2020 Suspension Differences

I stopped by the Local dealer today and drove three different 2020s. A TRD Off Road, A TRD Sport and a Limited.

Big deal right?! Lol. While many here will see this thread and yawn as they already know, I am writing this for the person who is in the market and may not have had the time to test drive on their own yet.

First up was the TRD Off Road as I thought that met my hunting and fishing needs. The ride was a little bouncy and leaned while cornering a little more than expected. I now realize, the TRD Off Road isn’t a gimmicky decal package, that trim is mechanically designed to be off road and meant for the person who spends a lot of time on trails and difficult terrain. Kudos to Toyota for designing a truck that can live up to its advertised purpose rather than just a sticker, beefy tires and cheap shocks that most trucks call off road.

Next up was the TRD Sport. The ride was not as bumpy as the OR and cornering did not lean as much. It was a very pleasant street experience. Sure, it does not have the true OR mechanics but if you’re like me who hunts and fishes and treads only lightly off road, it would be hard to deny this truck. It is still a very competent off road vehicle and can handle the chores of the typical outdoors person while providing more street comfort.

Finally, I drove the Limited. Out of the parking lot it was identical to the Sport but when I picked up some speed and hit some bumps, the reaction was supple with a slight feel of luxury. Like the Sport, a very competent off road vehicle for the typical outdoors person who likes the feel of the street a little more muted.

I was surprised, I thought I was an OR guy but I really liked the feel of the Limited. It closely matches the feel of my 2019 Ram that is revered as having the best ride in the business.

So if you’re not sure of what trim level to get, ask yourself what kind of person you are and your decision should be easily answered.

 

Also depends were you live and what condition the roads are in where you drive on a daily basis.

 

You should have taken the pro for a spin ... those Fox
Shocks make for one sweet ride for both street and off road!!

 

I agree. The stock Pro suspension is pretty amazing.

 

It’s so good that I put it on my long bed OR! I wish it was a factory option or they made the pro with a longbed.

 

I am in Pa. You know by just the negative road feel the second your cross the state border into Pa. Pa roads suck!!!!

 

I’m happy you mentioned that and I will do.

 

The limited shares the sr5 shocks, from what I have read.

 

That was exactly my impression of the different 2019 models when I drove them last year at this time. IMHO the Off-Road suspension/shock valving is way too soft and that's Toyota's way of saying that this truck is good for off road purposes. The Off- Road model should come with shocks more similar to the TRD Pro shocks. The price difference isn't worth the $20,000 price tag difference. That's why I choose an Off-Road model in order to build my own "TRD Pro."

 

Suspension aside, what about the fact the Offroad has the beefier rear differential? (Unless you buy a manual Sport)

That should also be a factor if you are considering a purchase

 

I thought limited and sport had identical suspension?

 

Really? I find the street ride of my pro to be very firm, not as comfortable as the off-road I compared it to for daily driving.

 

I thought so too but it looked like they had different shocks.

 

Shocks are the only real difference. Diferencials are the same.

 

Interesting. I thought I read they both had the blue Hitachis.

 

It’s an economical fix for the Off Road model roll, sway and bounce on the street.

Makes it ride sporty.

 

Well ... Mines a bit of a hybrid ... Longbed, Pro Shocks, OR swaybar, OR leaf springs. It’s more comfortable than the stock OR setup.

 

Yes but it’s a needs based thing. While I put myself in the class of an outdoors person as I hunt and fish, when I look at the actual terrain I personally am presented with, I could probably get away with a Prius. .

Today’s Tacoma is heads and shoulders above the 89 or 96 I had and I put that 89 through hell. I’m sure the current gen. without TRD can holds its own.

 

You don’t tow anything? No boat?

Towing and pulling is where it really matters