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

[MustardTiger]

Found the answer re: Auto LSD

"Tacomas with rear-wheel drive feature an automatic limited-slip differential (Auto LSD), and four-wheel-drive models have an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range along with Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) and an automatic limited-slip differential (Auto LSD). An electronic locking rear differential is standard on TRD PreRunner, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter grades. The new and luxurious Limited grade now features a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a center locking differential on i-FORCE MAX models."

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[MT-Taco]

Off Road offers the Sway Bar Disconnect. And it works anytime under 18mph. But if your not off-road often or occasionally have difficult situations the Sport seems plenty capable?

 

[Paul85]

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

Exactly. Sport has the color matched fender flares which I like over the black ones. Sure, you can get them painted, but they come from the factory color matched already. I am never going to rock crawl with my truck, so the sport was a good option with it having the nicer looking hood and color matched fender flares.

 

[TacoWill]

I looked at both, but decided on the Sport since I'm not doing any hardcore off-roading. 4wd in the Sport is more than adequate for any light off-roading I might do and I like the ride and drive better on the Sport. I went through the specs and differences are about what you would expect.

Sport:
- color matched wheel flares and door handles
- hood scoop
- street oriented suspension tuning. (I assume they use digressive valving in the shocks to give it a firmer feel at the start of the suspension travel and then soften up as it goes.)
- 18 inch wheels and street tires

Off Road:
- black wheel flares and door handles
- off road oriented suspension tuning. (I'm assuming they are using progressive coils like the 3rd gens to give it softer ride over small bumps and firm up as it goes through the suspension travel.)
- Bilstein piggyback reservoir shocks
- 17 inch wheels and all terrain tires
- additional composite skid plates
- rear locker
- crawl control
- optional front sway bar disconnect

The 360 cameras are available on both as a part of the premium package, but may have different features. I had a 2nd gen off road and a 3rd gen off road and two 3rd gen sports. I've never needed the off road features and just like the ride and drive of the sport. If you're off-roading a lot, the TRD Off Road is a no brainer. If you're like me and spend most of your time on the highway with some occasional trips off the beaten patch, you might prefer the TRD Sport. I drove both in the 4th gen and just really preferred the drive and ride of the Sport. I'd recommend driving both if you have the opportunity.

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