So confusing - PreRunner vs TSS vs TRD Sport vs TRD Offroad vs SR5 vs Limited

New here, first post. Excited about buying a new Tacoma, have always sort of wanted one. I am a guy that probably belongs in a full size truck for practical reasons (space, luxury, etc.) but just cant bring myself to sway around in one of those boats. Will you please help me figure out which Tacoma to buy? After 20 yrs of owning vehicles, I think this may be the most confusing new purchase to configure I have ever experienced. Currently, I drive an Acura MDX and my weekend "toy" is a 2011 GT3. I am so bored of my MDX, I am looking for a more rewarding daily drive.

- I want/need V6 and 4x4, not negotiable
- I want/need double cab, not negotiable
- I would ideally like the long bed, but this is somewhat negotiable
- I would ideally like an upgraded interior (nav, stereo, leather, etc.) but this is negotiable
- Budget is not an issue
- Truck will be 70% street, 30% offroad (at our ranch in TX, not heavy duty wheeling/mudding, etc)
- Two boys, 8 and 6, will sit in back. I would like the ability for light duty hauling in the bed, ideally get a quad back there, etc.

So with all this, what should be my configuration? I have visited a couple dealers now and I think they know less than I do....or just want to sell whatever is sitting on their lot (of course).

I think that I can get the PreRunner V6 with 4x4 - wouldnt that be enough by itself? Or should I get the TRD Sport? What is the big difference there? I can get my head around TRD offroad differences, but between the TRD Sport and PreRunner V6 4x4, big differences? I wouldnt mine purchasing a Limited but they seem, well, very limited in number...cant find them.

Help!

 

Sport, SR5, or Limited are your options, Prerunner means 2wd so that's out.

If you need the upgrades stereo you'll want either the Sport or Limited. Some Sport models you can get the Nav in. Limited comes with Nav standard. Leather only comes in the Limited unless you're in Canada. Also it's not really leather, it's more of a vinyl material call softex I think. The limited comes with too much chrome for my taste.

Don't worry about availability, any dealer can find you what you want.

SR5 vs Sport - Sport has color matched body panels (bumpers, mirrors, grille), upgraded seats, bigger tires, better suspension.

I have a Sport because I can't stand mirrors and bumpers that aren't color matched and I dislike chrome.

Also, with the Off-Road you can't get a long bed.

 

Prerunner = 2wd
Sport = 4wd with rear limited slip
Off Road = 4wd with rear locker

those are your main mechanical differences
someone will chime in and correct me, if I'm wrong

 

But I saw a PreRunner V6 at my local dealer in Austin, with 4x4 mud flaps in the back. Maybe that is just an accessory?

And where does XPS-S/whatever its called, fit into all this?

I dont care so much about the leather/pleather, and navigation/upgraded sound isnt an absolute must. But I do like having that in my vehicles. I cant stand lots of chrome, so maybe the Limited is not my cup of tea.

I get the fact that this is not meant to be a luxury vehicle, but I am a little surprised that there still isnt an option for HID lights. I have become very used to the bright white look on the road vs yellow at night. I am sure they could probably be added aftermarket.

I like the AC plug option in the back, can that be had with all the options or just some?

Thinking that I might need to order this truck

Thanks again for any advice.

 

Ok, then where does SR5, TSS, Limited, XSP-X factor in? Are those in addition to your list above or on top of?

 

Prerunners basically have the same stance and suspension of a 4wd (think they still come standard with a rear locker too); but, are 2wd... they may also throw some mudflaps on them, to further mimic the 4wd feel/look... not sure about that one

Get under there and look... I bet you won't find CV's
Get in there and look; I bet you won't find a shifter or switch for a transfer case

 

my 2nd gen knowledge is way limited; so, verify everything i say and have said...
but, i believe SR5 is a trim package
and i believe any of the TRD vehicles will come standard with that package

the rest of those... beats me

 

Ok. thanks much.

Starting to sound like a 4x4 TRD Sport long bed might be my answer. LSD is enough for me, dont need the locker, which I understand is necessary for serious off-roading. I like the idea of being able to get the long bed also. And sounds like with upgraded seats, body colored, etc., it would be worth it. Anyone know if the XSP-X just a more extreme version of TRD Offroad?

