SR5 vs TRD OFFROAD

Currently doing some research and saving for a down payment, but what am I missing on the SR5 vs the TRD OR? I know about the fender flares, crawl control, and MTS not being on the SR5. Anything else?

 

I'm assuming you're talking about a 3rd gen?

 

What do you plan on doing with your taco ? I have the off-road. I only used the crawl control twice in 6 years just for the hang of it. Used only the diff lock once just because. With that said, sr5 4wd would have been sufficient for my needs. Only thing I like is the cushy ride of the off-road, that’s why I haven’t lifted mine. Only do fire roads / desert roads on the way to camp with wifey and our doggie.

 

No push button start or led headlights on the sr5. These two alone made me strike off the sr5.

 

About $4k more but worth it for the OR. I think it looks nicer although I don't really use the off road features but they are there if I need them. Will be easier to sell if i ever want the 4th gen.

 

Rear locker.

 

Push button start= easy theft, more PITA electronics
SR5 has an old fashion rear brake activated locking feature. Only add on features are a hard bed cover, cat shields (waiting for a Cali delivery), Striker hood struts, and a set of 265/70/16 tires this summer. At 23,000 miles there’s not much more I would need above an SR5 model.

 

Bigger rear diff on the OR (and locker)

 

Brake booster on the OR is different. OEM shocks are Bilsteins.

Rear locker is nice to have if you trailer a boat / personal watercraft. You'd be surprised how slippery a boat ramp can get and 4wd doesn't always work.

 

if you are not a serious off roader, buy the sr5. the simplicity is a benefit, and it has a lot of capability in stock form. should you decide to sell it you will not have any problems whatsoever provided you take care of it.

 

You can get the OR in a manual trans, the SR5 you can't. For me it was a non-issue because the 6ft bed was a priority and you can't get 6ft bed with manual trans in the US anyways. If I saved 4 grand by getting an SR5 I spent $1000 net on my wheels and tires after selling off my stockers, about $1000 on Bilstein 5100's and a lift, and maybe $200 on various odds and ends like LED bulbs throughout the truck. I'm not a fan of the push to start but OEM LED headlights would have been nice. I'm not looking to do any serious wheeling with a brand new $40,000 truck so that wasn't really a concern. The SR5 is fine in the snow with proper tires and with the new shocks it'll be great on the occasional fire roads and seasonal roads I'd run.

 

SR-5 is the only way to fly

 

OP I think the differences you mentioned are about it. The bilsteins on the OR are a softer ride on the roadway than the SR5 hitachis if you care about that sort of thing.

I absolutely love my SR5. It’s a 4x4 and does everything I need and more and I do a good bit of trail riding, but not enough to the point that I would need lockers or crawl control.

 

The TRD trims have the super-ultra-badass black headliner. SR/SR5s have the old-man-gray headliner.

...plus all of that unimportant stuff mentioned above ^^^

 

SR5 has everything you need in a truck without extras that you’ll rarely use that break

 

Other than the ones you already mentioned, the Off-Road also comes standard with PTS, rear lockers, blacked out interior, a far better brake booster (similar to the ones found on the Land cruiser/GX/LX), Bilstein suspension, inclinometer in the center screen, wide angle fog lights, wireless charger, 110v outlet in the bed, transmission and gas tank skidplates. Then options for moon roof, Full LED headlights, leather seats, and JBL System.

Then better resale value over the SR5.

 

in 2003, I had a '91 SR5 that I really liked. At the time needed cheap (I bought it for $900 with the clutch that I had to install), year-round transportation and not much else. Now I'm a little older with a few more nickles to rub together and I thought I wanted the same thing. But I'd like to do a little off-roading so maybe a locker, wife wanted blind spot warning, turn signals in the side mirrors and heated seats. I've absolutely needed to use the locker in a hairy off-road situation, tried 4LO and those fancy tech buttons, no dice....the locker pulled me right out. I've used the heated more than I care to admit and the blind spot warning much less frequently but still more than I care to admit. In the end, I'm happy that I spent the money for the OR. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Oh, the fancy headlights! Yeah, I like those as well.

 

I have a sport model, and like it. My three must haves were, access cab, 4WD, manual transmission. It serves all my needs, not all my wants. Didn’t like the hood scoop after some time behind the wheel. Was able to trade with another member plus $300 to me. No regrets

 

??

 

Matching color fender flares and the mud flaps did come stock on my sr5, among other stuff. Might have to do with the state you're in as the mud flaps are require here. No mts crawl control if you're more serious about off roading. However the sr5 is very competent off pavement as it comes. Imo, the shocks on the sr5 could be better valved. I like kyb ones. I think if your more pavement orientated the sr5 is a better choice. Really need to be honest with yourself what type of use the truck will mostly be called to do