Sr5 or TRD sport

Hi guys,
I’m looking into 2nd gen Tacoma’s. I ultimately need a 4 door and would prefer the 6 foot bed. I understand 6 foot isn’t great for off-road but I did a lot of sleeping in the back of my 1st gen with 6 foot bed.

I live in a mountain town where we get 3+ foot storms during winter. In summer I spend a lot of time on trails (not crazy trails) for camping etc no crazy rock crawling.

Am I better off buying the sr5 and changing out suspension Or should I buy a TRD sport? I understand an off-road would be the best bet with A-trac and crawl control. If they had it in double cab and 6ft bed I would be buying that trim.

Any recommendations on what I should do to the sr5 suspension wise if you think it is a better bet than the TRD sport?

thanks in advance!

 

Scoop life


I’m sure an SR5 would probably be fine for your needs, but just finding the 6ft bed seems to be more of a priority. So either in that configuration would suit you

 

You should take what you can get if it’s in good shape, People are having a hard time finding good used 2 gens.

 

I think the Sport already has the SR5 package, and in addition Bilstien shocks, better seats, hood scoop, possibly bed outlet, and the decal. The only thing that would interest me would be the better seats.

The SR5 is like a girl thats a solid 7, and the Sport is the same girl with a little makeup, now she's an 8. It dosen't do much to improve the functionality, it just looks a little better.

The one thing I really like, and it was a factory option on the SR5 is the Limited Slip Diff, it's nice to have in light snow, and anywhere its moderately slick, so thats high on my list when I start looking around. I want to say in 08 or 09 they went from a mechanical LSD to a brake activated LSD, and I've never driven the brake activated option so I can't really compare the two.

 

I was in your exact same situation a month ago (same requirements with 4 dr and 6' bed, etc.). I ended up going with a Sport. Main reason - fit and finish was better and sold me between the two. I previously had an SR5 4R and went that route cause I was gonna build it out. Priorities have changed with the Taco - I wanted the function of a truck with a better sized bed, need to haul the kiddos out for biking trips, wanted more room for camping gear without going with a bed rack (may still get a topper). I will still do a mild build (basically want to run my 33s), but if I was gonna go more "full out", I would have done with the SR5 and done a full build.

on another note - this one might go to my oldest once he starts driving here in the next 4 years, and I might spoil myself with a trail 4dr-5ft bed and go all out

 

I say sr5.. I have had an sr5 and a Trd off-road.. I say sr5 because those with the hood scoop talk about the glare all the time.. granted you are in mountains so may not affect you as much and the 2nd it's cheaper and 3rd when not if the mod bug hits you you aren't replacing some of the items you bought with the sport...thats just my 2 cents.. the off-road would be your best bet but if you are getting a sr5 4x4 you can always add an ARB locker in rear

 

09+ SR5 should do just fine.
The Sport will have a bit better shocks and suspension.
But not enough to worry about, that can easily be fix “IF” it needs to be.

 

What he said.....don't overthink this