TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development, the performance division responsible for engineering Toyota’s most capable trucks and SUVs. From suspension tuning and exhaust systems to skid plates and off-road technology, TRD transforms standard Toyota models into trail-ready and performance-enhanced vehicles — all while maintaining the reliability Toyota is known for.
TRD traces its origins to 1957, when Toyota entered the Round Australia Rally under a small motorsport division called Toyota Sports Corner (Tosco). That division was formally rebranded as Toyota Racing Development in 1976, and TRD USA opened its doors in 1979. Today, TRD USA is headquartered in Costa Mesa, California — right here in Orange County, just minutes from our Tustin showroom — where engineers develop the performance parts and off-road technology that define every TRD-badged vehicle on the road.
When you see the TRD badge on a Toyota, it signals factory-engineered performance upgrades tailored to a specific driving style. Toyota offers three distinct TRD levels, each designed for a different purpose.
Built for drivers who want sharper on-road handling and a sportier appearance. Features include sport-tuned suspension for reduced body roll, larger alloy wheels, and athletic exterior styling with color-keyed accents and honeycomb grille designs. Available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, with an available six-speed manual transmission on the Tacoma TRD Sport.
Engineered for trail driving and rugged terrain. These models add Bilstein monotube shock absorbers, an electronically controlled locking rear differential, Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select system, and Crawl Control — a low-speed off-road cruise control that lets the driver focus on steering through obstacles. Skid plates and all-terrain tires round out the package.
The pinnacle of Toyota’s factory off-road capability. Every TRD Pro comes standard with the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain for maximum power, TRD-tuned FOX Internal Bypass shocks, a heritage-inspired “TOYOTA” grille with integrated LED light bar, aluminum front skid plates, and aggressive all-terrain tires. The exclusive 2026 color is Wave Maker.
Toyota currently offers TRD trims across its body-on-frame truck and SUV lineup. Here are the 2026 models with TRD options available at Tustin Toyota.
| Model | TRD Trims Available | Engine Options |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tacoma | TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro | 2.4L i-FORCE Turbo (278 hp) or i-FORCE MAX Hybrid (326 hp) |
| Toyota 4Runner | TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro | 2.4L i-FORCE Turbo (278 hp) or i-FORCE MAX Hybrid (326 hp) |
| Toyota Tundra | TRD Pro (trim) + TRD Off-Road Package on select trims | 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 (389 hp) or i-FORCE MAX Hybrid (437 hp) |
| Toyota Sequoia | TRD Pro | 3.4L i-FORCE MAX Hybrid (437 hp) |
If you have been shopping Toyota’s performance lineup, you may have noticed two different badges: TRD and GR (Gazoo Racing). Toyota has formally separated these brands by vehicle type.
TRD is exclusively for body-on-frame trucks and SUVs — the Tacoma, Tundra, 4Runner, and Sequoia. TRD trims focus on off-road capability, rugged durability, and trail-ready engineering.
GR (Gazoo Racing) is Toyota’s global on-road performance brand for cars and crossovers, including the GR Supra, GR Corolla, and GR86. GR models prioritize track-inspired handling, lightweight engineering, and driving excitement on pavement.
This distinction is why Toyota no longer offers a Camry TRD or RAV4 TRD Off-Road. Those models have transitioned to the GR brand — the new RAV4 GR Sport, for example, replaces the former TRD Off-Road with a performance-tuned plug-in hybrid powertrain. If it has a body-on-frame and goes off-road, it wears the TRD badge. If it is a unibody car or crossover built for the street, it wears GR.
TRD vehicles combine factory-backed performance upgrades with Toyota’s standard warranty coverage. Every TRD component — from FOX shocks to locking differentials — is tested and engineered to integrate with Toyota’s proven reliability standards. You get enhanced capability without sacrificing the durability Toyota owners expect.
For drivers in Tustin, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Irvine, and across Orange County, TRD models offer the versatility to handle Southern California’s mix of highway commuting and weekend adventures. And with TRD USA headquartered just down the road in Costa Mesa, you are driving vehicles developed in your own backyard.
Ready to experience the TRD difference? Browse our new Toyota inventory to find TRD-equipped Tacomas, 4Runners, Tundras, and Sequoias in stock. If you are researching specific models, explore our Tacoma comparison guide or our Tundra comparison guide to see how trims and model years stack up.
You can also browse our used vehicle inventory for pre-owned TRD models at various price points. When you are ready, visit us at 36 Auto Center Dr, Tustin, CA 92782, or call our sales team at 714-909-2159 to schedule a test drive.
Toyota announced the 2027 Sequoia on July 23, 2026. The announcement covered styling, cabin technology, safety and off-road capability — but Toyota has not yet released full specifications or pricing, and says those will come closer to the start of production in fall 2026. This page covers only what Toyota has officially confirmed, plus current…
Choosing between a new Toyota and a Toyota Certified Pre-Owned vehicle comes down to one question: which matters more to you, upfront savings or a fresh start? A new Toyota has no previous owners and full factory coverage from day one. A certified Toyota costs less because someone else took the biggest depreciation hit, and…
Toyota revealed the updated 2027 Tundra in July 2026. The big changes are a sharper front end, a new Trailhunter package, a standard 14-inch touchscreen and Toyota Safety Sense 4.0. Full specs and pricing aren’t out yet. Toyota says those details are scheduled to be announced in fall 2026. This guide shows what Toyota has…