TRD package worth it?

I’m currently shopping for a new truck. Manual transmission is a must which led me to Toyota. I’m 50, the truck would be my only vehicle but I work close to home and commute on a mountain bike to work until winter. The only off roading the truck will see is the 3-4 times a year mini vacations to the beach driving on sand (Nantucket). Truck will be used to maintain my property and a few rental properties I own with some light towing. It won’t driven in deep snow as I’m driving a commercial truck during storms. Basically I’m asking is the upgrade for the Sport or off road besides appearance worth it $ for me over the SR ?

 

The locker on the Off-Road is probably the only worthy upgrade.

 

I've only ridden in one Taco that wasn't TRD and I have to say that the ride was better. But that could be the individual truck or something else. I'd drive them both and compare...

 

Have you checked with you insurance company to see what the difference would be between the SR or OR? According to Car & driver, the SR has 228-hp, while the OR has 278-hp. The SR comes with leaf springs and the OR has coil springs.

https://www.caranddriver.com/toyota/tacoma

 

Thanks for pointing out the 50hp difference. I’m going to have to hit up different dealers to test drive none of them stock manual transmissions never mind 2 different trim levels with MT. I have to find the time

 

To clarify, the manual transmission versions all have 270-hp no matter the trim level.

 

Realistically, probably not worth it to you or me. I’ve never used the locker or hill climb gimmick. I just like what I like. If you have to make an argument to justify buying it, maybe resale. It is a good, well equipped truck if you’re willing to part with the extra $. *edited… Oh, 4th gen. My mistake. Same reasoning applies though.

 

SR is pretty spartan. If you want options like the 14” screen or moonroof, you need one of the TRD grades.

 

I feel the TRD Off-Road package is a solid upgrade if you plan on going off-road but aren't necessarily going to be hardcore wheeling. It's ready to go from the factory with Bilstein shocks with reserivors, rear coil springs- major upgrade over leafs on the SR, A/T tires, rear locker, and MTS/CC (if auto). Just add a beefy front skid plate, and that should be a good start for most people.

Alternatively, if you plan on building up a Tacoma from scratch with your own suspension, wheels/tires, and so forth, then I can understand just getting a base model.

 

I would think the upgrade over leaf springs would justify it alone.

 

OR is a comprehensive upgrade that’s worth the extra money over SR/SR5. It also offers more 4x4 kit than a comparably priced Sport, and it’s a crazy bargain when parked next to a Pro or TH. Best of all, prospective buyers looking for one second-hand will pay you top dollar when you’re ready to sell or trade.

 

Agreed, my brother has a 4x4 SR5, and it rides surprisingly well at freeway speeds.

 

I have an SR with upgrade package(Blind spot monitors/front and rear parking sonar) with manual trans. Happily paid 38K. You can check it out here... https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tys-loaded-sr-build.854115/

I haven't seen a Sport or OR with a manual transmission for less then $52K+. Hard for me to see the 15Kish difference in the trim levels. Good luck on your search!

 

"Is it worth it" is a very personal question. Some are gonna say yeah, I need/ want all the extras like bigger tires, coil springs, locker, crawl control, etc etc. Others are perfectly happy with a basic 4x4, that's pretty capable in bare bones form. My 1st gen was basic 4cyl 4x4 that I got tons of use and still do but also decided life is short, I want a 4G TRD OR and everything that comes with it. Worth it to me? Definitely. Haven't put it through its paces yet but still love it. To you? That's what you gotta decide, don't follow consensus/popular opinion.

 

I own a 3rd gen Offroad. Your description of use leans more toward the SR in my opinion. ​

 

TRD Sport? No.

TRD Off Road? Yes. E-Locker.

 

Have to expand your search. Here’s an Off Road with media upgrade for $42,800. Closer to $38k than it is $52k.

 

Absolutely, 100%

many reasons

I was going to get an SR5. I'm sooooooo glad I got a TRD O/R.

 

Get the OR. In addition to the locker and crawl control (gimmick) it has a better gauge cluster. You will get the upcharge back when you trade or sell it private party.

 

Whatever it takes to get power seats. Huge improvement over non-power.