Full Review: 2025 Toyota Tacoma Off-Road & Towing Guide
Full Review: 2025 Toyota Tacoma Off-Road & Towing Guide
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma continues its legacy as one of the most capable and reliable midsize pickup trucks on the market. Known for its rugged durability and off-road prowess, the latest model year brings significant enhancements in towing capacity, technology, and trail performance. Whether you're a weekend adventurer seeking backcountry thrills or a contractor needing dependable hauling power, the 2025 Tacoma aims to deliver in every category. In this comprehensive review, we dive deep into the Tacoma's off-road capabilities and towing performance, highlighting key features, trim configurations, and real-world performance data.
2025 Toyota Tacoma Overview: Evolution of a Legend
Since its debut in 1995, the Toyota Tacoma has built a reputation for reliability, longevity, and off-road readiness. The 2025 model represents a major leap forward, combining modern design, upgraded powertrains, and advanced technology to cater to both urban commuters and outdoor enthusiasts. With the increasing popularity of midsize trucks over their full-size counterparts, Toyota has responded by making the Tacoma more powerful, more efficient, and more connected than ever before.
The 2025 Tacoma is available in several trims: SR, SR5, TRD Pro, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and Trailhunter. Each trim is engineered with a distinct purpose—whether it's daily driving comfort or extreme off-road performance. The changes introduced this year make the Tacoma more competitive in a crowded segment that includes rivals like the Ford Ranger, Jeep Gladiator, and Chevrolet Colorado.
Off-Road Capabilities: Built for the Wild
If there's one area where the 2025 Toyota Tacoma truly shines, it's off-road performance. Toyota’s TRD (Toyota Racing Development) engineers have fine-tuned the suspension, drivetrain, and terrain management systems to ensure maximum grip, control, and durability on challenging terrain.
TRD Off-Road and Trailhunter: Trail-Ready Engineering
The TRD Off-Road and Trailhunter trims are purpose-built for serious off-roaders. The TRD Off-Road features:
- Multi-terrain Select (MTS) system for optimizing traction across different surfaces
- Crawl Control (CRAWL) for low-speed maneuvering over rocks and steep inclines
- Electronic locking rear differential
- Off-road-tuned Bilstein shocks
- Skid plates for underbody protection
- Standard 4x4 with two-speed transfer case
The Trailhunter trim, new for 2025, takes off-road performance to the next level. Exclusive to this trim are:
- Lifted suspension with long-travel FOX internal-bypass shocks
- Front and rear electronic locking differentials
- Integrated roof rack with recovery points
- Integrated air compressor for tire inflation
- LED fog lights with off-road beam pattern
- 33-inch all-terrain tires on 17-inch bead-lock capable wheels
These features make the Trailhunter one of the most capable factory-built off-road trucks available today—ideal for rock crawling, desert running, and overlanding expeditions.
Ground Clearance and Approach/Departure Angles
The 2025 Tacoma boasts improved ground clearance across off-road trims. The TRD Off-Road offers 9.5 inches of clearance, while the Trailhunter reaches up to 11.2 inches thanks to its lifted suspension. Approach angles range from 33 degrees on the TRD Off-Road to 36 degrees on the Trailhunter, with departure angles of 25 and 29 degrees, respectively. These numbers rival those of many dedicated off-road SUVs and ensure the Tacoma can tackle steep inclines and rocky descents with confidence.
Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control
The Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system allows drivers to choose from five terrain modes—Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Loose Rock, Normal, and Snow. Each mode adjusts throttle response, traction control, and transmission behavior to suit the surface. For example, on loose rock, the system allows slightly more wheel slip to maintain forward momentum without triggering aggressive traction control.
Crawl Control (CRAWL) acts like off-road cruise control, automatically modulating throttle and braking at low speeds (1–6 mph). This feature is invaluable when navigating technical trails, allowing the driver to focus solely on steering. CRAWL works in conjunction with MTS to deliver seamless control over obstacles.
Off-Road Performance in Real-World Conditions
We tested the 2025 Tacoma Trailhunter on a challenging desert loop near Moab, Utah. The FOX shocks absorbed sharp impacts with ease, while the electronic locking diffs ensured both rear wheels maintained traction on uneven terrain. The integrated air compressor proved crucial when deflating tires for better sand performance, and the recovery points on the roof rack provided peace of mind during self-extrication scenarios.
On a muddy trail in the Pacific Northwest, the TRD Off-Road's Bilstein shocks and 31-inch tires offered excellent grip. The hill descent control functioned flawlessly, maintaining steady speed on slippery downhills without brake fade. Both trims demonstrated impressive articulation and suspension travel, minimizing body roll and keeping wheels planted.
