TRD Sport vs. Off-Road (2012+) – NOT THE SAME OL’ QUESTION....exactly

[High_Country]

First, I’ll start by saying this is NOT just like every other “TRD Sport vs. TRD OR vs. SR5” question. I’ve done lots of research on Tacomaworld.com, Toyota nation, and most applicable – right here including all 64 pages of Expedition Overland’s Tacoma build. I hope this inquiry is a bit different in that I think I’m asking some very specific questions about the 2012+ models. I’ll try and be brief!

I want the latest model Tacoma’s (2012+) and want a 4x4, double cab, short bed and of course the TRD packages have caught my eye. I plan on doing ‘mild’ wheeling requiring four wheel drive but NOT aggressive boulder-hopping, fender-crunching, wheel-standing antics. This truck will be my daily driver and must be comfortable and reliable while on trips. I will be upgrading the suspension with a mild lift, adding front / rear bumpers, winch, slightly oversized A/T tires, and a fiberglass camper shell. The vehicle will closely follow the Expedition Overland truck as inspiration but I will not be going to quite those lengths in every aspect. I will not be / don't want to be RADICALLY modifying the vehicle at all.

I understand the differences in the two packages to be (basically):
Off Road package offers off-road tuned suspension, rear electronic locker, A-trac, DAC (downhill assist), HAC (hill start assist). Apparently the Off Road package has bigger/better brakes that are somehow integrated or necessitated by the A-trac system. Additionally, it apparently has a smaller sway bar allowing more articulation.
Sport package offers sport tuned suspension, paint-matched grille, bumpers, mirrors, hood scoop (non-functional), limited slip diff in the rear

I have heard a number of people cite problems with the Off Road’s rear electronic locker and the smaller rear end. Apparently, the Sport model comes with a larger rear end with a LSD (which I could upgrade later with an air locker). Even Clay Croft mentions this late in his build thread. Is this truly a concern? Are the Off-Road’s rear ends prone to problems or issues?

If I’m upgrading the suspension (like with an OME or ICON setup), I’d basically be negating any cost premium I’m paying for the “Off Road Tuned Suspension” on the Off Road model – correct?

A lot of people subscribe to the theory of “buy the Sport and use any cost savings to upgrade to what you want, you’ll save money and have a more capable truck in the end.” While I understand this, if I went the Sport route, I would NOT be able to add A-TRAC, DAC, HAC and would not enjoy the benefits (?) of the larger brakes and lighter sway bar. While I’ve wheeled in the past and not NEEDED those fancy electronic systems, I’m not familiar enough with them to know if they’re worth having. Thoughts? Are they God's gifts to overlanders or another electronic nanny?

If the cost difference between a TRD Sport and a TRD Off-Road is only $2000, would you get the Off-Road? What if the difference was $4000? $1000? I guess, what is the ‘value’ of those things included in the Off-Road package that I can’t add/upgrade to a Sport?

Perhaps what I’m most concerned about is the rear-end issue. I don’t want to pay a premium for an inferior component.

I thought I’d seek guidance here on this forum as it is the most applicable to my lifestyle, my goals for the truck, and the values I carry.

Thanks for the time….

 

[deadbeat son]

The Sport lost the mechanical LSD in 2009; instead, it has E-LSD which is also standard on the OR, so don't let the LSD weigh in your decision making. Also, the HAC is only included with the manual transmission OR model.

A selectable locker plus installation would easily cost over $2000, so at that price point the OR would be a better value if you want a locker. In the situations you describe, the 8" rear-end should be plenty strong enough. The 0.4" difference in ring gear diameter has never worried me for the type of terrain I travel. Others may feel differently.

 

[p nut]

First, I'll start by saying this is NOT just like every other “TRD Sport vs. TRD OR vs. SR5” question....

Actually, it pretty much is. But that is ok. At least you did some research.

