Bungee jumping, zip lining, tight rope walking, and skydiving are just some things that you won’t catch me doing. Why? Basically, I have a fear of heights; maybe not necessarily heights but the fear of falling from a very high height. Ironically, being high is why I loved reviewing the vehicle I had this past week. The 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Offroad 4x4 Double Cab Long Bed had me riding high and I liked it.

Something about sitting up high makes me feel like I’m a boss. Cars are like employees I have to manage, other trucks give me respect as a fellow trucker, and the truck is like my rolling office. Every time I got behind the wheel of the Toyota Tacoma I assumed my role as president and CEO of my company.

Arriving to me sitting on 16 inch alloy all season wheels, the Toyota Tacoma TRD had a height of five feet 70.6 inches. Even though I am over five feet tall, I still had to use the steering wheel, side step and driver’s door to pull myself in the cabin. Since the Toyota Tacoma was redesigned in 2016 not much change was done to the design for 2017 year. Overall the design is very reminiscent of Toyota’s other truck, the Tundra, especially when looking at the grille and tail. One of the standout style features of my Toyota Tacoma TRD 4x4 was the color Quicksand (seven other colors are available) that continued on the bumper that is usually chrome (this is an upgrade). All Toyota Tacomas have projector beam headlights but the TRD 4x4 trim level has the addition of running lamps and integrated fog lights. I especially like the add on just for the TRD 4x4 trim of integrated turn signals indicators in the mirrors to give more style points.

Before leaving the exterior the truck bed I must be mention the bed. After all, what is a truck without its bed? My TRD 4x4 trim level was equipped with the long bed that was 60.5 inches long and 19.1 inches deep. All materials in the bed will be well protected from weather elements with the tanneau cover that keeps materials dry for an additional $650. The cover is really a good deal as it is segmented in three parts and even has straps that interlock for security when driving with the cover open. A 115-volt household plug is in the bed for plugging things up and it has a built in all weather bed mat. A simply sweep with a water hose easily cleans the all weathered mat. A word of warning due to materials used to make the mat may leave items in the bed sliding around while driving depending on what they are so be use to use the hooks to tie them down.

Space is so not a problem inside the Toyota Tacoma. The average side adult will be quite comfortable with the ample head and legroom. Front seats are 4 way manual with lumbar support and all five passengers’ eyes will be intrigued by the geometric pattern in the seats and Toyota badging throughout vehicle. Materials used throughout the body are durable so it is ok to be a little rough and tough with it. The leather wrapped tilt and telescope steering wheel is loaded with technology for voice commands, hands free phone usage, controlling audio and the driver’s instrument panel so eyes can stay focused on the road ahead. Simplicity is key in the design with everything from the driver’s instrument panel to the center entune system with controls that are manageable to maneuver without being complicated to control. A 7-inch full color touchscreen is standard on the TRD 4x4 trim that includes plenty of apps like navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, vehicle information and more. Most vital in this area is the backup camera especially since backseat passengers’ headrests obscure the driver’s vision a little. Most unique to the Tacoma is the designed area for cell phones complete with Chi wireless charging pad. No need for a plug or USB! However, USB, auxiliary and two 12-volt power outlets are available. At first glance one would think inside storage is minimal since the only storage seen in for bottles in the doors and the rather large and deep center console, and illuminated glove box. Investigating a little further and one will discover storage behind the backseat and in the floor under the feet of the backseat passengers. Plus, backseats can fold down for a flat surface. Pretty cleaver Toyota! Purchasing the additional premium and technology package will upgrade your ride with JBL audio, dual zone climate controls, heated front seats, parking sonar, blind spot monitor, color key bumper, auto headlamps, rear cross traffic alert, and moonroof. It even comes standard with a Go Pro mount.

I know you are wondering when I am going to get to the drive of the Toyota Tacoma. Ask and you shall receive. I absolutely loved driving this truck. My city is known for its potholes and the Tacoma showed them whose boss by gliding right over them. Under the hood was a 3.5-liter V6 engine with six-speed automatic transmission that produced 278 horsepower and 265 lbs feet of torque. Surprisingly, the fuel economy is pretty decent with the 21.1-gallon gas tank that goes the distance of 422 miles. EPA estimates are 18-mpg city and 23-mpg highway, which is relativity standard for all Tacomas. Driving the Tacoma is a dream. It has a push button start that comes standard. Towing capacity is up to 6,800 lbs. Despite being a truck it has a fast pick up going 0-60 mpg in under 8 seconds!

Off road capability is the star of this truck. In the city, I really didn’t notice this. But when I got in the country I noticed how riding on the rough terrain was similar to that of riding on the slick city streets. What? I know but I am referring to the fact that I wasn’t bouncing all over the cabin. I always felt in control and that is good feeling when driving.

Before viewing the Toyota Tacoma TRD 4x4 trucks were attractive for the sheer height that I could have while driving. Then the Toyota Tacoma TRD 4x4 open my eyes to fall for many more reasons. With the specialty premium and technology package and a few other upgrades my 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Offroad 4x4 Double Cab was priced at $42,729.00. But if that is too steep the starting base price for the entry level Toyota Tacoma is $24,320. Find the Toyota Tacoma that fits your price point and style when visiting your local Toyota dealer and shop online at www.Toyota.com.