Toyota's Air Shock Seats Are Finally Being Introduced in the Tundra TRD Pro

Toyota's Air Shock Seats Are Finally Being Introduced in the Tundra TRD Pro

      Toyota

      Subscribe to Get The Drive's daily newsletter

      Stay updated with the latest automotive news, reviews, and features.

      Toyota trucks have evolved significantly from their earlier versions. In fact, it’s astonishing that the brand is now offering pickups with horsepower and torque levels akin to those of supercars, just two years after moving away from drum brakes. The advancements aren’t limited to electrified powertrains; the new Tacoma TRD Pro also features seats equipped with air shocks in the rear. Moreover, these IsoDynamic seats are soon to be available in the full-size Tundra.

      This development makes perfect sense. If you haven’t encountered them before, these seats are notably thick—so much so that when I adjust them to my driving position in the Tacoma, a person cannot sit behind me. While I’m 6’5″, it’s expected that there should be better space utilization in the half-ton Tundra.

      Here I am, seated behind an average-height individual in the Tacoma TRD Pro. I can only imagine that this won’t present an issue in the Tundra. — Caleb Jacobs

      When we spoke to Sheldon Brown, the chief engineer of the Tacoma, about these air-over-oil shocks at the truck's launch event, he explained:

      “We began with some fundamental technology, clearly enhancing the bolsters both in the seat and in the rear seat back. This enhancement helps to snugly fit the occupant, ensuring they feel secure. In the front, we incorporated a swivel joint.

      “The rear features what we call our superstructure—a hot-formed steel tube that we blow and quench to achieve strength. Of course, this adds some mass, so we transitioned from a metal frame and seat pan to a reinforced resin to offset some of the weight. The system fundamentally operates with a swivel joint at the front, a spring-loaded ball joint, and an articulation structure beneath.

      “Our system is air-over-oil, which allows adjustments via a simple air Schrader valve. You can use a pump similar to those for mountain bikes to inflate it to a specific pressure. We provide recommended pressures based on the occupant’s weight, and from there, you have the flexibility to customize it and adjust the damping force.”

      There’s no sacrifice in luxury with these high-performance seats—unless you consider power recline a luxury feature. They remain heated, ventilated, and adjustable in multiple directions.

      The distinction between the IsoDynamic seats and standard ones is certainly noticeable. You can drive 10 to 15 mph faster with the air-suspended seats without losing your dental fillings. With the added cab space in the Tundra, I believe it will be a notable improvement, as I found it difficult to comfortably occupy the back seat in the Tacoma—both literally and metaphorically.

      Have a tip or question for the author? Reach out directly: [email protected]

Toyota's Air Shock Seats Are Finally Being Introduced in the Tundra TRD Pro Toyota's Air Shock Seats Are Finally Being Introduced in the Tundra TRD Pro Toyota's Air Shock Seats Are Finally Being Introduced in the Tundra TRD Pro Toyota's Air Shock Seats Are Finally Being Introduced in the Tundra TRD Pro

Other articles

This Cybertruck Went Off-Road So Much That It Required a Crane to Bring It Back | Carscoops This Cybertruck Went Off-Road So Much That It Required a Crane to Bring It Back | Carscoops The Cybertruck came to a stop 600 feet from its exit point on the I-15 in Cajon Pass. 2025 Mazda CX-90 Review: Subtly Outperforming Honda and Toyota 2025 Mazda CX-90 Review: Subtly Outperforming Honda and Toyota The Mazda CX-90 excels in overall refinement and driving dynamics, but falls short with its unusual and outdated infotainment system. Nissan's Shutdown of Its Key Plant in Mexico Could Offer China a Ready-Made Advantage | Carscoops Nissan's Shutdown of Its Key Plant in Mexico Could Offer China a Ready-Made Advantage | Carscoops Nissan, facing challenges, is said to be closing its Civac plant, which will inadvertently provide Chinese car manufacturers the opportunity to utilize the same location and workforce. These Engines Are Expected to Disappear by 2026, But BMW M Has Different Intentions | Carscoops These Engines Are Expected to Disappear by 2026, But BMW M Has Different Intentions | Carscoops M’s inline six and V8 engines will continue to exist even with the implementation of stricter Euro 7 emissions regulations next year. Only One Cadillac Might Endure the Transition from Gas to Electric | Carscoops Only One Cadillac Might Endure the Transition from Gas to Electric | Carscoops Earlier this year, Cadillac ceased production of the XT4, and the XT6 will soon follow suit. A 60-Week Waitlist Has Turned Xiaomi’s SUV Into a Goldmine for Resellers | Carscoops A 60-Week Waitlist Has Turned Xiaomi’s SUV Into a Goldmine for Resellers | Carscoops The Chinese tech powerhouse garnered 289,000 orders for the YU7 within only an hour of launching the new SUV.

Toyota's Air Shock Seats Are Finally Being Introduced in the Tundra TRD Pro

The Tacoma TRD Pro has rear seats that are very tidy, but actual people find it quite difficult to fit in them. This situation should improve significantly in the full-size Tundra.