Another One of Those Before I Pull The Trigger Threads…

Greetings! At the ripe old age of pushing 60, I'm in the market for my first pickup and I've got it narrowed down to a 2023 Tacoma TRD in either the Sport or Off Road package. My off-roading will likely be limited to state forest roads and my nightmare of a driveway. I live in northcentral PA and the winters can get a little hairy on the driveway. It's a little steep and it doesn't get any sun in the winter. Other than that, I travel around 15 counties in my job as an insurance adjuster, so lots of highway miles and I spend a lot of weekends fishing out of state and that trip is 250 miles, round trip. So I'm looking for a little input on which model may be best for my driving habits---lots of highway miles but there are times when four-wheel drive will be necessary.
Ice Cap is my preferred color. I think it will be a better option for at least looking clean (my neighbor actually owns the driveway but I have a right-of-way and he refuses to buy any stone for it although he seems to enjoy it when I am the guy footing the bill), so the driveway is often muddy. And I plan to keep it for seven years or so and I'm concerned that some of the more trendy colors may become tiresome. Lunar Rock looks cool today but I'm not sure about three years from now. I'm currently driving a blue 2016 Jeep Wrangler---one trip up or down the driveway and it's covered with mud. If it matters, I plan on having mudflaps installed on whatever I buy. From my research, it seemed like the Sport would be the way to go (I'm still puzzled as to why the Off Road version has 16 inch wheels and the Sport has 17 inch wheels). At least within a two hours drive, there seems to be more Off Road models on the dealer lots. I have a dealer 20 minutes away but they won't be getting anything in for another month, which may work for my timeline. I may tap my IRA for a down payment and I can do it without penalty by late September. One dealership has a 2023 on their lot with just a few hundred miles on it but it has been titled and is technically "used." A guy bought it in supposedly died and his daughter "sold it back to the dealership." It's waiting on a recall before it can become Toyota Certified and because it used and I will likely finance at least some of it, the 3.99% APR on new models won't apply. I drove it around the parking lot but because I wasn't driving it home that day, the sales consultant didn't seem to take me very seriously. I will be buying one sometime between this Friday and the end of September, depending on whether I can get a decent looking deal. The "deal" offered on this used one was pretty crappy. The way they ran the numbers, I could buy a new untitled truck for less, although it did have a Toneau cover which I will need. And they offered me crap for my Jeep. Eventually I will work a deal out but I'm just looking for a little input from experienced Taco drivers on which of the two models may best suit me. I've become that old guy who is going to spend as much on a damn pickup as he spent on his first house. LOL…
If anyone has a recommendation for a Toneau cover, that would be appreciated as well---dealer installed? Aftermarket? Thanks for any input!

Joe

 

I've been driving TRD offroads for 21 years so I can't speak for the Sport model.
I doubt either are good for mileage. 18-21 is likely where you'll be, give or take.
As far as mud and snow. I'm in Wisconsin and it really depends on your tires. I like AT's like Geolandar X-AT'S or BFG K02's. Wildpeaks also seem to be a favorite amongst drivers.
I do mostly city driving with light to moderate offroading on old logging trails, etc.

 

For my uses, which are quite a bit like yours, the sport was the best option for me. When I considered how much offering I would actually do as compared to the features I need. The sport was the better deal for me.

I regularly get 21 to 23 but I do live in rural north central Indiana. drive quite a few back state roads. 60 mile an hour is a lot of the posted speed limit.

 

My PSA for every person not just you: Don't bother looking at dealers who will "order" one for you, because that's not a thing (not that you brought it up just saying).

Now I'd look across the country, some regions have more aggressive dealers than others. Here in the southern Midwest everyone was MSRP + and I looked in the Chicago region and found exactly what I wanted for $2,900 off MSRP no mandatory adds (did have port installed options, but I wanted most of them anyways). I'd look at new to get the APR rate and leave your IRA alone if 3.99% is the rate in your region but that's more of a Personal Finance question.

I prefer the OR due to the 16" tires but man that hood skewp is awesome! I'd jump on cargurus and plug in what you're wanting (white Off Road or Sport, DC, sb or lb, automatic I assume) and start looking at dealers with physical photos of the truck because that means it is real and is on the lot hopefully not sold.

