If you, like me, are over 40 and have seen a lot in the automotive world, you know that color makes a difference. Enough with silver, gray, and white everywhere, right? The news that reached us, courtesy of Autoweek, is that Toyota is injecting a dose of vibrancy into its toughest lineup, the TRD Pro, and that deserves our attention.
What Is This Blue and Why Should I Care?
The new special shade for the 2026 model year is called ‘Wave Maker.’ It’s a blue that, by name alone, suggests something that stands out, something that “makes waves.” For those looking for more than just the basics in high-capacity utility vehicles and pickups, an exclusive color is a big differentiator.
This is not the first time Toyota has done this. Since 2015, the TRD Pro line has received exclusive colors annually. ‘Wave Maker’ is the eleventh on this list, following more subtle tones like the ‘Mud Bath’ of 2025 and the earthy ‘Terra’ of 2024. It’s a tradition that shows Toyota understands the desire for something unique.
The development of this vibrant color was handled by Toyota’s CALTY design team, the same creative minds behind other bold TRD Pro color choices. They know how to give personality to these rugged vehicles.
Which Models Will Get the ‘Wave Maker’ and When?
The ‘Wave Maker’ won’t be available on just any Toyota you come across. It’s reserved exclusively for the top-tier TRD Pro family: the 4Runner and Sequoia SUVs, plus the Tacoma and Tundra pickups. These are vehicles designed for those who demand the utmost in off-road capability and durability.
This means that if you were eyeing a more affordable version of any of these models with this standout color, you might have to wait. Historically, some TRD Pro exclusive colors eventually make their way to other trim levels in later years, but there’s no guarantee.
The wait for one of these beasts with ‘Wave Maker’ paint isn’t long. The 2026 models with this color option are scheduled to hit the market this fall (Northern Hemisphere). Get ready to see them at dealerships before the end of 2025.
TRD Pro Exclusivity: Is It Worth the Investment?
Toyota’s TRD Pro line has always represented the pinnacle of the brand’s off-road capability and ruggedness. These are not cheap vehicles, and the exclusivity of the ‘Wave Maker’ color further emphasizes this positioning in the market.
Toyota has not released exact pricing for the 2026 TRD Pro models yet, but expectations are that prices will be close to current figures. Today, the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro—the most “affordable” in the line—runs around $65,230. It’s a considerable investment but one that buys a vehicle with pedigree.
Speaking of rugged, adventure-ready vehicles, it’s interesting to note how different brands approach this niche, like the 2025 Ford Bronco Stroppe, which also bets on exclusivity and off-road capability. This competition is healthy and pushes brands to innovate.
While the automotive world increasingly looks toward the electric future, with giants like the 2026 Hummer EV demonstrating electrified brute force, Toyota is sticking with combustion engines for the TRD Pro line, focusing on traditional off-road performance. It’s a choice that appeals to an audience that values classic, proven mechanics.
It’s curious to see Toyota exploring vibrant colors in its toughest lines while also developing electric vehicles with adventurous appeals, like the Toyota bZ Woodland, which reinforces a free-spirited vibe in another way. It shows the brand’s duality in catering to different niches and trends.
This persistence with combustion engines in the TRD Pro lineup contrasts somewhat with moves in other parts of the brand, like the end of combustion engines for the Corolla in some markets, signaling different strategies depending on the segment. For TRD Pro fans, it’s a relief to know that tradition still runs strong here.
For many enthusiasts, the power of a V8 under the hood is irreplaceable, something still found in models like the Tundra TRD Pro, and part of the appeal for vehicles featured in lists like Top 10 Current Cars with V8 Engines. The TRD Pro line embraces this passion for powerful and dependable engines.
Confirmed Models with the ‘Wave Maker’ Color in 2026:
- Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
- Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro
- Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
- Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Toyota TRD Pro ‘Wave Maker’:
- What is ‘Wave Maker’? It is the new exclusive blue color for 2026 Toyota TRD Pro models.
- Which models will have this color? The 4Runner, Sequoia, Tacoma, and Tundra models, exclusively in TRD Pro trims.
- When will it be available? It is expected to arrive at dealerships in the fall (Northern Hemisphere) of 2025, as 2026 models.
- What is the price? Official prices for 2026 have not been announced yet but are expected to be close to 2025 models, starting around $65,230 for the Tacoma TRD Pro.
In my view, adding a vibrant color like ‘Wave Maker’ is a smart move by Toyota. In a market where many vehicles look alike, giving this standout option to the TRD Pro line—already known for its capability—is a win. It shows the brand isn’t afraid to be bold and meets the desire of those who want a vehicle that reflects their personality, not just another one in the crowd. It’s a small detail, yes, but a detail that screams exclusivity and passion for adventure.
So, what do you think of the new ‘Wave Maker’ blue for the 2026 Toyota TRD Pro line? Leave your comment and join the conversation!
Author: Fabio Isidoro
Fabio Isidoro is the founder and editor-in-chief of Canal Carro, where he has been writing about the automotive world since 2022. Passionate about cars and technology, he began his journey on the HospedandoSites portal and today dedicates himself to creating technical content and comprehensive analyses of national and international vehicles. 📩 Contact: contato@canalcarro.net.br