choosing a 2018 Tacoma

I use to own a basic Toyota pickup for many years. I am now looking to come back and purchase a 2018 crew cab Tacoma. So far I like the TRD 4X4 Sport.
I would appreciate any comments on the different models. I also want the factory roof rack for carrying my kayak if you like/dislike these racks.

 

Nice, welcome back to Toyota and to TW.

You’ll do fine with any model. I’d get a bed rack to carry the kayaks, the roof is not the best to tie down.

 

The Sport and Off Road are similarly priced. Most here will tell you to get the OR, but you should really test drive both.

The Off Road has a rear differential locker and crawl control.

The Sport has a sport suspension, color keyed wheel flares and the hood scoop.

I originally wanted the Off Road, but couldn’t stand the soft suspension and ended up with the Sport. Drive them both and decide what is best for you.

 

Function or form. What's your poison.
(OR) (Sport)

Gonna do anything for mods? How far will you go. I know I can handle suspension, exterior, interior, etc. I don't want to open up a diff (shim tolerances), add air (effort), etc etc. OR was for me.

 

Also, if you want a manual trans, access cab long bed it only comes in Sport

 

I will reinforce what everyone else is saying. Buy the model that fits your need or personality. Do you want a Moab ready truck that performs and looks good and don't care about price tag? buy the Pro. Looking for a work truck thats gonna get beat up or plan on rebuilding the truck altogether? get a SR5. Somewhere in the middle is the sport and Off-Road models. Sport is tuned more for street looks and ride. Off-road is trail ready with the locker at a cheaper price than the PRO. This forum is heavy on the Off-Road but don't let anyone tell you what to buy.

 

OR if you ask me. Just my preference.

 

Soft suspension on the OR? The sports suspension is super bouncy, I couldn’t stand it. Switched it out as soon as I could. To my understanding the OR is supposed to have the stiffer suspension and the sport would have a squishy suspension because it’s the, sport.

 

I'm not going to get into the trd model fight here. But I will say what pushed me from the sr5 was the interior of the trd model. Either the OR or Sport will have significantly nicer materials than the sr5 and lower trims. From the leather steering wheel and gear shift, to upgraded entune and soft touch materials. For me that alone was worth the upgrade... probably should've gotten the SR5 for the price, but I really love the fit and comfort and am happy with all the "extras" that come on the TRDs.

 

My experience is the exact opposite. I actually experienced some listing during my OR test drive during cornering and stopping, which is completely non workable for me.

My Sport is fairly tight and stiff in contrast. My previous vehicle was a very sport tuned Acura TL, and I just can’t handle squishy suspensions.

 

This is exactly right. The OR suspension is more soft because it it meant to go off road and handle bumps. The sport is "street" tuned which means stiffer suspension for less body roll in corners and breaking/accelerating.

 

Right flexy is a good word!

 

SR5. Just kidding. I like them all. If the sport looks good to you, go for it. In the sticky threads here they have a pricing guide. Look at it so you know if you are getting a good deal.

 

Thule racks on a sport works awesome.

 

Think about what you will want long term. The ability to offroad (lockers, crawl control) or just simply 4x4. Also what features you will want like technology package etc. Once you come with that decision put price into it. The sport is a great choice either way. Good louck in your search

 

I HAVE A 2018 SPORT AND LOVE IT!!!

 

Mmm...

 

I went with an SR5, V6, DC, LB

I'm missing out on some "stylish" options, and I don't have 4x4, but I live in California and have used 4x4 exactly once in my 17 years of driving.

 

Have driven both (sport and OR) quite a bit and I like driving the OR way more. Suspension to me has better ride. Plus the hood scoop kind of limits viability when driving. And I like the black fender wells on the OR. Plus, rear locker, MT and Crawl control. Now, most people will never use that stuff and I probably won't either until truck is a few years old and then I'll start beating it up making a farm truck out of it checking cows...
But the scoop looks cool though! And just has a different feel when driving. It does get a little bit better mpgs.
It's win win either way. Just my two cents.

 

If I were to do it again I would buy a more base model and build how I would like. I got the OR and will be replacing a lot of the parts to upgrade. The only reason I got the OR was the lockers. I guess the wife likes the heated seats to.