 

Read the posts on paint failure for Super White which I think is the Ice Cap now. I have a 2022 Super White SR5 with no paint issues as of yet. Too early to tell.

 

Here are the two big differences between the two. The Off-Road has a couple additional features for off-roading...rear diff locker and some automatic crawling control that may or may not benefit you. The sport has some stiffer suspension so cornering on the road will be better and has a hood scoop that some like and some say obstructs the view and some say drops panties everywhere you drive. Gas mileage will be very similar between the two models. There are plenty of tonneau covers available...it is up to you to decide what style you want and then you can search for some good deals.

 

I like the roll up covers. Access makes a good one that lasts. Mine is currently 5 yrs old.
Trifolds limit space and hard covers need to be removed if wanting to haul anything. right?

 

Welcome to the forum

Any of the 4x4 models with good tires will confidently take you on forest roads, general winter driving or treacherous driveways.

The Sport is fun to drive on the highway if you are the type to enjoy your driving, it rides firmer than the Off Road, the 17" tries are wide 65 series for a better grip on pavement.

Test drive as many trims as you can, buy the one you like the most.



Since your neighbor actually owns the driveway you could have it paved and it would raise his taxes not yours.

 

I got the off road over the sport. they were the same price and Id rather pay for gadgets than a non functioning hood scoop. Also the off road has a little softer ride which I enjoy more

 

My 2010, which I owned for 12 years, was a Sport. My current Tacoma is an Off Road.

I switched because:
1) a non-functional hood scoop was meaningless to me (my wife complained about glare, but it never bothered me)

2) the Off Road comes with a locker, which is costly to add aftermarket (not to mention the OR comes with various crawl control modes)

3) I prefer the suspension set up on the Off Road. If I want a “sport tuned suspension”, I want it in a sports car, with an engine and transmission to match - not a Tacoma pickup.

The only things I miss from the Sport on my Off Road is the sunglasses holder and the 17” rims (which could be easily added later if I wanted).

FWIW, I believe Off Road models hold their value a bit more than Sport models, but the used market is so strong for Tacomas that the difference is probably minimal.

As for tonneau covers, I would recommend going aftermarket versus OEM. The OEM model requires special bed rail covers, so if you go OEM, you are stuck with OEM for as long as you own the truck.

I had a soft, roll up style (Access I think) on the 2010. I swapped to a tri-fold aluminum style on my 2021.

There is a “give and take” between the two styles. The soft roll up style gives you full access to nearly the full bed when rolled up. The tri-fold style is much more secure and more weatherproof. I purchased mine through @GotExhaust here and had a very positive buying experience.

Good luck in your search! The new 2024’s are coming out, so you’ll have even more options to consider shortly.

 

Oh also I got a diamondback cover, for my use its perfect, however nothing wrong with a decent vinyl cover if just looking to keep stuff dry

 

Joe,
I turned 60 this year lol. I have had both the Sport (2017) and currently have a 2021 Off Road.
From a practical point of view, let me tell you the differences between the two:
16" vs. 17" wheels - The outside tire diameter is the same even though the wheels are different. The reasoning behind that is a taller sidewall is more comfortable off road, and can be aired down a bit to give you a wider footprint. Lower profile tires on the Sport will give less on corners, but give you a bit harsher ride over potholes.

Suspension - The Off Road has a softer shock than the Sport, which results in a "sporty" (read stiffer) ride and turn than the Off Road. Personally, I like the softer shock of the Off Road as my Sport was more jarring over potholes.

4WD system - The Off Road gives you a rear locker and MTS, which is like cruise control for Off Roading. Personally, I have never needed either feature. I have managed in 4lo, which is the same on both trucks.

Braking System - The Sport gives you normal brakes like you find on every vehicle. The Off Road is a bit different, meaning it gives you a braking system that can be used with the Multi Terrain System while off roading. I think I liked the "feel" of the Sport brakes better, but the Off Road has good brakes as well.

