Is TRD Off-Road worth it?

I'm trying to figure out what configuration of Tacoma to buy. TRD Off-Road (Based on its name) obviously would be a safe bet for some off-roading.

The SR, SR5 or the TRD Sport are probably fine for some off-roading too. Where do you draw the line? At what point should one spring for the TRD Off-Road? Does it make a huge difference in your experiences?

 

Just depends on what you are looking for. The TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road are the same price, so there isn't a "spring" for the off-road between the two.

I knew I wanted all the interior upgrades that are TRD-only, which made my decision pretty easy.

 

I can't personally think of any real world experience where I would give electric locker in a trd off road much use. Crawl Control seems cool, but I feel the same way about that. I have chose the Sport for my last three Tacomas, mostly because of styling. I've always upgraded suspension to coil over, making the additional money spent on trd suspension useless. For serious off-roading, I'd think in my case, buying an SR, upgrading to coilover/long travel suspension, and installing air lockers would be the most cost effective route (not sure how an sr's interior options compare to a sport's). I don't do any really serious offroading in my truck, but it's nice to have the option to explore. I've got a YJ for the gnarly stuff...

 

This makes me miss my old YJ a little.
I agree with OnceARunner. I'm waiting on my TRDOR any day now. A sport would have been just fine and I have no intention of "off roading" beyond some fire roads, but for the same price, extra goodies, and some styling differences my wife preferred: OR it was.

 

I would say the OR model is worth it if you live or plan to use your Tacoma for any type of sand (beach or desert) in remote areas... Crawl Control can save your bacon in this specific scenario.

[I know the advertisements show the Sport model ripping around the desert so it's obviously capable, I just wouldn't take a Sport to a remote area like that with no film crew and recovery crew available to bail me out]. Youtube Crawl Control and you'll see some pretty impressive real world videos of deep sand escapes... Lockers can be more easily added than Crawl Control (although one guy on the 4Runner forum did add it to his SR5 recently.... he bought the SR5 becuase he needed a 3rd row seat but wanted CC so he figured out a way to retrofit it) If looks are your thing you can easily swap wheels and the hood between the Sport and OR models... this happens a lot, sometimes at no cost you just need to find a partner to swap with... this would be a lot easier than trying to retrofit crawl control or adding lockers in my opinion...

 

It's mostly a styling difference.

 

Biggest benefit to the OR is that the locker and fancy gizmos are factory warrantied.

Aftermarket equivalents work better and cost less.. I'd only buy the OR if you want the warranty, or the other upgrades like seats and interior stuff.

Otherwise, buy something cheaper - the money you save will get you much better parts, and you'll still have money left over after you've surpassed what features the OR offers.

 

Similar situation I'm in, trying to decide between buying an OR or saving some money and trying to do it cheaper myself with an SR5 and adding lockers etc. just can't do the MTS or Crawl control.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-trdor-build-or-buy.408959/

I also have the benefit that if I want to really wheel I "acquired" a 2014 JK (its my fiance's) that I can mod and make a bit more off road friendly than stock. However, I was recently informed that down the line when kids are in the picture that will be sold for something like a Ford Edge.

Tough decision but I feel like I'll end up biting the bit and getting the OR.

 

TRD sport and OR are same price.

The most noticeable advantage to OR is the crawl control, locker, and soft suspension. As @TacomaN8 mentioned, these are VERY useful in loose sand and desert scenarios, otherwise the 4x4 ability is very much capable.

The most noticeable advantage to the Sport is the styling. Paint match fender flares, paint matched bumpers, hood scoop, and a firm suspension.

Two different beasts, both bad-ass. Just a matter of what you want

 

Crawl control is dumb imho, just get a 4wd

 

Everybody fails to mention the electric boosted brake master cylinder on the OR is far superior than the vacuum boosted MC on the Sport/SR5/etc. After having two Sports and going to an OR, I can say the brakes are feel much better all around. So many people are caught up in the locker vs. LSD debate that the braking system gets completely overlooked.

 

Electric boost, and locker were main reasons I got the OR. Locker has already paid for itself.

 

for me OR over the Sport, function over fashion....even though I will probably never drive it to it's fullest capability.

 

I couldnt see paying the same money just to get a scoop

 

I love the style (look) of the new OR. But the Limited has the heated leather seats.

 

In normal driving situations an open diff is acceptable and is actually preferred. Open differentials handle better on road with less tread wear and decreased chance of swapping ends in slippery conditions. The down side is in off camber situations the power is transferred to the wheel with the least traction. Yes the pathetic brake actuated "limited slip" tries to help but is essentially useless in all situations except perfectly level ground.

 

How does a locker affect road handling? You can't engage it anyway

 

Drop it in 4 low, lock it in and then drive it on ice and you'll soon find out. I see your point though. It would be nice to have the capability of locking it in with 4H and 2H.

 

You don't drive in snow/ice in 4lo. so.....

 

If shit has really hit the fan (10+" of snow)I would so I had an extra wheel with power to it.