I would say for what you're doing, the OR package is not needed. I've had 3 other Toyota's with rear lockers, which worked nice on the handful of times I used it. I am now in a LC with ATRAC and really haven't had troubles without the rear locker. Even without ATRAC, I think I would be fine. Worst case, get a couple of Maxtraxx:

http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1012

which I would value more than a rear locker (for what I do). Take the $2k saved and buy a lift, maxtrax and sliders instead.

 

[v_man]

TRD over rated IMO . For the extra 4k spent you get an aftermarket suspension and a computer locking rear diff. Take the 4k savings and put in an ARB and lift , you can get one installed for less than 2k and YOU get to select when you need it , not a computer , plus you get an on board air compressor to air up tires .

The tow package is also a joke . You get an oil cooler , trans. cooler , and a tow hitch . Unless you towing at max capacity everyday those coolers won't even be fully active.

If it was me I'd get a base model V6 , maybe a couple of years old , for around 23k . Then with the money you saved on TRD you put in an ARB, 2 inch lift , winch , and a little bigger tires . Build the truck the way you need it , not the way Toyota thinks you need it .

 

[MrGrimm]

I have no regrets going with the sport and modifying it. The 2012+ are one sexy vehicle. Don't forget that the TRD models have the comfy seats too.

 

[peekay]

Unless you plan on offroading to the point where you often lift tires going up steep and long hills, the locker really isn't that necessary or useful. The typical "expedition level" offroading can be handled sufficiently with 4wd and good tires. I needed a locker on my old truck, which was wheeled hard. On my newer truck, I wished I had gotten the sport trd withh the available long bed. I simply don't use the locker enough.

 

[4runnerteq]

Drive them all. The TRD is just a much better riding comfortable vehicle. You say your gonna change suspension but in the before time you will be much more comfortable. I drive Tacomas as demos ,some new some used. I just got out of a 2009 SR5 DBL cab prerunner and went in to a 13 TRD DBL 4WD. There is a huge difference in the way the TRD drives, handles & just feels.

 

[High_Country]

Actually, it pretty much is. But that is ok. At least you did some research./QUOTE]
Haha...I figured that was coming. I said "not exactly"!!!:sombrero:

I have seen lots of threads that talked about the differences but no real good discussions about the value/performance of those differences. For instance, there is no way to put A-TRAC or a system like it on a non-TRD OR model as far as I'm aware of. If A-TRAC was God's gift to overlanders, I'd like to know that. (I gather from the lack of fanatical praise of that system, it's NOT).

What about the braking system difference? Are the TRD OR brakes better than the Sport's because their bigger or is it more theoretical / academic forum fodder?

In the situations you describe, the 8" rear-end should be plenty strong enough. The 0.4" difference in ring gear diameter has never worried me for the type of terrain I travel./QUOTE]
Good to know. I just wanted to make sure there wasn't a serious flaw or weak link. It doesn't sound like it's a make or break issue, right? Maximum strength would be found in the Sport rear end but the OR version is still strong. Right?

Don't forget that the TRD models have the comfy seats too./QUOTE]
Yeah, I forgot to mention that. Also one reason I want ONE of the TRD packages over an SR5.

So, let me see if I can recap so far: If I had two similar used trucks (say, 2012) - similar miles, condition, etc - and one was a Sport and one was an Off Road and they WERE THE SAME PRICE it would probably make more sense to go with the OR as you get a little more hardware and features right out the box and can enjoy them day 1. However, if the Sport was say.....$2000 cheaper, it would probably be wiser to go with the Sport and invest the savings into my upgrades.

Make sense? Going with the OR wouldn't be a HANDICAP when upgrading, and, going with the Sport wouldn't be sacrifice because I didn't have ATRAC etc.

Basically, it doesn't matter one darn bit which one I get! :smiley_drive: Haha.....

I just don't want to make a foolish, uninformed decision.

 

[deadbeat son]

I have seen lots of threads that talked about the differences but no real good discussions about the value/performance of those differences. For instance, there is no way to put A-TRAC or a system like it on a non-TRD OR model as far as I'm aware of. If A-TRAC was God's gift to overlanders, I'd like to know that. (I gather from the lack of fanatical praise of that system, it's NOT).

