TRD or SR5?

I'm ready to buy a replacement Tacoma for my '02 SR5 x-cab that was totalled in May.
I had an I4 / 5 spd last time around (2x4 5 lug), and now I've decided on a V6 auto.

I don't snow ski anymore, or go off road, so a PreRunner would be fine. I really don't want to pay extra for a 4x4 if I'll never use it. I want to buy something new and drive it forever, so I'm not concerned that 4x4s have better resale.

My question now is:
Should I opt for the TRD package over the SR5 package? Most of the trucks I see locally on the Toyota dealer lots are TRDs. I drove one and the suspension seemed stiff on the pavement. I'm planning on getting a cab high SnugTop shell. Would the extra weight of the shell help to dampen the ride any?

The difference in price is about $1,500. Is the TRD worth the money for a truck that will most likely never be driven off road?

Thanks for the advice.

 

As far as the non-off road stuff goes, I've been very thankful for my TRD-OR for the seats. I rode with a buddy who has an SR5, and my back definitely noticed.

 

I like the sr5 seats better. Also if your going mod the truck it's cheaper to get an sr5 and build it how you want it.

 

How are the seats different?

 

The TRD (Sport and OR) have more bolstering on the sides. They hug you a little better than the SR5 seats, which are a bit flatter on the seat bottoms and backs. If your local dealer has one of each, try them out so you can get a firsthand feel for what you'd prefer.

The seat cloth is also a different style in the two.

 

I have an SR5 and really like it. However, I've replaced the tires (OEM Dunlops sucked), suspension system (including rear springs) because I wanted better. I also chose an SR5 because I wanted a Long Bed more than I wanted to off-road.

However, if you DO want to do any rock crawling or serious off-roading some day keep in mind that the short bed TRD OffRoad comes with a rear Locker. The TRD OR also comes with some other computer shtuff like hill climb I believe. The SR5 models DO NOT.

I have seen many Tacomas around town here in Montana with drooping rear ends. And lots of experienced folks here on TW talk about Taco's having a known issue with rear leaf springs sagging. So if you plan to carry loads and put a topper on upgraded rear leafs may be in the cards for the future not matter what you do.

If you're going 4x2 though I can't imagine there's much of any reason to get a TRD-OR?

 

I had a DCLB sr5 crashed it, then got a trd OR (short bed)

The cap will absolutely smooth out the suspension a bit. My OR felt very bouncy at first and I really didn't like it. The cap immediately helped, and i suspect a bit of break in helped even more. The sr5 didn't seem as dramatic of a difference

As mentioned above the trd seats are a bit different. I found them to be more comfortable then the SR5, some guys like the SR5 more. The TRD seats have a deeper bucket and seem to have more back support. I immediately noticed and liked the difference.

Honestly if you aren't going to use any of the off road goodies, or the styling of the sport the SR5 is probably a great choice

The suspension of the TRD sport is tuned a bit different and might give a different ride, maybe a bit smoother? Simone who owns one may chime in

Are the seats and suspension tuning worth the difference?