ssssssssssssssSR5 vs TRD Sport - analyzing the comparison

Am considering a new Tacoma (4x2 4-door V6 AT) to replace my 88 Toyota and looking at options. Below is my analysis comparing a couple packages. I no longer do any off roading - most driving on pavement, getting stuff at the hardware stuff and what not.

At first I thought one of the TRD packs would be pretty good bang for the back but after looking closer at the SR5 - I'm not so sure... I was leaning towards the TRD Sport (vs the offroad) because I prefer an LSD axle for predominantly street driving. Still trying to quantify how 'stiff' the Sport suspension is though.

If I upgrade the SR5 to include alloy wheels ($400) and 'ignore' the hood scoop and badges either way, the $1,170 'premium' for the TRD Sport pack it looks like you get:

• 115VAC outlet
• Different (?) seats w/ different cloth
• Stiff springs/different shocks/1" larger wheels
• Cosmetic upgrades to grill, mirrors (with signals), hood and door handles

Am I missing anything or is that all there is to the $1,170 premium for TRD Sport?

thanks

 

New Sports aren't mechanical LSD

 

For what it's worth, I got the TRD Sport after considering the SR5 and I gotta say, I'm happy I did. I put tons of miles on though (39k in 8 months so far) and I love the sport. And the looks and little extras were worth it to me.

 

Nope, you got it, although the TRD sport has the 4-leaf rear suspension vs the 3-leaf. I don't think the SR5 has the 4, although someone can correct me if I'm wrong.

The cosmetic stuff is just that.

The sport seats are way better imho and the guys I work with are jealous which means it must be better since they seem to like it.

115VAC outlet is great if you use it, useless if you don't.

Ride feels comfy but still relatively stiff on my new TRD sport.

Hope it helps!

 

lets take into account the differences between the sr5 and sport...

does a hood scoop matter to you?
do color matched mirrors and door handles matter?
are different seats with 5-6k more dollars?
do you care about an electrical outlet in the bed?


the sr5 and sport both use the abs system to provide electronic LSD, as the mechanical LSD was last used in 2008, and is no longer an option. some could argue the bilstein shocks are better, but there is a TSB out that will allow you to get the bilstein shocks on your sr5 free of charge from the dealer. youre not looking at any mechanical differences between the two trucks, the sport model is purely an aesthetic package. if i were you, id go sr5 and spend the leftover $$ on some accessories you want.

 

TRD decal
Color key rear bumper

 

^^fact. Offroading doesn't sound like it's important to you though.

In either SR5 or TRD sport you can get 5 or 6 foot bed.

 

SR5 is 4

 

youre wrong, there is a leaf spring TSB that will provide the 4 leaf packs to trd models, and the 4 leafs packs, plus bilstein shocks for the sr5's.....

 

as oz said, the rearends should be identical. all tacomas now have limited slip via brake modulation the sports get upgraded shocks, but springs are also the same. your paying mostly for the scoop.

I will say that the sport is a great road running machine. it may have a beefier sway bar cause they hold surprisingly flat in corners. my base model impressed me too though, before I pulled the sway bar off

 

I don't think the water resistant seats and painted trim w/skewp are what brings up the price 5-6k.. in fact I got 4x4 and entune nav with jbl and I don't think those two raised the price 5-6k..

 

Not on the lot near me.. and who wants to go through the hassle of convincing someone their truck sagged and handled poorly under load and then have some guy at the stealership remove and reinstall a leaf pack?

Sure it can be done, but it's not desirable.

 

OP are you going to get a DCLB or DCSB ?

 

thats not my point, but for the sake of you being butthurt, and not wanting to accept that your truck is no different than an sr5....

all you have to do is mention the TSB, say it handled poorly with a load, and they will do it. they cant not do it.

 

The scoop alone should steer you into getting a Sport. SR5 will not get you laid without the hood scoop.

 

I have had both and IMHO the TRD sport seats alone are worth the upgrade...

 

I see it like this among the SR5 vs. TRD Sport:

SR5= dirty blonde
TRD Sport= platinum blonde


SR5 black handles, mirrors, chrome grill= 34C
TRD Sport painted handles, mirrors, grill, scoop= 36DD

I hope that helps

 

Can someone point me to the TSB that applies to our second gens? I have the SR5 and would be down for the 4 leaf and bilsteins.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/7107-tsb-list-2005-toyota-tacoma.html

at the bottom... harsh spring ride TSB

search, and you shall find.

 

Do you have 3 leafs and an overload ?