2021 Tacomas: Which configuration has the smoothest, most car like on pavement ride?

I'm looking to buy a 2021 double cab Tacoma that offers the smoothest, most car like on-pavement highway ride.

Would that be a 2WD SR or SR5 or a 4WD SR or SR5? Or a TRD Sport? I will not be doing any off roading. Thanks.

 

The Off Road has the smoothest most compliant ride of all Tacoma's, of the ones you listed probably the SR5. The Sport will be the harshest but will handle the corners and turns the best.

 

I think all of the models you mentioned will have the same ride quality

 

Probably the limited or sport in the TRDs. Our 2021 rides nice. A little firm but it only has 350 miles so things will soften even more.

 

You really have to go drive them for yourself as each model has their own ride. When I bought my Limited, I did not drive the SR5 as I was not interested in that model but I did drive the Sport, Off Road and Limited back to back to back and they all drive differently. To be honest, I was surprised they drove that different from each other but it is a true testament of how Toyota develops a vehicle for a certain task rather than sticking shocks and a sticker on a vehicle and calling it "X".

 

Ridgeline most likely.

 

We all laugh but part of me respects the shit out of Honda for doing their own thing. Something truly different. And something that probably meets the needs the best for 90% of "manly truck buyers."

I think the Koreans are missing a real opportunity here. They say Ford's working on something smaller than the Ranger. Imagine if Hyundai came out with a body-on-frame S10 type vehicle....

 

Yep, a small and inexpensive compact pickup like the early 90's Toyota pickups would sell like hotcakes, but no manufacturer is willing to build one because it would canabalize sales of their more expensive and profitable mid-size pickups.

 

Tires affect the ride quality too. My stock SR was running 245/75r16 tires, which is smaller than the TRD sport tires, and the ride was reasonably comfortable and handled well but road nothing like a car. The 2WD or 4x4 is entirely up to your preferences and needs, although a 2WD is cheaper and might have slightly better mpg.

 

I would suggest to get the off road then get a lowering kit and throw on smaller street tires, independant rear suspension swap or rear coil spring swap. Should be good to go then

 

But Hyundai/Kia have no existing truck sales to cannibalize. Seems like an obvious market for them.

 

I had a 2019 SR5 and now have a 2021 OffRoad. The Off Road is softer and soaks up bumps and potholes a lot better than the SR5 did.

Only odd thing with the Off Road is the brake dive. It is very noticeable.

 

To me, the TRD Sport has the smoothest ride with the best handling

 

THIS EXACTLY

 

I’ve driven SR, Sport, Off Road, and Pro


I work at a carwash where we pickup and deliver cars. The SR and Sport felt the same to me, Off Road was the stiffest and bounciest ride out of the 4, and my brothers old TRD Pro had the absolute best ride but didn’t handle as well as a Sport

 

Just in case you think I’m lying, here are all three except the SR

 

Idk why people say the Sport is stiff. I say it’s way more dampened than the Off Road. IMO, the off road is a bouncy POS compared to the Sport

 

I have not driven another 3rd generation but the longest wheelbase (double cab long bed) has to ride smoother.

 

"Stiffest"

WTF does that mean? Harsh? Firm?

See below.

Compression damping has everything to do with compliance. Under dampened rebound can have a jarring feeling on moderate to big bumps and over dampened rebound can make it feel plush, all else the same, but it might pack up on repeated bumps.

The sport suspension rides most car like IMO. It has the support of a modern sedan and enough compliance to take all but the biggest hits/potholes without being upset. The rear is soft enough to follow the front feel for the most part, but don't expect to load up the bed with 500+lbs without some serious sagging on the stock leafs.