TRD Sport vs TRD Offroad

I am going to purchase a 2015 Tacoma Access Cab V6 Automatic.

I have deals from 2 different dealers, one for a TRD Sport the other for a TRD Off-Road. The deal for the off-road is better than the deal for the sport so I'm inclined to go with the Off-Road.

Usage
I do not need the better off-road capabilities of the TRD Off-Road package. I don't take my truck off-road other than some gravel or dirt back roads to get to my dirt bike locations. I will most likely never have a need for a locking differential. Over 95% of my usage will be 'on road' commuter driving. I know the equipment differences between the two but I am concerned that for general daily 'on road' use the ride might be much rougher in the off-road. Is that true?

My wife is on the shorter side so I was wondering if the ride height/ground clearance is higher in the off-road. If so, how much higher?

I also want to make sure the thing will fit in my garage. Is the overall height, higher on the Off-Road. I currently have a stock 06 SR5 4Runner with a roof rack and it has a few inches of clearance getting into the garage.

Other than the equipment differences any reasons to choose one TRD package over the other.

The dealer with the TRD Off-Road I like is really dealing, the dealer with the TRD Sport that I want is not.

 

Well I can tell you that the two heights are the same, so that's not an issue. If I remember correctly, I think someone mentioned that the OR has stiffer suspension. Hopefully someone else will chime in if I'm wrong. I'm obviously impartial towards the sport because I have one, and I love it. I rarely off road too and I love the aesthetics on the sport, even if they serve no functional purpose.

I vote sport, but that's my .02

 

Get the Sport...... better looking (color keyed goodies). The TRD Sport & Offroad are the same height and length (assuming they're both Access cabs and running the same stock tire size). I don't think there's much (or any) suspension differences. Some say the Sport is softer....???? It's a truck.

Are both dealerships aware that you are shopping? Tell them...... "Dealer B is offering me XXX on a TRD Sport (list the options, etc). Can you beat that?? etc.

Have you test drove them yet?

 

Shocks are the same. Springs are slightly different but no, the OR is not going to ride much differently than the sport. I test drove both and couldn't tell a difference. If you like the look of the sport the get it as you don't need the locker or Atrac. If you don't care about the Sport's appearance upgrades then get the OR since you said you're getting a better deal.

 

The sport is a cheaper truck, so the fact that the off road is cheaper is odd. I would wait until you get the truck you want at the right price. I would tell the sport dealer to at least match the dealer with the off road. The sport dealer is just playing hard ball, tell him your price or walk.

 

Thanks for all the information, it really helps. Doesn't seem to be much reason not to get the Off-Road.

Just to clarify, the Off-Road truck is not cheaper but the end price is less. Off-Road dealer is giving higher reduction on MSRP, which ends up being a little more than the sport. They are also giving a higher value for my trade. Overall Off-Road ends up being less than the sport. I also like the fact that the Off-Road dealer is really trying to get my business.

Both dealers know I'm shopping. I did walk from the Sport dealer, there offer was take it or leave it.

I'm actually old school (really just old) and like the chrome surrounding the grill and the chrome rear bumper on the Off-Road.

 

get the off road! Better resell, more features, and cheaper!
WIN WIN WIN

 

This!^^^^^

 

If you understand the mechanical differences and really don't think you need the locker, A-Trac, etc. I'd say get the Sport.

Biggest thing I hated about my SR5 when I bought it? Chrome. Why the hell is chrome an "upgrade" for the SR5 package? It's hideous. Color matched bumpers, mirrors, and grille are better looking.

If you do an Access Cab you'll get the 6ft bed.

If you do Double Cab Off-Road you get 5ft bed. Double Cab Sport is 6ft bed.

 

If you don't have kids then get the offroad, access cab if possible. More bedspace makes alot of things possible and it's one of the things you really can't change at a later time

 

FYI you only get atrac if you get a 4x4 in the TRD OR.... never saw a mention of getting 4x4 by op.

Outside 2wd TRD OR vs Sport only functional differences are, rear locker, progressive springs vs linear springs on the sport, and a smaller diameter sway bar on the TRD OR.... both truck will ride almost the same.

 

If the off road is cheaper, and you like the appearance better it is a no brainer. The off road has progressive springs and smaller sway bar and 16" wheels which equate to a smoother ride than the sport.

Obviously it has the locker and Atrac, which also gives you the upgraded electronically boosted brake master cylinder. These features also result in higher resale value.

If you ever decide to get into off-roading you are much better off, or should it snow you have many more tools at your disposal to get unstuck.

 

I know I am going off topic, but does the brake pedal feel any different with that Electronic Master Cylinder?

 

I only drove the SR5 v Off-road and I felt the OR brakes were grabbier. But it was only one drive, so it would be hard for me to say conclusively.

 

Oh man, Im getting an SR5 tomorrow morning. You can have all my chrome! If you live in Ontario we should seriously do this lol.

 

I recently purchased a '15 taco with the off road pkg. Sounds like we use our vehicles very similarly. I wanted one in blue (which the dealership had in stock) it was a sport, access cab, long bed, w/4x4. Parked next to it was a Barcelona red OR, crew cab, short bed, non 4x4 that was about 3K cheaper ( this was the one I ended up buying).
My rational was I did not care for the room in the back of the access cab, I did not need 4x4, and it was cheaper. I personally would not care if mine was a sport or OR model if it ended up with the same features as I currently have.
I will say this though, it does ride ALOT rougher than my previous F-250 (but it also was loaded with all the bells and whistles for comfort) especially on longer highway drives.
Hope this helps.

 

DCLBFTMFW

 

I personally have a off road 4x4 and love it. The off road has a higher MSRP so you getting a better deal on it is basically more money in your pocket when you sell or trade a decade down the road.

I did buy a color matched girl surround for $169 from my local dealer, but I sold my chrome for $125 a few days later on Craigslist. If you ever get sick on the front grill surround, you know now how easy it is to get it color matched.

I also have a color matched rear bumper which honestly, I should have kept chrome. I kind of like the chrome rear bumper, and it stands up to abuse more than painted. I just went to my local body shop that has a Toyota contract. They got me a color matched bumper and installed for $300. I then sold my chrome on Craigslist for $250 2 days later.

I know have a better off road truck with no chrome. It cost me next to nothing and I don't have that silly fake hood scoop.

Best of luck with your purchase!

 

I was in a similar position until yesterday. I definitely wanted a white access cab and initially I was looking for a Sport. The larger wheels and heavier sway bar suited what I typically use it for: a daily driver with occasional dirt road use. I ended up with an OR because I found one for significantly less than the prices I was seeing for a Sport. Figuring that the included drive line equipment was worth more on the OR, and that where I live the resale would be better, factored into my decision.

It does seem odd that the Sports currently seem to be commanding a higher price right now when the should be a less expensive truck to produce. Supply and demand I suppose. All things considered, do what makes you the happiest and you won't regret it.

 

That is cool that you can buy the grille surround seperate.