Performance Pioneers: Understanding the Difference Between Toyota TRD and GR

At Toyota Vallejo, we recognize that performance is a key factor for many of our customers when choosing a new vehicle. Toyota offers two distinct performance divisions, Toyota Racing Development (TRD) and Gazoo Racing (GR), each with its own unique approach to enhancing vehicle performance and your driving experience. Whether you’re drawn to the off-road mastery of TRD or the track-inspired agility of GR, understanding the differences between these divisions can help you select the Toyota that best suits your driving aspirations.

Toyota Racing Development (TRD)

TRD emerged in the mid-20th century as Toyota started getting involved in motorsports. The name was first used in the 1970s, and it played a big role in helping Toyota develop speedy sports cars during the 1980s and ’90s. However, in North America, Toyota’s TRD label is best known for its influence on truck racing and off-roading performance. The TRD brand went this direction in the ’90s, starting with the famous T100 racing truck.

Today, the TRD badge is most often found on Toyota’s sturdy, high-performing off-road vehicles. These include the compact Tacoma TRD pickup, the full-size Tundra TRD truck, and the spacious 4Runner TRD SUV. All of these vehicles benefit from TRD upgrades and add-ons to existing platforms that improve their ability to handle rough terrain and obstacles. The Tacoma and Tundra TRD trims include features like extra skid plates, multi-terrain drive modes, all-terrain tires, and tuned suspensions.

In addition to TRD trims, you may see TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro options. The difference here isn’t huge, but it’s still noticeable. TRD Pro trims are typically more luxurious, combining off-roading capabilities with an upscale interior. This may include soft leather seats and cutting-edge tech. The TRD Off-Road trims feature many of the same off-roading capabilities but leave out some of the interior upgrades to help you save money. It’s just one way Toyota makes off-roading options accessible to more customers.

Gazoo Racing (GR)

Gazoo Racing’s origins are more recent. In the early 2000s, current Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda began learning to race at the Nurburgring in Germany, one of the world’s most challenging tracks, in used Toyota Supra vehicles. He eventually put together a team of Toyota employees with the idea that through their racing experience, they could gain insights into how to improve Toyota’s vehicles.

However, their racing endeavors in Germany didn’t initially have the official backing of Toyota. As a result, they named their team after Toyota’s online sales brand, Gazoo. Gazoo Racing (GR) quickly made strides forward and ultimately won the 24-hour endurance race at the Nurburgring in 2010. The GR team beat competition from the likes of BMW and Porsche.

The success of GR inspired Toyota to expand its production of sportier vehicles. This development was encouraged by Toyoda himself, who became the company’s director in 2009. The vehicles most associated with the GR badge are the GR 86, GR Supra, and the GR Corolla.

The GR Corolla is a compact sedan with performance enhancements to make it track-ready. The advantage of this vehicle is that you get a relatively roomy second row of seats and a modest amount of cargo space in the trunk for your day-to-day needs. At the same time, the GR brand ensures that lightweight materials and improved engine performance make this sedan fun to drive.

If you can afford to sacrifice some rear-row space and room in the trunk, the GR Supra may be a more attractive option. This sports car is even more performance-oriented, allowing you to take corners and handle challenging tracks with comparative ease. The GR 86 offers similar benefits.

Choosing Between TRD and GR

Now that you know a little more about the background of TRD and GR, and the Toyota vehicles that use the two brands, choosing between them should be easier. The key thing to keep in mind is what you want to get out of your Toyota car, crossover, or SUV.

If you prefer a vehicle that performs well off the beaten track, the TRD badge is likely to suit your preference. Whether you like the look of a Tundra truck with a large cargo bed, a Tacoma pickup with a more compact body style, or an SUV like the 4Runner that’s great for carrying passengers, you’ll find various TRD options for stronger off-road performance in Toyota’s lineup.

On the other hand, if your idea of fun is gliding around sharp turns or hitting the local racetrack, you’ll want to explore our GR offerings. GR Supras and Corollas are built with lightweight materials and feature powerful engines to give you that added touch of speed and agility. Unlike their TRD counterparts, Toyota vehicles with the GR badge are typically smaller, compact cars with nimble handling that are at their best when they can perform on paved surfaces.

Whatever choice you make, it’s important to keep in mind that the enhanced performance features offered by TRD and GR Toyotas don’t compromise the practicality of these vehicles. Both brands aim to enhance performance while still allowing you to enjoy your Toyota pickup or sedan during your daily drive. So you can still run errands with your Tacoma TRD or drive to work with your Corolla GR.

Innovate Your Drive With TRD or GR at Toyota Vallejo Today!

We’d love to help you explore our range of TRD and GR vehicles at Toyota Vallejo in California. Perhaps you’d like to test drive a TRD truck or GR car to see how they perform in the real world before you commit to a purchase. Our Toyota sales team can arrange that for you. We also have a variety of attractive auto financing and lease agreements to help you close the deal on your next Toyota without any hassle. Feel free to browse our online inventory or stop by our showroom to learn more from our experts.

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