New to the forum: What Tacoma to buy (my first ever)

I live in Colorado and am looking to buy my first Tacoma. I'm an avid hiker/camper/hunter/fisherman and really want to know which model to buy. I never see myself doing any major rock crawling or rigging my truck out for overlanding, but I don't want to buy a truck that will limit me in where I can go for my outdoor activities.

I see TRD OR's everywhere here, but a fair share of the other trims/packages as well. I'm interested in the 2022 trail edition SR5, but not if it costs just as much (or more) than a base TRD OR. (Basing that last statement on the limited info I've been able to find online)

To put it simply, I'm looking for any input on which of these 3 options I should be considering (all short box):
-2022 TRD Off Road
-2022 SR5 Trail Edition
-2022 SR5 4x4 (and just add skid plates, etc. as I go)

One major hang up for me on going with the base SR5 4x4 is that I don't know how important it would be to have a rear locker for the majority of trails in CO. I hear some say it's not necessary, but many say it's a must-have that has saved their butts a time or two.

I'd greatly appreciate any info y'all have on this topic. I'm just trying to get an off-road capable truck that I won't regret buying, but also not spend too much money for features that I'll never use.

 

I bought my first Toyota, first brand new car, first car payment, never drove any Tacoma, and would not have chose anything other than the TRD OR.
Crawl Control is amazing, and the stock TRD OR suspension is really nice if you don’t have a bunch of weight added to the truck.

 

I'm not up on the 3rd Gen trim levels but I'd say you'd be safe with any trim that has the rear locker. And chances are that if comes with the rear locker, the 3rd gen will have all the electronics for some form of the ATRAC system which can act a little like a front locker.

 

With the current new and used car situation just buy whichever you can find at a reasonable (to you) deal.

More aggressive tires than stock will most likely get you further than the locker on the majority of Colorado trails for the money.

You'll hear it all on TacomaWorld and typically people are big fans of what they own/rationalize.

They all have the same engine and transmission. Suspension is easily upgraded to better than what comes on the off-road model.

 

Welcome 2 TW!

Winter is coming & truck prices are going up even more here. Don’t be afraid to travel out of state for a good deal - just know it will be pricey to get it registered if you do. I bought my truck out of state & it was way cheaper. Saved about 5k, but had to spend 2/3 of that on registration. If you live in Sheridan city limits it’s cheaper compared to city of Denver, Englewood & Aurora. I agree the best deal is any deal at all in this economy

 

I almost got a 4x4 SR5, but ended up with a TRD OR because the SR5s I was looking at kept getting sold. I've only used the locker twice, once when i got it to test it out and another time in moab that wasn't necessary. Not sure how long you've been in CO, but I've made it to plenty of places in my old expedition before i got my tacoma.

4x4 is a must, a locker is just extra and nice.

youre already experienced with hiking/camping/hunting. have you evet felt limited by your previous vehicles and was 4x4 not enough?

theyre all pretty similar, locker and rear axle size being the biggest different. different models have different packaged, but with the way the market is now, you may be limited on whats available

 

I don't know what a trail edition includes, as apparently that's a new ploy to raise prices on the SR5

*I* would go with the cheapest 4wd model I could find, add the Toyota wheels of my choice for looks, 255 85 16 or 255 80 17 tires and start with that.

Other modifications as my experiences dictated to be useful.

If your trails are a bit wild, sliders and skids would be good protection.

 

Solid advice right here. It's also worth mentioning if you don't have the time or desire to do a lot of upgrades yourself the TRD OR package is a good option too. I went with the TRD Off Road in 2016 (largely due to the suspension) and haven't regretted it even though I haven't used the crawl control or rear locker.

 

I wouldn't over-spend on any tacoma above an SR trim if you are buying new to take off road. If you don't need the V6. I'd get a SR utility package access cab 4x4. Then get some Bilstein 5100s, new coils, and Bilstein or DirtKing or Camburg tubular ball joint UCAs for the front. Bilstein 5160s, and a Deaver J66 leaf pack for the rear. Maybe a set off 16x7 Toyota baja 6 spoke wheels, or keep the stock steel wheels, and add a set of 245 85 AT tires. Put on a classic aluminum cap from Leer, or ARE. Skid plates and sliders.

 

You don’t want to go used? The 2nd gen is a very solid truck. And way cheaper too.