New Mud Bath pro thoughts, love it, but…nits

I was going to get a new 6th gen next year, but with the threat of tariffs, I started looking a couple of weeks ago, and surprise surprise, a local dealer had exactly what I wanted come in unallocated, so now am the proud owner of a Pro in mudbath. Love it so far, but man there’s a lot of tech/config to learn, so that’s the project for tomorrow. First vehicle I’ve really had to read the owner’s manual for! Here’s just sort of a stream of consciousness review.

The good:

The engine and transmission are *amazing* compared to the 5th gen…just no comparison at all. It’s also much quieter on the road and steering is much easier and more responsive than the 5th gen.

Love the outlets up front, and the switchover to USB-C. Also *love* the 360 cameras for pulling in and out of tight parking spaces or the garage - it’s noticeably taller and wider than the 5th gen ORP.

The hidden storage compartments at the front and back of the battery are nice for storing things that won’t slide and rattle. The one I have came with the 3/4 ARB roof rack, which suits my needs perfectly (no RTT, just occasional cargo and Christmas trees).

And then there’s all the tiny little refinements - the tilting (and folding) side mirrors, digital rear view mirror, power tailgate that you can adjust the opening distance and kick the bumper to close, seats moving in and out when it powers on and off. Love that it’s got a big screen and wireless CarPlay, but love even more that it still has buttons for everything. Automatic parking brake is a nice touch, and glad it still has the roll down rear window.

Toyota also makes it easy to disable all the connected services, though it’s disappointing that the digital key requires a subscription (so I lost that when I turned everything off). Still, they even have a specific prompt in the IVR system to disable it, and there wasn’t any argument at all, which I really appreciated.

Planned Upgrades:

I’ll be adding RCI rails to the sides so my short wife can get in and out easier. Torn on adding mudflaps to it - leaning towards them, but aftermarket (recommendations welcome).

Seat covers are a bit of a challenge to find because of the vented seats, but managed to get them ordered with perforated center panels from shearcomfort.

The nits:

The hood with the fake scoop vibrates on the highway and it’s distracting, and the cup holders are a regression…can’t put a Nalgene in them (why oh why did they set everything for 12 oz cans only?). I’m modeling a 3d print to attach to the interior panel on the center console to get around that.

I’m also sorely tempted to model up a plug for the bluetooth speaker in the dashboard for when I park at the airport. I’ll never use the thing, and it’s just thief bait.

The cargo space is tall because of the battery though, so I’m seriously considering putting a folding stepstool in the back so I can get in and out easier. The back seat rollup is disappointing as it really reduces the cargo space and makes it a bit awkward to load from the side doors. They moved the ‘oh shit’ handles, so it’s a bit harder to grab them when you get in and out.

Don’t like that the light bar only will turn on with the high beams though (anyone figured out how to change that?), and wish it had amber like the trailhunter does.

Net:

The nits are minor, and most I can work around, or they’re there because of trade offs that make sense (like the cargo space height).

In the end, it’s expensive, but worth it. This is a 10 year minimum vehicle for me, so getting the exact model and color I wanted was a must, and finding one the way I did tells me the universe was wants me to have one . All in all, it’s exceeded my expectations.

 

Congrats on the new rig!! Hope it's a reliable beast for a long long time!

 

Congratulations congratulations on finding the one that fit your needs and the one that you want. Sure would like to see a few pictures of it also, that’s a great write up…

 

Congrats on your purchase! I'm jealous! I'm in So-Cal and cannot locate any TRD Pro models on the lot but the dealerships are telling me they expect them late August. One dealership added a 15k dealer markup to reserve the mudbath! I might have to look outside of California. Great write up, post some pics! I'm a bit concerned of the cargo space as well but it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make.

 

Great review, be sure to show off some pics.

Tacoma owners have already been discussing the same issues with hood flutter- might check their site for practical solutions. You will want to look into mud flaps to save your rocker/rear from chipping. I recommend…wide ones. Congrats!

 

Like you, I absolutely love my 2025 4R Trailhunter. Nothing in life is perfect, but it comes darn close. A luxury ride without question. Like you, this vehicle will be with me for years to come.

I love the cameras, but the sensors are exactly like my 2005 Sienna. That friggin beeping when I’m a foot away from an object drove/drives me crazy. I disabled them on the Sienna. I found the beeping noise was annoying and too much of a distraction. Fortunately the 360 satellite view helps a lot but I still find I have several inches to spare with the camera showing my bumper should be hitting the object. That’s a big deal when pulling into the garage, and more than likely when off-road. I want a PRECISE view. Backing until it sounds expensive should not be happening.

My husband had them full the first day - too funny. But I love them too. The floor in the back seat of his GMC Sierra was filled, now that stuff is tucked away, and hidden very nicely. He also had a portable air compressor and thankfully an air compressor is part of the equipment. Nicely placed in the back on the side panel and you don’t notice it.

