Those waiting patiently for news of a TRD Pro version of the all-new Tacoma will have to wait no longer, as Toyota pulled the cover off of its 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro today at the Chicago Auto Show.

Back in 2015, Toyota decided to take its TRD offerings a step further by offering new TRD Pro models, which were unveiled on the Tundra, 4Runner and Tacoma of that year. The Tacoma was as close to a no-brainer as you could get considering Toyota told us at that time that nearly 40 percent of its trucks were sold with a Sport or Off-Road TRD package. The only problem for the Tacoma is 2015 was the last year of the prior generation, so the Tacoma TRD Pro was short lived. Although TRD Pro Tundra and 4Runner models were announced for 2016, there was no sign of a new TRD Pro Tacoma – until now.

The Tacoma TRD Pro is based on the TRD Off-Road 4×4 but features added upgrades for performance and plenty of customization to set the vehicle apart. Toyota tells us it will be available in three colors that include Cement, Barcelona Red Metallic, and Super White.

The Tacoma TRD Pro will be powered by the 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine first offered in the 2016 model. Where this truck really separates from the rest of the lineup is its suspension upgrades, as the TRD Pro features new TRD-tuned springs that feature a 1-inch lift, TRD-tuned rear suspension with progressive-rate off-road leaf springs, and most impressively brand-new Fox 2.5 internal bypass shocks tuned by TRD to help soak up the bumps.

The Tacoma TRD Pro is equipped with 4WDemand part-time 4WD with an auto limited-slip differential, but it will also feature an electronically controlled locking rear diff as well. The truck will features the new Crawl Control system found on the ’16 Tacoma to adjust to five low-speed setting when off-roading. The truck will also feature the new Multi-terrain Select system that offers five modes of adjustment to cater to any given terrain.

For the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro, Toyota will feature an all-new 16-inch TRD black alloy wheel that will be fitted with Goodyear Wrangler Kevlar all-terrain tires. Both the projector-beam headlights and rear taillights will feature unique black bezels, and the truck will be equipped with Rigid Industries LED fog lights and LED daytime running lights. A TRD Pro badge will accent the front doors, while black TRD Pro and 4×4 badging will be featured on the tailgate. Up front, the TRD Pro will greet the world with what Toyota labels a heritage-inspired TOYOTA front grille that cues off the FJ Cruiser. Toyota will also feature color-matching accents in the grille, door handles and bumper. Toyota will also include a blacked-out scoop on the hood – something typically only found on the TRD Sport packages.

Inside the truck, Toyota offers even more unique customization to set the TRD Pro apart from the rest of its lineup. Up front black leather-trimmed heated front seats are equipped that feature a TRD Pro logo in the headrest. Aside from being heated, the front seats also offer four-way adjustability for both driver and passenger. A TRD shift knob and TRD Pro floor mats are also found in the truck.

The truck won’t want for technological upgrades either, as the Tacoma TRD Pro will feature Entune Premium Audio with integrated navigation and App Suite, and the leather-trimmed steering wheel features stereo and phone controls to operate the Bluetooth hands-free phone controls. Plenty of safety features can also be found on the truck, including rear parking assist sonar, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA). Of course all of the truck’s pertinent information can be found on the 4.2-inch Multi-Information Display (MID) that features an integrated inclinometer and tilt gauge, among other features.

Toyota will offer the TRD Pro with both an automatic or manual option, and it’s important to note that the manual version will be fitted with Toyota’s A-TRAC, or Active Traction Control. The system uses the four-channel ABS system to control power to the front and rear wheels (without cutting throttle input) for improved traction.

Toyota has not released pricing for the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro, but the pricing for the 2015 models should provide some indication of the range. Back in 2015, the manual TRD Pro 4×4 Double Cab V6 had an MSRP of $36,435, while the automatic TRD Pro 4×4 Double Cab V6 was priced at $37,415. We can’t wait to get behind the wheel of this new off-roader from Toyota to see how it performs. Stay tuned!