Anybody regret buying TRD Sport over an Off-Road

I’m still on the fence, as I have a Sport reserved with my name on it ready for delivery in early December, unless something becomes available between now and then that I like better. This truck is the color I want with all the options I want, only it’s a Sport rather than an OR like I originally had wanted. However, there just doesn’t seem to be any Off-Road trims available in my area that have the color or options I’m looking for.

I’ve given it a lot of thought, and concluded that the only real difference that matters to me is the rear differential locker. I could care less about the crawl control and multi-terrain features. However, I’ve never once needed the rear locker on my 10 year old 2012 Xterra, and I do not off-road as a hobby, only the occasional camping or hunting trip reallly. 99% of my driving is on pavement or the gravel road I live on. I do still like the idea of having the capability though. Regardless of the model, I’m changing out the wheels and tires, and might consider a modest lift at some point in the near future.

So I am wondering if anybody who opted for a TRD Sport has regretted the decision to not go with the OR, and why.

ETA: it’s amazing how timing works out sometimes. After posting this last night, the OR I’ve been searching for months for turned up at a nearby dealer this morning. I paid MSRP and it followed me home. See Post #143. Thanks for all the replies.

 

I went with 2WD TRD Sport. No regrets.

 

I regretted it. And yesterday I got my 2023 OR 4x4 and traded in the RWD Sport. I settled on the sport when things weren’t available at the end of 2021. Go with what you truly want

 

I have 2012 Sport and it has always gotten me where I needed to go. And I use it the same as you do. As long as you have a decent set of AT tires and 4x4, it will get you in and out of pretty much anywhere.
This particular morning, guys with full size 4x4s with the factory street tires were getting stuck in this heavy mud that went on for about 2 miles getting out of my friends ranch...I had no problem.
No Regrets

 

Get what you really want and you’ll be happy. I never considered the sport and don’t understand the allure at all. For me it was a SR5 or a OR and I just wanted the OR. I would have been settling for the SR5. I couldn’t be happier and am just happy today as I was when I picked it up.

 

I’ve got the sport and love it. Don’t need all the off-road tech which is added cost and more things to break.

Also two huge pluses for the sport is the scoop and the color matched fenders. OR looks like garbage to me.

 

I should have added in my OP, that I’m only considering 4x4, and plan to go with BFG K02s, 265/70/R17.

 

Do you think you’d feel the same had your Sport been a 4x4? I have no interest in a 2WD truck of any flavor.

 

I had a 2019 trd OR 4x4 short bed with tech package and just bought a 2023 trd sport 4x4 long bed and don’t regret it at all. I love the extra bed space. Also, for me it was nice to not have to pay for the tech package and other things I don’t need.

 

If you don't need the locker and you are ok with the ride difference, or prefer the sport ride to the OR, you should be fine. Other than the off road bits, suspension tuning and ring gear size they are pretty much the same thing anyway.

 

I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I’m probably gonna be in the minority here but I don’t like the nonfunctional hood scoop. I don’t think it looks good.

 

IMHO it’s super simple. If you will be tackling some tougher trails, then locker is a must. Otherwise sport does fine on lighter trails.

Eventually I will be installing E locker, some places that I went could really use one.

 

You aren’t the only one. It looks terrible to me too.

 

Good tires with the 4x4 is the key. The sport has worked well for me in generally the same conditions you described. My Duratracs were like suction cups earlier this year in a small snowstorm I found myself in unexpectedly near DC.

Get what you like, but the Sport is fully capable. I'm sure the OR is good, too.

 

MT sport ring gear is same size as OR.

 

Please elaborate on this if you don’t mind. What is an E locker?

 

I don't regret buying my '21trd sport Access cab. I love it, but I don't go offroading, maybe light trails at best though. I've been camping a couple times and my TRD sport did and amazing job, but these were light trails. I do have upgraded Toyo Open Country AT3s and feel that made a significant difference in the capability of the truck. Especially in the hard packed snow or inclement weather conditions.

Now that I think about it, it was actually decided for me though, since Access cab and Manual were a must for me, and I can't get an Off Road with both the manual transmission and the access cab. Can't understand why the Canadians got that option and we in America didn't!

I did ride shotgun an off road a couple times and it did feel like the off-road suspension was softer and more of a "spongy" feeling over bumps. I liked that aspect of the suspension and might choose to change my sport shocks to the Off Road version. The sport suspension, is obviously firm and better suited for on road use. I definitely feel those bumps more in my truck.

Id say get the truck you truely want. Don't settle. You don't want to feel the regret of not getting what you wanted after you put that much money down. If the locker is that important to you, where you'll feel you'll really use it often then go for the off road.

 

My sport did not come with factory locker so I either can do aftermarket eaton E locker or ARB air locker.

 

If youre not going to off road, why get an Off Road? You say 99% of the time you will be on asphalt or gravel which really means 99.9% of the time. You might go off road once or twice in the whole time you own it. Im not bashing you, just saying why?
I have a Sport and never really had any intention of getting an OR cuz I, like you, dont offroad. If I do, I know the Sport will be more than fine.
With that said, if you want the OR look, then get it.
My guess is that youll get an OR cuz thats what you really want. Also, dont forget to get the TRD Pro everything....

Also know that if you do get the Sport and leave on the despised air dam, you will immediately be expelled from this forum...

 

I regret buying a sport, a white sport, and a toyota in general. To do it over again (staying with Toyota) it would be an SR or an Offroad.

But hey I gots hood scoop