybrid stands out as a formidable contender in the truck segment, yet prospective owners should weigh its strengths against potential shortcomings before making a decision.
