Need some clarification

So I've been reading a lot about the difference between the SR5, the Sport, and the OR. I'm not asking for which model is a better model, but what I want to know is the differences where it matters.

From what I've gathered, the sport vs OR model comes down to the elockers, and the A-trac.

What I want to know is:

when do they really matter... Obviously the lockers are made for slow growling and the need for no slip. But except climbing a 20 degree grade or steeper, do they really make a difference?

What's A-trac do in a non-technical description and when is it useful?

And what's the difference between the SR5 and the sport? Except for the obvious looks of the hood scoop and matching exterior parts?

 

For the most thorough and accurate description of the different models get a brochure from the dealership...

Here's a stab at it:

The sr5 has more creature comforts and chrome than the base model, and better material covering the seats.

Either TRD package will give you a nice interior upgrade, even more options and creature comforts than the sr5, and nicer seats.

The trd sport has color matched grill, bumpers, mirrors, etc, along with a hood scoop. It has stiffer linear rate springs to give it a "sporty" ride.

The trd off road package looks like the sr5 on the outside aside from the upgraded wheels/tires and off road decals. You already know about the ATRAC and locker so we can skip that... It has softer progressive rate springs to soak up bumps and and increase suspension travel in off road situations.

ATRAC works by applying brakes to the wheels that are spinning in an attempt to shift the power to the wheels with more traction.

My driveway is steep on the lower part and sometimes when sanding it after a snow storm traction isn't great. ATRAC has helped me quite a few times in that situation this winter...

 

I know about all the exterior model differences, and thank you for the clarification on what ATRAC does cause mine always pop up when driving in the snow. So for living in a mountain town, my TRD OR, is ideal.

The reason why I am asking is because of issues with my truck and dealing with it legally, I may be looking at another tacoma but was just looking at my options. Whether if would fend okay with an SR5 then build it, or just get another OR

 

I am very happy with my SR5. 18" of snow recently and no problem getting up my 35 percent grade driveway.

Edit: before buying this truck we just parked at the bottom whenever it got slick. So nice not walking to the car in the morning!

 

That too, all the 4runners around are SR5, and don't have an issue. Plus you get some fat duratracs on there with traction control off and you're set.

I think for what I wanna do with the truck... Getting an SR5 with aftermarket coil overs and duratracs would be just as capable if not more than my OR right now

 

What do you mean by Atrac pops up in the snow? Do you mean vsc? Atrac is a function you must enable.

 

Depending on what you want to do with it. You can always add an arb locker if need be. But, for most uses the Atrac works well.

 

enable ATRAC is hitting the "traction" button right?

 

Heres a good thread to read about the various forms of traction control.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...-controls-trac-auto-lsd-trac-rear-locker.html

 

4Runners have a little extra weight in the back as well, just something to take into account.

 

Enabling ATRAC means going into 4Lo and hitting the ATRAC button under the HVAC control knobs.

 

Um, my Atrac does not need to be enabled. It is always their waiting for rear wheel slip while moving in a straight line. You can turn it off if you want.

 

That's vehicle stability control. See above post on how to enable Atrac.

 

That is TRAC, not ATRAC. Read the link I posted.

 

You guys need to read up on your trucks. ATRAC is NOT Trac Control or whatever the other Trac function is. Completely different functions. You have to be in 4Lo and physically push the ATRAC button to use ATRAC

EDIT: Above beat me to it.

 

Also, do sr5 models include Atrac?

 

that literally clarified everything… thank you

and so my point just got made…. I've used the ATRAC once then. In Sedona when it was raining, and that was one case

 

I don't have a Atrac button near my cigaret lighter. Maybe something changed for 2014?

Edit: I get a warning light on the dash that says Atrac whenever I get rear wheel slip in 2wd. But only in a straight line not when rounding a corner. While rounding a corner I get a VSC warning light.

 

ATRAC is only on the Offroad 4x4 models

 

i read it is standard on all models for 2014. am I wrong?