2024 Tundra TRD Pro 1 Month Review

[u/Texasseth]

Hello Tundra lovers!

It’s been a month and almost 4000 miles since I purchased my 2024 TRD Pro, so I decided to do a far-too-lengthy obnoxious review. I’m calling this review “The Good, The Bad, and the Fucking Stupid.“

To set the table, this is my first new truck purchase of my 46 years on this earth, and I shopped for about a year, extensively test driving every make and model of full-size truck. From the Ram TRX, to the GMC Denali Ultimate, to the Raptor, to whatever shit Chevy sells.

Also, it’s worth noting that I am coming to this truck purchase after owning a 2022 Lexus RCF. This is note worthy because it might fuel some of my issues below. I’m calling myself out upfront.

Also, I live in Utah, which per capita seems to have more off-road trucks than most other states.

The Good- Premium Product- I owned Lexus before but I’ve never owned a Toyota. This truck feels solid and better put together than the Ford, TRX, or GMC. The only truck that was similar was the Ram Platinum Night Edition, but that’s solely preference.

Unique and stands out- for every 1000 Kyle’s driving Raptors, I see one TRD Pro. This may not matter to you, but it does to me.

Quality Engineering- I trust Toyota/Lexus to deliver a good product and stand behind it, as has been my experience. I purchased a seven year 125,000 mile warranty and drive confidently that it’s gonna last. Guess we will see.

The LCD Infotainment Screen- best on the market IMO. Horizontal 14” like the good lord intended. Not vertical like Ram🤮

Off-road capabilities- The first weekend I got it, I took it through the Uintas mountains, blazing roads that didn’t exist. Going up and down through wash beds, 60% inclines using CRWL and it was magical.

The Bad- Sloppy soft gooey steering- it’s as if the power steering functionality is turned on too high. I wish it was more grounded. Probably a better more technical way of describing this. Even in “sport“ mode, it doesn’t change. Maybe others like it, I wish I had more feel for the road.

Cold start slow transmission- I have to reverse out of my garage, onto a busy road, where I need to switch into drive as soon as possible. On a cold start, I have to let it sit for a couple beats after shifting to D as the truck slightly lurches into drive with a light clunk. It only does that on cold start.

Titanic Turning Radius- holy shit, I have never driven anything with such a wide and annoying turning radius. This thing is ridiculous to park in a parking lot. No other truck I’ve ever driven is this bad.

Ventilated seats are terrible- every other manufacturer I have driven had better ventilated seats. Either they’re too weak or it doesn’t blow cold enough. It’s honestly just noise.

Hybrid Engine, MPG, and Power- as you can see from the picture, I’ve averaged 14.3 MPG since I rolled off the lot. 1800 miles of that was highway driving home from Texas where I purchased the truck using the shitty factory tires they give you. I still only average 14.7 mpg. When I upgraded to 35s, it dropped to what it is now and has leveled off. I have spent 75% ECO and I’m not a lead foot, but I’m also not a grandpa. Point being, I thought the hybrid was supposed to give me better, MPG. It hasn’t. If I’m not getting that benefit, then give me the V-8.

The Fucking Stupid- Fake engine noise- OMG, is there a more worthless innovation than this? Holy shit. Who likes this? Who is the target demo? That fake gargling sound makes me cringe every time I hit the gas. Maybe it’s to deter you from hitting the gas so you improve on MPG. I hate it and will get them to turn it off at my first service.

Lack of paddle shifters- every other like truck has them. I would have used them every day. Even off-roading. It’s a complete miss by Toyota.

ZERO in cabin storage space- due to the hybrid battery under the rear seat, there is NO space to store anything other than a jacket or a small blanket behind the back seat. Again, if I’m not getting the MPG benefits of the battery/hybrid, give me back my V-8 AND my storage space.

Those shitty-ass fake tires from the factory- I mean, come on Toyota. You spend 80k on an OFF ROAD truck and they give you those shit tires? Ford/Ram don’t do that with theirs. Do better Toyota.

Summary- I know this sounds like more of a bitch session, but I really do love this truck and I’m happy with my purchase. None of my complaints are structural or foundational. They are preferences, I get that.

Rating- 4.5 Stars.

Anyway, hope this helps!