Brake dilemma

Ok after test driving an off-road pkg, a sport pkg, and SR5 pkg, I realize I want the off-road or the sport....but with the SR5's brakes.

The SR5's brakes are better. I don't need that much effort of pressing down on the brake pedal to stop the truck. With the other packages I have to go further on the pedal.

Any reason why Toyota made the other pakages that way?

 

Were all the trucks the same year?
Same configurations? (cab configuations, 4WD, auto, manual etc ?)

Did you question the dealer about the differences?

I don't believe toyota did anything different to the SR5 vs offroad vs sport packages in terms of brakes. The differences could be the vehicles themselves and the minor differences between them.

Go to a different dealership and test drive a bunch more - and let us know how they feel.

 

I did that. all vehicles were 4WD double cab automatic. I drove a 2009 and 2008 SR5, 2009 Sport, 2008 and 2009 Off Road.

The SR5's brakes are adjusted better where I only have to press the brake pedal a little to stop the truck. For the Sport and Off Road...I have to go down on the pedal more...which felt like the American trucks...ewwww!
Ever tried a Colorado's or a Dakota's brakes? They have the same setup!

You know the salesman sounded a lot like you. "Try the other trucks and see what happens". Well I showed him what I was talking about, and he finally understood.

 

And the salesman probably told you "IT'S NORMAL"

I know exactly what you mean. My husbands Acura brakes are very sensitive and will throw your head through the windshield if you step on them quick/harder.

My 96 tacoma brakes were better than this. Dunno what to tell you dude - I bought my truck for a variety of reasons even with the soft brakes. I love my truck!!

 

Sounds like you've narrowed your choices b/w the sport & OR ... nice packages for sure!!

No idea why Toyota does what it does. I own an SR5 & feel the brakes are ok. My 95 Toyota Truck (Pre-Tacoma) brakes were awesome. I had a Tundra DC before my 2006 SR5 tacoma & if you want to talk brake fade that truck took A LOT of pedal to stop it. When I asked Toyota about it, their answer was "well its a much bigger truck than you're use to."
Gee, that's enlightening!

Go with the package you want, brakes can be tweaked & there's plenty of info here & on the net to help you make it happen.

 

There's no difference in the brakes. One was just adjusted tighter.

 

I think it deals with weight. My wife drives a 4 runner and it has very touchy brakes. My taco seems to need a little more effort, but it has drums in the rear.