Cosmetic - The Sport has a hood scoop, the Off Road does not. If you are a shorter kind of guy, the hood scoop can be an issue. I am definitely not short, so I had no issues.
The only other difference I am aware of is the fender flares. The Sport has painted flares and the Off Road has black ABS plastic flares that are a tiny bit bigger. I like the Off Road flares.


What you should be concerned with is the "fit" and "comfort" of the seat and cockpit room. Because all asses are different, some are comfortable driving 12 hours, some have leg and back pain driving one hour. Test drive test drive test drive and concentrate on the comfort of your body in the driver's seat. That is one thing that is critical, and so many overlook it or think it will get better. It will not. It is what it is and will always be like it is on your first test drive. So if you are comfortable on day one, you will be comfortable on day 2700. Personally I am comfortable in my truck and 6"4" and 275 lbs.

 

Geez man, they sell 250K a year of these trucks and white is 30% or 75K trucks. 1000 people have a paint problem over seven years, or about 500K of white trucks. Let's do the math: 1000/500000 = TWO TENTHS OF ONE PERCENT. My truck is white. I have zero concerns. You are more likely to crash your truck (1.5% risk) than having paint problems with the white paint.

 

I have a 2019 Off Road and I love driving it in the snow. I have a Diamondback cover and it’s very nice but pricey. I would definitely surges upgrading the tires for winter driving, not sure what the sport comes with but the OR has Goodyears and they are ok but could be better. I plan on getting a set of Falken Wild Peaks this fall. Enjoy your new ride when you get it!!

 

@Big Kahuna Burger at your age (no pun intended I’m only a couple years younger) believe me, you’ll benefit from the off-road 4x4 model than the sport. Off-road has softer ride and has rear diff lock /mts/crawl control which you may need in the future. It’s like buying life insurance . It’s there when you (actually wife/family) need it when the time comes.

 

I don't know how it is in the states but here the DCLB configuration made the choice easy as that was not offered in an offroad package. Only ACLB or DCSB which is far to small for my uses. I have had 0 issues with my sport lacking a locker or mts and I really preffer the brake pedal feel on these trucks that don't have mts.

 

I would say Sport, but if you are spending a lot of time on state/forest roads, the sport suspension will beat you a bit on the potholes/washboards.Plus the tight,hilly winding roads might be better with the 4.30 gear in the offroad vs the 3.90 in the sport. Would be nice to have my sport with 4.30 gear, 17" wheel and tire, with a shock package in between the current sport and offroad. I love my sport for 98% of my needs and driving, but running those gameland/state/forest roads up your way can be pretty rough riding.

 

I hope so. As most things, it's only an issue if it is yours.

 

The TRD is sloppy in the back, with no weight, on roads. Cured that on mine with medium OME shocks and sumo springs. Much better response and control.

 

Your driving intentions sound similar to mine. Primarily a highway driver but no hesitation to leave pavement if thats the plan for the day. I have a sport and feel it suits my style, only thing from the off road I wish I had was a rear locker but honestly times I wish I had it were the least of my worries (wrong tire for the job). Fuel economy will be similar but I feel the sport would edge ahead because of the air dam up front. Will you notice a fuel consumption difference? Highly doubt it. The sport hood scoop does have a glare issue but I wrapped it with a matte wrap so it's no longer an issue for me. For tire size difference the 17" rims will handle marginally better on the highway due to the lighter weight plus it seems 16" tires are more so off road oriented vs 17" which seem more street tire oriented. 4x4 is 4x4 and the way I saw it was that I ran a 2wd truck for 6 years prior in Alberta including trips atleast once a month from Calgary to Fort Mac or down to lethbridge or Bc no matter the winter conditions and never put that truck in the ditch... even when I was a broke student in college and ran summer tires for the first year I had the truck... mind you I for sure had scares on Highway 2 and at times went 50kph for most of the drive to Edmonton. So if I could do that and didn't plan to seriously off road I chose the creature comforts of the sport trim and invested in decent tires on separate rims for the winter. Plus I wanted another stick shift truck and with a stick I wouldn't have got the fancy gadgets of the off road anyways like crawl control. Downside of the sport is I've cracked off my air dam driving on a lake but thats small potatoes to me and the air dam isn't a requirement