Factory off-road prepared vehicles, or at least vehicles that look like they are ready for unpaved adventuring, are hotter than ever, and nobody knows this better than Toyota, whose TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro-badged trucks and SUVs have become incredible sales successes.
So it's not surprising that this week in Chicago Toyota debuted two new TRD-badged SUVs, one large and one small. The first is the 2020 Sequoia TRD Pro, which joins the Tacoma, 4Runner and Tundra in the TRD Pro lineup.
Like the rest of the TRD Pro models, the 4WD Sequoia includes unique styling touches inside and out, off-road tuned suspension with Fox shocks and a wheel and tire setup that uses 18-inch forged BBS wheels.
Other additions include a new front skid plate, as well as an available TRD catback exhaust system. Under the hood, Toyota's tried and true 381hp 5.7L V8 continues to provide the motive force.
On the other end of Toyota's SUV lineup, Chicago also saw the debut of the 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-Road model. Using the bones of the RAV4 Adventure model with its torque-vectoring AWD system, the TRD Off-Road version is inspired by TRD's efforts campaigning the RAV4 in rally racing.
Among the changes to the TRD Off-Road model are revalved shocks, lightweight 18-inch wheels, unique TRD branding and some exclusive new color options.
While a crossover SUV like the RAV4 might not be the ideal vehicle for extreme terrain, there's certainly a market for small SUVs with better than average off-road capability, and Toyota is smart for tapping into this.
Whether they are large or small, the off-road and SUV movement is showing no signs of stopping, and both of these new TRD models will certainly add some options at two very different ends of the market. Look for them both to go on sale later this year.