TRD Sport vs Off Road? What are the actual true differences?

[MustardTiger]

Just watched a good video that reviewed a super nice TRD Sport that's been up-fitted for off roading:
TrailRecon

This got me thinking - what are the actual physical differences between the two trims, especially considering the price between the two is very close (at least it is for me in Canada...at only $200).

Some things are obvious: hood scoop, wheel/tire size, fender flare paint/no paint, shocks, etc. It would seem like the TRD Off Road has more content within, particularly when looking at specs, but it really only seems like it's different shocks/rear locker/electronic aids.

Some things maybe not obvious: suspension components? CV axles?

Anyways, just curious what others think between these two trims.

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[SilverSurfer]

I think it’s suspension tuning as well. I always go with the Off Road model for the rear dif locker since that’s the one item you can’t easily add to a sport.

 

[Sner]

Just watched a good video that reviewed a super nice TRD Sport that's been up-fitted for off roading:
TrailRecon

This got me thinking - what are the actual physical differences between the two trims, especially considering the price between the two is very close (at least it is for me in Canada...at only $200).

Some things are obvious: hood scoop, wheel/tire size, fender flare paint/no paint, shocks, etc. It would seem like the TRD Off Road has more content within, particularly when looking at specs, but it really only seems like it's different shocks/rear locker/electronic aids.

Some things maybe not obvious: suspension components? CV axles?

Anyways, just curious what others think between these two trims.

Pretty sure none of these features come on the sport - in addition to what you already mentioned

Multi train select
Downhill Assist
Crawl control
Multi Terrain Monitor

 

[UPTooShort]

I think it’s suspension tuning as well. I always go with the Off Road model for the rear dif locker since that’s the one item you can’t easily add to a sport.

I agree. Drive both of them. Stiffer suspension on the sport which you can feel on a test drive. I know the dealer will want to keep you on smooth roads, but take it onto a shitty road.

 

[Airborne]

This is kind of confusing, all points above acurate, the scoop gives nice look but its non function, looks kind of cool.
The way it was broken down to me is…the sport rides stiffer, offroad has suspention for better overall ride, ?? Besides the fact of the addional transmission features, locker
My thoughts are you get more bang for the buck , for $ 200 more over the sport…..both are great trucks, they both look cool and Both great function, …..i may add my 4 runner has the KDSS System and it is night and day how a 4 runner handles, no body roll, and handles very well in turns …
Good luck, looking forward to seeing the truck you decide on.

 

[MustardTiger]

Pretty sure none of these features come on the sport - in addition to what you already mentioned

Multi train select
Downhill Assist
Crawl control
Multi Terrain Monitor

Aren't these features just electronic manipulation of the ABS pump and ECM?

 

[Sner]

Aren't these features just electronic manipulation of the ABS pump and ECM?

So fine, those electronic manipulation features of the ABS pump and ECM are not available on the Sport.

 

[Sagebrush]

I've had all four generations of the Tacoma and have driven pickup trucks for fifty years. My new OR handles washboard like no other vehicle. The suspension is incredible.

 

[JakeJoeBob]

One thing I can think of is the Offroad comes with an additional crossmember that the Pro and TH get "for increased strength and damage resistance" but is mainly releavnt becasue it lets you bolt on a TRD Pro or Trailhunter Skid Plate.

 

[bking]

I had the same quandary. In my research, I did find the the OffRoad typically had a little better resale. The locker also makes a huge difference. You can always swap the hood on an offroad, but you cannot add the locker. I actually plan on doing that next year. As far as the suspension goes, well it's just what it sounds like. The sport is stiffer. If you are getting a pavement princess and drive windy roads, it may be the truck for you. I personally think the tires on the truck are even more worthless than the tires on the Offroad unless you live in a good climate. For the money, I couldn't justify passing on the OR. I do drive offroad through so it was more of a no brainer for me.

 

[EastonTaco]

When I purchased my Gen 3 in Jan 2021 the Sport had better highway features like lane departure and the OR likewise had the better trail features. I think sort of the same for Gen 4 which led me to a Sport again. I think you need to look at the 90% of driving you do. For me I need 4WD for weather and some very light fire road travel but I don’t off road so the Sport was right for me. If I did even a little serious off roading then I would go with the OR. Like on my Gen 3, I removed the air dam and added a moderate level skid plate to protect from road debris and stones, but EastonTaco pretty much stays on the roadway and gets me to and from the ski slopes.

 

[rijc99]

https://www.toyota.com/tacoma/

if you click on specs you can do a comparison between three trims.

 

[wire4money]

When I purchased my Gen 3 in Jan 2021 the Sport had better highway features like lane departure and the OR likewise had the better trail features. I think sort of the same for Gen 4 which led me to a Sport again. I think you need to look at the 90% of driving you do. For me I need 4WD for weather and some very light fire road travel but I don’t off road so the Sport was right for me. If I did even a little serious off roading then I would go with the OR. Like on my Gen 3, I removed the air dam and added a moderate level skid plate to protect from road debris and stones, but EastonTaco pretty much stays on the roadway and gets me to and from the ski slopes.

The off road had all the same Toyota Safety Sense the sport had. Sport was appearance package.

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