 

check this out:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/262601-xsp-x-2013-toyota-tacoma.html

 

Xspx is appearance package... Trd sport long bed with navigation sounds like a winner for your needs.

 

I just bought one that is a TSS with SR5 package also. The way it was explained to me the best I can recall. TSS is the 17" tire an wheel upgrade. An the nice floor mats with the TSS badges on the truck. The SR5 has the back up camera, color coded bumper, fog lights, HD radio plus, keyless entry an some other minor add ons. Towing package with engine an automatic tranny coolers reciever an 7 pin plug for trailer. I thought that came with the TSS package? But it is listed in the SR5 package.

 

I don't think the AC plug comes on the SR5 but I could be wrong. I know it comes on the sport.

 

Agreed. It sounds like the TRD Sport is exactly what you're looking for, especially since you like the power outlet in the rear. The TSS and Texas Edition are appearance packages that are offered by Gulf States Toyota. Every dealership in Texas that I talked to (except one) tried to sell me one of those, and I finally went with the "except one" because they were willing to order me what I wanted as soon as I told them.

I believe the TForce package is an appearance package as well, built on a rear LSD 4x4. Don't know if that one is exclusive to Gulf States Toyota or not.

 

the "xsp-x's" that i've seen on the local lot is an appearance package,there are some on youtube,i think they start with a SR5,add bushwacker flares(painted) a glue on hood scoop,led's under headlights and badgeing,the interiors are nice,with leather,xsp-x script,carbon fiber trim on the dash...18 in wheels,standard tires.they're eye-catchers,but totally un-functional,suspension is standard(black shocks)..makes a great driveway adornment or mall cruiser.since you're on a farm,i'd opt for maximun suspension available(trd sport or offroad with bilstein 4600's,blue/yellow,4 leaf spring pack)be aware that even the bilstein 4600's are limited on dirt roads(great for the highway,marginal on bad city streets)they give up quickly if pushed on dirt roads at anything beyond 4/10's of normal to hard driving,at least this is what constantly happened to me,accessing a dirt road of 1/2 mi. to my friends house to train dogs..you could actually feel them go away....considering your intended use..in stock form,the XSP-X would not fit your needs,in my opinion.have fun with the boys,they'll want that truck sooner than you think!

 

Starting to sound like a TRD Sport long bed, loaded up with some options, navigation, etc. would be the way to go for me. Next question, did many of you buy local or just go on autotrader and find what you wanted? Or order? I went to my three local dealers this weekend and none had the truck I am describing here. I have purchased many vehicles remotely and had shipped (usually less than $1k) or drove them home. Opens up the availability quite a bit. Just curious what others did. Is there a big volume dealer out there known for selling a lot of Tacomas? My research says that invoice + $500 would be a good deal.

 

I'd order one up with what you want (Sport w. JBL) and see if they can throw in side steps and/ or tonneau cover, that's just me.

 

I have both. My reward is when the weekend comes and I can spoil myself in the MDX (mine is a '12 Tech).

You'll need to go the aftermarket in order to come close to the audio quality of the Acura.

Same goes for the interior quality, and again for the headlights. If my Tacoma had the lights the MDX has, I wouldn't be running a light bar.

The only area the Tacoma "beats" the MDX is in off road prowess and the fact that is has a bed. Maybe a bit better on hard edged pavement bumps.

If you want to be pampered, I'm afraid you'll have to go the full sized route...

 

Dont want to be pampered. Being bored with something means different things for all of us, I think. My 11 MDX tech is very luxurious but extremely boring. I also want something that I can haul firewood or our quad without having to trailer. I have my GT3 for the modern car fun factor. I am definitely shopping for a truck. thanks again, keep all the advice coming...

 

If that's the case, and can forego the upgraded interior you said was negotiable, A TRD Sport with automatic transmission (this will get you the long bed and room for your quad) would likely be to your liking.

 

I wouldn't think much of any of your local dealers if they weren't willing to find the vehicle that you wanted. If you like the dealerships and if they're competitive on price, spec out the vehicle EXACTLY as you want it and ask them to find you one at another dealership for the price quoted. They'll do it. I just ordered a DCLB 4X4 V6 TRD Sport with tow package and a few extras and had them get it elsewhere for me. I paid $200 over invoice and they also gave me a very generous trade that was right around KBB wholesale, even after discounting on the front end. Good luck.