I love the techie toys! The satellite views of everything around me are so awesome! The first time I took my left foot to set the parking break and there was nothing there I had to pull out the manual. I also set it to auto. Loving the mirrors, big screen (so much safer to be able to glance and get the info I need), and the BIG BUTTONS! Again, quicker and safer.

I love the way seat slides in and out, and I love the memory for the seats and mirrors. No more living with the way my husband adjusts it, or spending several minutes readjusting and it’s still not the way I want it.

I’m tall so I didn’t realize I would need running boards until I took my girlfriend to lunch and she struggled to get in. Another person on this forum is very tall (6’3”?). He has problems getting in and wants running boards. There is enough head space once he’s in but ducking to get in… You cannot get your footing on the rock sliders.

Oddly, I don’t have a handle on the drivers side. I don’t need it but if a shorter driver is getting in, or possibly taller(?) they would benefit from having a handle. Between the rock slider and no handle anyone who isn’t “average” will struggle getting in and out. That could be a deal-breaker for a lot of people. Toyota must know first impressions are lasting impressions. They will lose sales, not could lose sales, but will.

Enjoy! Please post a pic or 2. What color is it?

oh, the hood rattle. I don’t have that but if I did I would have the dealer fix it. My RAV4 had roof rack noise. Before I got 10 miles down the road I took it back and they fixed it before the ink dried on the contract. Rattles and noises on a brand new car are unacceptable.

 

Excuse me kind sir but you are missing the most important part of the story , which for many is the inclusion of many photos for our reviewing pleasure.

 

I stated there wasn’t a handle on the driver side. It does have handle. I was out running errands and stopped at in-n-out. While waiting in the usual long line I noticed it. When I got home with the burgers I said “Honey, there is a handle”. He said “oh”. I didn't tell him I had given you folks the wrong info based on what he said. I laughed and ate my burger.

 

The hood doesnt rattle, it vibrates up and down at speeds. The wind shear over it causes it to lift, and then the metal springs back down, and then it lifts again. I start seeing it around 60mph, but the faster you go, the more it vibrates on each side of the hood scoop. My previous vehicles didnt have this, i had a 2008 TRD Sport tacoma with hood scoop, 2008 Urban Runner with the hood scoop, and 2023 TRD Sport with the hood scoop and none vibrated up and down like the new one. I can only suspect the steel in the hood is thinner, or the bracing is different, or the scoop actually creates lift, but the hood wobbles up and down at speeds and the faster you go the faster it vibrates.
I have thought about a fix, i would think if you could line the under side of the hood with that thick asphalt sound deadening mat you could probably stop the metal from flexing up and down.

 

While driving today I was so happy to have “more power” when I hit the accelerator. Fun, fun, fun. Next time I’ll focus on the hood. Keep us updated. I may need to do that.

I see now, hood scoop isn’t on the Trailhunter. Very few differences otherwise.

 

I was in the 6G forum looking for info on an entirely different thing and found a thread about hood vibration. Maybe you’ve seen it, but here is the link.

 

Ok, Ok, here's some pictures . Really love the look of it, and managed to model and print a Nalgene holder (it'll be up on makerworld in a bit for those who have 3d printers).

As far as the hood goes, thanks for the links, I've seen that, but also the concerns about airflow and cooling. I'm going to just deal with it for a while and see if there's an official fix coming.

For the Trailhunter differences, it's basically moonroof, skid plates, and suspension - other than cosmetics (color, trim, scoop, etc). I really wanted the mudbath, so that triggered the pro for me.

 

Looks good. I have a Mudbath Tundra.

 

Very very good looking! Love it.

 

Welcome and Congrats on the purchase! Good looking unit.

 

yeah, i like it. Thats gorgeous

 

Looks good!! That’s the color I want if I decide to trade up my 5th Gen. Not sure if I will and know one will talk me into it. Lol. These decisions have to be made on your own. Unfortunately if I want that color my dealer can get me it but it has to be a 25. It’s not going to be available most likely for the 26.

 

The next color is the blue, wave maker, I believe

 

I saw pics of it, and it makes me glad I got the 2025. I’ve seen the mud bath on the tacomas off and on for years, and it’s always been my favorite, so when this one popped up, I couldn’t say no.

I’m still sort of pinching myself because of how quickly this all happened, and stunned that I was able to grab my dream 4R so easily.

 

Yes it is. Wish it would have been a different blue. My wife think it fits a women better the color.

 

Yeah guess it all depends what state you live in. All of the Pros I have owned I have never had a problem with my dealer getting it for me.

 

For the unedumacated- what is the meaning of ‘oh shit handles’?

I’ve ridden in my neighbor’s 2024 Tacoma, and I’ve noticed the hood vibrating or flexing, whatever you want to call it. I didn’t say anything to him about it, but I thought that was rather rinky dink.

 

these
In the case of a serious panic [oh shit] you grab them