The Toyota Tundra is once again the Truck of Texas, receiving the title for a second consecutive year following the Texas Truck Rodeo. The annual fall event is hosted by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA). As a member (and former board member) of the non-profit organization, I joined a group of fellow automotive journalists this year in evaluating both trucks and SUVs on the off-road course at Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas.
Toyota launched the all-new Tundra in 2022, a successful redesign in the competitive full-size pickup segment. The Tundra TRD Pro competing in the Texas Truck Rodeo wore a new-for-2024 TRD Pro-exclusive Terra hue and featured Toyota's impressive i-FORCE MAX twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine that produces 437 horsepower and 583 lb.-ft. of torque. It's mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The Tundra TRD Pro is extremely off-road capable, as you can check out in the two videos below. In the first video I'm using Toyota's Crawl Control off-roading feature designed to handle difficult terrain at low speeds. Toyota refers to it as "off-road cruise control", a description that fits well. The advanced system automatically modulates the throttle and brakes on 5 low-speed settings. All I had to do was steer. The system is also much quieter than the last-generation system. The second video shows the Tundra easily tackling moguls on the off-road course.
Other notable features includes Multi-Terrain Select and Multi Terrain Monitor - excellent features to have access to on the trail. The display graphics in the available 12.3-inch TFT digital display are also tremendous. They change with drive modes, and provide off-road and towing data.
The Tundra TRD Pro is also equipped with an electronically locking rear differential to provide added traction in 4WD Low applications. Other hardware includes 2.5-inch diameter FOX internal bypass shocks. Front FOX shocks provide the truck with a 1.1-inch front lift.
New for 2024, the TRD Pro amps up it's off-road prowess even more with a new front stabilizer bar, aluminum front skid plate, additional underbody protection, and unique all-terrain Falken tires.
The Tundra isn't just capable, it's also comfortable, and outfitted with technology that includes an available 14-inch touchscreen that runs Toyota's new Audio Multimedia system as well as an available wireless phone charger.