Towing Capacity: Stronger Than Ever
One of the most talked-about upgrades in the 2025 Toyota Tacoma is its towing capacity. Toyota has re-engineered the frame, powertrain, and cooling systems to support heavier loads, making the Tacoma a viable option for towing trailers, boats, and campers.
Towing Specs by Trim and Engine
Towing capacity now varies based on engine choice and drivetrain configuration. The 2025 Tacoma offers two engine options:
- 2.4L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder (i-FORCE): 278 horsepower, 317 lb-ft of torque
- 2.4L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Hybrid (i-FORCE MAX): 326 horsepower, 465 lb-ft of torque
Maximum towing capacity is as follows:
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| SR, SR5 | i-FORCE | RWD or 4WD | 6,500 lbs |
| TRD Off-Road, Limited | i-FORCE | 4WD | 6,800 lbs |
| TRD Pro, Trailhunter | i-FORCE MAX | 4WD | 6,500 lbs (off-road-focused tuning) |
| SR5, TRD Off-Road (with i-FORCE MAX) | i-FORCE MAX | 4WD | 7,400 lbs |
Note: The i-FORCE MAX hybrid system delivers higher torque, which is beneficial for towing, but some off-road trims limit capacity due to suspension tuning and ground clearance considerations.
Towing Features and Technology
The 2025 Tacoma includes several features designed to make towing easier and safer:
- Integrated Trailer Sway Control (TSC): Automatically detects trailer sway and applies individual brakes to stabilize the rig.
- Tow/Haul Mode: Adjusts transmission shift points for better control when climbing or descending hills with a trailer.
- Digital Rearview Mirror: Offers an unobstructed view when the truck bed is full or a trailer is attached.
- Available Trailer Backup Guide: Uses camera views to assist with hitch alignment and reversing.
- Upgraded Cooling System: Larger radiator and auxiliary coolers for transmission and engine oil ensure reliability under load.
Towing Real-World Performance
We hooked the 2025 Tacoma SR5 with the i-FORCE MAX engine to a 7,000-pound travel trailer and drove through mountainous terrain in Colorado. The turbocharged hybrid powertrain provided strong low-end torque, making acceleration smooth even on steep grades. Tow/Haul mode kept the transmission from hunting between gears, and the cooling system maintained optimal temperatures throughout the 300-mile journey.
In city driving, the Tacoma felt surprisingly manageable for a midsize truck hauling a large trailer. The electric power steering was responsive, and the brake-by-wire system offered consistent stopping power. Regenerative braking in the hybrid model slightly affected trailer braking compatibility, but the integrated trailer brake controller compensated effectively.
Fuel Efficiency with a Load
Fuel economy is a critical factor when towing. The 2025 Tacoma’s efficiency varies significantly depending on load and engine:
- i-FORCE 2.4L Turbo: 20 mpg combined (18 city, 23 highway) – drops to 15–16 mpg when towing 6,000+ lbs
- i-FORCE MAX Hybrid: 22 mpg combined (20 city, 25 highway) – drops to 16–17 mpg under heavy load
While not class-leading, these numbers are respectable given the increased power and towing demands. Toyota’s new direct injection and variable valve timing help maintain efficiency even under strain.
Interior and Technology: Comfort Meets Capability
The 2025 Tacoma’s cabin has undergone a complete redesign, offering modern styling, improved materials, and enhanced technology. The layout is driver-focused, with a central infotainment screen and physical controls for key functions like 4x4 mode and traction settings.
Infotainment and Connectivity
All trims come standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, while TRD Off-Road and above feature a 14-inch display. The system runs Toyota’s latest audio multimedia platform with:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Amazon Alexa integration
- Over-the-air (OTA) software updates
- Available 10-speaker JBL premium audio
- Multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging
The interface is intuitive, with quick access to off-road telemetry, including pitch/roll angles, differential lock status, and tire pressure. Trailhunter models also include a trail camera system for monitoring obstacles behind the truck.
Cabin Space and Utility
The Tacoma retains a double cab configuration with either a 5-foot or 6-foot bed. Rear-seat legroom is adequate for adults, though taller passengers may find the space tight on long trips. The interior features numerous storage compartments, including:
- Center console large enough for a laptop
- Under-seat storage bins
- Available bed trunk behind the rear seats (Trailhunter only)
- Lockable glovebox and rear armrest storage
Bed features include:
- Standard bed-mounted 120V power outlet (100W)
- Available LED bed lighting
- Tie-down cleats and optional bed divider
- Available power-retractable tonneau cover
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety is a top priority, and the 2025 Tacoma comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), which includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Road Sign Assist
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Available 360-degree camera system
While TSS 3.0 performs well on highways and in city driving, some drivers note that the steering assist can feel intrusive during off-road maneuvers. However, the system is easily disengaged with a button press, allowing full manual control