Truckin': The 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Offroad 4X4 Double Cab

The 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Offroad 4X4 Double Cab.

Gotta hand it to Toyota.  In the decade or so where the Americans got out of the midsize truck business entirely and Nissan allowed the Frontier to roll on unchanged, Toyota kept improving and refining the Tacoma.  Now, with Ford and Chevy rushing back into the segment, and Ford promising a Raptor version of the Ranger, Toyota's reminding the world that the gold standard for off-roading midsize pickups is none other than the Toyota Tacoma TRD Offroad 4X4 Double Cab.

2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Offroad 4X4 Double Cab.

The 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Offroad 4X4 Double Cab's base price is $36,115...which buys an exceptionally well-equipped truck.  The 3.5-liter V6 makes 275 horsepower.  There's a six-speed automatic transmission (the EPA estimates 18 mpg city/22 highway), a part-time four-wheel drive system with two speed electronically controlled transfer case, off-road tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks, a locking rear differential, multi-terrain select crawl control, hill start assist control, 16-inch machined contrast alloy wheels and off-road tires, a towing receiver hitch, 4/7-pin connector, trailer sway control, sway warning system,  engine oil cooler, power steering cooler, and a 130-amp alternator.

Once past the dedicated off-road and trailer-towing gear, the standard amenities are right in line with every other upscale midsize pickup:   Toyota safety sense, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, rear backup camera, projector beam headlamps, a five-foot composite bed with a 120-volt power outlet, a deck rail system with four adjustable tie-down cleats and an easy lowering lockable and removable tailgate.

2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Offroad 4X4 Double Cab interior.

Inside, you'll find a smart key system on the driver's side door, a pushbutton ignition and remote keyless entry system, fabric-trimmed seats with lumbar support, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, a power horizontal rear window with privacy glass, power windows with auto up and down for the front, power door locks, an Entune premium audio system with navigation, including a seven-inch touchscreen and Qi-compatible wireless phone charging.  Again, all standard.

That's a nicely-equipped truck right there, but the Toyota press fleet people added some extra-cost options, as well:

• The TRD Premium Off-Road Package (Dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-trimmed heated front seats, a further upgraded audio and nav system, automatic headlights and moonroof). $2,625.
• The Technology Package (Rear parking assist sonar, blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert). $770.
• Carpeted floor mats with door sill protector.  $208.
• TRD front skid plate. $499.
• D-rings. $55.00

With $995 delivery processing and handling fee, the bottom line wound up at $41,287.  If you haven't shopped for a midsize truck in a while (owners tend to keep them 10 years or more), that might be a shocking number...but it's right in line with the market today.  Toyota's reputation for toughness, quality and reliability should give the Tacoma TRD Offroad 4X4 Double Cab more than enough of an edge to more than hold its own as the competition comes back to the midsize truck world.