The ATRAC system actually works very well. For more information, refer to this recent Lexus GX thread, this post and this post from upcruiser regarding his FJC.

Good to know. I just wanted to make sure there wasn't a serious flaw or weak link. It doesn't sound like it's a make or break issue, right? Maximum strength would be found in the Sport rear end but the OR version is still strong. Right?

I would say that's a pretty good interpretation. While the 8.4" rear end is stronger, the 8" is still a plenty strong differential.

So, let me see if I can recap so far: If I had two similar used trucks (say, 2012) - similar miles, condition, etc - and one was a Sport and one was an Off Road and they WERE THE SAME PRICE it would probably make more sense to go with the OR as you get a little more hardware and features right out the box and can enjoy them day 1. However, if the Sport was say.....$2000 cheaper, it would probably be wiser to go with the Sport and invest the savings into my upgrades.

Make sense? Going with the OR wouldn't be a HANDICAP when upgrading, and, going with the Sport wouldn't be sacrifice because I didn't have ATRAC etc.

Basically, it doesn't matter one darn bit which one I get! :smiley_drive: Haha.....

I just don't want to make a foolish, uninformed decision.

If they were similar in all aspects and priced $2000 different, I would personally still pony up the extra $2000 for the OR package. Again, it will cost that to have someone install an ARB selectable locker in the SPORT model, and then you still don't have ATRAC and the other advantages.

 

[High_Country]

The ATRAC system actually works very well. For more information, refer to this recent Lexus GX thread, this post and this post from upcruiser regarding his FJC.

Awesome links. Thanks for the info. After watching some of those videos and learning more about it, it sure seems like there is SOME value to that system. So it seems to me that the cost premium for the OR would have to be pretty considerable before giving up those OR specific items.

I really appreciate all the input.

 

[Ryanmb21]

I thought the sport had Atrac.

 

[voodoojk]

If your not doing any " hardcore" wheeling then you won't have a problem with the off rd rear. Even the wheeling that XO does doesn't really require the swap to the bigger rear in my opinion. Their truck isn't built anywhere near the need to do that swap but it makes for good reading/viewing.

As a former owner of 2 jk wranglers, one a built non rubicon, I still regretted not getting the rubicon model. Did I save money by not getting it? Yes. Could I have put air lockers in it with the savings? Yes. Did I ever? Nope. While it was very capable I still wish I had the front and rear factory lockers from time to time.

For a vehicle NOT going to be used for hardcore wheeling the Trd OR package makes even more sense since it has items that are useful from the factory. A locker is even more valuable to a modest built rig if you think about it. My 37" tired jk would roll up and over almost anything. But if it were stock I would have needed lockers to do some of the trails I did. My 32's on my rig is going to have me scrapping and grinding all over rocks. I will be glad I have the added traction aid.

And ... Resale. A TRD model will have better resale. Just like a rubicon does.

Fwiw.. I had a 2009 trd sport DCLB and currently have a 2012 TRD OR DCSB. I love the ride of the OR short bed way better then the sport long bed. :ylsmoke:

 

[p nut]

And ... Resale. A TRD model will have better resale. Just like a rubicon does...

Ehh, I'm not so sure about that. At least around here, no big difference in price on Tacomas with that option package. Certain people look for it, but the majority don't know or don't care. There may be a little premium, but not much.

 

[voodoojk]

Ehh, I'm not so sure about that. At least around here, no big difference in price on Tacomas with that option package. Certain people look for it, but the majority don't know or don't care. There may be a little premium, but not much.

really? even in utah?

I work at a dealer and have people pass on non trd models all the time. Maybe its a mountain thing where i am. Some know what it is.. some just want it for status. Just like the soccer mom wants her $50k rubicon. lol

 

[p nut]

Tacoma's and 4x4's in general still command top dollar here. I just don't see that much difference between the two models. Especially condering you're paying more for the TRD, the ROI is pretty low. I highly doubt majority know even what the package includes.

By the way, we're closer to the mountains than you will ever be.